Treasures of Cinderella Castle: Elegant Icon of the Magic Kingdom

When people think about going to Walt Disney World the first image that usually come into their head is one of Cinderella Castle. This magnificent palace perched at the end of Main Street USA draws people deeper into the park. Guests walk from a world they are familiar with, back through history, and then into the delights of childhood fantasy. Representing a world of hopes and dreams, this magical castle stands to reminds us that anything is possible.


Cinderella Castle


The 189 foot tall Cinderella Castle is the classic icon of the Magic Kingdom. With a foot both in both the real world and that of Fairy Tales, Disney Imagineers gained inspiration for its design in the exquisite palaces of 17th century France. They recreated astonishing beauty through optical illusions that created towering stone walls, soaring turrets and glimmeringing spires. Like any royal palace, inside the castle walls guests will also find many treasures to delight in.

Simply by walking through the castle you will come across five elegant bejeweled mosaic murals depicting the classic tale of Cinderella designed by Disney Legend Dorthea Redmond. The skilled hand of artist Hanns-Joachim Scharff carefully created each of these fifteen-foot high and ten-foot wide masterpieces. The work is full of exquisite detail and took two years to complete. To me it is one of the most inspiring works art in the entire Magic Kingdom, and most people sadly breeze right on by it. Members of the WDWFG Forums like to stop by and touch the slipper to remember friends and family that can't be with us.


Elegant Mosaic Murals Tale the Tale of Cinderella


Every would be Princess needs the perfect makeover and the castle is home to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This enchanted beauty salon for guests 3 and 12 years of age is owned by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and run by her skilled apprentices. It's one of two Walt Disney World locations responsible for turning out some of the realms most adorable visitors. Reservations for this popular experience are strongly suggested.

Cinderella's Royal Table is a special dining destination that's located in the castle. A truly royal experience, the atmosphere of eating in the castle beneath the soaring arched ceilings, glittering stained glass, and plush tapestries is magnificent. When you add in a few Princesses and the Fairy Godmother it's something most people don't soon forget. That being said, the food being served is respectable but pretty average. This is one of the most coveted and difficult advance dining reservations that a guest can get. If you want to try for a spot, be sure to call 180 days in advance, as soon as the phone lines open, but be warned the spots are often filled within minutes.


Cinderella's Royal Table Dining Room:


In 2006 to celebrate the 'Year of a Million Dreams' Walt Disney Imagineers took empty apartments up in the castle that had originally been intended for Walt Disney and created The Cinderella Castle Suite. Visiting this suite is an elusive and coveted experience for Disney fans, actually spending the night in it is an even more rare of a treat. Widely considered the most exclusive hotel room in the world, no guest can simply book the room; guests must be invited to stay. Disney uses the Cinderella Castle Suite in promotional experiences and charity events. If you'd like to see some fabulous pictures inside of the suite, be sure to visit here.


Stuben Glass Slipper in the Cinderella Castle Suite


Disney's elegant Cinderella Castle provides a backdrop not only for millions of family vacation pictures each year but the centerpiece for a variety of exciting experiences. The grounds around are a picturesque setting that play host to the Cinderella's Wishing Well, Dream Along With Mickey stage show, Wishes Fireworks, and the Celebrate The Magic projection show. Another hidden treasure is that its rose garden makes for a magnificent venue that exclusive brides (to whom money is no object) may marry in during a truly spectacular Disney Fairy Tale Wedding.

Do you spend time at Cinderella Castle while you're in the Magic Kingdom, or do you just give it a glimpse while walking by? Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite thing is about this regale Disney icon.