Also at night , Cinderella Castle lights up in twinkling lights to the tune of “ When You Wish Upon a Star ” to bid goodnight to park-goers as WDW closes down .
IMPRESSIVE OVERLAYS Over the years , Cinderella Castle has been decorated with a variety of themed overlays .
Perhaps the most , erm , unique overlay was the one installed for Walt Disney World ’ s 25th anniversary in 1996 . The castle was decorated to look like a giant birthday cake , complete with frosting-pink paint , candy canes , and birthday candles . The overlay remained for more than a year , which wasn ’ t a popular choice with everyone . Imagine going to Magic Kingdom on a once-in-a-lifetime trip , hoping to get a photo of your family by the iconic Cinderella Castle , only to be faced with a gigantic birthday cake instead ! But other visitors who loved the overlay were happy to witness this historic décor on the castle . Dive behind the scenes of how the birthday cake was baked up on page 34 .
Another memorable overlay happened on November 16 , 2004 , to coincide with the opening of Stitch ’ s Great Escape ! in Tomorrowland . In this overlay , Stitch “ vandalized ” Cinderella Castle by throwing toilet paper over the turrets and spray-painting “ Stitch Is King !” on the castle walls . Given the mixed reviews of the birthday cake castle , Imagineers kept this castle makeover for just a single day
In 2007 , Disney covered Cinderella Castle in twinkling “ Dream Lights ,” which added even more magic to the attraction . Since then , the lights have come back frequently , including in 2019 during the holiday season as part of A Frozen Holiday Wish .
Most recently , Cinderella Castle became the center of the Disney Enchantment nighttime extravaganza to celebrate the park ’ s 50th anniversary . The castle is lit up in bright , magical lights and immersive projection effects that start at the castle and work their way down Main Street .
Dream Lights shining during the holidays . PHOTO BY ERNIE CARR
ON THIS DAY IN DISNEY HISTORY ...
JAN . 4 , 2003
The Polynesian Resort hosted the famous Polynesian Revue , also called Kaui-Pono Polynesian Revue and Polynesian Luau , for the last time . The Spirit of Aloha replaced it the following month . What do you know about this legendary show that dates back to the opening of the Poly itself — and the iconic Auntie Kau ’ i who brought it to us ?
JAN . 12 , 2001
Disneyland may have preceded Walt Disney World , but it was WDW that first boasted a shopping village ( Disney Springs , though it ’ s borne many other names ). Finally , in 2001 , Disneyland opened its own Downtown Disney District . What was there on opening day , and what does this shop-till-you-drop spot look like now ?
YOU MAY KNOW THE DATES , BUT DO YOU KNOW THE DETAILS ?
100 MAGICAL ISSUES