At the Orlando World Center Marriott, a nighttime experience called “Light up the Night” turned a simple pool area into a full laser light show projector showcase and a new profit center.
Instead of treating laser lights as a nice-to-have decoration, the hotel worked with SK-Systems to build a permanent, branded pool laser show that guests can see from guest rooms, the pool bar and rooftop terraces. The result: higher room bookings, more F&B sales, stronger corporate event packages, and a template that can be copied for drive-in laser shows, resort laser shows and rooftop parties in other properties.
This case study explains how a hotel used outdoor laser lights and a Starshine J8 laser light projector 20W system to turn a nightly pool show into a repeatable, high-ROI product that is easy to run and easy to sell.
Table of Contents
| Section | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| Marriott Pool Laser Show Overview | How a pool laser light show projector became a revenue asset. |
| Project Background | Why the Orlando World Center Marriott and SK-Systems partnered. |
| From Entertainment Package to Profit Model | How the laser light show is packaged and monetized. |
| Technology: Pangolin + Starshine | The role of professional outdoor laser lights and control systems. |
| FB4 Network Control | Why treating lasers like network devices changes everything. |
| BEYOND as the Show Brain | Coordinating laser lights, video and audio on one timeline. |
| System Overview | A quick breakdown of all the key components. |
| From Pool to Drive-In Theater | How to adapt the concept to drive-in laser shows and holidays. |
| Marriott Project Summary | The actual rig: laser projectors, control and AV. |
| About Starshine | Why this case study matters to hotels and venues. |
| FAQ | Practical buyer questions about building a laser show system. |
| Closing Thoughts & Next Steps | How to start planning your own “Light up the Night” project. |
Project Background: Why the Marriott World Center?
This project was led by SK-Systems, owned by Lin Zeyuan, with award-winning creative director Fred Peng in charge of the show design. From day one, they treated the installation not as a one-off “wow effect” but as a repeatable revenue product and a long-term asset for the property.
Location & Concept
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Prime location
The system is installed in the resort’s signature pool area, with a clear view from many rooms and terraces. It’s a natural stage for outdoor laser lights, water reflections and evening laser shows. The goal was to make the pool itself a signature visual, not just an amenity. -
How the laser show is used
Wide-angle laser show lights sweeping across the pool, bar and lounge areas; logo and text projections for corporate groups and trade shows staying at the hotel; coordinated content with video screens, moving heads and haze to form a full professional laser show.
Before Marriott signed off, SK-Systems ran a live ROI demo for the hotel team.
They asked very simple questions:
“If this laser light show runs every night, how many more room nights, how much extra bar revenue, and how many more corporate packages can we sell compared to a ‘normal’ pool without a show?”
Only after seeing the numbers did they decide to invest in a permanent, network-controlled laser light projector system.
From “Entertainment Package” to “Profit Model”
Most hotels, resorts and drive-in theaters worry that a laser show is just another expense. The World Center Marriott looked at it differently:
“If we design the show as a product line, can it pay for itself — and then some?”
How They Built the Business Case
SK-Systems helped Marriott break the project into several clear revenue streams that you can also copy for drive-in laser shows or resort laser light shows:
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Higher ADR and occupancy
With a branded pool laser show and dynamic laser stage lights, the hotel can market itself as “the place with a nightly light show.” Rooms with the best view of the laser lights become “show view” or “pool view laser show” rooms and can justify higher rates. -
More F&B sales
When the laser show runs, the pool bar, rooftop bar and terrace restaurants see a spike in traffic. The hotel can build “laser show viewing packages” — cocktails, snacks and reserved seating that guests are happy to pay extra for. Compared to static décor, a moving, timed laser light show projector gives guests a reason to come at a specific time and stay longer. -
Corporate, wedding and party upsells
Corporate event planners can add logo-branded laser light projector content to their packages. Weddings, rooftop parties and even drive-in laser show-style events can include a short, customized segment with names, dates or brand visuals, sold as an add-on. For the hotel, this is a clean, high-margin upsell that uses the same laser lights and control system they already own.
The final conclusion from Marriott:
This is not just decor. It’s a content machine that can generate revenue every single night.
This is not just decor. It’s a content machine that can generate revenue every single night.
The Technology Behind It: Pangolin + Starshine
From a technical point of view, the Marriott World Center project is interesting because it combines Pangolin Laser Systems control with Starshine hardware, built around the Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W as the main laser light show projector.
Who Does What?
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Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc.
Since 1986, Pangolin has set the standard for laser show control, with dozens of patents and global use in touring productions, festivals and large-scale installations. Their software and hardware are used anywhere you see tightly synchronized laser lights tied to music, video and timecode. -
Starshine
Starshine focuses on professional outdoor laser lights and laser light projectors for entertainment and architectural applications. Products like the Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W are designed for:- hotel pool laser shows
- resort façades and landmarks
- commercial complexes and theme parks
- drive-in theater laser shows and other C-level (consumer-facing) experiences
Because Starshine fixtures integrate well with Pangolin’s control ecosystem, they’re a natural fit for projects where you want both professional laser lights and easy integration with the rest of the show system. In this project, SK-Systems chose five Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W units as the main laser light show projectors for the pool area.
