 Cinderella's
Castle, the main entrance to Fantasyland, is the most photographed
building at Walt Disney World. Over the years, it has undergone
some changes, from being transformed to a large, pink, candy
trimmed 25th Anniversary cake, to the more ornate gold-trimmed
spectacle that was added to the facade during the Happiest Celebration on Earth.
Standing at 180 feet tall, the
graceful spires and towers were inspired by the French castles
of the 12th and 13th century, as well as Disney's animated
feature, Cinderella. The fairy tale Castle may look like
the real thing, but it is actually made out of steel beams
and fiberglass, not bricks.
Inside the Castle you'll see the Disney family coat of arms
displayed. As you walk through the Castle, you'll see the
intricate mosaic murals. These colorful masterpieces are made
from over a million pieces of Italian glass in addition
to real silver and 14 karat gold pieces. The five 15' by
10' murals tell the "happily ever after" story
of Cinderella. On the second floor is the Cinderella's Royal
Table restaurant.
Calling for advance dining reservations (ADRs) is a must for this popular
character dining venue.
 One
of the upper floors is the Cinderella Suite. Built for the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion, an overnight stay here was one of the most sought after prizes Disney offered.
The forecourt area of the Castle is home
to stage productions as the "Kids of the Kingdom" and Disney characters perform daily. In the back courtyard
area, you'll find a fountain with a bronze statue of Cinderella
and her mouse and bird friends. Make a wish! The rose gardens
in front of the Castle are a great spot to relax and simply absorb the magic that's around. |
