Disneyland officials have rereleased a statement regarding Saturday’s Fantastic fire, revealing they’re suspending the use of pyrotechnic effects at select Disney Parks around the world.
“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,” reads the statement to EW. “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.”
For those not familiar with the Fantasmic show, Maleficent shoots fire out of its mouth during the climax of the performance. However, due to unseen issues, the dragon burst into flames mid-show, according to various reports from guests at the California resort Saturday night.
@saradubisz I CANNOT BELIEVE I WITNESSED THIS #fantasmic #disneyland #fantasmicfire
In a viral TikTok video shared overnight (above), the Sleeping Beauty dragon can be seen engulfed in fire while an announcement plays over the park’s loudspeaker system.
“This performance of Fantasmic cannot continue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and hope you enjoy the rest of your evening here at Disneyland,” the announcer says in the clip. “Once again, this performance cannot continue due to unforeseen circumstances. Thank you.”
“The dragon’s head started to glow, and I see fire and kind of smoke coming out,” Disneyland guest Elaine Gilmer told local news, describing the accident. “I was like, ‘Oh… they added some new stuff because that didn’t happen like that before.'”
Los Angeles’ ABC affiliate reported that the park’s Frontierland area — which borders Rivers of America, where Fantasmic takes place — was evacuated during the fire.
What are your thoughts on the Disney Parks temporarily suspending the use of pyrotechnic effects in all of their theme parks around the world? Let us know in the comments!
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