Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Major(s)
Mechanical Engineering
Document Type
Immediate Open Access
Abstract
Disney nighttime spectaculars are "can't miss" attractions at Disney theme parks around the world. Performed on and around beloved Disney icons (i.e. the castles at each theme park), these shows are artistic masterpieces, merging both storytelling and technology. This research took a detailed look "behind-the-scenes" of the technologies, including pyrotechnics, projection mapping, fountains, water screens, and drones, used to bring nighttime spectaculars to life. Data was gathered via online articles and recordings of nighttime spectaculars freely available online on the technology utilized in nighttime spectaculars over its 70 year history. The data was compiled for each technology in each nighttime spectacular, and a scale was made to rate the level of technological advancement for each technology in each nighttime spectacular. Then, the ratings were used to answer the following questions: a) how do the following factors influence technological evolution of nighttime spectaculars over time: geographic location, budgetary considerations, governmental regulations, and environmental considerations, and b) how has the role of each technology changed since its inception? The data showed that technological evolution of nighttime spectaculars is influenced by all factors indicated, except budgetary considerations, for which there was not enough freely available information to draw any conclusions. Additionally, projection mapping quickly took the lead since its inception in 2011, and the other technologies play more supporting roles in nighttime spectaculars. It remains to be seen exactly what role drones will play in nighttime spectaculars as it is the newest nighttime spectacular technology.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.54718/BQGX8803
Date Defended
5-2-2025
Thesis Director
Dr. Morgan Green
Second Committee Member
Dr. Lesley Strawderman
Third Committee Member
George Dunn
Recommended Citation
Petersen, Kathryn, "The Evolution of Technology in Nighttime Spectaculars at Disney Theme Parks" (2025). Honors Theses. 162.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/honorstheses/162
