Disney has provided an update on when Fantasmic! will return to the Rivers of America at Disneyland. The show, which has been closed since the large Maleficent dragon caught fire in April 2023, is now set to reopen in Spring 2024. Unfortunately, the dragon figure will not return when the show resumes.
Disney says that in place of the dragon the show will feature “new special effects” and “a new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent.”
Disney also mentioned that they are working on “even more exciting entertainment offerings” for guests later this year. They did not provide any additional details as to what that may mean, but some have speculated a nighttime parade could return to Disneyland.
The Fantasmic! news is difficult to hear for Disneyland fans as the show is an outstanding piece of entertainment at the park. Disneyland’s version of Fantasmic! is often viewed as the best version of the show, with one of the key differentiators being the awesome dragon figure. It’s sad to hear the dragon figure won’t be rebuilt considering how impressive and impactful it was to the show.
