We were able to preview the reopening of the Magic Kingdom this week. And while there were all sorts of changes and things to note that you can read about in our review article (here), it was the extreme makeover of Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle that captured my attention.
The updated colors reflect Walt Disney World’s 50th golden anniversary next year, with dazzling gold, blushing rose gold, and royal blue as the primary thematic colors. Here are some of my favorite shots, plus some background information and concept art for the transformation. And yes, it’s Cinderella Castle, with no apostrophe “s”. According to Imagineering, it’s Prince Charming’s castle, he just named it after Cinderella.
From Dreams to Reality
Back in February, we wrote that Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle would be getting a magical transformation to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Cinderella’s theatrical release this year and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World next year. The castle’s vibrant enhancements were inspired by the classic fairy tale. The concept art depicts the castle in a shimmering golden glow with new techniques to employ forced perspective. The use of gradually lightening colors from bottom to top make the castle seem larger than it already is.
If this technique seems familiar, it was also used for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland last year. It features super-saturated tones of royal blue fading to turquoise, and vibrant pink gradually lightening to a more delicate shade.
The makeover of Cinderella Castle started a few weeks after the announcement in February. Just a month after, the project was halted due to the company-wide closure of Disney Parks. For a while, we were wondering if the transformation would be held off until next year. To our surprise and delight, painting resumed back in May.
To refresh your memory, here’s what Cinderella Castle looked like before the new color scheme.
For more about the initial announcement, and to see Cinderella Castle’s various transformations over the years (including the most infamous of all, Stitch’s graffiti and TP’d castle) read the article below!
By the time of the Cast Member preview on July 7, Cinderella Castle was all decked out in golden splendor and mostly complete. Now, onto what you’ve been waiting to see!
A Golden Cinderella Castle
Here are some of the shots we took of Cinderella Castle decked in gold on the Cast Member preview. As you look at these photos, keep in mind that the castle is not complete, that is, they are still painting and updating the details daily. That said, the concept art of the castle already translates pretty well off the page! Take a few moments and enjoy a view of the updated castle!
There is still some construction happening around the castle. The moat around the castle remains drained, and equipment rests in the moat.
The gold paint has pink highlights. I’m looking forward to seeing the castle in bright sunlight, it was cloudy on our visit.
As Walt Disney World heads towards its golden anniversary, the makeover of Cinderella Castle is a fitting celebration. Disney mentioned in the original announcement that this is a permanent change to the Castle.
But we can’t help but wonder what you think. Below, you’ll find images of the castle in November 2019 (left), the concept art (center), and the nearly complete repaint (right).
Make Future Magic
Theme parks will reopen, and there’s no better time to lock in low rates on future travel. Special comeback rates are now available at some of your favorite theme park hotels – discounted up to $100 off their regular nightly rates.
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park shutdown concerns and rescheduling plans. We know you’re as uncertain about the future as we are. That’s why Get Away Today is offering the most flexible Disney travel options available:
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Let’s Hear From You
This is a pretty big change for Magic Kingdom’s central icon. The new colors should look good on all those thousands of Instagram posts. What do you think of the new color scheme? Do you prefer the more subtle nuanced colors of the past, or the new vivid forced perspective look the castle now sports? Be sure to vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments!
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