10 Fun Facts About Cinderella Castle

1. Smile!

Both Cinderella Castle in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland face south. Why is that? Walt Disney specified that the castles be oriented in that fashion so that amateur photographers would have ideal shooting conditions when taking their souvenir photos.

2. Coloring the Castle

Though the Castle has gone through some temporary make-overs throughout the years (who can ever forget the Birthday Cake Castle, or Stitch’s TP “redecorating”!), the structure of the Castle has remained largely intact. But that hasn’t been the case for the paint color. In 2006 the Castle received a new palette, with the walls and towers becoming a pinkish off-white, and the turrets becoming a darker, royal blue. To celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, the Castle was given another makeover, this time decking it out in stunning blues, pinks, and golds.

That brings us to today where, during the “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles” panel at Destination D23, Imagineers shared a rendering for the new Cinderella Castle color palette, which is inspired by the classic and original look of the Castle. The updated color scheme will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the Castle’s architecture. While the project team is still putting the finishing touches on the paint design process, Disney shared some details about the incredible amount of research and care that goes into painting the Castle. No matter the season or the perspective, Cinderella Castle is designed to be picture-perfect, much of which can be attributed to the paint and themed finishes. Because of that, the paint we use has to undergo accelerated UV and weather testing, simulating years of sun exposure. This rigorous process ensures that the Castle’s colors stay vivid for years to come.

For hard-to-reach locations, such as the roofs, Disney uses a high-performance paint that is actually used for cars! The paint is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for touch-ups. Sheen also plays an important role. Subtle variations help the Castle feel more lifelike: stones are finished with a lower sheen to appear natural, while rooftops and gold accents shine with higher gloss, giving them a decorative sparkle. Gold is used strategically around the spires, to catch the last reflections of sunlight.

3. An Aerial Landmark

In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over Walt Disney World. The restricted zone was a circle six nautical miles across, and the only planes permitted to fly in that space are WDW Cessna 172 and law enforcement aircraft. (Don’t be alarmed if you see a plane flying high overhead though, the TFR zone only extends to 3,000 feet.) In order for pilots to visualize the location of the circle, a suitable landmark was needed to mark the center. What landmark? Why, Cinderella Castle of course! (In case you’re curious, Tinker Bell has special permission to take her evening flight from the top of the castle.)

4. The Castle Suite

The Castle Suite is a dream destination for every Walt Disney World Guest, though as of now this privilege is restricted to specially chosen Guests and Cast Members who are occasionally awarded with a night in the Castle. But where is the Suite exactly? If you’re looking at the side of the Castle from the Liberty Square bridge, look for a grouping of three tall stained-glass windows; those are the windows to the Castle Suite. If you look closely you may be able to make out the three designs in the windows which are, from left to right, a clock, an invitation, and a smaller castle.

5. Gus and Jacques

If you have eagle eyes, another set of three windows can be seen around the corner toward the rear of the castle, though these are somewhat obscured and harder to make out. From left to right, this set of windows depicts a grander castle, Gus and Jacques holding a key, and the glass slipper.

6. The View from the Suite

You would think that the Suite would offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom, but such is not the case. This is largely due to the fact that much of the park maintenance is done at night, and it was felt that that wouldn’t make for a very magical view. You can get a blurry glimpse of Fantasyland through the glass slipper on one of the rear windows, but it’s a limited view. (That’s OK though, there’s enough magic in the Suite itself to keep you more than occupied!)

7. A Castle for Tokyo

The Cinderella Castle in Tokyo Disneyland had a walkthrough attraction that operated through 2006. The Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour took Guests on a walking tour through the Gallery, the Ball Room, the Dining Room, the Guest Room, and the Tower. The attraction focused on Disney Villains, and featured a Magic Mirror (even though this was Cinderella’s castle and not Snow White’s). Today, you can visit Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall. Cinderella and Prince Charming have opened Cinderella Castle to Guests even while they are away, and Cinderella wished to share the story of the magical way that she became a princess. You can wander through the castle to view paintings, dioramas, and other artworks that follow her story!

8. Coat of Arms

In addition to the Disney family coat of arms that hangs over the entrances to the castle, you can find an additional 40 or so hanging in the restaurant. Each one pays tribute to a key Disney individual, similar to the windows on Main Street U.S.A.

9. Yes, the Castle Has Elevators!

The Castle includes three elevators; one that takes Guests to Cinderella’s Royal Table, one that goes to the Suite, and one reserved for Cast Member use only.

10. Just a Reminder…

While the Castle was being constructed, a makeshift banner was hung above the entrance that read “Remember, Opening Oct. 1971.” Just in case anyone forgot!