Walt Disney World will suspend fire effects on the Maleficent float that is part of Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom following a fire during Fantasmic! at Disneyland in California.
Disney has said that while the Disneyland Fantasmic! dragon fire is under investigation, they will be "temporarily suspending fire effects similar to those used at Disneyland park's Fantasmic at select shows and entertainment experiences globally."
No changes are planned at Fantasmic! in Disney's Hollywood Studios, as the show at Walt Disney World uses a different special effect system.
The steampunk-inspired Maleficent float at Magic Kingdom was engulfed in flames in a similar incident back in 2018 at Walt Disney World. 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.
Here is the full statement from Disney regarding the fire at Disneyland and its impact on other shows.
"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."
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