Multiple Cast Members Were Medically Treated Following Disneyland Fire

“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.

During a performance over the weekend, Guests witnessed the Maleficent dragon animatronic go up in flames after it caught fire mid-performance. The Anaheim Fire Department has confirmed that there were no injuries as a result of the incident, though multiple Cast Members were treated for smoke inhalation following the incident.

On Saturday evening, Guests watched as the Maleficent dragon animatronic went up in flames, emitting smoke during the performance of “Fantasmic!”. Viewers heard a large explosion as fire shot out of the dragon, prompting the crowd to gasp and yell. Disney staff was then heard informing the others to “clear the area.”

Tom Sawyer Island and other surrounding areas were evacuated.

Anaheim Fire and Rescue has now informed The Washington Post that they treated at least six Disney Cast Members for smoke inhalation following the incident, but nobody was seriously injured or harmed.

Disney has since stated that the cause of the fire "remains under investigation at this time" and that they 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”.

Future performances of “Fantasmic!” have been removed from the Disneyland schedule until at least May 26, but that is subject to change.

This is not the first time a prop has malfunctioned and caught fire at Disney Parks. In 2018, the Maleficent Dragon parade float, part of the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom, caught fire at Walt Disney World. Luckily, it was quickly extinguished, and nobody was injured.

“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.

Again, future performances of “Fantasmic!” have been removed from the Disneyland schedule, until at least May 26, but that is subject to change.