The nighttime show Disney Tales of Magic at Disneyland Park will no longer feature drones starting April 1, 2026.
Disney Tales of Magic debuted in January 2025 and quickly became a highlight for many guests. The show combines projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and the facades of Main Street USA, along with pyrotechnics, fountains, lasers, and drones.
However, Disney has now announced that the show will soon change. In a statement, Disneyland Paris said:
“The nighttime show Disney Tales of Magic is designed with a variety of special effects that can evolve over time, while ensuring an exceptional experience. From 1 April 2026, it is presented in a version focused on projections and pyrotechnic effects, and no longer includes drones.“
Disney has also updated the visuals and commercial video for Disney Tales of Magic on the official Disneyland Paris website, where the drone sequences are no longer shown.
Drones appeared in several scenes
The drones were not used throughout the entire show, but they did appear in several key scenes inspired by Disney favorites such as Lilo & Stitch, Toy Story, WALL•E, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Encanto.
In total, around 250 drones were used during each performance.
Additional changes coming in May 2026
From May 4 until the end of September 2026, the show will be adapted to allow refurbishment work on the bridge of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
During this period:
- The fountain effects will be temporarily removed
- New pyrotechnic sequences will be added instead
Why are the drones being removed?
Disney has not given an exact reason why the drones are being removed from Disney Tales of Magic. However, there may be another factor at play. Starting March 29, 2026, the second park at Disneyland Paris will debut a brand-new nighttime spectacular as part of the Disney Adventure World expansion.
The show, called Disney Cascade of Lights, will take place on the park’s central lake and promises a large-scale production featuring:
- Pyrotechnics
- Brand-new drone choreographies, including a ballet of aquatic drones
- Water screens
- 360° viewing experience
It’s possible that Disney wants to highlight the drone technology in this new show and encourage guests to experience the nighttime entertainment in Disney Adventure World as well.
With the removal of drones, Disney Tales of Magic will once again feel more similar to previous Disneyland Paris nighttime spectaculars such as Disney Illuminations and Disney Dreams!, which relied on projections, fireworks, and fountains rather than drones.
