Want to spell out “Marry Me” in the night sky, dazzling an audience with star-shaped patterns over a major event, or display your company’s logo at a corporate function? A drone light show can turn your vision into a breathtaking reality. But how much does it cost to bring such a spectacle to life?
Drone light shows are a spectacular way to add a unique touch to any event, but they come with a price tag that varies based on several factors. Here’s a closer look at what affects the cost of a drone light show:
Essential Shows: A typical drone light show will use at least 100 drones. You can expect to pay around $200 to $300 per drone at the lower end of the price spectrum. Therefore, a show with 100 drones could cost you approximately $20,000.
Larger Shows: The cost increases significantly for more elaborate shows with hundreds or even thousands of drones. High-end drone shows involving thousands of drones can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Basic Designs: Simpler designs with fewer animations or static images are on the cheaper end of the spectrum. They may involve less intricate choreography and fewer drone movements.
Custom Shows: Expect to pay more for a personalized experience, including complex animations or synchronized movements. Custom shows require more planning, programming, and coordination.
How Much Do the Big Drone Light Show Companies Charge?
The cost of high-profile drone light shows can vary significantly based on the company and the show’s scope. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay, focusing on some of the major players in the industry:
Intel pioneered the drone light show industry and was known for its spectacular aerial performances.
In 2018, a spectacular display of 250 drones illuminated the skies over the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas during the CES tech conference. That same year, the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, featured a stunning performance with 1,218 drones for the Opening Ceremony. Intel also made headlines by hosting what was then the largest drone light show, with 2,018 drones soaring over its campus to mark the company’s 50th anniversary.
Before these events, Intel’s drones made notable appearances at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Lady Gaga, provided nighttime entertainment at Coachella, and delivered a magical holiday show at Walt Disney World in 2016. Additionally, they created an adorable display shaped like Baby Yoda for a Disney+ promotion.
Although Intel has sold its drone show division to Nova Sky Stories, its pricing provides a benchmark for high-end drone light shows.
Base Prices: As of 2020, Intel’s drone light show costs started at just under $100,000 for a single performance.
Included Services: The base price typically covers on-site operations, choreography, animations, rehearsals, aviation permits, and a site survey. Intel’s shows were known for their intricate and large-scale designs, contributing to the higher cost.
Other High-End Drone Show Companies
Several other companies are also renowned for their high-quality drone light shows, and while prices can vary, here are some general figures:
The Drone Racing League (DRL): Known for its impressive drone shows and racing events, DRL’s light shows can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the number of drones and the complexity of the choreography.
Verity Studios: Specializing in high-profile performances, Verity Studios charges between $150,000 and $250,000 for their drone light shows. The cost includes pre-show planning, on-site operations, and all necessary permits.
Skymagic: Another major player in the industry, Skymagic offers drone light shows starting at around $200,000. Their shows often feature sophisticated animations and large-scale performances, driving the cost.
Verge Aero: Founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, Verge Aero is renowned for its spectacular drone light shows. Their impressive portfolio includes notable events such as the premiere episode of “America’s Got Talent: Extreme,” President-Elect Biden’s victory celebration, and the Electric Daisy Carnival. Verge Aero’s drone shows typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 for a customized outdoor experience. Their drones are capable of executing intricate 3D animations and logos. For a basic show, the company requires a minimum of 100 drones, though they have also conducted shows with as few as 50 drones for more intimate occasions. For more elaborate 3D animations, Verge Aero recommends using at least 300 drones, which results in a higher cost.
SkyWorx: Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, SkyWorx provides a range of drone show packages featuring anywhere from 100 to over 1,000 drones. Their services cater to brand activations, music festivals, sporting events, corporate parties, and holiday celebrations. SkyWorx prices their shows based on the number of drones used, with rates ranging from $200 to $400 per drone. Pricing varies depending on factors such as the total number of drones required, availability, time of year, and location.
Based in Michigan, Great Lakes Drone Company operates its light show division named Starlight Aerial Productions. As a smaller U.S. drone light show company, it utilizes a proprietary system designed for directing drone flight formations indoors and outdoors. Starlight Aerial Productions has showcased its capabilities at events such as the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Independence Day celebration in Burlington, Vermont.
Globally, a significant competitor in the drone industry is Ehang, a Chinese company that operates across various drone sectors, including passenger and consumer drones. Ehang has also made its mark in the drone light show arena, frequently competing with Intel to set records for the most prominent drone displays.
