Cinderella Castle Returning to Classic Colors at Magic Kingdom

During a wildly entertaining “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles” Destination D23 session, Imagineers revealed that Cinderella Castle is getting a makeover. And for anyone older than five, the finished look will feel very familiar. The Magic Kingdom icon is returning to her classic pre-50th anniversary style, with the celebration’s rose pinks and golds giving way to timeless grays, creams, blues, and subtle “touches of gold.”

Disney shared a concept of the new yet familiar look. The rendering conjures Herb Ryman’s original Cinderella Castle concept painting, a beautiful work of art. Ryman was the castle’s chief designer. Thanks to Bluesky’s Laura for reminding us of his concept.

Cinderella Castle was last painted between March and July 2020. I snapped the following photo just before work began. Two days later, crews began prepping for the makeover. Disney World shut down for Covid the following Sunday.

These photos show just how harsh the Florida sun can be. And while Cinderella Castle’s 50th paint scheme still looks beautiful, it too has started to fade. Imagineers have a plan to mitigate that, however:

“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, we use a high-performance paint that is actually used for cars! The paint is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for touch-ups.”

Imagineers will also use different sheens based on the location. The castle’s “stones” will get flatter paints, while rooftops and accent pieces will get high gloss coverage. Gold accents will be added to areas near the spires to make sunset photos pop.

Finally, here’s a look at Cinderella Castle over the past five years. We dig the vibe, but we’re thrilled to be getting the classic castle back.

Read more: Photo Gallery: Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After