Sunrise over the carrousel . PHOTO BY RICH RAMOS
Fantasyland expansion that occurred between 2007 and 2012 , the carousel notably changed hands from Cinderella to Prince Charming , a move that came with some updated backstory for the ride . Rather than simply decorating the park , the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is now meant to be a training center for jousting — a hobby that the prince himself took up after he and Cinderella said “ I do .”
What ’ s more : You may have heard the rumor that one special horse was meant to be Cinderella ’ s — a steed on the second rank with a unique golden bow on her tail . This horse , lovingly known as “ Cindy ” by some , is the only one on the entire carousel with such a decoration … but according to Isle Voght and John Hench , two Disney employees who have worked on the carousel themselves , the theory that Cindy is Cinderella ’ s horse doesn ’ t hold much water . For one thing , her position in the inner rows doesn ’ t make much sense ; if Cinderella were to be out riding , she ’ d certainly have a position of honor on the outer ring , where everyone could watch her pass by in her majesty . ( And , golden bow aside , Cindy isn ’ t particularly well-decorated , as we ’ d assume Cinderella ’ s horse would be .)
Plus , we have no evidence that Cinderella has ever ridden a horse , at least from the classic Disney movie . Given her humble beginnings , it ’ s unlikely that she would have had the training as a girl … though if her husband picked up a fancy new jousting hobby , we could only assume that adventurous and brave Cinderella would want a taste of the action .
Regardless of the backstory you subscribe to or which of its snowflake-unique horses you choose , riding the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is a stunning experience . While you ’ re aboard , take a look up at the castle : You can see