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
Save 20% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels
It’s the perfect time to stay in the middle of the magic! You save up to 20% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels! Book through Oct. 7, 2018 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights Oct. 8-Nov. 8, 2018. Book through Dec. 24, 2018 for...
Fireworks & Nighttime Spectaculars Now at the Walt Disney World Resort
For many Guests who visit the Walt Disney World® Resort, an unforgettable highlight of their Disney vacation is enjoying one of our amazing nighttime spectaculars or other entertainment offerings side-by-side with their family and friends. And there are so...
Guardians of the Galaxy Epcot Mix Live
Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” are now taking Guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot®. You can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome...
Coming to Disney Golf This Summer
There are a lot of exciting new enhancements taking place around Walt Disney World® Resort and our golf courses are no exception. Disney upgraded the bunkers at our Magnolia course in 2015 and now they are planning similar enhancements for our Lake Buena...
New ‘Incredibles’ Float to Join ‘Paint the Night’ Parade
The fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure® Park is currently dazzling audiences during the limited-time Pixar Fest at the Disneyland® Resort. This electrifying parade uses more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy...
