Disneyland’s beloved nighttime extravaganza “Fantasmic!” is set to make a dazzling return on May 24, more than a year after an unexpected fire forced the show into an indefinite hiatus. Fans of the long-running spectacle will notice a significant change: the absence of the 45-foot fire-breathing dragon that once dominated the show.
On April 22, 2023, during the performance, a pyrotechnic mishap occurred when flammable liquid was observed dripping from the dragon’s mouth just before the fireball effect, causing the dragon to become engulfed in flames.
Instead, Maleficent will now appear in human form, soaring 35 feet into the air amidst a spectacle of updated special effects. Her imposing figure, adorned with a scepter, will continue to be a formidable presence, conjuring a vivid array of lighting, projection, and pyrotechnic effects.
In addition, the show celebrates the return of Peter Pan, who will reclaim his place in the lineup, replacing a scene that previously featured “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
In anticipation of the reopening of the show, Disney released these photos:
Disneyland “Fantasmic!,” Disney’s popular and longest-running nighttime spectacular, returns to the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park on May 24, 2024. .In a new scene, Sorcerer Mickey battles Maleficent as she dons her dark gown and rises 35 feet in the air. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland ResortDisneyland “Fantasmic!,” is an emotional extravaganza of colorful Disney animated film images, choreographed to an exciting musical score. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)“Fantasmic!,” Disney’s popular and longest-running nighttime spectacular, returns to the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)In this treasured show, the iconic Peter Pan scene returns as The Lost Boys join Peter Pan and Wendy to battle Captain Hook aboard a pirate ship. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)The iconic Peter Pan scene returns as The Lost Boys join Peter Pan and Wendy to battle Captain Hook aboard a pirate ship. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)The iconic Peter Pan scene returns as The Lost Boys join Peter Pan and Wendy to battle Captain Hook aboard a pirate ship. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) In this treasured show, fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)
