Paint the Night fire - Ariel float malfunction

[ShoeCello]

Seeing reports of Ariel's float catching on fire during tonight's showing of PTN. Anyone there or have more details?

Here's a short video from Twitter:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1966009372707811668

 

[LKing]

I was just coming here to see if anyone knew anything. I wasn't there but DisneyScoopGuy is pretty accurate.

I'm just seeing reports that the everyone was evacuated safely and the float was towed backstage.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Maybe they’ll bring back the Incredibles float?

 

[LAS2AMS]

I watched a stream of the second parade. They cut Monsters, Ariel and Donald-Minnie-Pluto & Mickey floats. Also, most dancers were cut. Just Jessie dancing on her own for Toy Story. Many characters cut too. No Olaf or Peter Pan.

 

[DodgerGirl]

An Ariel float caught on fire during Disneyland's Paint The Night show? How did that happen? I hope Disneyland doesn't suspend Paint The Night performances due to what happened like they did with the Fantasmic show when the dragon caught on fire. What I think might've happened was that fireworks might've interfered with the float and caused sparks. Hope they find out what the cause was soon

 

[LAS2AMS]

An Ariel float caught on fire during Disneyland's Paint The Night show? How did that happen?

Maybe the stress got to Ariel and she took a quick smoke when nobody was looking? And things got out of control?

 

[OlliePop27]

Maybe they’ll bring back the Incredibles float?

Apparently, the old Incredibles float was repurposed into the new Coco float in the new WDW nighttime parade.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Apparently, the old Incredibles float was repurposed into the new Coco float in the new WDW nighttime parade.

Wow, that sucks! I actually liked it!

 

[disneychrista]

I just saw something on Facebook about this. Wonder how future parades will happen. Just without the LM float?

Has the Frozen float been MIA as well? Or was that a one time thing?

 

[ShoeCello]

I just saw something on Facebook about this. Wonder how future parades will happen. Just without the LM float?

Has the Frozen float been MIA as well? Or was that a one time thing?

Frozen float was only gone that one night; was back soon after.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

It says they are doing it tonight...but we will see

Insane to be the second parade they have set on fire.

Plus second nighttime show within 3 years to have a fire at Disneyland

 

[LKing]

I just saw something on Facebook about this. Wonder how future parades will happen. Just without the LM float?

These floats are electric. It depends on how much damage there was inside and how long it takes to fix it.

Just like they ran the second show last night without certain floats, they will run the parade with what they have. My concern is for the CM who were not in the second parade. I hope everyone is okay.

 

[LAS2AMS]

From the reports I’ve read, the float wasn’t working so they towed it in the parade unlit and without Ariel. Not sure why they didn’t leave it backstage? It started smoking before catching on fire. Sounds like the damage is pretty bad. If rumors are true that PTN is to permanently close 11 months from now, I’m guessing the float won’t return.

 

[Pluto468]

Oh, no! I hope all the CMS were ok. The crowd all looked all right.

 

[LKing]

From the reports I’ve read, the float wasn’t working so they towed it in the parade unlit and without Ariel. Not sure why they didn’t leave it backstage? It started smoking before catching on fire. Sounds like the damage is pretty bad. If rumors are true that PTN is to permanently close 11 months from now, I’m guessing the float won’t return.

Scott Gustin says that, according to Disneyland officials, the float experienced a power issue. While it was being towed, a complication with the brakes led to visible smoke being seen.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

Maybe the stress got to Ariel and she took a quick smoke when nobody was looking? And things got out of control?

poor unfortunate souls

 

[ShoeCello]

OCRegister article: https://www.ocregister.com/2025/09/...-as-smoke-billows-from-paint-the-night-float/

One CM treated (and released) by DL first aid; glad no serious injuries.

And the update on the status of the float (basically saying TBD):

Disneyland teams are assessing the Little Mermaid float and will determine if it can be included in the parade, according to Disneyland officials.

 

[KPeterso]

Well that is scray. Hope the CM is ok.

Leaves me wondering though about the cast member. About 6-7 weeks ago, I went for an evening and decided to stay for the parade. I was sitting by this couple who were "extremely close friends" with Ariel. Our area got a lot of love from her during both parades when that float went past! And I took pics of them watching her in the parade and then sent the pictures to the couple. Wondering if she was the Ariel that night and hoping she is ok.

 

[LKing]

Leaves me wondering though about the cast member. About 6-7 weeks ago, I went for an evening and decided to stay for the parade. I was sitting by this couple who were "extremely close friends" with Ariel. Our area got a lot of love from her during both parades when that float went past! And I took pics of them watching her in the parade and then sent the pictures to the couple.

That's very sweet. We once sat next to people who were very close to Wendy in Fantasmic. Love those types of experiences.

 

[disneychrista]

Did the parade go off as expected last night? Obviously minus the LM float? Did anything replace it?