(UPDATED 1/25/19) After the Maleficent Dragon float caught fire back in May, it has been out of commission and removed from the Festival of Fantasy parade in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Not for much longer though as the Maleficent Dragon float is returning today to the Festival of Fantasy parade in the Magic Kingdom, and she’s still breathing fire!!!
The Disney Parks Blog said: “While she still has her same Steampunk style and signature wicked smile, the Maleficent dragon will be sporting a refreshed look, enhanced with new safety features designed to keep her in check.”
The giant steampunk-inspired dragon is currently in the Magic Kingdom and has been involved in the rehearsals for the Festival of Fantasy parade. Whatever modifications Disney thought were necessary must have been made and they must feel pretty good about the safety of the float at this point.
Disney gave a sneak peak of the new Maleficent in this video:
Now here is a video from Maleficent’s return to the Festival of Fantasy Parade earlier today:
Back on May 11, 2018 the outside of the Maleficent Dragon float caught fire while passing through Liberty Square, with the head being quickly engulfed in flames. Thankfully no guests or cast members were hurt in the incident but obviously Disney wanted to reevaluate the 35ft long and 26ft tall beast before letting it back out.
Even though the Disneyland Paris version wasn’t taken out of their parade, the fire feature was turned off after the incident (though it’s currently back on). That was important to get the fire effect working on her return to the Magic Kingdom too. I’m really glad hope they found out a safe way to make it run as it’s one of the coolest effects in Walt Disney World!
I’m super happy about this news and excited to see Maleficent again, the Festival of Fantasy just hasn’t been the same without her!
Your Thoughts:
I want to know what you think about the Maleficent Dragon Float returning to the Magic Kingdom…
- Are you happy to see it back?
- Do you like the design?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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Source: Disney Parks Blog
My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Cooper Wiseman
Monday 19th of November 2018
Jim hill recently said that the float will come back but it will be blowing bubbles
Ziggy
Monday 19th of November 2018
really? that would be a big disappointment if true...
Corey
Thursday 8th of November 2018
The image used on this article is the dragon from Disneyland Paris, not the one from Magic Kingdom. It’s best to change the image to correct the article.
Ziggy
Thursday 8th of November 2018
Hi Corey, thanks for your comment. Yes I know it's from Disneyland Paris, but it's the only photo I personally own of the Maleficent dragon. I prefer to use my own photos when possible to avoid copyright issues. Since they are essentially the same I don't think the photo takes away anything from the story which is just that Maleficent is coming back to the Magic Kingdom too. :)