Disneyland delays ‘Fantasmic’ return until Spring 2024 – without the 45-foot-tall dragon

“Fantasmic” will remain out of commission for a year while Disneyland crews rework the nighttime spectacular without the 45-foot-tall Maleficent dragon that burst into flames and Disney’s creative team develops a new finale with Sorcerer Mickey.

“Fantasmic” will return to the Rivers of America at the Anaheim theme park in Spring 2024, according to Disneyland officials.

“Our goal is to always deliver the best possible show for our guests,” according to Disneyland officials. “With that in mind, we are planning the return of ‘Fantasmic’ with exciting new magic in spring 2024.”

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Disneyland crews have been working to repair the “Fantasmic” dragon since the technically impressive and massive audio-animatronic figure burst into flames during a performance of the nighttime spectacular in April.

“Fantasmic” won’t include the dragon figure when the show returns, but will instead feature new special effects during the battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, according to Disneyland officials.

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The temperamental 18,000-pound Disneyland dragon — mockingly nicknamed Murphy by fans after Murphy’s Law — has a troubled history of malfunctions and breakdowns stretching back more than a decade.

While “Fantasmic” remains on hiatus, Disneyland has replaced the nighttime spectacular with nightly performances of Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz band floating on the Rivers of America. Additional entertainment on the Rivers of America will be announced soon.