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Disney Fans Plan MEMORIAL for the Fantasmic Dragon That Caught on Fire

Disneyland dragon funeral
Credit: Disney

You are cordially invited to the memorial service of a Disneyland landmark.

On April 22, 2023, an unfortunate and tragic event occurred during a nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park. During a performance of the show Fantasmic, a mishap with the fire effects took place, leading to the iconic Fantasmic Dragon ending up in flames. Videos of the event on Tom Sawyer Island immediately went viral because of how intense the flames were.

While it is a bummer that the Dragon (who is also known as “Murphy”) burned up, most fans are happy that every Cast Member is safe and unharmed after the huge fire incident. Some fans, however, are grieving over the Disneyland icon that was Murphy the Dragon. To help honor his legacy, fans are planning a memorial service for the Maleficent Dragon. 

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Disney

Fans Grieve the Death of a Disney Icon

There is no doubt about it; Murphy the Dragon was incredible. For over 30 years, the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic has been dazzling Disneyland audiences. The show features an epic score and some astonishing animatronics. There is no doubt about it that the Dragon is one of the most iconic parts of the show.

After the footage of Murphy’s fire went viral, fans of the Dragon immediately took to social media to express their sadness. Some Disney fans have taken the news incredibly hard and have been intensely grieving Murphy’s loss. It has gotten to the point that fans have planned a memorial service for Murphy the Dragon. The event will be held at the River Belle Terrace on April 27, 2023.

Disneyland Fantasmic! fire dragon before and after

Fans Announce Funeral for Murphy

A planner of the event has made a post on the Disneyland Resort Reddit explaining the event. They say;

“On April 22nd, 2023, the Disneyland Park community was heartbroken by the loss of Murphy, the iconic Fantasmic Dragon. Murphy’s fiery demise was a tragic end to a character that has been an integral part of the Fantasmic show for over 30 years, captivating audiences with its impressive animatronics and immersive performances.

As news of Murphy’s passing spread, fans and visitors to the park took to social media to share their heartfelt condolences and memories of the Dragon. Many expressed their love for Murphy and the role it played in making their Disneyland experience truly magical.

An informal memorial service for Murphy, to be held in the evening of April 27th in front of the River Belle Terrace, giving a chance for those who loved the Dragon to come together and pay their respects. It is an opportunity for the Disneyland community to share their stories and memories of Murphy, and to celebrate the joy that it brought to so many people.

The memorial service is open to anyone who Murphy has touched, whether they are Disneyland employees, visitors to the Park, or simply fans of the Fantasmic show. It is an opportunity to come together and share in the grief of Murphy’s passing but also to celebrate the joy and wonder that it brought to so many people over the years.

As we bid farewell to Murphy, we can take comfort in knowing that its legacy will live on. Murphy will always hold a special place in the hearts of Disneyland fans, and its memory will continue to inspire the magic and wonder that makes Disneyland such a special place for generations to come.”

Informal Memorial for Murphy April 27
byu/violenceintheflowers inDisneyland

Has This Gone Too Far?

While some Guests may find this event to be sweet, it is hard not to be critical of how dramatic this event is. Regardless of any opinions, the memorial for Murphy is set to happen and is open to any and all Guests and Cast Members who wish to grieve in a comfortable space.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.