Disney's Cinderella Castle on Postcards
Walt Disney World's Castle Evolves on Collectible Postcards
Designing A Castle
The popularity of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland made it a must that when Walt Disney World was constructed a similar castle would be built there. It fell to Disney legend Herb Ryman to design the new castle. He began with a charcoal sketch and used a number castles in France such as Versailles, Chenonceau, Chambord and Usse for inspiration. Ryman then turned to the animated classic Cinderella for the final touches. (Card #1).
Building a Castle
Craftsmen with experience in building castles were not easy to find in Florida so most of the work would have to be done by Disney’s own imagineers and artisans. Walt had passed away in 1966 and it was his brother, Roy O. Disney, who was determined to carry on the project in Walt’s name.
Starting in late 1969, the foundation was laid for the signature castle. The framework consisted of 600 tons of steel overlaid with fiberglass that was sculpted to resemble granite blocks in both the interior and exterior of the castle. The towers were built five miles away in an old furniture factory and transported to the site to be hoisted and placed in position. When the structure was finished 18 months later, the highest of the ten towers was 189 feet above the ground. (Card #2).
Inside the Castle
An apartment for the Disney family was included in the original design of Cinderella Castle but it was never used and remained unfinished for many years. Broadcast facilities and security rooms were also built in the upper reaches. The Disney apartment was finally finished for Disney’s 2008 Year of a Million Dreams contest wherein some lucky guests could win a stay in Cinderella Castle.
Like its counterpart in Anaheim, Cinderella Castle in the entrance to Fantasyland and once through its portal guests find themselves in a medieval setting. The Cinderella theme continues inside with carved characters in the ornamentation and five 10 by 15 foot mosaic panels telling the story of Cinderella. These wonders were the handiwork of Disney artists Dorothea Redmond and mosaicist Hanns-Joachim Scharff. A bronze statue of the princess and her mice and bird friends graces a fountain in the entry courtyard. The coats of arms on the walls belong to the Disney family and assorted Disney executives.
One of the most perplexing additions to Cinderella Castle was the upstairs restaurant. Considered one of the most charming in the park, the restaurant was called King Stefan’s Banquet Hall when Walt Disney World first opened in October 1971. Now, anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of things Disney knows that King Stefan was one of the kings in Sleeping Beauty, not Cinderella. No one has ever been able to offer a satisfactory explanation for this discrepancy. Regardless, it was a superb dining spot with the servers dressed in 13th century costumes with tights and tunics for the men and headdresses and gowns for the women. In the early days of the park madrigal singers would often entertain the guests. The restaurant was finally renamed Cinderella’s Royal Table in April 1997.
25th Anniversary
The castle has changed little over the years as it was built in such a way that it changes with point of view and time of day. It has a magical look to it and unlike Sleeping Beauty Castle, its imposing spires can been seen from miles away beckoning to guests to come on in. When Walt Disney World celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1996 the castle was given a complete transformation. With 400 gallons of pink paint and cake decorations on the spires, the castle became a huge birthday cake. (Card #3). The Princess herself can often be seen on the castle grounds. (Card #4).
Tokyo Disneyland
When it was opened in April 1983 the exterior of Cinderella Castle in Tokyo Disneyland was an exact copy of its Disney World sister. The main difference was added to the inside in July 1986 where the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour has replaced the restaurant. The attraction was billed as "your chance to be a fairy tale hero and save the castle from the powers of darkness." (Card #5).
Trivia
- Despite rumours to the contrary, the towers of Cinderella Castle cannot be dismantled and removed in case of a hurricane.
For more postcards and behind the scenes information on Disneyland see Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle, The Other Sleeping Beauty Castles and Casey Jr. Circus Train on Postcards
Bibliography
- Dave Smith – Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia
- Jeff Kurtti – Since the World Began: Walt Disney World - The First 25 Years
- Steve Birnbaum – Brings You the Best of Walt Disney World (Various editions)
Postcards
- Card #1 – Magic Kingdom Theme Park (Herb Ryman’s concept painting of Cinderella Castle) (FI-030)
- Card #2 – Cinderella Castle – Visible for miles around, the Magic Kingdom landmark’s spires reach 18 stories into the sky to point the way to Fantasyland. (0100-11701)
- Card #3 – A Sweet Celebration – The Magic Kingdom celebrated its 25th Anniversary on October 1, 1996 with the largest anniversary confection ever. (00141-17410)
- Card #4 – Released in 1950, Cinderella shown here in front of her 189-foot Castle, still warms the hearts of Guests of all ages. (00141-00068)
- Card #5 – Cinderella Castle, the gateway to Fantasyland. Tokyo Disneyland (0101-0048)
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