Maleficent Dragon In Fantasmic Facts

· The new dragon is a fully animated three-dimensional design that replicates the movements of the dragon in “Sleeping Beauty.”

· Maleficent, a classic Disney villain, transforms into a dragon during “Fantasmic!” – just as she does in the famous Walt Disney Pictures film.

· The “Fantasmic!” dragon is 32 feet wide and weighs approximately 18,000 pounds.

· When she stretches to full height, the dragon stands 45 feet tall.

· When she “lurks” beneath the “Fantasmic!” stage prior to appearing, the dragon contracts to 22 feet tall.

· During the spectacular finale, she rises to stage level in 35 seconds on a custom-built elevator.

· Tri-color LED lighting fixtures put the gleam in the dragon’s eyes.

· In her spectacular appearance, Maleficent breathes a plume of fire 35 feet long, lighting the Rivers of America on fire for 25 seconds during the show.

· During the show, the dragon is controlled and monitored by four computer systems.

· The dynamic and menacing animation of the dragon is achieved via 18 axes of motion which enable a wide range of movement in her eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, neck, wings and body.

Fantasmic Maleficent Dragon Appears!

Last night's performance of Fantasmic featured the world premiere of the new Maleficent dragon in Disneyland's Fantasmic. Here is some video of the event from youtube:

True Dragon Tales?

The web is all a buzz over the fact that the new Fantasmic dragon "Murphy" will be making his debut at Monday, August 31st's 8:15 performance of the show. The park will likely remain open late enough for at least two performances and then we can expect to see a third show next weekend due to the Labor Day holiday.