Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle Review

Although often confused with Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, at 180-plus feet this castle is more than 100 feet taller; and with its elongated towers and lacy fretwork, it's more graceful. Don't miss the elaborate mosaic murals on the walls of the archway as you rush toward Fantasyland from the Hub. The five panels, measuring some 15 feet high and 10 feet wide were created from a million bits of multicolor Italian glass, silver, and 14-karat gold by mosaicist Hanns-Joachim Scharff. The mosaics tell the story of the little cinder girl as she goes from pumpkin to prince to happily ever after.

The fantasy castle has feet, if not of clay, then of solid steel beams, fiberglass, and 500 gallons of paint. Instead of dungeons, there are service tunnels for the Magic Kingdom's less-than-magical quotidian operations, such as Makeup and Costuming. These are the same tunnels that honeycomb the ground under much of the park.

Within the castle's archway is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where the "royal treatment" transforms little girls age 3 and older into princesses or divas. Hair and makeup are by a "Fairy Godmother-in-training." The Knight Package offers a heroic alternative makeover that includes hairstyle, sword, and shield. If you have reservations to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, you enter the castle by way of an ascending spiral staircase. You are attended by costumed waiters and joined by Cinderella and other princesses in one of Disney's most popular character-dining experiences. For people with disabilities: For those with limited mobility, elevator access to the dining experience is provided. Call 180 days ahead, or as soon as you can, to reserve the character breakfast, lunch, or dinner known as Fairytale Dining.