The Happiest Celebration on Earth -
Cinderella Castle
Transformation
With
preparations under way for the largest bash in Disney theme park history, Walt
Disney Imagineers are hard at work on an elegant makeover that will add a
glittering, golden touch to Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, just
in time for the "Happiest Celebration on Earth."
Scheduled to debut officially in ceremonies at the Magic Kingdom theme park on
May 5, 2005, the stylish transformation is inspired by the works of Renaissance
artisans of the 15th and 16th centuries, while also paying tribute to the rich
legacy of Disney animated films.
"This treasured Walt Disney World icon will be playfully dressed up with
elegance and style to match this unforgettable celebration," said Eric Jacobson,
senior vice president of creative development, Walt Disney Imagineering. "Magic
Kingdom guests will be amazed by the castle's new look."
As part of the 18-month salute to 50 years of Disney theme parks, Cinderella
Castle at Walt Disney World Resort will be decorated with graceful touches of
golden trim, rose swags, bunting and swirling bands of "pixie dust" encircling
its blue spires.
In a nod to Disney's unique
history, golden sculptures of animated characters from several classic feature
films will shine from the 189-foot-tall castle's turrets, towers and balconies,
including:
Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit (from "Alice in Wonderland")
Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell (from 1953's "Peter Pan")
King Louie and Kaa (from "The Jungle Book")
Flounder and Sebastian (from "The Little Mermaid")
Simba, Timon and Pumbaa (from "The Lion King")
Victor, Hugo and Laverne (from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame")
Above the castle's front arch will hang an enormous golden frame that holds a
magical stained glass-style window. In it, colorful images of the five iconic
castles from Disney theme parks around the world will appear at regular
intervals throughout the day.
The special decor will be on display through 2006 during the "Happiest
Celebration on Earth."
|