For the first time in years, Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is getting a royal repaint and it’s a throwback to the original look that so many Disney fans remember fondly. Announced at the recent Destination D23 fan event in Florida, this iconic castle will soon shed its current pinkish hue in favor of the classic color palette it sported for decades.
Disney is bringing back the timeless creams, grays, and bold blues (with a touch of gold sparkle) that defined the castle’s appearance when the park first opened. In other words, Cinderella Castle’s classic colors are coming back!
From a 50th Anniversary Pink Back to Timeless Hues
If you’ve visited Magic Kingdom in the past few years, you’ve seen Cinderella Castle dressed in a rose-pink and royal blue color scheme. That look was introduced in 2020 as part of a “royal makeover” for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
The castle’s walls were painted a light pink tone with deep blue roofs and golden trim – a dramatic change that some fans loved and others loathed. It wasn’t the first bold castle change; longtime Disney-goers might recall the infamous “Pepto-Bismol pink” castle cake from the 25th Anniversary in 1996, which many felt was even gaudier!
That 50th Anniversary decor, complete with golden ribbons and EARidescent embellishments, officially ended in March 2023. Yet even after the celebration wrapped up, the castle stayed pink – leaving many to wonder if the change was permanent. More than two years later, Disney has finally answered: the pink paint’s days are numbered, and the castle will be restored to its classic fairy-tale hues.
According to Disney, the upcoming nostalgic repaint (or Cinderella Castle makeover 2025) will revert the fortress to its original color scheme – trading the pink for the elegant grayish-white “stone,” blue rooftops, and delicate gold accents fans remember.
Notably, the pink-centric 2020 repaint had mixed reactions from guests. Some appreciated the vibrant update, while others felt it strayed too far from the nostalgic Cinderella-blue and grey they grew up with.
The return to the original palette is likely to delight Disney traditionalists who have been yearning for the castle’s old appearance. As one fan rejoiced when the news broke: “YAYYYYYYY!!!!!!” Clearly, this move taps into a well of nostalgia and Disney is leaning into that sentiment.
The “New” Old Color Palette
So, what exactly will Cinderella Castle’s new paint scheme look like? In many ways, it’s a step back to the beginning. Disney Imagineers revealed concept art and described a palette “inspired by the classic and original look of the castle.”
The castle’s towers and walls will feature soft gray and cream tones, replacing the pink and creating the appearance of regal stone. The rooftops and turrets will don their famous deep royal blue once more, and gold accents will be strategically added to spires and detailing.
According to Disney, “the updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture.” These colors aren’t just classic – they were originally chosen to complement the Florida sunshine, making the castle shimmer from every angle.
In fact, the refreshed design hearkens directly back to the vision of Disney artist Herb Ryman, who was the castle’s chief designer in the 1970s. The new concept art intentionally conjures Ryman’s original Cinderella Castle painting, reinforcing that this makeover is about recapturing the fairy-tale elegance the castle had on opening day.
Longtime visitors will recognize the look instantly – the very same “classic colors” Cinderella Castle showcased for decades before its 2020 repaint.
A Refined Royal Look
Disney’s creative team has shared a few fascinating details about how they’re executing this classic makeover to ensure it’s both beautiful and long-lasting:
- Timeless Color Combination: The castle will once again pair deep, handsome blue roofs with radiant gold highlights, atop warm gray and cream walls. This palette was designed to catch light – the gold gilding, in particular, will gleam in the sun and add a touch of royal sparkle at sunset.
- Durable, Vivid Paint: Florida’s climate can be harsh, so Disney uses high-performance coatings to keep the castle looking fresh. All new paint colors undergo accelerated UV and weather testing, simulating years of sun exposure, to ensure they stay vivid for years. For hard-to-reach areas like the tall roofs, the team even uses automotive-grade paint (the kind used on cars) for extra durability.
- Matte vs. Gloss Finishes: To maintain a storybook realism, different surfaces get different paint sheens. The castle’s “stone” walls will have a low-sheen, matte finish to appear naturally aged and not too shiny. In contrast, rooftops and gold trim will get a higher-gloss coat so they sparkle and catch light – making the details pop against the sky. This contrast in finishes helps the castle feel more lifelike and picture-perfect in photos .
All these careful touches mean that while the colors may be classic, the implementation is thoroughly modern and built to withstand the elements.
Disney clearly wants Cinderella Castle’s refreshed look to stand the test of time both for durability and for capturing hearts.
When Can You See the “New” Castle?
Curious when you’ll get to witness Cinderella Castle’s classic new look in person? Disney has announced the change, but has not yet revealed a specific timeline or completion date for the repaint.
The project was unveiled in early September 2025, and typically such castle repaints are coordinated carefully to minimize disruption to guests. While an exact schedule is still under wraps, here’s what travelers should keep in mind:
- Stay Tuned for Dates: Disney will likely announce when the painting begins or when it’s expected to be finished once plans are finalized. As of now, “a timeframe for the change was not announced.” It could be that work starts in late 2025 or early 2026. If you have a trip coming up, keep an eye on official Disney updates (and sites like AllEars.net or the Disney Parks Blog) for news on the castle’s progress.
- Minimal Guest Disruption: Historically, Magic Kingdom’s centerpiece has been repainted during off-hours or with sections of scaffolding that try to preserve the park’s atmosphere. Don’t worry – Cinderella Castle won’t be closed to view entirely. At most, you might see a decorative scrim or a crane behind the castle during off-peak times. Disney knows the castle is a must-see for visitors, so they’ll do their best to keep it photo-ready even as work is underway.
- A Worthwhile Sight: Whether you visit during the transformation or after it’s complete, you’re in for a treat. If you’re there during painting, you get to witness a bit of Disney history in the making – a rare chance to see the castle mid-makeover. And if you arrive after the refurbishment, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully refreshed Cinderella Castle sparkling in its classic colors. Imagine walking down Main Street, U.S.A. to that familiar storybook sight of blues, golds, and gleaming stone – a view straight out of a Disney dream.
Whenever it happens, plan to take plenty of photos. This is a castle look that hasn’t been seen in years, and its return is bound to be a major highlight of any Disney World trip post-makeover.