Disney Tales of Magic Will No Longer Use Drones at Disneyland Paris From 1 April 2026
Disneyland Paris has confirmed an important update to the nighttime spectacular Disney Tales of Magic. The show will soon say goodbye to one of its most eye catching effects.
From 1 April 2026 the show will continue each evening at Disneyland Park, but it will no longer include drones. The experience will instead focus on projection mapping and pyrotechnic effects.
If you loved watching the drones swirl above Sleeping Beauty Castle, you are not alone. They created some truly magical moments. However, the show was always designed to evolve over time, and this change is part of that plan.
Let us look at what is changing and what guests can still expect.
Disney Tales of Magic Will Remove Drones From 1 April 2026
The current version of Disney Tales of Magic launched in January 2025. The show quickly became one of the most impressive nighttime spectaculars ever created for Disneyland Paris.
The experience stretched far beyond the castle. Projections extended all the way down Main Street U.S.A., which created a much larger viewing area for guests.
From April 2026 the show will continue, but the drone sequences will be removed.
Instead, the show will focus on several other effects that already form the heart of the production.
Guests can still expect
- Large scale projection mapping across Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Lighting and projection effects along Main Street U.S.A.
- Fireworks and pyrotechnic moments during key scenes
- A full musical and storytelling experience
In simple terms, the show itself is not going anywhere. It is simply changing how some of the magic appears in the sky.
More Changes Arrive Between May and September 2026
Another temporary change will arrive shortly after the drones disappear.
From 4 May until the end of September 2026, the show will run in a slightly different format due to refurbishment work on the bridge area of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
During this period
- Fountain effects will not operate
- Additional pyrotechnic sequences will be added to enhance the show.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Remain Accessible During the Works
If you are planning a visit during this period, there is some reassuring news. Sleeping Beauty Castle will remain open and accessible to guests throughout the refurbishment work.
Disneyland Paris has confirmed that visitors can still walk through the castle as normal. This means you can continue to explore one of the most beautiful and detailed castles in any Disney park.
Guests will still be able to enjoy
- The castle walkthrough that tells the story of Aurora through stained glass windows and tapestries
- The castle shops located inside the building
- Access to La Tanière du Dragon, the impressive dragon hidden beneath the castle
If you have never visited the dragon before, it is well worth a look. The animatronic creature stretches across the cave below the castle and occasionally wakes up with a dramatic growl. It is one of those hidden Disneyland Paris details that many first time visitors miss.
In short, while some nighttime show effects will temporarily change, the castle itself remains very much part of the guest experience. You can still stroll through it, admire the details, and of course take that classic castle photo that every Disneyland Paris trip deserves.
A Brand New Nighttime Show Is Also Launching
While one show is changing, Disneyland Paris is also adding something completely new.
From 29 March 2026 guests will be able to watch Disney Cascade of Lights, a brand new nighttime spectacular on the lake at Disney Adventure World.
This new show will include several exciting elements
- Fireworks over the lake
- Brand new drone choreography
- A ballet of aquatic drones on the water
- Water screens and projection effects
- Additional special effects created for the show
In other words, while drones are leaving one show, they are about to take centre stage in another.
What This Means for Your Disneyland Paris Trip
If you are planning a visit in 2026, here is the key takeaway.
You will still be able to enjoy Disney Tales of Magic every evening at Disneyland Park. The show will continue to use projections, fireworks, and storytelling across Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street U.S.A..
At the same time, the new Disney Cascade of Lights will introduce fresh drone technology over at Disney Adventure World.
That means Disneyland Paris will soon offer two major nighttime spectaculars each evening.
And honestly, ending a Disney day with one show is magical. Ending it with two feels even better, but remember you’ll have to pick which one to watch as they are both performed at the same time!
Official Disneyland Paris Statement
Launched in January 2025, Disney Tales of Magic is a unique nighttime show that pushed the boundaries of Disney storytelling by extending the immersion from Sleeping Beauty Castle all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. From its conception, it was designed to feature numerous hybrid special effects that could evolve over time, while ensuring an exceptional experience every evening.
Starting April 1, 2026, the show will undergo some changes to these effects: from that date, the show will be presented in a version focused on projections and pyrotechnic effects, now without drones. In addition, the show will be adapted from May 4 to the end of September 2026 to allow for the refurbishment of the bridge of Sleeping Beauty Castle: the fountain effects will be absent and new pyrotechnic sequences will be added.
Sleeping Beauty Castle and La Tanière du Dragon will remain accessible throughout the duration of the works.
In addition to Disney Tales of Magic performed every evening in Disneyland Park, starting March 29, discover Disney Cascade of Lights, our spectacular new nighttime show lighting up the lake at Disney Adventure World. With fireworks, brand-new drone choreographies including a ballet of aquatic drones, water screens, and breathtaking special effects… it’s an experience never seen before, allowing Disneyland Paris to offer two major nighttime shows every evening.