See the Latest Cinderella Castle CHANGES at Magic Kingdom

Since the day it first opened in 1971, Cinderella Castle has served as the symbol of Walt Disney World and the backdrop for millions of photos. Currently, the icon is in the midst of a makeover that harkens back to its past as part of the resort’s massive transformation.

Cinderella Castle being painted

Back in the summer of 2025, Disney announced that Cinderella Castle would be getting a new color scheme in 2026, highlighted by “handsome blues and radiant golds.” According to Disney, these colors were chosen to reflect the Florida sunshine in a way that makes the castle shimmer from every angle, and as an homage to the building’s earlier look.

Work began on the new paint job in earnest in early 2026, as Cinderella Castle’s moat was drained to be used as a staging area and base for large cranes and cherry pickers, which workers are using to paint the building.

The equipment based in the empty moat.

On a recent trip to the park, we saw the pickers in action, with several surrounding the castle.

Work is ongoing.

In this close-up, you can really appreciate just how different the upcoming throwback color scheme is vs the previous 50th anniversary hues of pink and gold.

The castle is looking quite different…

Don’t fret if you’re heading to the Magic Kingdom soon, however, as you’ll still be able to get your perfect Cinderella Castle photos. The cranes and pickers are generally lowered by noon each day. Besides, things could always be worse… it could be the Cake Castle.

Oh yeah, the castle cake…

Work on Cinderella Castle’s new color scheme is moving at a breakneck pace as Disney pushes to complete the project during 2026. Stay tuned to AllEars for further updates on the project’s completion.