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Disney World's iconic Cinderella Castle is getting a 'royal' makeover

Feb. 18, 2020
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3 min read
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Disney World's iconic Cinderella Castle is getting a 'royal' makeover
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The "Most Magical Place on Earth" is about to get a little bit more magical.

There's always something new and spellbinding in the works at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. And while we knew there are many exciting updates coming to the park this year, you can now add one more thing to the list: The iconic Cinderella Castle is getting a royal makeover.

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Image courtesy of Disney

As seen in the rendering above, the storybook castle at the heart of Disney World's Magic Kingdom will undergo a "bold, shimmering and royal makeover," according to a statement released on Monday.

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to Disney World

We're excited to see deeper blues, as well as brighter shades of pink and gleaming golds, especially compared to the current version that stands tall at the end of Main Street U.S.A.

Cinderella Castle
(Photo by Ryan Wendler / Walt Disney World)

The work will commence in the next few weeks and continue until summer, although it's not immediately clear how much of the castle will be concealed during the update. According to Disney, you'll still be able to see popular performances such as Mickey's Royal Friendship Fare and Happily Ever After. The former is the buzzy stage show, while the latter is the ever-popular fireworks event.

Related: Best credit cards for Disney World

This isn't the first time the castle has experienced a significant renovation, either. To celebrate the park's 25th anniversary, Cinderella Castle famously transformed into a giant pink cake, complete with 50 gum balls, 30 lollipops, a dozen gum drops and other confections. That look was, ah, interesting.

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(Photo courtesy of Disney Parks)

So, while the new version won't have any sugary adornments, Disney enthusiasts might notice some similarities between the update planned for Cinderella Castle at Disney World and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. That refresh was just completed in 2019 with richer, bolder colors.

(Photo by Summer Hull / The Points Guy)

A magical transformation of Cinderella Castle isn't the only reason to book a trip to Disney World this year. There's also a lot of buzz around Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway rides at Disney World, both of which are opening in 2020.

In fact, TPG is getting a sneak peek of Runaway Railway in early March (so check back soon!). There's certainly a lot to look forward to, even for the most seasoned Disney travelers.

Just keep in mind that Disneyland and Disney World both just announced some price increases on various ticket types, so act quickly if you want to lock in tickets at the old rates. (Read on for how to do just that.) You can also check out our guide on how to save money at Disney before you get there.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.