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
Pixie Vacations Travel Weekly Magazine Award
Honoring the best in the travel industry, Pixie Vacations® is honored to receive the Silver Travel Weekly Magellan Award. The 2014 Magellan Awards have been announced by Travel Weekly. With entries around the world, the Magellan Awards is the premier awards program...
Disney World Vacation Discounts
Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Oct. 4-Nov. 25 and Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2014, when you book by Oct. 3, 2014. This is a great way to see Disney World...
Disney Art of Animation Resort Vacation Package
Disney's Art of Animation Resort Offer Stay at Walt Disney World's newest resort, Disney's Art of Animation. You can swim with Nemo, stay at Radiator Springs in a Car's themed land, explore the savanna from Lion King, or sleep under the sea with the Little Mermaid. ...
Last Minute Disney World Vacation Packages
It's not too late to take a Walt Disney World Vacation. We have last minute Walt Disney World Vacation Packages and room only offers that we can put together for you. So pack your bags, you are going to Walt Disney World. Here are some examples of Walt Disney World...
Disney World 2014 Vacation Offers
It's time to start planning your 2014 Disney vacation and we have Disney World Room Only Offers and Disney Vacation Package Offers. If these dates don't fit your 2014 vacation plans, please let us know what dates you want to go to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or on...
