Sad News: Disneyland Drops Disappointing Update on Fantasmic! Show
Is the Show Back up to 100%?
I’m sorry, folks. Disneyland just announced some sad news about Fantasmic! And you’re not going to like it. Here’s why.
Disneyland Guests Not-So-Happy About Fantasmic! Update
For the first time in months, cheers erupted louder than usual as Maleficent slowly rose above the stage at Disneyland. It was a sight many had nearly given up on: the towering villainess standing tall during the dramatic climax of Fantasmic! after being noticeably absent from the skies since March.
But just as guests celebrated the return of one of the show’s most iconic moments, an observant few noticed something else—Mickey’s big disappearing trick was still missing. Could this be a sign that Fantasmic! remains a work in progress?
What Happened to Maleficent?
Maleficent has had a rocky history in Fantasmic!. After the dragon animatronic caught fire in 2023, Disneyland revamped the show with a performer version of the villain instead. While it lacked the grandeur of the full dragon, the human version—dubbed “B-mode” by fans—still delivered a powerful visual moment as she rose high above the set.
B-Mode Rising Maleficent Returns to ‘Fantasmic’ at Disneyland, Mickey Disappearing Effect Still Not Active – @dlnt on X
B-Mode Rising Maleficent Returns to ‘Fantasmic’ at Disneyland, Mickey Disappearing Effect Still Not Activehttps://t.co/lQCJlBFFSi
— Disneyland News Today (@dlnt) July 9, 2025
That changed abruptly during the March 17, 2025 performance. The first showing of the night ended prematurely during the finale, and the second brought a strange new version of the scene: Maleficent stayed grounded, merely pacing the porch of the cider mill. Guests watching that night witnessed what became known as “C-mode,” a bare-bones version of the climactic moment that remained in place for nearly four months.
Independence Day Brings a Firework-Worthy Comeback
On July 4, Disneyland quietly reintroduced Maleficent’s lift. She returned to her B-mode form, ascending above the stage once again during the show’s fiery climax. The timing—coinciding with Independence Day—felt poetic. Fans welcomed her return as a sign that the park was committed to restoring the show’s former shine.
Still, it wasn’t a complete return to normal.
Mickey’s Final Trick Still Nowhere To Be Seen
While Maleficent’s rise is back, another crucial part of Fantasmic! remains out of commission. The show typically ends with Sorcerer Mickey conducting fireworks from the roof before vanishing in a burst of sparks—only to instantly reappear below in a tuxedo to close the show. That magic moment, a fan-favorite detail, hasn’t been seen since February 7.
Right now, Mickey simply remains on the roof in his Sorcerer costume, skipping the signature transition entirely. For frequent guests, it’s a jarring omission. For first-time visitors, they may never know what they missed—but long-time fans certainly do.
Additional Changes Raise Eyebrows
Maleficent’s return wasn’t the only recent update. On May 16, Disneyland made other tweaks to the show. Mickey now begins the Magic Mirror sequence on the porch, rather than the roof—a change that may be here to stay. That same night also introduced upgraded lighting during the show’s introduction, part of a broader push to refresh elements for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
Some of these changes are welcome. Others have sparked debate among fans who cherish Fantasmic! as one of the park’s crown jewels. The show’s combination of practical effects, music, and storytelling has always been part of its magic, and every detail—big or small—matters.
Is Fantasmic! Back to Full Strength at Disneyland?
While the return of Maleficent’s lift is a sign of progress, Fantasmic! is still missing a few of its core pieces. These aren’t just technical oversights—they impact the emotional beats and timing of the show. Without Mickey’s grand exit and return, the finale loses part of its punch.
The good news is, updates are clearly happening. Whether the rest of the show’s missing elements return in the coming weeks remains to be seen. But for now, at least, the Mistress of Evil is flying high once more.
