‘Cinderella’ Panels Covered on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Let’s play a little Walt Disney World trivia. Ready?
What is the oldest attraction in the Magic Kingdom?
If you answered Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Country Bear Jamboree, or any other opening day attraction, you are unfortunately incorrect.
The oldest attraction in the Magic Kingdom is actually the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland!
A Piece of Disney History
The carousel was built in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for use in the Detroit Palace Garden Park.
Photo: Disney
Originally, the ride was named the “Liberty Carousel,” and it was painted red, white, and blue. Meanwhile, the canopy featured images of Miss Liberty and other patriotic symbols.
After being brought back to Philadelphia for repairs in 1928, the carousel was sold to Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey. It would run there for 39 years.
When the park closed in 1965, the carousel was purchased by The Walt Disney Company and restored by WED Enterprises.
Cinderella’s Horse on Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel in Magic Kingdom
John Hench decided to have all the horses on the carousel in white, and 18 scenes from Cinderella were added to the ride’s canopy at this time.
So, by the time the attraction debuted as Cinderealla’s Golden Carrousel on October 1, 1971, the ride was already 54 years old!
The Cinderella Panels Are Being Refurbished
As the only Walt Disney World attraction to be over 100 years old, it is perhaps no surprise then that the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is currently being refurbished.
While the attraction is still operational, some of the scenes from Cinderella on the canopy are currently covered.
By the looks of things, these panels will get a quick touch-up and be back to normal before we know it.
A peek behind the scrim.
Here is another look at the covered-up panels.
While the coverings look out of place, the carousel as a whole still looks magical. Pretty good for a 107-year-old ride!
