What’s behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle refurbishment
Disneyland’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle is in the middle of a refurbishment through spring in preparation for the summer’s opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
“Throughout the years we have added small little enhancements to the castle, like the squirrel downspouts, stained glass window,” Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine said.
“This year we’re planning to replace the roofs and repainting in the same color scheme, cool blue stones warm pink plaster walls and warm blue roofs,” she said. “We’re going to add a little pixie dust this year, subtle but very charming to the castle.”
Though, she did not elaborate on the additions.
The refurbishment is part of Project Stardust—a number of enhancements to Disneyland from overall beautification of the theme park to maximizing guest comfort and access.
Some of the work is either already underway or completed. For example, on Main Street, U.S.A., 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 welcomes guests to a new area that was previously underutilized.
Throughout the park, the locations of planters and outdoor vending carts are being adjusted to add walking space and create more efficient stroller areas.
While the walls are up around Sleeping Beauty Castle, guests will be able to take photos in front of artist Herbert Ryman’s concept illustration of the castle.
