Does Disney control the airspace?

[ols386]

I think you need to re-read the post. You do realize that Swan/Dolphin and Epcot and DHS are on Disney Property don't you?

Just to repeat...we were NOT allowed to get more than 3 miles from the MK Park at the time. Everything else was fine. These picture were taken in 2004.

I did not see what you were referring to in that photo either.

(The part where you referred to the CR.)

 

[chartle]

I did not see what you were referring to in that photo either.

(The part where you referred to the CR.)

At the very top of the photo more center right than just right is the CR (A frame with a hole in the middle) and to the left of it is I think Space Mountain.

 

[goofyernmost]

My fault, I guess...not specific enough. The very top of the photo, about 1/3rd from the right edge, very faintly, one can make out the very small silhouette of the Contemporary and and even smaller view of Space Mountain. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[rafiki14]

I have ALWAYS wondered this. I rarely see planes flying over Disney or even in the distance. One night after I saw some crazy looking clouds in the night sky after Illuminations I started to believe that Disney actually had us all in a Dome. Truman Show Style.

And in December I also saw the helicopter near Fantasmic! as we waited for the show.

Anyway, glad to hear what is actually going on.

 

[reiella]

My fault, I guess...not specific enough. The very top of the photo, about 1/3rd from the right edge, very faintly, one can make out the very small silhouette of the Contemporary and and even smaller view of Space Mountain. Sorry for the confusion.

Ah where it's starting to blur into the horizon? Neat shot .

 

[thedonduck]

I think you need to re-read the post. You do realize that Swan/Dolphin and Epcot and DHS are on Disney Property don't you?

Just to repeat...we were NOT allowed to get more than 3 miles from the MK Park at the time. Everything else was fine. These picture were taken in 2004.

And again, you need to reread what I have posted. My DH is an ATC at MCO, I asked him the regulations in regards to the airspace around WDW. I have posted what he told me is current FAA standards.

I asked you where you see an A frame that would be the Contemporary. I never doubted or said that you weren't allowed around WDW. I was just curious if I was missing seeing something in the picture that depicted anything near MK? But with the repost and some other people describing, I do see it in the distance!

 

[jcb]

I just wanted to reiterate that WDW is NOT a "no fly zone". It is a restricted air space, but planes may fly through (they must be in contact with ATC at MCO though!!!). I don't want people being worried if/when they see air craft in the area. I specifically asked my DH (who is an ATC at MCO) what the regulations were and it is under 3,000 ft must maintain contact with ATC within 5 miles of WDW (he believes they use MK as the center, but is unsure because it's just a "circle" on their radar).

Your DH is, not surprisingly, dead on. From the FAA website (their shouting, not mine):

THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) CLASSIFIES THE AIRSPACE DEFINED IN THIS NOTAM AS 'NATIONAL DEFENSE AIRSPACE'. ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY OR WILLFULLY VIOLATES THE RULES CONCERNING OPERATIONS IN THIS AIRSPACE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CRIMINAL PENALTIES UNDER 49 USC 46307. PILOTS WHO DO NOT ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES MAY BE INTERCEPTED, DETAINED AND INTERVIEWED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY PERSONNEL. PURSUANT TO TITLE 14 CFR SECTION 99.7, SPECIAL SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS, ALL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT OPERATIONS ARE PROHIBITED WITHIN A 3 NMR OF 282445N/0813420W OR THE ORL238014.8 UP TO AND INCLUDING 3000 FT AGL. EFFECTIVE 0902170501 UTC (0001 LOCAL 02/17/09) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THE RESTRICTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO; THOSE AIRCRAFT AUTHORIZED BY AND IN CONTACT WITH ATC FOR OPERATIONAL OR SAFETY OF FLIGHT PURPOSES, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND AIR AMBULANCE FLIGHT OPERATIONS. FLIGHTS CONDUCTED FOR OPERATIONAL PURPOSES OF ANY DISNEY EVENT AND VENUE ARE AUTHORIZED WITH AN APPROVED WAIVER.

There is a similar NOTAM for Disneyland.

 

[thedonduck]

Your DH is, not surprisingly, dead on.

Haha, he better know this stuff right??? Last thing NATCA needs is someone pissing off Disney and all the media that would come with it!

 

[ols386]

At the very top of the photo more center right than just right is the CR (A frame with a hole in the middle) and to the left of it is I think Space Mountain.

My fault, I guess...not specific enough. The very top of the photo, about 1/3rd from the right edge, very faintly, one can make out the very small silhouette of the Contemporary and and even smaller view of Space Mountain. Sorry for the confusion.

Ah-ha! Now I see it. (sorry, old eyes, lol)

 

[rock_doctor]

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

No you are right, the airspace over WDW is a no fly zone but there may be a certain ceiling that they are allowed to pass over it. In the past you could fly over it at an elevation higher then 3k feet. I don't know if that is still true. I do know there are religious groups constantly challenging it in court. I suspect the helos you saw were Disney choppers for video work or what ever.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=344465
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-557244.html

Here is an article about the WDW airport:
http://progresscityusa.com/2010/01/11/retroworld-the-lake-buena-vista-stol/

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

Funny this question was asked because I thought I heard somewhere that Disney was a no fly zone. And Ive never noticed aircraft flying over Disney before, but on this last trip 2 weeks ago, I saw a couple low flying airplanes hover by and I turned to my husband and said how weird I thought that was!

 

[thedonduck]

I don't know why it bugs me so much, but I want to make sure you understand.

There is NOT a "No fly zone" around Disney at all. Anybody and everybody could fly through there if they want, BUT they have to have permission from ATC at MCO in order to do so. It is just a restricted air space unless you are part of Homeland Security, Police, or Medical Helicopter. If you do not fall under one of those categories you must be in touch with ATC if you are under 3,000 feet and you are within 5 mile radius of WDW.

Again it is NOT a No Fly Zone! Commercial Airlines (and private) can and will go through on occasion.