A Walt Disney World guest was recently caught illegally flying a drone over the World Showcase lagoon in EPCOT.
Guest Flies Drone Over EPCOT
Two videos shared by X user @streetmosphere show the drone operator standing outside The American Adventure pavilion. In the first video, he flies the drone past the America Gardens Theatre over the lagoon, where crew members are preparing the fireworks barges for that evening’s show. In the second video, the drone flies back to the operator, who is standing outside the funnel cakes kiosk as several guests walk past.
As the drone reaches the operator, a plainclothes security officer approaches. Another guest also steps forward to point out the drone. The security officer appears to be telling the guest they need to stop flying the drone as they attempt to land it.
Watch the videos embedded below.
It’s not clear how the guest was able to bring the drone into the park. Drones are among the items prohibited at Walt Disney World.
Flight, including by drones, is also restricted above Walt Disney World Resort. As explained in a planDisney post:
“Unfortunately this is both not permitted neither under Walt Disney World Property Rules that specifically list drones, nor according to the Federal Aviation Administration which has issued NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) Number : FDC 4/3634 that permanently restricts the airspace above Walt Disney World Resort, currently within a radius of three nautical miles. As you may know, the entirety of this private property extends not only to include the theme parks, but also the Disney Resort Hotels as well as locations like Disney Springs. Though having a drone weighing under 250 grams or 55 pounds currently does not require UAS Aircraft Registration through the Federal Aviation Administration, it is still subject to these restrictions that are very strictly enforced; I’ve observed that security Cast Members diligently remove drones and their operators both on land and especially on Disney Cruise Line where signage is posted very visibly on Disney Castaway Cay.”
As outlined in FDC 4/3634, flight is restricted except when authorized by air traffic control for operational or safety purposes, the Department of Defense, law enforcement, or air ambulance operations. Disney is also allowed to fly over their own property for operational purposes or events with a waiver.
The map above shows the no-fly zone of Walt Disney World Resort. EPCOT is in the lower right corner. Though some backstage areas are not technically within the no-fly circle, The American Adventure and World Showcase Lagoon are included.
Violating the FAA order is a federal offense, although we don’t know if the guest will be charged or fined.
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