Last night at Disneyland Park in California, Guests witnessed Mickey’s nightmare become a reality as the Maleficent dragon animatronic in the “Fantasmic!” show caught fire and went up in flames.
Parts of Adventureland were evacuated Saturday night as the show came to a sudden end in order to keep everyone safe.
Maleficent Dragon Catches Fire During ‘Fantasmic!’
One Disneyland Guest and TikTok user was at the Park when the incident happened, capturing it all on film.
In a video shared to the social media platform, viewers watch as the iconic Maleficent dragon animatronic goes up in flames, lighting up the entire night sky.
“Thank you to the DFD for keeping us safe today here at Disneyland,” they said.
@cruzdownmainstreet Thank you to the DFD for keeping us safe today here at disneyland. #disneyland #fyp #firefighter #happiestplaceonearth #disneyfire #disneyadult #murphy
And according to Disney fan site WDWNT, one reporter, who was on the scene, witnessed the fire falling from the dragon’s mouth onto Tom Sawyer Island below. According to their report, the cause “seems to reportedly be a leak of flammable fluid, seen dripping down from the mouth moments before the fireball effect went off”.
Parts of the Park were immediately evacuated and closed off for the remainder of the evening.
Sources told the news outlet that the Maleficent dragon animatronic collapsed as workers rushed to extinguish the fire. The Anaheim Fire Department has confirmed that there were no injuries as a result of the incident.
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Another Disneyland Guest who was in attendance captured the above photo of the dragon in flames. “MURPHY ON FIRE🔥🔥🔥😳😱 (Murphy is the Fantasmic dragon),” the Instagram user wrote. “That area is closed and being evacuated. Toxic stuff burning😳😷! BE KIND TO THE CMs DIRECTING EVERYONE OUT! This is definitely something you do NOT want to breathe in!”
Reporter Scott Gustin also shared a video of the incident, writing, “The Maleficent dragon caught fire during the second showing of Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park on Saturday night. It happened when Mickey shoots sparks at the giant dragon’s head. The Anaheim Fire Department responded to the scene.”
The Maleficent dragon caught fire during the second showing of Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park on Saturday night.
It happened when Mickey shoots sparks at the giant dragon’s head. The Anaheim Fire Department responded to the scene.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 23, 2023
Future performances of “Fantasmic!” have been removed from the Disneyland schedule, until at least May 26, but it is subject to change.
More On ‘Fantasmic!’
“Fantasmic!” is a nighttime show at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California that brings Guests into Mickey’s dream of him as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The official Disneyland website describes the show as:
As darkness falls, dazzling special effects transform the Rivers of America into an epic canvas for this extravagant live show.
Fast asleep, Mickey dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. With a wave of his hands, he conducts scenes from Fantasia across enormous screens of water while brilliant sparks burst overhead. Pink elephants, swashbuckling pirates, princesses and more—including memorable scenes from Disney classics such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Tangled and Pirates of the Caribbean—appear on and around the Rivers of America.
When Mickey is suddenly pulled into the Magic Mirror, his dream takes a dark turn. The Evil Queen from Snow White conjures up some of Disney’s most dastardly villains—including Maleficent as a 45-foot, fire-breathing dragon! Mickey must use the power of his imagination to vanquish his foes—and save the day.
Featuring a fantastical array of live performers, beloved Disney characters, enhanced special effects, state-of-the-art projections and superb pyrotechnics, this show will wow the entire family.
Future performances of “Fantasmic!” have been removed from the Disneyland schedule, until at least May 26, but that is subject to change.
