Guests Shocked as Fantasmic! Falls into Unprecedented ‘G-Mode’ During Performance
For decades, Fantasmic! has been a staple of Disneyland Resort, a must-see nighttime spectacular that draws guests from around the world. The show, which takes place along the Rivers of America, has delighted audiences with its mesmerizing combination of live-action, water projections, and iconic Disney characters.
Mickey, as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, has led the way through pirate battles, enchanted forests, and legendary Disney villains, all set to a stunning soundtrack. It’s a show that’s etched into the memories of visitors and one that has become synonymous with the Disneyland experience.
Related: With Key Effects Missing, Fantasmic! May Be Nearing Its Final Days
But lately, something’s been off with Fantasmic! After a devastating fire during a performance in 2023, the show has been struggling to recover, with unexpected interruptions and technical issues. Many fans have been disappointed by the modifications and glitches that have plagued the show ever since, especially since it’s a beloved attraction with a rich history at the park.
One of the latest disruptions was described by Disney influencer Five Fires (@thecalibae), who was fortunate enough to witness the show and share the unusual experience with his followers.
During his visit, Five Fires documented a rare occurrence he dubbed “G-Mode,” which left the audience underwhelmed and frustrated. What should have been a grand finale involving the iconic Mark Twain Riverboat and Disney characters ended on a rather anticlimactic note.
The final scene, typically a breathtaking display with beloved characters sailing down the river, was drastically altered. Instead of the Mark Twain Riverboat, characters were seen standing on Tom Sawyer Island, waving to the crowd without their usual grandeur.
This was not the magical experience that Disneyland guests had hoped for, and the disappointment was palpable.
The current state of fantasmic At Disneyland 😭 G-Mode
The current state of fantasmic At Disneyland 😭 G-Mode pic.twitter.com/07Utde0gyy
— 🔥 FIVE FIRES 🔥 (@thecalibae) June 26, 2025
Related: Ariel’s Role in Fantasmic! Makes Her Disney’s Highest Paid Performer
As the show unfolded, it became evident that Fantasmic! was not quite what it once was. The absence of the animatronic dragon, Murphy, was just one of the many visible signs of the show’s struggle. The fire that took the dragon out of commission in April 2023 has had lasting consequences, forcing adjustments to the production that many feel have diminished its charm.
The dragon’s absence is still being felt, and many guests have lamented that the show has lost a significant part of its original magic.
Peter Sciretta, a Disney enthusiast, also shared his reaction to the show’s malfunction in 2023, when the dragon caught fire during a live performance. The dramatic incident, which saw the dragon engulfed in flames, left audiences shocked and forced to evacuate the area.
😳 OMG the Fantasmic Dragon has caught on fire at Disneyland!! pic.twitter.com/vOhGVCRX9V
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) April 23, 2023
Since that moment, the show has had to be performed without Murphy, and despite efforts to keep the show running, the production has felt like a shadow of its former self. Fans have expressed their sadness at the changes, wishing for the show to return to its full glory.
Along with the missing dragon, other issues have come to light. For example, during the Wondrous Journeys show at Disneyland, there have been ongoing technical difficulties with the castle projections, which have been malfunctioning for weeks.
The fact that both Fantasmic! and Wondrous Journeys are experiencing technical issues highlights a deeper concern among Disneyland visitors: Has Disney’s focus on cost-cutting come at the expense of the quality that the parks are known for?
Disney has not yet confirmed whether the dragon will return to Fantasmic! or if a replacement will be created. The cost of building a new animatronic dragon could easily exceed $1 million, and after the fire incident, Disney may be hesitant to make such a large investment without ensuring that safety protocols are in place.
This leaves many wondering whether Fantasmic! will ever return to its former splendor, or if it’s time for the show to say its final goodbye.
So, what do you think? Has Disneyland’s Fantasmic! lost its magic, or is it just a temporary setback? Do you believe the show can recover, or should Disney move on and invest in something new? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
