Orange County Sheriff’s Office Shares Rare Drone Photos of Walt Disney World

Written by Joshua Posted January 11th, 2026

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office shared some stunning aerial photos of Walt Disney World on social media earlier today. The images were captured by Corporal Andrew Pupo, one of four drone pilots who provided aerial support during the runDisney races held over the past four days.

Drones aren’t typically permitted to fly over Walt Disney World Resort, much of which sits inside a restricted no-fly zone. For race weekend, however, the FAA granted authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to operate drones in support of event security, giving us a rare look at the races from above.

We usually rely on Bioreconstruct for aerial views of Walt Disney World, but he’s often busy actually running those races. The drones also offered lower-altitude perspectives that produced some genuinely unique angles, including this beautiful shot of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

A drone photo of Tower of Terror taken during a runDisney event

Here’s how the Orange County Sheriff’s Office described the effort:

“Over the weekend, Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies helped provide safety for runners during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, with races spanning all four theme parks.

Four OCSO drone pilots supported the event under FAA authorization, marking the first year our agency has provided drone assistance for the Disney marathons.

Photos courtesy of Corporal Andrew Pupo, OCSO drone pilot.”

runDisney racers queueing up to race in the EPCOT parking lot — runDisney racers queuing up in the EPCOT parking lot

A drone photo of an inflatable Baymax taken during a runDisney event — A larger-than-life Baymax is on hand to offer support

A drone photo of Spaceship Earth taken during a runDisney event — runDisney participants race past Spaceship Earth

An aerial photo of Expedition Everest taken during a runDisney event — Expedition Everest looking peaceful from the sky

A drone photo of the Tree of Life taken during a runDisney event — Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life

An aerial photo of the Chinese Theater taken during a runDisney event — Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater

A drone hovering over an Orange County Sheriff Office truck — A drone hovers over an Orange County Sheriff’s truck as runners race past

A drone photo of OCSO and Disney Security vehicles — A drone captures a photo of its pilot and runDisney racers

If you’re wondering how Bioreconstruct consistently delivers jaw-dropping aerial photos of the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resorts, he’s fully abiding by the no-fly zone, which only extends up to 3,000 feet. His images are taken from a helicopter flying above that limit. It’s perfectly legal. And endlessly entertaining for the rest of us.

Photos courtesy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Aerial imagery by Corporal Andrew Pupo.