Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Ends Fantasmic!—Dragon, Fireworks, and Pyro All Scrapped

Will This Show Be Gone for Good?

Disneyland might be ending Fantasmic! for good based on recent developments that has fans concerned.

Mickey Mouse in Fantasmic! at Disneyland
Credit: Armadillo444, Flickr

Is Disneyland Ending Fantasmic! For Good?

The Maleficent dragon is gone. Fire effects? Missing. And now, Fantasmic! doesn’t even appear on Disneyland’s official entertainment schedule for October 2025.

After months of running a scaled-down version of the beloved nighttime spectacular, Disneyland guests are starting to worry that this could be the end of Fantasmic!—again. And with zero transparency from Disney, speculation is reaching a fever pitch.

In this article, we’re breaking down exactly what’s happening, how you can still experience the show (while you can), and what this all could mean for fans of one of Disney’s most iconic performances.

Sorcerer Mickey Mouse and Maleficent dragon, Disneyland Fantasmic!
Credit: Disney

Disneyland’s Fantasmic! Is Falling Apart—Here’s What’s Happening

Since its fiery mishap in 2023, where the 45-foot Maleficent dragon (aka “Murphy”) burst into flames mid-show, Fantasmic! has had a rough comeback. When it returned to the park in 2024, fans were met with a stripped-down version: no dragon, no real fire, and major missing effects.

Disneyland’s Fantasmic has been in pretty indefensible shape since it returned in May 2024. But seems like it’s been 3 – 4 months since either of the lifts for Mickey worked, for the intro or the “magical” aspect of the finale. Is this just like, done? Removed? Someone DM me.

@ThemeParkLore on X

Now in August 2025, the show continues to run with those cut elements—and suddenly, no showtimes are appearing online for October. Not one.

The plot thickens. Fantasmic switches to weekends only in September, and unless the dining package availability lags for it, it goes dark for at least the first weekend of October (which is as far out as the calendar goes). Psst. This is, historically, a recession indicator. – @ThemeParkLore on X

Disney hasn’t said a word, and fans are freaking out. TikTok, Reddit, and X (Twitter) are full of questions and frustration. While some speculate the show might be updated or replaced, others are worried it’s being cut for good.

Mickey Mouse with sparks during Fantasmic! at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Want to See It Before It’s Gone? Do This

If you’re heading to Disneyland soon and Fantasmic! is on your must-see list, don’t wait.

  • Use the Disneyland app to check for last-minute showtime updates, even if nothing is posted online.

  • Go on weekends, when you’re more likely to catch a performance.

  • Arrive at least 90 minutes early to stake out a good viewing spot.

  • Look into dining packages that offer reserved viewing, like River Belle Terrace or Blue Bayou.

And here’s a pro tip: Ask a Cast Member before the show if the fire or dragon effects are returning that night. You might save yourself the heartbreak.

Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Resort as Disney guests gather around through the gates.
Credit: Disney

Insider Tips Most Tourists Don’t Know

Even without the full show, there are still ways to get the most out of your Fantasmic! experience:

  • Best underrated spot: Head to the upper walkway near Harbour Galley for a less crowded view.

  • Use mobile orders to grab snacks before the show—it saves time and lets you hold your spot.

  • Stick around after the show ends—sometimes Cast Members offer surprise info about next performance dates or technical updates.

One TikToker said:

“I waited two years to see the dragon again. I’m devastated. It’s just not the same.”

Disney California Adventure Park Entrance
Credit: Disney

Why Disneyland Fans Are So Upset About This

For many Disneyland fans, Fantasmic! is more than just a show. It’s a core memory. The music, the lights, Mickey’s triumphant finale—all of it hits an emotional note that fireworks alone can’t match.

The missing dragon, known affectionately by fans as Murphy, has become a symbol of the show’s highs and lows. Its absence now feels like the soul of Fantasmic! is gone. Combined with the sudden removal of showtimes, the silence from Disney is rubbing salt in the wound.

Social media is lighting up with reactions:

“This was my childhood.”
“Disney better not pull a fast one and just axe this.”
“No Fantasmic = no reason to stay in the park at night.”

There’s no official word from Disney—but fans are reading between the lines. The missing effects, the vanishing October schedule, and the silence from park officials point to big changes—or a quiet cancellation.

Want to see it? Go now. Watch the app. Ask Cast Members. Don’t wait.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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