CHANGES Hit 3 Magic Kingdom Attractions Next Week

Magic Kingdom is changing. Along with two new lands currently under construction, Disney announced their plans to repaint Cinderella Castle this year. We expect the castle’s facelift to officially start next week! Here’s everything you need to know so your Magic Kingdom day stays just as magical.

Cinderella Castle was painted its current rose gold and blue for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2020. The castle will be transformed into its signature blue and gray later this month, which will affect showtimes on the castle’s stage, along with some iconic photo opportunities as of January 28th.

Disney has stated that the castle will be repainted only in the mornings, leaving your park afternoons interruption-free with cranes lowered by noon. We recommend staying in Magic Kingdom until the afternoon and taking photos later in the day. Disney also shifted their show lineup to account for the afternoon construction.

The first show this will affect is the Let The Magic Begin welcome show, which starts at 8:55 AM for guests just entering the park. You’ll be greeted by Mickey and friends as you start your magical day! It was our favorite rope drop experience, and it looks like the show will be gone during the castle’s repainting. This is subject to change, so check the My Disney Experience app for the latest updates.

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire is also changing. Mickey hosts some of your favorite Disney characters while they celebrate friendship with a musical extravaganza on the Cinderella Castle stage! The showtimes will now be scheduled for afternoons only at 1:00 PM, 2:05 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:15 PM.

Meanwhile, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will add another show. The night parade is currently only shown at 7:45 PM, but there will be an additional 10 PM showing at park close. We recommend staying for the later, less crowded showing if you’re able to.

The castle repainting will not affect the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, which still starts at 3 PM. The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade will also stay the same, with showings at both 10:30 and 11:45 AM. Fireworks show Happily Ever After will keep its 9 PM time slot, but the projections may need to be slightly altered in the midst of painting.

Cinderella Castle’s repainting begins January 28th and is expected to finish late 2026. These changes will affect most, if not all, 2026 vacations. Stay tuned to All Ears for more Magic Kingdom updates!

Want castle pics during the repainting? Here’s our guide!

What castle do you prefer – pink and bright blue or gray and light blue? Comment below!