The gateway to Fantasyland—and the symbol of all the magic of Disneyland® Park—is Sleeping Beauty Castle. An opening day landmark since 1955, Sleeping Beauty Castle has the distinction of being named after a Disney heroine nearly four years before Sleeping Beauty appeared in her title film role 60 years ago in January 1959. In fact, “Sleeping Beauty” was still in its early stages of production when Disneyland park opened.
Over the years, the colors and finishes on Sleeping Beauty Castle have been refreshed and updated since Disney Legend and Imagineering Artist Herbert Ryman first created the concept illustration of the castle. Today, 60 years after the film “Sleeping Beauty” debuted, Sleeping Beauty Castle is undergoing another refurbishment through spring in preparation for this summer’s opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
The refurbishment is part of Project Stardust—a number of enhancements to the Disneyland Resort, specifically Disneyland Park, to continue to deliver a world-class guest experience. The enhancements will range from overall beautification of the theme park to maximizing guest comfort and access. When Project Stardust is complete, Disneyland park will remain the beloved icon and international treasure it is today, while preparing the theme park for its next phase of significant growth, starting with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where tradition meets a new frontier.
A number of efforts are already underway or completed. On Main Street, U.S.A., for example, curbs are being enhanced with slow inclines to help improve access when guests first enter. New brickwork adds to the storytelling of the iconic thoroughfare, and for the first time, the horse-drawn streetcar track was replaced in its entirety. In Fantasyland, reconfigured guest queues for Matterhorn Bobsleds, “it’s a small world” and Dumbo the Flying Elephant have improved guest access and comfort, while Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland now welcomes guests to a brand new area that was previously underutilized.
Throughout Disneyland Park, the locations of planters and outdoor vending carts are being adjusted to make room for additional walking space and new, more efficient stroller areas. There also will be more seating in Disneyland park than ever before when Project Stardust is complete. We look forward to sharing more about these efforts and carrying forward Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland park, while preparing it for future generations.
Start Planning Your Disney Vacation Today!
More Disney News Stories
2015 Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line Itineraries for Summer 2015 It's time to sail on these exciting Disney Cruise Line 2015 itineraries. Adventure awaits you as Disney Cruise Line charts a magical new course for northern Europe in summer 2015. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line...
Disney World Summer Vacation Offer
March 17, 2014 – NEW DISNEY WORLD VACATION OFFER Disney World Summer Vacation Offer Save up to 35% off the room rack rate at select Walt Disney World Resorts. Rooms with this Disney World summer offer are extremely limited so please contact your Pixie at Pixie...
My Magic Plus for Disney Annual Passholders
MyMagic+ Testing Expands to Annual Passholders Great News. If you are a Walt Disney World Annual Pass Holder you can now get your Magic Band and pre-book your rides and attractions 🙂 As part of the test and adjust process for MyMagic+, all Passholders are now...
Epcot Dessert Party
IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Parties at Epcot Looking for something new to do at Walt Disney World? You can experience IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot in an exciting new way. The new IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party invites Guests to enjoy...
Disneyland Vacation Package Offers for 2014
Create magical memories at Disneyland with your family this year and keeps these in your Disneyland Autograph Books. Book a Disneyland Vacation Package of $1,000 or more in 2014 and all kids 9 and under on the reservation will get a Free Disneyland autograph book....
