Disney will begin repainting Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom starting in January 2026 as part of the project to restore the castle’s classic appearance. The project timeline stretches well into next year, with work expected to wrap up later in the year.
The first visible step will be draining the moat surrounding Cinderella Castle. This allows crews to access lower sections of the structure and prepare the surface areas needed for painting. Cranes will be used to reach higher sections of the castle. Disney plans to lower and remove the cranes from view by noon each day, limiting their impact on daytime park views and guest photos.
Beginning January 28, Disney will also make temporary adjustments to some entertainment offerings as work on Cinderella Castle gets underway. The Let the Magic Begin welcome show will run in a modified format during the repainting project.
Disney has confirmed that Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire and Happily Ever After will continue to be offered, with only minor adjustments made as needed while work is in progress.
No end date has been announced for the entertainment changes, but they are expected to remain in place while exterior work on the castle continues.
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