A post shared by hollyer (@hollyer) on May 11, 2018 at 1:50pm PDT

A metallic fire-breathing dragon at Disney World burst into flames during a parade – but visitors seemed to think it was all just part of the show.

Video footage which has appeared online shows the head of the mechanical beast engulfed in flames and thick smoke pouring out.

But despite the danger onlookers appeared to think it was all just part of the act and just carried on watching and filming events.

A park employee quickly put out the fire and Disney World said no one was injured.

An investigation has now been launched into how the fire started, a spokesperson for the theme park said.

The robot is Maleficent’s dragon and part of the Magic Kingdom’s daily Festival of Fantasy parade.

The Reedy Creek fire department responded to the incident, but by the time they arrived the fire had been contained.

The dragon, described by The Orlando Sentinel as having a “steampunk” design, usually rolls through the streets of the park bobbing up and down and occasionally rearing its head back to blow out smoke and flames.

The dragon is usually operated by a park employee, stationed near the base of the neck.

Another park employee is stationed towards the rear, while additional costumed cast members travel by foot.

Debuting more than four years ago at Disney World, the Festival of Fantasy parade includes several themed floats such as Mickey Mouse and the royal “Frozen” sisters.