On the eve of Common Epic Universe’s grand opening to the general public, I had the surreal honor of attending the VIP media preview occasion — and let me simply say: this theme park lives as much as its title. Sure, I rode each experience. Sure, I indulged in a jaw-dropping quantity of theme park eats.
However the true cherry on prime was the drone present. The Epic Universe drone present marked a superb finale to an opening-night spectacular in Celestial Park, choreographed by French drone leisure firm Dronisos.
If you happen to’ve seen their work at Disneyland Paris, Dollywood or considered one of their many main international occasions, you understand Dronisos is a giant deal. The Disney Electrical Sky Parade present they placed on in Paris is definitely considered one of my favourite drone exhibits.
However right here on the Epic Universe opening celebration, the present was way more refined, but impressively elegant. It was a creative welcome to what’s one of many world’s essential theme park launches in years.
The spectacular at drone present at Celestial Park
The temporary drone present capped off a roughly 8-minute ceremony narrated by Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Common Locations & Experiences, with a particular introduction by Steven Spielberg. Held on Could 21, simply earlier than the park opened to the general public on Could 22, the second was centered on the Celestial Park lagoon.
Fountains blasted in sync with fireworks. However then, all eyes turned skyward.
In a minimalist however highly effective show, drones lifted above the Helios Grand Resort to spell out one phrase: epic. One other set of drones launched from behind the lodge to create a luminous, round body across the textual content. The symbolism couldn’t have been clearer—or extra cinematic.
“It wasn’t a drone present,” Laurent Perchais, CEO Dronisos, mentioned in an interview with The Drone Woman after the drones landed. “It was a present — and we introduced the drones to be part of it.”
Watch the entire spectacular nighttime celebration right here, as filmed by my associates at Points of interest Journal:
Behind the scenes with Dronisos
After the spectacle, I caught up with Perchais in Celestial Park. He revealed that the present concerned two drone launch zones: roughly 1,000 drones launched from behind the lodge, and just below 300 drones from a smaller entrance zone. That layered deployment is what created the present’s dimensionality — and its magnificence.
“This was a one-shot present with very excessive expectations,” he mentioned. “Theme parks like Common have excessive expectations for security, creativity — every little thing. However that’s why we love working with them.”
Dronisos collaborated with Common — and collectively the group made the aware determination to maintain the drone section easy.
“The inventive group knew to not overuse drones,” Perchais mentioned. “They used them for influence, not extra. They labored the transitions fantastically.”
That steadiness was intentional — and admittedly, refreshing. I’ve seen a whole bunch of drone exhibits, and whereas maximalism has its moments, restraint takes finesse. This one had it.
What’s subsequent for Dronisos?
Whereas this was a one-night-only occasion, you possibly can catch Dronisos this summer season at Dollywood, the place they’re launching a brand new drone present for Dolly Parton’s theme park. Additionally they have exhibits deliberate in Miami on July Fourth and throughout Europe all through the summer season.
Associated learn: 4 wonderful theme park drone exhibits to look at in 2025
However wait… how’s the remainder of the park?
As for the remainder of Common Epic Universe? It’s a house run. I obtained to experience Battle on the Ministry, which completely lives as much as the hype (sure, it’s epic). However my shock favorites had been the 2 household coasters: Curse of the Werewolf and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Who knew light coasters may very well be so joyful?
Associated learn: I Visited the New Epic Universe. Right here’s What to Do and Skip.
And I’d be remiss to not point out the meals. I devoured a DK Crush Float, which is principally Epic Universe’s response to Disney’s Dole Whip — augmented with toffee, popcorn and Fanta soda. I had two of the mac and cheese cones from Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel, which had been so good I’m contemplating them a vital meals group.
Common Epic Universe is opening with a bang—and because of Dronisos, that bang included 1,300 glowing drones portray the sky with magnificence and restraint.
Epic, certainly.
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