Core Hardware: FB4 — Treating Lasers Like Network Devices
Each Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W in the system includes Pangolin FB4 hardware built in, with control handled by Pangolin BEYOND.
What Is FB4, in Simple Terms?
Think of FB4 as:
A small media server and network node built into your laser light projector.
Key points:
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Network-based control instead of old ILDA cable runs
Traditional systems rely on ILDA DB-25 cables from controller to each projector — messy, short-range and hard to scale. FB4 connects via standard CAT5 network cable and sits on the same network as lighting, video and audio systems. For large properties, this means all laser lights behave like normal network devices. -
Supports major show protocols
DMX, ArtNet, OSC, SMPTE, Network and ILDA are supported. This means lighting designers can control DMX laser lights like normal fixtures from the console, or run them as part of a laser lighting timeline in BEYOND. A lighting tech who already knows DMX feels at home quickly. -
On-board storage for stand-alone shows
You can pre-program all your laser show lights content in BEYOND, then store it directly inside the FB4. Later, the fixtures can run in stand-alone or trigger mode — perfect for hotels, resorts and drive-ins that need a reliable, mostly hands-off show. The show can even be scheduled to start and stop automatically every night.
For a hotel, this makes the professional outdoor laser lights feel less like “mystery boxes” and more like any other networked light fixture.
Software Brain: How BEYOND Coordinates Lasers, Video and Audio
At the Marriott World Center, Pangolin BEYOND is not just controlling the laser lights. It acts as the central timeline for the whole multimedia experience.
One Timeline for Lasers, Video and Audio
Creative director Fred彭 built the show like this:
- Put laser lights, video playback and audio tracks on a single BEYOND timeline.
- Use BEYOND to send triggers and timecode to:
- the GrandMA lighting console
- the Pharos architectural lighting system
- the Rane HAL audio controller
- the Control 4 video system
This brings several advantages:
- When a sponsor changes, or a new client wants a custom sequence, the team only has to edit the timeline once.
- All laser lights, video and audio stay in sync — no obvious lag between a music hit and the laser beam effect.
Even though the system looks complex from the outside, it is surprisingly easy to operate:
- For daily shows, everything runs automatically on a loop.
- For special events, operators can switch to a more “live” mode, using GrandMA and BEYOND together for real-time control and improvisation.
This same approach works extremely well for drive-in laser shows and outdoor laser lights shows where the show runs multiple times a night, but content must be updated quickly for different sponsors, themes or seasons.
Full System Overview: More Than Just Laser Lights
Alongside the five Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W units with FB4 and BEYOND, the Marriott World Center installation includes:
- High-resolution video screens for brand and sponsor content
- SGM G-Spot moving heads for beam, spot and wash effects
- MDG haze machines to make laser beams visible in the air and enhance the laser light show look
- GrandMA control wing for flexible live lighting control
The result is a cohesive laser light projector and lighting environment that can run on autopilot or be taken over during concerts, parties and special corporate events. It behaves like a small, permanent festival rig built directly into the hotel.
From Hotel Pool to Drive-In Theater: Where Else Can This Work?
You might be thinking:
“I’m not Marriott. I’m running a smaller resort, a rooftop bar or a drive-in. Is any of this relevant to me?”
The answer is yes — especially if you’re exploring drive-in laser shows or outdoor holiday laser lights as a differentiator.
Drive-In Laser Show: A C-Level Scenario That’s Easy to Copy
A drive-in laser show combines a big screen with laser show lights in the sky and around the site. It’s ideal for:
- Hotels and resorts with large parking lots or open fields
- Venues that need weeknight content to boost revenue
- Malls and mixed-use complexes looking to add headline events
You can borrow Marriott’s logic and break it down:
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Laser + big screen
During the movie, laser lights add atmosphere — tracing the treeline, outlining buildings, or creating volumetric beams overhead. Before the movie, at intermission and after the show, laser light projectors can display sponsor logos, countdowns and short interactive sequences that feel more premium than static billboards. -
Synchronized audio and lighting
Use BEYOND or another timeline tool to keep lasers, video and soundtrack in sync. For big musical moments, add extra laser stage lights sweeps and hits that match the audio. Guests feel like they are at a mini festival, not just watching a film in their cars. -
Paid product structure
Standard parking vs. “premium viewing zones” with the best laser show angle; bundled tickets (movie + laser intro + food); themed nights such as 80s retro with party laser lights, holiday specials with laser holiday lights and laser Christmas lights, and more. The same hardware runs all these formats — only the content and pricing change.
Practical Selection Tips (If You’re Planning a System)
Whether you’re a hotel, drive-in theater or rooftop venue, these guidelines from the Marriott project are useful:
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Choose network-based fixtures when you can
Look for fixtures that support network protocols (like FB4-style hardware or built-in ArtNet/DMX). This makes it easier to manage multiple laser lights alongside conventional fixtures, especially when the rig needs to grow over time. -
Prioritize outdoor build and thermal design
Drive-ins, resorts and rooftops face rain, dust, heat and sometimes sea air. Using professional outdoor laser lights like the Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W dramatically reduces long-term risk and maintenance. Better build quality often pays for itself in fewer failures and service calls. -
Ensure compatibility with existing controls
Confirm that your laser lighting can talk to GrandMA, Avolites, or your media server via DMX, ArtNet, sACN or OSC. This is essential if you want a unified rig of DMX laser lights, LED pars, moving heads and video, all responding to a single show timeline.
