Photographer Lori Nayehalski and nearby drivers spotted a striking black ring of smoke above Disneyland at about 6:30 a.m.. The resort confirmed it was produced by routine pyrotechnic testing for its nighttime shows — not an unusual atmospheric event. The test was part of preparations for holiday programming that runs from Nov. 14 through Jan. 7, 2026.
Mysterious Black Smoke Ring Over Disneyland Explained — Park Says It Was Pyrotechnic Testing
Mysterious black ring over Disneyland traced to pyrotechnic testing
Drivers and a local photographer in Anaheim, California, were surprised to see a perfect black ring of smoke hovering above the Disneyland Resort early one morning. Photographer Lori Nayehalski captured images of the dark circular plume at about 6:30 a.m. local time, telling KTLA the formation “wasn’t dissipating, nor was it a flock of birds” and looked like a “Real-life Matrix” moment.
“It wasn’t dissipating, nor was it a flock of birds,” Lori Nayehalski said. “Real-life Matrix or just an orchestrated spoof... I don’t know, but it was something.”
The Disneyland Resort provided a straightforward explanation: the ring was produced by routine pyrotechnic testing staff perform before the park opens. Resort officials confirmed the smoke came from devices used in the park’s nighttime spectaculars rather than an unusual atmospheric event.
Which shows use pyrotechnics?
Disneyland currently offers two major nighttime productions that incorporate fireworks, lights, water and special effects: World of Color at Disney California Adventure and Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park. Both shows combine pyrotechnics with water, projection and live performance elements that require periodic testing to ensure safety and timing.
Holiday preparations
Park officials said the test was part of preparations for seasonal entertainment. Disneyland’s holiday programming begins Friday, Nov. 14, and will run through Jan. 7, 2026. Seasonal offerings include:
- Mickey and Minnie in festive attire
- Chip and Dale's Ornament Trail
- “It's a Small World” holiday projections
- Haunted Mansion Holiday
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade
- WinterTime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
Observers who capture unusual sights like this are encouraged to report them to local media or park officials. In this case, Disneyland’s explanation reassures visitors that the striking black ring was a controlled effect from routine show testing rather than a safety incident.
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