On Saturday night the dragon in Fantasmic! unexpectedly went up in flames. The mishap happened during the second showing of the evening. As Mickey Mouse was about to defeat the dragon, flames could be seen coming out of the side of her head. Soon, the Maleficent dragon’s entire body was engulfed in flames.
Friends of Daps Magic, @the_lost_boys.girls shared a video that one of their members @frank_wwefan took as Maleficent went up in flames. It shows the dragon completely engulfed. As the fire erupted, cast members evacuated guests from the area and soon multiple attractions on the West side of the park were closed.
As Maleficent continued to burn, smoke could be seen rising up from Tom Sawyer Island throughout the park and at the parking structure. Guests at Disneyland posted videos and photos on social media. Other videos showed firefighters battling the fire. Outside of the park, photos and videos of firetrucks racing to Disneyland were shown as well.
Following the incident, shows with similar fire effects around the globe in Disney Parks suspended the use of those effects. This comes as Disney strives to insure the safety of guests and cast members at all of its theme parks.
The Disneyland Resort released the following statement to Daps Magic saying:
“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.”
At this time, Fantasmic! has been removed from the Disneyland entertainment schedule on its website until Friday, May 26, 2023. Daps Magic will continue to follow this story and provide any updates to it as they become available.
SUNDAY UPDATE:
On Sunday morning scrims could be seen put around the stage where the Maleficent dragon stood the night time. Workers could be seen around the area as well in the early morning but then left as the day progressed. If there are any updates throughout the day and coming weeks, they will be added here.
