Just over one year ago, Disneyland fans were enjoying the iconic nighttime show, Fantasmic!. The highlight of the show for many was when Mickey Mouse battled Maleficent in her dragon form. It was a dramatic scene in which the dragon actually breathed fire! No matter how many times you saw it, that scene always gave you goosebumps.
Sadly, on that fateful April night, something went wrong. The fire got stuck in the dragon and its head immediately caught on fire. The entire dragon was soon engulfed in flames. Guests had to flee the area, and the Anaheim Fire Department was called in to extinguish the blaze. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured.
Related: VIDEO: Massive Disney Fire Seen From Top of Splash Mountain!
After more than a year, Fantasmic! finally returned to the Rivers of America. However, the animatronic dragon — affectionately named Murphy by fans — was not part of the show. Disney was open about the dragon’s absence. Instead, they would alter the scene and add new theatrical elements.
Unfortunately, guests were not thrilled by the adjustments made to the pivotal scene. Many felt that the more than year-long wait was not worth the changes, and some felt that they were underwhelming.
Guys. This is what we waited an entire year for. A costumed character on stilts. 😩
Guys. This is what we waited an entire year for. A costumed character on stilts. 😩 pic.twitter.com/82V7hrFUhm
— DERICK+ (@esplanerd) May 23, 2024
Some felt that the show was just not the same without the giant dragon and the fire effects. He was nicknamed Murphy because of Murphy’s Law — anything that can go wrong will go wrong. But that does not mean that they want Murphy gone forever.
Dear Disneyland,
I just want Murphy back. He’s an essential part of Fantasmic and really makes the magic happen.
Fondly,
Skip
Dear Disneyland,
I just want Murphy back. He’s an essential part of Fantasmic and really makes the magic happen.
Fondly,
Skip pic.twitter.com/DHBxBpzb9A— Big Dee Energy (@DeeMagicGurl) May 23, 2024
Others thought the show wasn’t that bad, but Murphy made it whole, so they still hope Disney decides to bring him back soon.
I really liked the new @Disneyland #Fantasmic!
I’ll say I do miss Murphy and I hope the park leadership is willing to pay to have him replaced.
Besides that, little tweaks to lights and fireworks made the majesty of the show even better!
Love that Peter Pan is back!
Overall I thought they did really good. Just needs that Dragon punch in the end, ya know?
I really liked the new @Disneyland #Fantasmic!
I’ll say I do miss Murphy and I hope the park leadership is willing to pay to have him replaced.
Besides that, little tweaks to lights and fireworks made the majesty of the show even better!
Love that Peter Pan is back!
Overall…
— Photon Empress 🌸 (@PhotonEmpress) May 25, 2024
Related: DID YOU KNOW: Ariel is the Highest Paid Performer in Fantasmic! Here’s Why
It Wasn’t All Bad News
The Maleficent scene was not the only scene that Disney changed in Disneyland’s Fantasmic! show. They also replaced the Pirates of the Caribbean scene with one from Peter Pan (1953). Guests were thrilled with the change and loved seeing the return of some classic Disney characters.
The new Peter Pan segment from Fantasmic! At Disneyland. This scene was so much better than the Pirates of the Caribbean scene it replaced.
The new Peter Pan segment from Fantasmic! At Disneyland. This scene was so much better than the Pirates of the Caribbean scene it replaced. pic.twitter.com/dZsIBJxztx
— Matt DH (@DisneyScoopGuy) May 26, 2024
Fantasmic! is shown nightly at Disneyland Park, along the Rivers of America. Disneyland does offer Fantasmic! dining packages, where guests can choose between three restaurants. Guests can dine at either River Belle Terrace, Blue Bayou, or Rancho del Zocalo, and then they will get to watch the show from a preferred location.
Disney has said that they are still working on enhancing the iconic show, but have not said if Maleficent’s dragon will come back at some point in the future.
Do you think Fantasmic! is complete without Maleficent’s dragon? Let us know in the comments!