Disney Nighttime Shows are ‘Going Down in Flames’ After Accidental Fire During Disneyland’s Fantasmic! Show
Last night, the night of April 22, 2023, a fire broke out during the "Fantasmic!" nighttime show at Disneyland California. The incident occurred during the performance of the show's iconic Maleficent dragon sequence, and left many visitors and park staff shaken and concerned. Even social media apps like TikTok and Instagram were flooded with video clips and concerned Disney fans not even 24 hours after the incident happened.
According to reports, the fire started in the dragon's animatronic body, likely due to a malfunction or electrical issue. Flames quickly spread across the dragon's body and surrounding set pieces, causing panic and chaos among the audience. The show was immediately halted, and visitors were evacuated from the area by park staff.
While no injuries were reported, the incident was a stark reminder of the potential dangers of theme park attractions. In the aftermath of the fire, Disneyland released this statement:
"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."
The fire also brought attention to the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for all attractions in theme parks across the world. While Disneyland has a strong safety record, accidents can happen, and it's crucial that park staff remain vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks. According to Walt Disney World Magic, Flordia’s Magic Kingdom will suspend similar fire effects on the Maleficent float in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade following this fire in Disneyland California. No changes are currently planned at Fantasmic! in Disney's Hollywood Studios, as the show at Walt Disney World uses a different special effect system.
Similar Situations At Disney Parks Worldwide!
A similar situation occurred when the steampunk-inspired Maleficent float at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom was engulfed in flames. Back in 2018, the Dragon Maleficent's head burst into flames in Liberty Square during the afternoon Disney Festival of Fantasy parade. The float was missing from the parade for 8 months as it was rebuilt with updated safety systems.
Disneyland’s track record with their Fantasmic Dragons has been interesting, to say the least, seeing as in May of 2019, the very same Fantasmic! Maleficent dragon caught fire and burned down. A spark ignited some of the dragon's mechanical parts, and soon flames were spreading across its body. The show was immediately halted, and the audience was evacuated safely. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and were able to extinguish the blaze, but not before the dragon was completely destroyed.
Safety and Heroism During The Fire
The incident also drew attention to the heroism of park staff and first responders. Reports indicated that park staff quickly evacuated visitors from the area and worked to contain the fire, while firefighters arrived on the scene in minutes and were able to extinguish the blaze. According to the New York Times, six Disney workers and first responders were treated for inhaling too much smoke from the incident. Many park visitors stood a safe distance away- over 200 meters, so no guests were injured. Instead, many of the guests were in shock, recording the dragon burning down, instead of clearing the area or listening to cast members. The Disney park staff dealt with these guests in a calm, professional way, without any incident. Former Cast Member and TikToker @groovy.moo posted this satire video on TikTok, pointing out the ways Cast Members have to deal with uncooperative and unaware guests throughout the parks.
As Disneyland works to investigate the cause of the fire and make any necessary changes to ensure the safety of visitors, it's important to remember that accidents can happen in any setting. However, with proper maintenance, safety precautions, and quick response times, theme parks can continue to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences while prioritizing their well-being. Disneyland’s Cast Members are committed to creating a magical, safe, and entertaining moment that you will remember and treasure the rest of your life.
The Fantasmic! show has long been a fan favorite at Disneyland, featuring live performers, pyrotechnics, music, and water effects, all centered around classic Disney characters and stories. The dragon sequence, in particular, has been a highlight of the show since its debut in 1992. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the future of the show and the dragon sequence, but I am certain that certain parts of this show and other Disney nighttime shows will be changed to prevent any future fire mishaps.
Overall, the fire at Disneyland during the "Fantasmic!" nighttime show on April 22nd was a jarring and frightening event, but one that ultimately served as a reminder of the importance of safety in theme parks. As visitors return to the park, they can take comfort in knowing that Disneyland is committed to ensuring their safety and providing them with magical experiences. I know that I, for one, am curious to see how the Fantasmic! Plan-B is going to work out without a physical dragon. Whatever happens, I’m sure that it will be just as brilliant as the rest of the Disney Magic we see throughout the parks!
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Let me know in the comments OR contact me through Instagram or Email! Let me know your reaction to this crazy fire, and what you think Disney Parks should do to prevent this from happening in the future!
Until Next Time!Brooklyn <3