Does Disney control the airspace?

[bbluvsdis]

We were at Fantasmic last night and a helicopter hovered over the theater through the entire show. There were 2 of them at the beginning with one on each side. One of them left part way through the show but the other stayed. It was very distracting and with safety issues these days it made me very nervous. I don't know if this is someone offering fireworks viewing from the sky or something that Disney was doing but we found it a little disconcerting. Has anyone else seen this?

 

[KellyNY]

Probably just some tour.

 

[kaligal]

I don't know what it was. I do know that helicopter tours are always flying around.

No, Disney does not control air space.

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

I have seen some zeppelins or sky writers (cant remember) with religous stuff.. I guess that I always though they controlled it....

 

[kaligal]

I have seen some zeppelins or sky writers (cant remember) with religous stuff.. I guess that I always though they controlled it....

No, Disney isn't doing the "Jesus + you = " thing.

 

[joe1946]

 

[DISHoppy]

I thought it was a no-fly zone post 9/11, but the skywriter(s) and the aerial shots of FLE prove me wrong. First time for everything...

-Kevin

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I'm pretty sure they don't have a legal right to control the air space.

 

[suemom2kay]

we found it a little disconcerting.

When I used to work on the other side of my hospital (the med-evac side) I swear those helicopter pilots would wait until I was walking to my car. On final approach to the helipad they are going really slow and of course, choose directly over my head. I HATE that feeling of a helicopter hovering over me. But, they really are very safe. Our helicopters run thousands of trips/year and have only had one accident. I think the pilot was distracted by some fireworks! Just kidding.

I imagine WDW could complain to someone but they have no legal right to airspace.

 

[CathrynRose]

Whoaaaaa....

Disney does indeed have a flight restriction, in place.

Now granted, this is from Wikipedia, but:

Walt Disney World Resort, in Central Florida (near Orlando). The zone extends to 3,000 feet (910 metres) in a 3-nautical-mile (5.6-kilometre) radius centered from the Main Spire of Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Though implemented for security according to the FAA, the decision has been controversial

Those completely and utterly annoying (IMHO) Jesus skywriting is outside that 3 miles or higher than that 3000 foot radius. He just writes REALLY big. And annoying, as previously mentioned.

Anyone who remembers the 90's at WDW should remember those (also annoying) mini planes with the "Chruch Street Station" banners? Notice those are gone, now?

The helicopters - sure they weren't Disney helicopters, because they do have them. They used to be red. Not sure if they still are.

 

[Kidgoingon40]

Those completely and utterly annoying (IMHO) Jesus skywriting is outside that 3 miles or higher than that 3000 foot radius. He just writes REALLY big. And annoying, as previously mentioned.

I completely agree!

 

[Squidgyness]

Yes the religous sky-writers are extremely annoying. Nothing to break the feeling of being in a magical fantasy land than someone trying to 'convert' you... I'm already in the church of WDW thanks! I think the helo's were probably disney if they came that close.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~The air traffic controller's monitor all aircrafts that fly over WDW, very closely to spot potential threats and they provide support to national security and homeland defense.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I the skywriter.

As for the federal government restricting Disney airspace, yeah. But I guess I read the question wrong as DISNEY controlling their OWN air space.

 

[thedonduck]

Just called my DH who is an ATC at Orlando to find out about restrictions. There is a five mile radius around Disney that you may not fly in if you are under 3,000 ft unless you are talking to the ATC. This does not mean they are prohibited from the area, however if they fly through they basically must have permission/be talking to someone at the airport.

He also said that really the only reason a helicopter should be in the area would be police/lifeguard/EMT UNLESS they are just passing through to land at Kissimmee. He was pretty intrigued by this and is now looking into why there were helicopters! I'll let you all know what I find out!

But to clarify, no Disney does NOT control the airspace. The FAA has a restricted area that any air traffic must be in contact with the controllers, but there is not a "no fly" area.

 

[chartle]

Maybe Disney filming some promo footage?

 

[jkshel]

I think I solved the mystery.....

 

[recmouse]

Maybe Disney filming some promo footage?

Hmmmm... maybe... when I was in Hollywood Studios last week we came upon two film crews filming. One of them was doing something for Facebook as the actor said, "Hey Facebook fans!"

 

[recmouse]

I the skywriter.

Me too!

 

[bbluvsdis]

Just called my DH who is an ATC at Orlando to find out about restrictions. There is a five mile radius around Disney that you may not fly in if you are under 3,000 ft unless you are talking to the ATC. This does not mean they are prohibited from the area, however if they fly through they basically must have permission/be talking to someone at the airport.

He also said that really the only reason a helicopter should be in the area would be police/lifeguard/EMT UNLESS they are just passing through to land at Kissimmee. He was pretty intrigued by this and is now looking into why there were helicopters! I'll let you all know what I find out!

But to clarify, no Disney does NOT control the airspace. The FAA has a restricted area that any air traffic must be in contact with the controllers, but there is not a "no fly" area.

I am very interested in what he finds out. These helicopters were definitely under 3000 feet. My DH estimated 300 feet. It was very disruptive to the show. I saw many people looking up constantly. Thanks for anything you can find out. I thought about contacting Disney but not sure who to contact.