CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Looks Different!

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.

Cinderella Castle

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.”

©Disney

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.

Work during Cinderella Castle’s repainting

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.

The moat is drained

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.

See the difference?

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.

Painting has gone on for much of the early part of the year.

By March of 2026, the vast majority of the castle had its classic/new color scheme back…

Cinderella Castle

… from nearly all angles.

Cinderella Castle

That said, there are still a few spots left for Disney to finish.

Can you spot the difference?

Over the years, Cinderella Castle has had numerous looks, including the original color scheme, the… ahem… iconic 25th Anniversary birthday cake look…

Stately Cinderella Castle was transformed into a bright pink and blue birthday cake for Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary. ©Disney

… the bizarre time it was “toilet papered” by Stitch…

Stitch Castle

… and it’s most recent pinkish hue color scheme, which celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the park and resort.

Cinderella Castle

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.