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
Disney Free Dining Plan Offer
Disney Free Dining Plan Offer at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels You can get a FREE* Disney Dining Plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-Night/7-Day Walt Disney World room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa...
Disney Free Dining 2014
Disney Free Dining Vacation Package Offer Disney Free Dining is here for 2014. Get Free dining with this limited time package offer for your Disney family vacation. Here are the details: You get a FREE Disney Dining Plan when you book a Magic Your Way Disney vacation...
Disneyland Vacation Packages
Plan a summer vacation at the Disneyland Resort for only $91* per person/per day Disneyland Resort Now-Aug. 12, 2014, a 3-Night/4-Day Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Package at the Disneyland® Resort starts at $91* per person per day for a family of 4 and includes a...
Disney Visa Special Disney World Offer
Special Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers - at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Disney Visa® Cardmembers can enjoy two special offers this fall at the Walt Disney World® Resort. When Cardmembers book a non-discounted 6-Night/7-Day room and ticket package at Walt...
Disney Animal Kingdom Night Time Events
Harambe Nights Celebrates Tales and Tastes of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom In celebration of the 20th anniversary of “The Lion King,” Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will host Harambe Nights every Saturday evening June 7-Aug. 9, 2014. The journey begins with...