Disney has achieved notable success with its in-house drone shows. In 2022, Disneyland Paris hosted “Disney D-light,” a spectacular show celebrating the park’s 30th anniversary. Earlier, in 2016, Disney used drones at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for a holiday season nighttime show. More recently, in 2023, Disney employed drones to mark the opening of its new World of Frozen-themed area with a dazzling display.
Factors Affecting the Cost
Show Size and Complexity: The more drones and the more intricate the animations, the higher the cost. Larger shows with complex designs require more planning and technology.
Location and Logistics: Costs can increase if the show requires significant travel, special permits, or extensive setup.
Company Reputation and Experience: Established companies with a track record of high-quality performances often charge a premium for their services.
In summary, if you’re considering a drone light show for a significant event, expect to invest substantially. For a basic show with fewer drones, prices might start around $100,000, but costs can soar well above $200,000 for large-scale and highly intricate performances.
What Are the Expenses for Hosting Your Drone Light Show?
Launching your own drone light show can be an exciting and impressive endeavor, but it’s essential to understand the various costs involved to ensure your project is a success.
If you’re considering launching your own drone light show rather than hiring a professional, here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Drone Costs: Light show drones generally cost around $2,000 each. If you’re handy and opt for a DIY approach, you might assemble a light show drone for about $1,000 each.
Quantity: Most drone shows require a minimum of 10 drones, though more commonly, shows use between 50 and 100 drones. Multiply the cost of each drone by the number you plan to use, so if you’re starting with ten drones, expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000. For a larger show with 100 drones, costs can range from $100,000 to $200,000.
Software: You’ll need light show software to control your drone show. Drone Dojo offers a training course on Skybrush, a freemium software that might allow you to create a small show at no additional cost.
Additional Costs: Don’t forget to budget for drone insurance, necessary permits (which can vary depending on the venue), and staff. It’s unlikely you’ll be managing the show entirely on your own.
Are Drone Light Shows a Viable Alternative to Fireworks?
As drone light shows become more popular, many consider them a more environmentally friendly and innovative alternative to traditional fireworks. But are they also more cost-effective? Let’s dive into the comparisons and considerations.
Fireworks:
Small-Town Displays: Typically cost between $2,000 and $7,000 for essential holiday shows. These prices can vary based on the scale and duration of the display.
Large-Scale Shows: Disney, for instance, spends an estimated $33,000 per show for its fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL. High-profile events and theme parks often incur significant costs for elaborate fireworks displays.
Drone Light Shows:
Initial Startup Costs: You need a kit of at least 50 to 100 drones for a basic drone light show. Commercial drones cost around $2,000 each, so that initial investment can range from $100,000 to $200,000. DIY options may reduce costs but still represent a significant upfront expenditure.
Current Pricing: Drone light show companies charge high prices to recoup the cost of these drones. As technology evolves and economies of scale come into play, drone show costs are expected to decrease, potentially making them more competitive with fireworks.
Fireworks:
Fireworks are known for their environmental impact, including air and noise pollution and debris that can harm wildlife and ecosystems. The chemical residues from fireworks can also affect air and water quality.
Drone Light Shows:
Drones are considered a more environmentally friendly alternative since they do not produce emissions, noise pollution, or physical waste. They offer a cleaner and more sustainable way to create visual spectacles.
Fireworks:
Fireworks have a dramatic visual impact and create a memorable experience, but their design and color options are relatively limited compared to drones.
Drone Light Shows:
Drones can be arranged into intricate 3D shapes, colors, and patterns, offering far greater creative possibilities. They allow for dynamic and customizable displays that can change in real time, providing a unique visual experience.
Current Trends and Hybrid Shows:
Integration with Fireworks:
Some major entertainment providers, including Disney, use drones with fireworks. For example, the spring 2023 Marvel drone show at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris combined fireworks, projections, and drones to enhance the overall spectacle.
As technology advances and the cost of drones decreases, more entertainment providers will likely turn to drone light shows as a viable alternative to fireworks. The potential for reduced environmental impact, combined with the creative possibilities of drones, makes them an appealing option. However, for now, the high initial investment in drone technology means that fireworks remain a more cost-effective option for many events.
In summary, while drone light shows offer a promising alternative to traditional fireworks with their environmental benefits and creative potential, the current high costs and initial investment still make fireworks a more affordable choice for many events. As drone technology becomes more accessible, we may see a shift toward more widespread use of drone light shows in the future.
