NEED TO KNOW
- Disneyland had a simple explanation for a mysterious black ring that appeared above the resort
- The ring was made of smoke from pyrotechnic testing
- The park is preparing for its holiday programming
Disneyland is explaining the mysterious black ring of smoke that drivers nearby spotted rising above the popular theme park.
Lori Nayahalski photographed the unique occurrence in Anaheim, Calif., at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time, according to KTLA.
“It wasn’t dissipating, nor was it a flock of birds,” Nayahalski told the outlet. “Real-life Matrix or just an orchestrated spoof… I don’t know, but it was something.”
The park confirmed that the ring was a result of testing before opening the park, according to KTLA. The ring formed was from the pyrotechnics resort employees use during Disneyland’s nighttime spectaculars.
The Disneyland Resort has two nighttime spectaculars, World of Color at Disney California Adventure and Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park. Both feature pyrotechnics, light shows and live performances.
World of Color was created in honor of the park’s 70th anniversary, according to the resort’s official site.
“Visit Disney California Adventure Park for a new nighttime spectacular, inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening-day dedication of Disneyland 7 decades ago: ‘To all who come to this happy place… welcome!’ ” the resort’s description of World of Color reads.
“Fast asleep, Mickey dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. With a wave of his hands, he conducts scenes from Fantasia across enormous screens of water while brilliant sparks burst overhead,” the official description for Fantasmic! reads.
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The theme park is rolling out new holiday programming, beginning on Friday, Nov. 14. The holiday programming will include Mickey and Minnie Mouse and more characters in holiday attire. Other attractions include Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, “It’s a Small World” holiday projections, Haunted Mansion Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and WinterTime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.
The new attractions will transform the park into a winter wonderland for visitors until Jan. 7, 2026.
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