Disneyland is known for its magical parades, filled with vibrant floats and unforgettable performances that leave guests mesmerized. One of the most beloved parades, Paint the Night, returned for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration after a lengthy absence. Fans were thrilled to see the dazzling spectacle of lights, music, and characters once again lighting up Main Street, U.S.A.
But on the evening of September 10, 2025, an incident occurred that no one at the park expected, turning the magical event into a chaotic scene.
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As the Paint the Night parade made its way through Fantasyland, the float featuring Ariel, King Triton, Flounder, and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid (1989) suddenly began to emit smoke. Eyewitnesses on social media even reported seeing flames coming from the float. The sight of smoke and fire quickly disrupted the parade, forcing it to stop.
The Little Mermaid float in Paint the Night at Disneyland started smoking tonight and the parade had to be stopped and guests were removed from the area.
The Little Mermaid float in Paint the Night at Disneyland started smoking tonight and the parade had to be stopped and guests were removed from the area pic.twitter.com/Snges3YSUH
— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) September 11, 2025
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Disney cast members reacted swiftly to the emergency, quickly removing the cast member portraying Ariel from the front of the float. Within moments, Disney employees began evacuating guests from the area to ensure everyone’s safety. Thankfully, no one was injured, and within half an hour, the smoke was completely extinguished.
As the emergency was handled, the float was towed back down Main Street, U.S.A., and taken backstage for further inspection. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and Disney has not confirmed how much damage the float sustained.
As the Paint the Night parade continues to be a highlight of the Disneyland experience, fans are left wondering whether the float will return in the near future or if it will remain out of sight for repairs.
@emmuhthefloor walked out of star tours to the parade stopped 🙁 #fyp #disneyland
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The parade, which is part of Disneyland's Halloween celebrations, is scheduled to run through November 9, but after that, the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade will take over. At this time, there’s no word on whether the float will be ready to join the festivities once the holiday season begins, or if it will remain in storage until the new year.
Although the situation was swiftly dealt with, this unexpected turn of events has left many wondering if it’s just a temporary setback or if this will impact the Paint the Night parade in the long run. Despite this, the parade will continue through the holiday season, and fans are still excited to see what other surprises the park has in store.
Have you ever witnessed something unexpected during a Disney parade, or have you experienced any other surprising moments at the park? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below! What’s your favorite Disney parade, and what do you think the future holds for Paint the Night?
