Castles can close

Image: DisneyWhile all sorts of superstitions exist about the structural integrity of various Disney castles, a weather event has never forced one of these buildings to close. The company’s constant desire to plus attractions, however, has shut down its most storied castle. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland stayed in operation from 1955 until 2001, offering a walkthrough to guests. In 2001, allegedly as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Disney closed this event and kept it closed until 2008. During the seven years it wasn’t open to the public, Imagineers relished the chance to update the inner workings of the facility. The renovated Sleeping Beauty Castle features live animation flowing seamlessly with the original, static room designs.

As for Cinderella Castle, it stayed open in the wake of 9/11. The government interceded to protect the building, though. The FAA placed a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) across Walt Disney World, with a special focus on the castle. Nothing was allowed to fly in this area, the only concession needed to protect the facility. As for the rumor that Disney can break down Cinderella Castle in the event of hurricane weather, I really shouldn’t even have to say this, but it’s not true.

Size matters

Image: DisneyIf you’re someone who ascribes to this philosophy, Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland isn’t your favorite. At 77 feet tall, it’s the smallest Disney castle, although it technically ties Hong Kong Disneyland for the title since the latter park has recreated Sleeping Beauty Castle. For reasons explained below, Hong Kong’s moving away from this version, though.

The four other Disney castles are more than twice as high. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris sits nine stories higher off the ground than the original, as it is 167 feet tall. Narrowly edging it in height is Cinderella Castle at Tokyo, which is 168 feet high. The original version of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom towered above the others as the largest Disney castle from the time of its introduction in 1971 until last year. At 189 feet, its reign seemed assured until Shanghai Disneyland came along and topped it at 197 feet.