Disneyland’s iconic Fantasmic! Nighttime show will be suspended for over a year after a spectacular fire engulfed the giant animatronic Maleficent dragon during a performance in April.
Fantasmic! has dazzled Disneyland guests since 1992 with its mix of pyrotechnics, lasers, music and audio-animatronic characters. But the show’s climactic dragon scene went up in flames mid-performance, causing the park to halt the show and review its safety.
Now, after months of uncertainty, Disney has announced Fantasmic! will remain closed until spring 2024 as Imagineers rework the fiery finale. The new version will no longer feature a live Maleficent dragon, a fan favorite since the show’s debut.
“We are planning the return of Fantasmic! with exciting new magic in spring 2024,” said a Disneyland spokesperson. “As teams continue work on the show, we have launched nightly entertainment on the Rivers of America this summer.”
The temporary Jambalaya Jazz band will entertain guests on the Fantasmic! stage while engineers replace the 45-foot tall dragon. The new finale is promised to be just as epic, using upgraded special effects.
But for many fans, the loss of the mechanical Maleficent is a huge disappointment. Dubbed “Murphy” after Murphy’s Law due to its frequent mishaps, the dragon has been integral to Fantasmic! for decades.
The damaged animatronic joins other casualties of the fire, including the stage and lighting on Rivers of America. While the show is revamped, Disney will only say there are “even more exciting entertainment offerings” coming later this year.
After recent PR headaches, Disney is likely relieved the Fantasmic! fire caused no injuries. But the extended loss of a fan-favorite show is still a blow, especially during Disneyland’s bumpy post-pandemic recovery.
Fantasmic! has wowed over 120 million guests in its 30-year run. When it returns in 2024, fans hope some of that nostalgic magic remains intact. A classic Disney show without its iconic dragon just won’t feel the same.
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