UPDATED: Maleficent dragon caught fire during Fantasmic! at Disneyland
The Maleficent dragon caught fire last night during the 10:30 p.m. show of Fantasmic! at Disneyland, engulfing the 45-foot-tall fire-breathing dragon in flames.
The Anaheim Fire Department was able to put out the fire before it spread to surrounding structures, and thankfully no one was seriously injured; however, it has been reported that several Cast Members were treated for smoke inhalation.
Here, you can see the exact moment when the Maleficent dragon caught fire:
In addition to the fire-breathing effect, Disneyland’s show includes a spectacular wall of flames across the Rivers of America.
The video below show the concentration of flames at the head and belly of the dragon (where the fuel tank and propulsion mechanisms are likely located). As a result of this fire, Disney has suspended live fire effects at all parks worldwide.
A statement from Disneyland officials reads:
During the final showing of Fantasmic! at Disneyland park on Saturday evening, the dragon prop caught fire. Anaheim Fire & Rescue quickly responded, and the fire was extinguished. All cast members were safely evacuated from Tom Sawyer Island. Due to smoke and wind, attractions near the island were safely evacuated of any guests, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. We are temporarily suspending fire effects similar to those used at Disneyland park’s Fantasmic! at select shows and entertainment experiences globally out of an abundance of caution following the Fantasmic! prop fire at Disneyland park. The continued safety of our cast and guests is of the utmost importance.
Social media posts from this morning showing crews working to clean up after the fire indicate the damage was limited to the dragon and stage area. No Fantasmic! showtimes are scheduled for today, but New Orleans Square and Frontierland attractions are open.
In 2018, the Maleficent dragon caught fire during the Festival of Fantasy parade at Walt Disney World, but that dragon was repaired. No information has been released about whether Disneyland plans to present Fantasmic! without the dragon, which has been the highlight of Disneyland’s show since 2009. Fantasmic!’s 31st anniversary is on May 13, 2023.
5/20/23: Fantasmic Update
Disneyland cast members were notified that Fantasmic! will not return until at least Labor Day.
The message to cast members from Disneyland read:
With the goal of delivering the best possible show for our guests, we have made the difficult decision to put “Fantasmic!” on hiatus through at least Labor Day. […] We are taking this time to evaluate the show and explore opportunities to add new magic and touches for guests to enjoy. More information will be coming soon on alternate experiences for guests this summer.
