By Juliana OctaviniWhen we think of Disney parks, one of the first images that comes to mind is undoubtedly that of a castle. Cinderella CastleAt Magic Kingdom, it became one of the greatest symbols of Walt Disney World and, therefore, one of the most photographed landscapes by visitors. And it’s not for the least, is it? After all, it’s beautiful! And there’s no way to not be delighted with it.
I'm a suspect to talk about, because no matter how many times I go to Magic Kingdom, I always want to take a different picture in front of the castle! rsrs
But you knew there were six Disney castles scattered across the world's theme parksAnd they're not all the same: each one has a story, an honored princess, architectural features and different experiences.
In this guide, you will meet the Disney castles in California, Florida, Japan, France, Hong Kong and China, besides discovering curiosities about Cinderella Castle in Orlando, including its height, what exists inside and where to take the best pictures.
What are Disney castles?
Currently, there are six great castles in Disney parks around the world:
- Cinderella CastleAt the Magic Kingdom in Orlando;
- Sleeping Castle of the Sleeping Beauty, Disneyland California;
- Cinderella Castle, Tokyo Disneyland;
- Sleeping Castle of the Sleeping Beauty, Disneyland Paris;
- Castle of Magical Dreams, Hong Kong Disneyland;
- Enchanted Storybook CastleShanghai Disneyland.
Although all have the function of representing magic and fairy tales within the parks, each construction has its own characteristics.
1. Cinderella Castle – Magic Kingdom, Orlando
O Cinderella Castle (Cinderella Castle) It's probably the world's most famous Disney Castle. It's in the heart of Magic Kingdom in Orlando, and it works as one of the park's main symbols.
Magic Kingdom inaugurated the castle in 1971, with approximately 189 feet high, equivalent to 57.6 metresDisney itself describes it as the symbol of Magic Kingdom and highlights its gardens, moat, towers and the well of Cinderella's wishes.
The architecture combines references from different European castles and uses a technique called forced perspective. The elements of the upper parts of the construction appear on a smaller scale, creating the impression that the castle is even higher.
Is Cinderella Castle really made of stone?
No. Although its appearance resembles a medieval stone-built castle, the structure uses modern materials, including concrete, steel, cement, plaster and fiberglass.
This combination allowed Disney to create a visually grand construction, but suited to the needs of a theme park.
Is it possible to enter Cinderella Castle?
Yes, but it's important to understand what that means.
The castle does not function as an open museum for the visitor simply to enter and explore all its surroundings.
However, there are experiences located within or directly associated with the construction.
The main one is the Cinderella's Royal Table, a restaurant where visitors have a meal inside the castle and can find Disney characters. Disney recommends booking in advance, as it is a very competitive experience.
Another very special experience is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where children from 3 to 12 years old can go through a transformation inspired by the universe of fairy tales. The Magic Kingdom unit is behind Cinderella Castle. By the way, for those who are going with young children, this is an experience I highly recommend! Girls are transformed into princesses with the right to pinpin powder. It is therefore an experience that can leave the journey of the child even more striking and charming!
What's inside Cinderella Castle?
One of the most beautiful elements of the castle's interior, by the way, is the handmade glass mosaics, which tell Cinderella's story.
These mosaics are part of the castle area accessible to visitors through the experiences offered on site. Disney highlights glasswork as one of the striking features of the construction.
Cinderella's Royal Table is also inside the castle and features a banquet hall with arches, medieval flags and stained glass windows.
Where to take pictures of Cinderella Castle?
You don't have to go into the castle to get amazing pictures.
The classic view takes place from the Main Street, U.S.A.It's precisely this perspective that usually produces one of the most traditional pictures of Magic Kingdom.
It is also worth exploring the castle's surroundings and its gardens to find other angles.
Tip: If you want a picture with fewer people, getting to Magic Kingdom early usually makes it easy.
And if you're on a scheduled trip to Orlando, I recommend too much checking the following articles on Disney parks and enjoying your trip to Disney!
📌 All about Magic Kingdom Park
📌 Disney: prohibited and allowed items in parks
📌 Disney and Universal Orlando parking: prices, tips and how it works
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2 Sleeping Beauty Castle – Disneyland, California
The first castle built by Disney is on Disneyland, California.
Inaugurated in 1955He's dedicated to Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty, with approximately 23 meters highIt's much smaller than Orlando Cinderella Castle, can you believe it?
Despite its relatively small size, its historical importance is enormous: it was the first castle built for a Disney park and became one of the symbols of Disneyland.
One curiosity is that the castle houses an experience that presents the story of Sleeping Beauty through scenes and visual elements.
3. Cinderella Castle – Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland also owns a Cinderella Castle, opened in 1983.
