Disney Should Take a Lesson from AGT Who Just Proved Drone Shows Can Tell a Heartfelt Story Not Driven By Characters Alone. America’s Got Talent on the rival station NBC Peacock just dropped the mic when it comes to storytelling with technology. Showing a drone show by Sky Elements that was emotional, heartfelt, and driven entirely by the story that had the audience enraptured. Now, Disney needs to watch that performance and remember the roots of storytelling that made Walt Disney a household name.
You can watch the performance below, but fair warning have some tissues ready.
In recent years, Disney has embraced innovative technologies to enhance its storytelling. Drone shows, with their mesmerizing aerial displays, have become a popular attraction at Disney parks. While these shows offer stunning visuals and technological marvels, they often prioritize showcasing characters over driving a coherent narrative. While characters may be featured prominently in these drone shows, the focus is primarily on creating a visual experience and not telling a compelling story. This is Disney we are talking about, the masters of storytelling!
Disney Live Entertainment and Disney Imagineering make shows like ‘Happily Ever After‘ a must-do while visiting Magic Kingdom. While there are characters shown, and it is visually impressive, it is the storytelling that leaves guests a blubbering mess while standing in the Hub or on Main Street USA! Most people find a connection to some aspect of the story being told and this is when Disney Magic takes over. You are transported back to a time when you were younger or get a feeling of nostalgia for days gone by. A loved one is remembered, and a memory comes back in a whistful but fleeting moment.
Let us take the “Dreams That Soar” drone show that just ended a summer run here at Disney Springs for example. Visually it was eye candy and beautiful, one of the best shows at Disney Parks. The boardwalk at Springs was packed with guests every night it showed. We gave it a glowing review, and I don’t think I heard one person say anything negative about the show itself.
But, the show was character after character, which will appease the masses. Who doesn’t love seeing the UP! House flying away, or characters like Guardians of the Galaxy, Figment, and Ray from Princess and the Frog? The issue becomes, that it was eye candy. The only real story we got was a small Star Wars battle of the Death Star. This brings us to Walt Disney Animation, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and Walt Disney Studios whose massive hits all revolved around storytelling with visual accompaniment. We as fans should demand storytelling over eye candy.
Disney has mastered the art of telling stories that transcend the limitations of individual characters. In classic films like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” and “Toy Story,” the ensemble cast of characters contributes to a vibrant and engaging narrative. Each character brings a unique perspective, adding depth and complexity to the story. The relationships between these characters, whether familial, romantic, or adversarial, drive the plot forward and create memorable moments.
While drone shows can be entertaining and visually impressive, they lack the depth and emotional resonance found in traditional storytelling. The absence of a strong narrative can leave audiences feeling somewhat disconnected from the characters and the overall experience. To truly captivate audiences, Disney should strive to balance the visual spectacle of drone shows with a compelling storyline that engages the imagination and tugs at the heartstrings.
Rides, shows, and attractions are carefully designed to transport guests into the worlds of their favorite characters and stories. From the thrilling adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean to the heartwarming tales of It’s a Small World, Disney Parks offer a unique blend of technology, creativity, and storytelling that allows guests to become active participants in the narratives.
