Technically, we call them utilidors-short for utility corridor and they run underneath all of Magic Kingdom Park. The ground level hosts the famed Utilidors to allow Cast Members to travel under Guests’ feet. It may feel like a bit of an uphill climb to get to Cinderella Castle-that’s because Magic Kingdom Park is built on the second story. Image by 272447 from Pixabay Extra fun facts for all my pumpkins out there!ĭuring my time as a Walt Disney World Cast Member, I provided tours of Magic Kingdom Park for new hires as part of the Traditions training class.Īnd that means I have a LOT of other trivial facts about this majestic beauty! 1. The moat has over 3 million gallons of water.Towers 13 and 17 were never built since they wouldn’t have been visible from anywhere in the park There are 27 towers on the castle but are numbered 1 through 29.The drawbridge is only for show and cannot be raised or lowered.If you’d like to see the true length of Main Street, USA without the trickery of forced perspective, grab a drink (or book a reservation) at The California Grill at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort to get a true sense of its length. Imagineers scaled all of the buildings on Main Street to create the illusion that Cinderella Castle is set far in the distance, but the street feels like an easy stroll on your way out of the park. Have you ever noticed how Cinderella Castle seems like it’s set far in the distance as you walk towards it, but the street seems much shorter on your way out? In fact, this optical illusion is used all the way down Main Street, USA. A blinking red light would certainly not make sense on a magical medieval castle. This set design trick creates the illusion that the castle is even taller than its 189 feet.įun fact: Why 189 feet you might wonder? Why not a clean 190? Florida aviation law requires a red beacon placed on any building taller than 190 feet (changed to 200 feet in later years). The first level of the structure is built to scale, while each level above is built at a fraction of scale. Have you ever noticed how grand Cinderella Castle looks? At only 189 feet, it’s extra-imposing thanks to the magic of forced perspective. Photo by Sandro Gonzalez on Unsplash Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo: Imagineering Magic In 2012, Cinderella Castle was named one of the top 100 buildings in Florida by The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (well, that’s a mouthful!), so she has certainly earned the title “iconic.” You go, girl. ![]() But, according to Travel + Leisure, Imagineers also drew inspiration from Alcazar de Segovia, a castle in Spain. The most well-known is Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. And I saw Stitch cover it in TP as a prank during the opening of Stitch’s Great Escape (to the chagrin of brides saying their vows at the wedding pavilion).īut despite all her transformations, Cinderella Castle draws her inspiration from historical castles that you can visit IRL. ![]() I was there when Cindy’s abode transformed into a giant pink cake for the park’s 25th anniversary (to the dismay of many park Guests and Cast Members, alike). Like any pop culture icon, this castle has gone through a number of transformations over the years. Photo by Juniper Journal on Unsplash A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes: Inspirations & Transformations ![]() ![]() It’s ok, you can wipe the pixie dust from your eyes. While Walt passed away prior to the park opening, Roy and Mickey Mouse stood on Main Street, USA to dedicate the park in Walt’s honor (hence the name Walt Disney World). Magic Kingdom Park opened in October of 1971, with Cinderella Castle poised at the center-taller and grander than its California counterpart. While Walt wanted to start with his experimental community (which later became Epcot), Roy (the business brains of the operation) insisted they start with a product that had already been tested and loved by Guests. Well, to be more accurate, Roy, Walt’s brother, was the one to suggest creating an east coast castle. And while Mickey Mouse is great, I have a true soft spot for the founders of the Walt Disney Company-Walt and Roy.Īfter the success of Disneyland in Anaheim, Walt Disney decided central Florida needed a castle of its own. Even miracles take a little time: History & Architecture A Tribute to WaltĬall me a sap, but I adore Disney heritage.
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