Your Disney World trip would look so cool if you could film an ariel view of your adventure and the park using a drone.
But can you legally fly a drone over or inside of Disney World?
If you own a drone and want to shoot rare drone video footage inside or above any Disney World park, this article is for you.
In This Article:
01. What Is the Disney World Drone Policy?
Disney World does not allow drones or remote-controlled aircraft to fly over or inside its theme parks.
02. Reasons Drones Are Not Allowed
Drones may interfere with or crash into buildings and attractions at the park, so they are banned. Drones also carry a camera and record videos, conversations, and park-goers and their children at the park. So the no-drone policy is also to protect park goers’ privacy.
03. Is the No-Drone Ban Due to the No Fly-Zone Designation
The Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is one of only two theme parks in the United States granted a “no-fly zone” designation by the FAA.
Disney’s Anaheim Parks and those at Walt Disney World are under a flight restriction status that forbids the use of remote-controlled devices, such as drones. Nothing is permitted to fly below 3,000 feet or within three miles of the parks, so the drone ban policy is part of the no-fly-zone law, and if you break it, you could be in legal trouble.
04. Will Drones Ever Be Allowed
The Disney World no-fly zone is not temporary but permanent and is in its 18th year. So the chances of you ever flying a drone over or inside of Disney World is slim to none.
05. Violating the No-Drone Policy
If you break the no-fly-zone drone policy, you could end up in Jail. But, so far, we don’t know any arrests for breaking the no-fly zone at Disney World.
In June of 2020, a native of Florida was caught flying a drone in Disney World. A Disney World security guard reported the incident, and the police got informed. The Florida resident was issued a trespassing warning but was not arrested for a crime.
06. Apply for a Permission or a Waiver
If you still wish to fly your drone at Disney World, you can apply for a waiver or permission. Waivers are usually only granted for special occasions, such as news media filming or commercial photography. You would have to apply to the FAA for a waiver and get Disney Worlds’ permission. It’s doubtful you could get approved, so it might not even be worth trying.
Final Thoughts:
Disney World does not allow drones to be flown in the airspace or taken off the property. This policy is Disney’s way of protecting park goers and their privacy. Disney World has been a “no-fly zone” for over 18 years, even before drones were invented, so you have a very slim to no chance of flying a drone over any of Disney World parks in the future.
My name is Olivia Smitherman. I’m a travel writer and theme park enthusiast! Florida has some of the best theme parks in the world. I love them all. Each time I visit a theme park, I gather tips and advice that I share with you, my readers. See my bio for more information about me.
