Disney Springs debuts new, free drone show. Here's how and where to watch it

Typical summer storms won’t be the only thing lighting up the skies over Disney Springs the next few months.

Guests to Walt Disney World’s shopping, dining and entertainment complex will get to experience a limited-time show featuring 800 choreographed drones. "Disney Dreams That Soar presented by AT&T" features well-known characters from beloved Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies.

“We put a lot of thought into making sure that no matter how old you are, or how much of a fan you are, you’re likely to see a character that you love,” said Disney Live Entertainment Executive Creative Director Tom Vazzana. “This is an elaborate, one-of-a-kind show of scale and technology where guests will be wowed by the emotion of seeing these treasured stories appear in the sky, at sizes larger than beloved icons like Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle.” 

When is the new drone show at Disney Springs playing?

"Disney Dreams That Soar" runs through Sept. 2. There are two shows nightly – one at 9 p.m. and one at 10:45 p.m.

The show, which is just under 10 minutes, is free to watch. Be prepared that the show will be canceled if the weather doesn’t cooperate. That includes high winds, which the drones can’t perform in.

Where is the best place to see the new drone show at Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is quite large, about 120 acres with roughly 150 retailers and restaurants. If you’re not in the right place at the right time, there’s a good chance you’ll miss the show.

The show takes place above Lake Buena Vista. Viewing areas are on Disney Springs West Side along the waterfront between the Cirque de Soleil Theatre and Aerophile. Seating is based on first-come, first-serve.

What can you expect from the new drone show at Disney Springs?

The drones reach heights of up to 400 feet creating characters like Figment, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear and plenty more. Guests will hear familiar music, an original soundtrack and some memorable quotes.

Those who have MagicBand+ devices are encouraged to wear them. The electronic devices that can serve as a park ticket and resort room key also interact with the drone show.

The accessories light up, vibrate and sync with the show as the drones dance and move throughout the sky. 

This isn’t the only Disney location to have a drone show

But you would have to travel a distance to see the other Disney drone show. Disneyland Paris debuted a new drone show this past January.

“Disney Electrical Sky Parade” pays tribute to the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” a nighttime attraction that once graced U.S. parks. The Paris show features more than 500 drones that create iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and many of his friends.

Drones are joined by lasers, video projections, lights and music all synchronized to music and displayed across Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at Mspitzer@Floridatoday.com.