New Fantasmic! Merchandise Sparks Concern Over Show’s Future
Disneyland is known for its spectacular theme park experiences and, of course, the endless variety of merchandise available for purchase. Guests can find everything from classic character t-shirts to exclusive items that tie into special celebrations or theme park attractions.
It’s no surprise that visitors often leave with a memento to remember their trip—whether it’s a new shirt featuring their favorite ride or a commemorative item to celebrate a milestone anniversary at the park.
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One of the most beloved nighttime shows at Disneyland Resort is Fantasmic!, a stunning display of lights, pyrotechnics, and character storytelling. Among those elements, the most talked-about is Maleficent’s dragon, affectionately known as “Murphy.”
When fans recently spotted new Fantasmic! merchandise on sale, some couldn’t help but feel concerned about the future of the show and its beloved dragon.
Recently, a Disney influencer and content creator known as Five Fires (@thecalibae) posted a tweet highlighting the new Fantasmic! merchandise at Disneyland, including t-shirts and sweatshirts for both adults and children.
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While the new merchandise seemed well-received at first glance, one glaring detail caught Five Fires’ attention. The new items featured various Fantasmic! imagery, but there was one notable omission: Maleficent’s dragon, the iconic centerpiece of the show, was nowhere to be found.
Five Fires expressed this concern directly on X:
Is this a sign Fantasmic dragon is never coming back? New merch from Disneyland.
Is this a sign Fantamsic dragon is never coming back? New merch from Disneyland pic.twitter.com/hVrqnIFmfH
— 🔥 FIVE FIRES 🔥 (@thecalibae) July 4, 2025
The tweet sparked immediate concern among fans, with many fearing this omission could mean that Murphy the dragon would never return to the show. The fiery dragon scene, which had been a highlight of Fantasmic! for years, was removed after the 2023 incident, where one of the pyrotechnic effects malfunctioned, leading to a dangerous fire that ultimately caused significant damage to the animatronic.
Some worried that Disney was signaling an end to the iconic dragon scene altogether, and with it, a major part of Fantasmic!’s magic.
After the fire in April 2023, Fantasmic! had to be suspended for over a year while repairs and updates took place. The show made its return in May 2024, but without the dragon, leaving a noticeable gap in the performance.
Related: With Key Effects Missing, Fantasmic! May Be Nearing Its Final Days
As much as the show’s return was celebrated, there were murmurs that the spectacle just wasn’t the same without Maleficent’s dragon as the show’s dramatic centerpiece.
For fans of Fantasmic!, the dragon’s absence is symbolic of the show’s changing fate. Without Murphy, there’s a sense that something quintessentially special has been lost from the iconic Disneyland nighttime performance.
The absence of the dragon has left many questioning if Disney will invest the necessary resources to bring it back, especially considering that creating a new dragon animatronic could cost upwards of $1 million.
But not all fans share the same sense of worry. Some have taken to social media to voice their thoughts on the situation. While some were disappointed by the absence of the dragon, others believed it simply reflected the current iteration of the show.
Seeing they purposely took it off cause it’s on the Disney world design. I won’t say never. But at least the life span of this merch
Despite the concerns surrounding the dragon, there are those who remain hopeful. As one Disney fan commented:
Not it’s not a sign.
And honestly… If they never bring back the dragon, dining package sales and even ticket sales will dwindle. The dragon IS FANTASMIC. Mickey VS the Dragon IS FANTASMIC. It’s one of the few things Disneyland has that still BEATS Universal in entertainment.
Related: Fantasmic! Performance Stopped After Incident with Sorcerer Mickey
The dragon’s absence has led to a broader conversation about the future of Fantasmic!. Disney has yet to confirm whether Murphy will make a return, but fans are already speculating.
Could the lack of dragon imagery in the merchandise be a hint that the show will evolve further, potentially with a new centerpiece? Will Disney decide that it’s simply not worth investing in Murphy’s replacement, or are they planning something even more spectacular to bring the show back to its former glory?
Others have questioned whether the show should even continue if the dragon is never restored. The dramatic battle between Mickey and Maleficent’s dragon was the highlight of Fantasmic!, and without it, some believe the show may lose its magic.
While Disney has not officially commented on whether a new dragon will be created, the speculation continues. For now, fans are left wondering if the latest Fantasmic! merchandise is simply a reflection of the show as it stands today, or if it signals a permanent shift in the direction of the iconic performance.
One thing is clear: Fantasmic! fans are not ready to say goodbye to the dragon just yet. Whether Disney decides to bring Murphy back, create a new version of the dragon, or change the show entirely, the fervent fanbase is watching closely and hoping for the best. Fantasmic! is a significant part of Disneyland’s legacy, and as such, any changes to the show—especially the loss of such an iconic figure as Maleficent’s dragon—are bound to spark strong reactions.
So, what do you think? Will Disney bring back the dragon, or is Fantasmic! destined to evolve without it? Could this be a signal that the show is moving in a new direction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
