Walt Disney World is in the midst of a massive transformation, with major changes coming to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. In fact, even the resort’s biggest icon is looking very different these days.
For over 5 decades, Cinderella Castle has served as the symbol of Walt Disney World and the backdrop for millions of guest photos, even as it’s transformed several times. For the castle’s latest makeover, Disney is looking back to the iconic structure’s past.
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 a homage to the building’s earlier look.
The moat around the castle was drained so that each morning, cranes can reach above the structure to allow the type of painting seen above.
Work has been ongoing on the project for a couple of months now, and the difference between the old and new color scheme was stark throughout.
However, if you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom, don’t fret. The cranes are lowered by 12:00 PM each day, meaning guests have all afternoon and evening to take their photos in front of the iconic edifice.
By March of 2026, the vast majority of the castle had its classic/new color scheme back…
… from nearly all angles.
That said, there are still a few spots left for Disney to finish.
Over the years, Cinderella Castle has had numerous looks, including the original color scheme, the… ahem… iconic 25th Anniversary birthday cake look…
… the bizarre time it was “toilet papered” by Stitch…
… and it’s most recent pinkish hue color scheme, which celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the park and resort.
Disney is repainting the iconic Cinderella Castle, returning the resort icon to a look similar to its original color scheme. The refurbishment is scheduled to conclude later in 2026. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on this ongoing project.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
Are you excited for Cinderella Castle’s new-old look? Let us know in the comments below.
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