Disney World's iconic Cinderella Castle is getting a 'royal' makeover
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.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.