A Walk Around Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom (Photos and Things to Do)
Cinderella Castle is the central hub of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The elaborate structure gets its inspiration from Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, and other European landmarks like Versailles, Fontainebleau, the Château de Chambord, and Chateau De Chaumont, among others. Fictionally, Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland and the castle used in the animated film Cinderella also influenced the castle’s design.
Disney Legend John Hench designed Cinderella Castle, which took 18 months to complete. Interestingly, no bricks were used in the construction of the castle, which is made of steel beams, concrete, fiberglass, and plaster. The castle was finished in July 1971, a few months before Magic Kingdom Park opened to the public the following October.
Over the years, Cinderella Castle has received temporary and permanent enhancements. During the park’s 25th anniversary, the castle received a makeover that transformed it into a giant birthday cake for 15 months. It was covered in pink paint representing icing and topped with giant candy accents and faux birthday candles.
Perhaps the most notable makeover happened in 2020 in honor of the park’s 50th anniversary, also known as the World’s Most Magical Celebration. The castle received a new paint job, transitioning from its original gray structure to a pale pink with royal blue accents that initially appeared almost purple in the central Florida sun.
Below, we’ll walk through Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom and discuss what to expect during your visit. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to do at the castle. But it is the backdrop for several entertainment offerings you won’t want to miss.
Here’s a chart with all the details for Cinderella Castle.
| Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom |
|---|---|
Location: | Fantasyland |
Height Requirement: | None |
Lightning Lane: | NA |
Ride Type: | Walk Through Only |
Early Theme Park Hours: | NA |
Extended Evening Hours: | NA |
Rider Switch: | None |
Good For: | Seeing the castle up close. |
Scare Factor: | None |
Must-Do List: | High |
Perfect For: | All Ages |
Special Mention: | Murals inside the castle tell the story of Cinderella. |
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Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle
When you first enter Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll almost immediately see Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A. Guests walk down Main Street to the front of the castle each morning to enjoy Let the Magic Begin, the park’s welcome show. Mickey Mouse and friends join the stage to kick off the day.
Another stage show, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, is performed throughout the day. This show, often held five times per day, is an excellent opportunity to see multiple characters in one setting.
PhotoPass photographers are available throughout the hub in front of Cinderella Castle most of the day to take photos of guests in front of the castle.
Perhaps the most popular place to have a photo taken is directly in front of the Partners statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Cinderella Castle is a stunning backdrop.
If you are lucky enough, you might catch the Omnibus or another one of the Main Street Vehicles out during your visit. If you head up to the second level of the Omnibus, you’ll have the opportunity to take in unique views of the castle.
Cinderella Castle is 189 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in Magic Kingdom. Other tall structures at Walt Disney World include the Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror (199 feet)and Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest (199 feet).
Cinderella Castle is surrounded by gorgeous landscaping, lighting, and other attributes. Items include a few golden statues installed in honor of the park’s last major anniversary. These statues remain and have interactive elements that work with MagicBand+.
A few gated areas in front of the castle are reserved for special fireworks viewing areas. One area is designated for guests in ECVS or wheelchairs to watch the evening fireworks with their families. Another area is designated for guests who have paid to attend special dessert parties that include the reserved fireworks viewing.
Cinderella Castle is gorgeous from all viewing points.
If you’re interested in photography, you might enjoy taking a few reflection shots.
A moat surrounds both sides of the castle.
Cinderella Castle is gorgeous from the back side, too.
Stained glass windows line the back of the castle. Unfortunately, guests are not allowed to tour the inside of the castle. It is home to the Cinderella Castle Suite, which is said to be lavishly decorated. The suite contains a grandfather clock whose hands magically remain on at 11:59 p.m., reminding guests they have all the necessary time.
However, you can dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table, an upscale character meal originally called King Stefan’s Banquet Hall. However, the name was changed to avoid confusing guests between Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in California.
Cinderella’s Royal Table serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Several Disney Princesses are present at the meal. Over 40 coats of arms are displayed inside the restaurant. They represent many of those who had a heavy hand in making Walt Disney World come to fruition, like Roy O. Disney, Roger Broggie Sr., Marty Sklar, Diane Disney Miller, John Hench, Marc Davis, and Dick Nunis.
Directly behind the castle, you’ll find Cinderella Fountain near Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The castle features Cinderella tending to her Gus, Gus, Jacques, Perla, and other mice friends. A bird rests in the palm of her hand.
Those visiting during various holiday seasons can see special projections displayed on Cinderella Castle throughout the evening. Below is an example of snowflakes on the castle during the Christmas season. Disney formerly frosted the castle in tons of lights during the holidays, known as the Castle Dreamlights. Unfortunately, the Dreamlights were last installed in 2019.
The back of the castle is especially pretty at night.
Inside Cinderella Castle, you’ll find panels of mosaic murals that tell the story of Cinderella and the trials she conquered. This mural took nearly two years to execute and is made from over a million pieces of Italian glass, silver, and 14-karat gold.
Guests can walk through the castle archway throughout most of the day. However, it is closed during castle stage performances and the evening fireworks.
You’ll get a beautiful view of Main Street, U.S.A., from the castle.
It’s no wonder that Cinderella Castle is one of the most photographed icons in the world.
For more information about planning a visit to Magic Kingdom, you might enjoy the following attractions:
- Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom (This classic Magic Kingdom attraction features tons of nostalgia.)
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (Yes, it’s a carousel, but how often do you get to ride a carousel behind Cinderella Castle in the most magical place on earth?)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (We love this attraction featuring scenes from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.)
- “it’s a small world” at Magic Kingdom (Love, Love, Love!)
Or you might enjoy previewing our entire List of Magic Kingdom Rides.
In the Comments
Have you ever taken the time to see Cinderella Castle? Do you walk through it during your visit? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
