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Can You Go Inside the Disney World Castle? A Royal Decree on Access

Yes, technically, you can go inside Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, but the experience isn’t quite what many imagine. Forget grand ballrooms filled with dancing princes and princesses; instead, access is extremely limited and depends on a few key factors. While the vast majority of guests will only experience the castle from the outside, a select few get to venture inside for unique experiences.

Unlocking the Castle Doors: Accessing Cinderella’s Interior

The truth about the interior of Cinderella Castle is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. There are a few areas accessible to guests, each offering a different level of immersion into the fairytale magic.

Cinderella’s Royal Table: A Feast Fit for Royalty

The most well-known and sought-after experience inside the castle is Cinderella’s Royal Table. This restaurant, located on the second floor of the castle, offers a character dining experience where you can meet Cinderella and other Disney princesses while enjoying a prix fixe meal. This is the most reliable way to guarantee access inside the castle, and the most popular!

How to Get In: Reservations are essential and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Be prepared to book the moment your booking window opens, as this is an incredibly popular dining location.
What to Expect: A magical dining experience with princesses, delectable food, and breathtaking views of Fantasyland.

Cinderella Castle Suite: The Ultimate Dream Stay

Arguably the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation at Walt Disney World, the Cinderella Castle Suite is located on the fourth floor of the castle. However, this suite is not available for booking; it is reserved exclusively for select guests, often as a prize or special VIP experience.

How to Get In: Unfortunately, there is no way to book a stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite. Keep an eye out for Disney promotions and contests that might offer a stay as a prize, or become a VIP guest!
What to Expect: An opulent and unforgettable experience.

The Castle Walkway: A Peek Inside

Even if you don’t have a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table or the luck to stay in the suite, you can still experience a small part of the interior of the castle. The castle walkway, which passes through the center of the castle, features beautiful mosaic tile murals that depict the story of Cinderella. This is accessible to all park guests and offers a glimpse into the artistry and theming within the castle walls.

How to Get In: Simply walk through the main archway of the castle. The walkway is open to all guests during park hours, although it may be closed during inclement weather or special events.
What to Expect: Stunning mosaic artwork and a cool respite from the Florida sun, with great photo opportunities.

Beyond the Walls: Experiencing the Castle from Afar

Even without venturing inside, there are countless ways to experience the magic of Cinderella Castle. From capturing the perfect photo to witnessing the nightly fireworks spectacular, the castle is a central part of the Magic Kingdom experience.

Fireworks Spectacular: Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After is the nightly fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, and Cinderella Castle serves as the stunning backdrop. The show features projections, lasers, and, of course, fireworks, creating a breathtaking display that brings Disney stories to life.

How to See It: Find a viewing spot along Main Street, U.S.A. or in the Hub area in front of the castle. Arrive early to secure a good viewing location.
What to Expect: An unforgettable spectacle of light and sound, celebrating Disney’s most beloved stories.

Photo Opportunities: Capturing the Magic

Cinderella Castle is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, and for good reason. The castle offers endless photo opportunities, from classic portraits in front of the façade to creative shots from unique angles.

How to Capture It: Explore different angles and perspectives to find the perfect shot. Take advantage of PhotoPass photographers stationed around the castle for professional-quality photos.
What to Expect: Beautiful memories captured in front of a truly iconic landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cinderella Castle

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cinderella Castle, providing additional insights and tips for your next visit:

Is Cinderella Castle taller than the Tower of Terror?
- No, Cinderella Castle is 183 feet tall, while the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios is 199 feet tall. Disney purposely designed the Tower of Terror to be taller to comply with FAA regulations, as buildings over 200 feet require additional lighting and safety features.
Can you get married inside Cinderella Castle?
- While you can’t get married inside the castle itself (in Cinderella’s Royal Table or the Suite), Disney Fairy Tale Weddings offers many other enchanting locations throughout Walt Disney World for weddings and receptions, some with views of or access to the Magic Kingdom.
Are there any secret rooms in Cinderella Castle besides the suite?
- While the existence of other secret rooms is mostly speculation, the Cinderella Castle Suite is the only officially confirmed and accessible “secret” room.
How much would it cost to stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite?
- Since the Cinderella Castle Suite is not available for booking, there’s no official price. Its exclusivity makes it priceless.
Is Cinderella Castle made of brick?
- Cinderella Castle is constructed of steel, concrete, gypsum plaster, fiberglass, and plastic. The exterior is covered in a detailed façade of fiberglass reinforced plastic. This allows for a lighter and more easily maintained structure.
Does Cinderella Castle change colors?
- Yes! Thanks to sophisticated projection technology, Cinderella Castle transforms during the nightly fireworks spectacular and other special events. The projections create stunning visual effects, making the castle appear to change colors and designs.
Can you see the fireworks show from inside Cinderella’s Royal Table?
- While you might catch glimpses of the fireworks from some windows, Cinderella’s Royal Table does not offer dedicated viewing for the fireworks show. To fully experience the fireworks, you’ll need to find a viewing spot outside.
How long did it take to build Cinderella Castle?
- Construction of Cinderella Castle began in 1970 and was completed in July 1971, taking approximately 18 months to build.
Are there any shops inside Cinderella Castle?
- There are no retail shops located directly inside Cinderella Castle. However, there are numerous shops located nearby on Main Street, U.S.A., and throughout Fantasyland.
Is there a hidden Mickey in the Cinderella Castle mosaics?
- Yes! Keep an eye out for a Hidden Mickey cleverly incorporated into one of the mosaic murals along the castle walkway. Happy hunting!
Can you climb to the top of Cinderella Castle?
- No, there is no public access to the very top of Cinderella Castle. The only accessible areas are the restaurant, the walkway, and, for a very select few, the suite.
Are there any height restrictions for Cinderella’s Royal Table?
- There are no height restrictions for dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table. However, be sure to check if any members of your party have any dietary restrictions or allergies when making your reservation.