With approximately 51 meters highHe has some visual similarities to Orlando Castle, since both are dedicated to the same princess.
One of the experiences associated with the castle is the Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall, which presents elements of the princess's story and therefore allows visitors to know different environments inspired by fairy tale.
The castle also becomes one of the park's great visual highlights during special events and shows.
4. Sleeping Beauty Castle – Disneyland Paris
At Disneyland Paris, the castle is dedicated to Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) and has a quite different architecture than that found in Orlando.
O Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant was inaugurated in 1992 and has approximately 50 meters high.
One of its greatest differences is inside: the castle houses La Tanière du Dragon, an experience that features a huge animatronic dragon.
The construction also has stained glass windows, tapestries as well as other elements inspired by European fairy tales.
Because of being in France, the architecture of the castle was designed to combine Disney's fantasy with visual references to European castles. Therefore, a unique experience for those visiting it!
5. Castle of Magical Dreams – Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland Castle is known as Castle of Magical Dreams.
He went through a great transformation and was reopened in 2020It became one of the most different castles in all Disney parks.
Instead of representing only one princess, the project honors different female characters in the Disney universe.
Its architecture combines different styles, colors and elements inspired by various princesses and heroines.
The result is a quite different construction from the traditional European castle we find in Orlando. park are already familiar with royal historical castles, so Disney decided to create something more playful and fabulous.
6. Enchanted Storybook Castle – Shanghai Disneyland
At Shanghai Disneyland is the Enchanted Storybook Castle, opened in 2016.
With approximately 60 meters high Another feature that distinguishes him from the others is that he was not designed to represent exclusively a princess.
His concept celebrates different Disney universe stories and characters.
The castle also hosts entertainment and food experiences, becoming an important part of the visitors' experience at Shanghai Disneyland.
Comparison of Disney Castles
| Castle | Park | Inauguration | Approximate height | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping Castle of the Sleeping Beauty | Disneyland California | 1955 | 23 m | First Disney Castle |
| Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom, Orlando | 1971 | 57.6 m | Magic Kingdom Symbol |
| Cinderella Castle | Tokyo Disneyland | 1983 | 51 m | Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall |
| Sleeping Castle of the Sleeping Beauty | Disneyland Paris | 1992 | 50 m | Animatronic Dragon |
| Castle of Magical Dreams | Hong Kong Disneyland | 2020* | 51 m | Retirement to several heroines |
| Enchanted Storybook Castle | Shanghai Disneyland | 2016 | 60 m | ♪ Disney Castle higher ♪ |
* The original castle of Hong Kong Disneyland was inaugurated in 2005 and underwent a major remake, being re-opened as Castle of Magical Dreams in 2020.
What's the biggest castle in Disneyland?
O Enchanted Storybook Castle, in Shanghai Disneyland, is the highest of Disney castles, with approximately 60 metres.
It surpasses the Cinderella Castle of Magic Kingdom, which is about 57.6 metres.
This may surprise many visitors, as Orlando Castle is probably the most famous of them.
Which one of the Disney castles is the smallest?
O Sleeping Beauty Castle of Disneyland California It's the smallest of six, approximately 23 meters high.
Although the smallest, however, it has a huge historical importance for being the first castle built for a Disney park.
Which one of Disney Castles is the prettiest?
That is an impossible question to answer objectively!
Cinderella Castle in Orlando is the most iconic and probably the most internationally recognized.
The castle of Paris is already a highlight for the architecture inspired by European fairy tales. Shanghai's is impressive by its size, while Hong Kong's is a highlight for its different proposal.
So the choice of the most beautiful depends very much on the taste of each visitor.
Which one of Disney castles is worth knowing?
If you're planning a trip to Orlando, the Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is undoubtedly one of the places that deserves to be on your screenplay.
Even if you don't have a meal at Cinderella's Royal Table or participate in some experience inside the castle, it's worth taking time to observe it, photograph it and know its details.
Construction is part of Magic Kingdom's identity and is undoubtedly one of those places that represent the very idea we have of Disney.
Summary: The 6 Disney Castles
The six Disney castles have quite different features:
- 🏰 California: Sleeping Beauty Castle — the first and smallest of Disney castles.
- 👑 Orlando: Cinderella Castle — it is considered the symbol of Magic Kingdom.
- ✨ Tokyo: Cinderella Castle — with experiences dedicated to the princess.
- 🐉 Paris: Sleeping Beauty Castle — with a dragon inside.
- 🌟 Hong Kong: Castle of Magical Dreams — dedicated to several heroines.
- 📖 Shanghai: Enchanted Storybook Castle — the highest of all Disney castles.
And you, did you know about these Disney castle curiosities, and which one of these castles would you like to meet?
