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
Never run out of battery life at Disney World again
Keys to keeping your cellphone charged at Walt Disney World When you go to Walt Disney World nothing is worse than going to take a photo or check your Disney fastpasses to find your cellphone dead. Well we have a little know secret that will keep your cell phone...
Disney Express Bus Service
Disney World Express Bus Service There is a new bus service (express) for $15 per person. You get picked up behind the park, and the buses run every 30 minutes. Multi-day service is also available for less money ($24 for a 7 day pass). These buses run park to park,...
Disney World for grown ups
Plan a grown up trip to Walt Disney World Our top tips for Disney World for grown-ups Sure Walt Disney World is great for a family vacation, but it’s even better to go to Disney World on a grown-up trip. Disney Marathons, Dapper Days, Epcot Food and Wine, Flower...
What’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2017
2017 Disney World It's time to plan a Walt Disney World Vacation for 2017 and here's what's new. There are so many great attractions, shows, shops and more coming to Walt Disney World in 2017 and we are going to cover everything new coming to Disney World in 2017....
New Disney Dining Plan for 2017
New Disney World Dining Plan option for 2017 There is a new addition to the Walt Disney World Dining Plan for 2017, Disney Dine on the go. Disney Dine on the go dining plan – $29 per adult and $12 for kids. With the Disney dine on the go dining plan you get two...
