No. Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are covered by permanent FAA flight restrictions that ban drones within 3 nautical miles of the parks, from the ground up to 3,000 feet. Universal parks don't have the same federal no-fly zone, but they're private property full of crowds, so you can't legally launch there or fly over guests.
Disney: a permanent federal no-fly zone
Since October 2014 the FAA has kept national security flight restrictions over both Disney resorts. For Walt Disney World, NOTAM 4/3634 covers:
- a 3 nautical mile radius (about 3.5 statute miles)
- from the surface to 3,000 ft above ground level
- all aircraft, including drones and remote-controlled aircraft
- no end date
Disneyland in Anaheim has a matching 3 nautical mile restriction. Only approved operations, such as Disney's own permitted shows, police and air ambulances, are exempt. A recreational or Part 107 pilot cannot simply request LAANC access here; these zones are shown as no-fly areas in B4UFLY and Aloft.
Breaking a national security flight restriction is a federal violation that can bring FAA civil penalties and criminal charges. Disney security also lists drones among items not allowed in its parks, and illegal flights over the parks still get spotted and reported.
Universal Studios
Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are not under a Disney-style permanent no-fly zone, but the answer is still effectively no:
- Private property. You need the owner's permission to take off or land on resort property.
- No flying over people. Recreational pilots can't fly over crowds, and Part 107 pilots need a waiver or a qualifying drone category for most operations over people.
- Busy airspace. Universal Orlando sits under Orlando's controlled airspace, and Universal Studios Hollywood is close to Hollywood Burbank Airport. Both need LAANC checks before any flight in the area.
- Event TFRs. Fireworks, concerts and VIP visits often bring temporary restrictions.
Do small drones get an exception?
No. A 135 g DJI Neo or a 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro is still an aircraft under FAA rules. Weight only affects whether you must register.
How to get aerial shots of your trip legally
- Fly somewhere else in Orlando or Anaheim. Check B4UFLY for open Class G airspace, get permission from the landowner, and stay well outside the 3 nm circles.
- Use Florida beaches and parks with care. Florida state parks ban drone takeoffs and landings, so see our Florida beaches guide first.
- Shoot from the ground. A pocket gimbal camera from our Osmo cameras collection works inside the parks, where drones never will.
For a full list of places drones can't go, see our no-fly zones guide. For the state-level rules, read Florida drone laws or California drone laws.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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