A supplier like Starshine, which specializes in laser stage lights and show systems, can help match the right projector power, beam angle and control options to your exact site plan and budget.
Marriott Project Summary: What’s in the Rig?
For integrators and planners, here is a simple overview of the Marriott World Center setup:
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Laser system
5 × Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W (OPSL/diode) with integrated FB4 network hardware
1 × Pangolin BEYOND Essentials license -
Lighting and control
GrandMA control wing
Pharos system for daytime architectural lighting -
Effects and AV
MDG haze machines
High-resolution video screen system
Rane HAL audio controller
Control 4 video system
Together, these form a robust laser light show projector installation that can run daily with minimal intervention while still supporting complex, custom shows when needed.
About Starshine: Why This Case Study Is Useful for You
Starshine has been focused on professional laser lights and stage lighting solutions for many years, shipping to hotels, theme parks, drive-in theaters and commercial venues worldwide. Projects like the Marriott World Center pool show help stress-test new outdoor laser lights and laser light projectors in real-world environments before similar solutions are rolled out to more clients.
That’s why this case study doesn’t just show pretty pictures — it shows the kind of rig and business logic that can actually work for venues like yours.
FAQ: How Do I Start My Own Laser Show Project?
Q1: What kind of budget do I need for a hotel pool or drive-in laser show?
It depends on coverage area and brightness, but a “mini Marriott” starter system often includes:
- 2–4 outdoor-rated laser light projectors (10–20W range, such as Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W)
- A handful of moving heads or other laser stage lights / LED fixtures
- Basic haze effects if allowed by local rules
- A control system (PC + BEYOND license, or a console that can trigger stored shows)
In many markets, that puts you in the tens of thousands of dollars range, not millions. Larger resort or city-scale shows will cost more but also generate more return.
Q2: I already have sound and lights. Do I have to start from scratch?
Usually not. The common pattern is:
- Keep your existing sound system, LED lighting, and control consoles.
- Add a laser lights layer: a few professional laser lights fixtures plus control hardware/software.
- Integrate via network or DMX so everything acts like one big system.
Network-based projectors like the Starshine J8 make it much easier to add a laser light show projector layer on top of an existing rig without rebuilding everything.
Q3: Are outdoor laser installations high-maintenance?
With the right gear and installation, not really. The key is:
- Start with professional outdoor laser lights — good IP rating, solid housing, proper thermal management.
- Install correctly (ventilation, drainage, sun and salt protection).
- Schedule simple periodic checks: clean front glass, verify mounts and wiring, confirm network connectivity.
Marriott chose Starshine J8 Laser Light Projector 20W units because they can run night after night in a hot, humid resort environment with consistent performance. For venues, downtime is lost revenue, so stability matters more than chasing the absolute cheapest fixture.
Q4: Are there safety or regulatory issues with laser shows?
Lasers are powerful light sources, so safety is always part of the design:
- Use projectors designed for show use, not random gadgets.
- Work with professionals who understand audience scanning rules, safe zones and power limits.
- When required, submit documentation to local authorities for approvals.
In projects like the Marriott World Center, beam paths, audience positions and maximum power levels are all calculated and tested before the show is handed over to the venue.
Q5: I’m not in the U.S. and don’t have a massive budget. Is this still realistic?
Yes. A common approach is to start with a small showcase project:
- One pool, one rooftop deck or one drive-in area
- 1–2 laser light projectors plus supporting lights
- A simple nightly show that runs on a loop
Run it for a season and track bar and restaurant spend, room nights or tickets sold, and corporate or private event bookings. If the numbers look good, expand to more zones and add more laser lights later. Many successful resorts and venues grew their systems exactly this way.
Closing Thoughts: Laser Lights as a New Line of Business
The “Light up the Night” installation at the Orlando World Center Marriott shows that:
- Laser lights can be a core selling point for hotels, resorts and drive-ins, not just background visuals.
- With modern control platforms and professional outdoor laser lights, these systems can run automatically and still be flexible.
- When you treat a laser light show projector as a product — with pricing, packaging and ROI tracking — it can become a stable, long-term revenue stream.
If you’re planning nighttime content for a hotel, resort, campground, drive-in, or mixed-use complex, consider adding:
- a permanent pool laser show,
- a rooftop skyline show, or
- a recurring drive-in laser show night.
Sketch your site, decide where you want guests to gather and what you want them to pay for, then talk with a professional supplier.
A partner like Starshine, with experience in laser stage lights, laser light projectors and full show systems, can help you go from “this would be cool” to a concrete plan: from gear selection (for example, J8 Laser Light Projector 20W and related fixtures) to control, safety and business modeling — so you can build your own version of “Light up the Night” that actually pays for itself.
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