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.
This photo courtesy of Shawna Bell shows a fire during the “Fantasmic" show in the Tom Sawyer Island section of Disneyland resort in Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday, April 22, 2023. (Courtesy Shawna Bell via AP)
“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.
Nancy Mello, an animal communicator with Medium, joined Cheddar News to discuss how her love of animals led to a change from doing readings with people and spoke of her experiences and the process of helping animals. Mello also does a live pet reading in studio.
A study published this week in the Journal Frontiers in Pain Research found that listening to sad songs when you're in pain could actually help relieve that pain.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous attractions in New York City but there's a lot more to this landmark than one may think. Rafael Abreu, vice president of marketing with Statue City Cruises, spoke with Cheddar News to discuss the park's operations and Park Ranger Laurel Brierly also joined from inside the statue's famed crown to talk about visiting the landmark.
Wondering what to watch this weekend? This week, we have a timeless hair-raising movie, a spooky experience that tugs at your deepest fears and MI6 puffer fish. Plus: a non-creepy Halloween classic.
