VIDEO: Maleficent Dragon Catches Fire During Disney’s ‘Fantasmic!’ Show

Disney parks may feel like this perfect little bubble where nothing can go wrong, but sometimes that is not the case.

Popular rides break down frequently, fire alarms go off, and power outages happen — as much as you may not want to believe it, real-world things happen all of the time at Disney. Over in Disneyland on the night of April 22nd, 2023, something went very wrong during a Fantasmic! performance.

During the second show of Fantasmic! at Disneyland on April 22nd, the Maleficent dragon caught fire.

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.

pic.twitter.com/pISjxaSC3a

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 23, 2023

According to Scott Gustin, it happened when Mickey shoots sparks at the dragon — here’s a look at the moment the fire started.

This video shows the moment the fire started:pic.twitter.com/mDG4yyIBBE

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 23, 2023

The Anaheim Fire Department responded quickly to the scene. Disney also made a statement that said “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.”

Here is another angle showing the massive dragon engulfed in flames. pic.twitter.com/j37Q7TbV0Y

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 23, 2023

Disney later released an updated statement saying “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.”

NEW: In an updated statement, Disneyland says the cause of the Fantasmic dragon fire remains under investigation.

Officials also said similar fire effects used during select Disney shows and experiences globally will be temporarily suspended “out of an abundance of caution.” pic.twitter.com/jBaQ0cPk55

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 23, 2023

About a month later in May, Disney announced an extended closure for Fanatsmic! due to the fire incident. The show did not have times on the Disneyland website for quite some time, but Disney confirmed that the popular show would not be available at least through Labor Day.

Disney also said, “We are taking this time to evaluate the show and explore opportunities to add new magic and touches for Guests to enjoy.”

No injuries have been reported among Cast Members or visitors and we’ll keep you updated when Disney determines the reason for this incident. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney news.

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