Several Florida tourist attractions have suspended drone shows after a vacationer injured a boy
A central Florida theme park resort and a giant hotel have either stopped using drones or canceled their drone-based shows after several drones collided and fell from the sky during a separate holiday party in downtown Orlando, injuring a boy who required surgery.
Universal Orlando announced this week that it is suspending the drone component of its CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular show, while the Orlando World Center Marriott has canceled scheduled drone light shows during the holiday weekend.
The shutdown comes after a crash Saturday when drones fell on thousands of people watching a holiday show at Eola Park in downtown Orlando. According to his mother, the seven-year-old boy was shot in the chest by a drone and had to undergo heart surgery.
The crash is being investigated by the US Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Orlando World Center Marriott said other events for the 12 Days of Seasonal Fun will continue, including visits from Santa, family games and a New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
The non-drone elements of Universal Orlando’s CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular late-night show will continue with fireworks, projections and synchronized fountains accompanied by soundtracks from the films, theme park officials said.
“Guests can still enjoy the show every night at Universal Studios Florida,” the theme park resort said in a statement.