|
It inspires awe and
wonderment. Its fairy-tale finesse captures the imagination of millions
of Disney guests every year. Lights bathe it in rainbow hues, and
Tinker Bell flies gracefully from its turrets. Hundreds of fireworks
perform a celebratory dance above it. Once, it was transformed into a
giant pink birthday confection.
Since its storybook spires first graced the Florida sky in 1971,
Cinderella Castle has been the magical centerpiece of Walt Disney World
Resort.
 From its subtle color palette to rich gold detail, Cinderella Castle
exudes fairy-tale charm. In the castle breezeway, more than 300,000
pieces of colored Italian glass and enamel make up the five-panel
mosaic tiles that tell the rags-to-riches story of Cinderella. A
sculpted coat of arms and a clock of ancient styling add authenticity.
Cinderella Castle, the regal icon of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney
World Resort, radiates magic inside and out with its salute to medieval
European styles from 13th century French fortresses to late Renaissance
palaces.
Before designing the castle, Walt Disney Imagineers studied famous
European palaces and castles, including Fontainebleau, Versailles, and
the chateaus of Chenonceau, Chambord and Chaumant. Chief designer Herb
Ryman also turned to the original designs for the 1950 film,
"Cinderella," prepared by the Disney animation staff.
Imagineer and master color stylist John Hench carefully selected
castle colors that would complement, not compete with, the strong blue
skies of central Florida. Seven shades of gray were used for trim
pieces, and the subtle color palette has since been warmed to let the
castle stand out even more against its brilliant natural backdrop.
Magic Kingdom Fun Facts
Towering Height: Cinderella Castle soars 189 feet into the sky and can be seen from two miles away.
Architectural "Wows": The castle boasts 18 towers and its spires are topped with sparkling gold-painted finials.
Mosaic Masterpiece: Five tile mosaics designed by
Imagineer Dorothea Redmond tell the story of Cinderella just inside the
Castle Breezeway. Each of the panel tile mosaics is 15 feet high and 10
feet wide.
Wishing on a Star: The nighttime fireworks
extravaganza "Wishes" explodes in a dazzling display of color each
evening, with sage Jiminy Cricket narrating to classic Disney film
tunes.
Flight of the Fairy: Tinker Bell, the mischievous
pixie of "Peter Pan," wows guests as she "flies" from a castle turret
each evening during "Wishes."
"A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes": As part of "The
Year of a Million Dreams Celebration" through 2008, Imagineers built a
fourth-floor castle suite with centuries-old charm and modern
amenities. During the celebration, a Walt Disney World guest and up to
five members of his or her party are selected randomly to experience a
dream-come-true overnight stay in the suite.
Disney Family Salute: The sculpted coat of arms posted over the castle front and rear entrances belongs to the Disney family.
Clock Oddity: The numbers on the face of the clock on
the front of Cinderella Castle all are Roman numerals except for the
number "IV," which instead consists of four straight lines. Why?
Ancient Romans used "IV" interchangeably with "IIII" (which can be seen
above one of the Coliseum's doors), and it's easier to differentiate
"IIII" from the number "6" or "VI" on a clock or sundial.
Castle Confection: In 1996-97, to celebrate Walt
Disney World's 25th anniversary, the castle was transformed into a huge
"cake" with large decorations and more than 400 gallons of pink paint.
Royal Feast: Cinderella's Royal Table, featuring one
of the most popular Disney character dining experiences, is located
upstairs inside the castle. Formerly known as King Stefan's Banquet
Hall (with a nod to the father of Sleeping Beauty), the restaurant was
renamed in 1997.
Makeover Magic: Inside the castle breezeway, fairy
godmothers-in-training at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique perform magical
makeovers on kids eager to become a "Disney Diva," "Pop Princess" or
"Cool Dude."
Fairytale Garden Fun: In the shadow of the castle,
Belle of "Beauty and the Beast" gathers guests for story time in the
Fairytale Garden several times daily.
Sincerest Form of Flattery: Cinderella Castle at
Tokyo Disneyland features an exterior that replicates the one at Walt
Disney World Resort. Instead of housing a restaurant, the Tokyo castle
interior features the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour attraction.
Tags: Cinderella Castle Walt Disney World Tinker Bell Cinderella Castle trivia |
