Animatronic dragon bursts into flames during Disneyland show

This photo shows a fire during the “Fantasmic" show in the Tom Sawyer Island section of Disneyland resort in Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday. (Courtesy Shawna Bell via AP)


4 photos
Save Story

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Spectators at Disneyland's popular "Fantasmic" show got a shock this weekend when the feature's fire-breathing animatronic dragon suddenly burst into flames.

No injuries were reported following the blaze Saturday night at the Southern California theme park, the Anaheim Fire Department said.

Ryan Laux, a frequent Disneyland visitor, said fire has always been a part of the "Fantasmic" presentation. But he said he knew something was awry when when flames didn't come from where they usually do.

"The head started going on fire instead of the fire projecting out," said Laux, who lives in Los Angeles and captured the blaze on video.

The show was stopped almost immediately "and then right after that, the dragon started catching fire and the whole body was up in flames," he said Sunday.

The show takes place twice nightly near the park's famous Tom Sawyer Island. The climax features Mickey Mouse battling a giant dragon named Maleficent.

Laux said Mickey vanished from the stage as soon as the dragon's head became engulfed in flames.

The extent of the damage wasn't immediately known.

Photos

Most recent U.S. stories

Related topics

The Associated Press

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Newsletter Signup

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button