More than Just a Castle

DisneyShawn had a story this week that prompted this post. His post is actually about the arrival of Stitch's Great Escape to the Magic Kingdom in 2004. But its relationship to Cinderella's Castle is what prompted this post. You see, one of the marketing tactics employed to draw attention to this new (or, rather, re-themed) attraction was pretty shocking--they TP'd and vandalized Cinderella's Castle! See for yourself.



A clever idea, certainly. But did they go to far? I'll reserve my opinion for now.

This isn't the first time our beloved icon was transformed. Perhaps less irreverent, but no less controversial, was the idea of Disney Imagineers to turn Cindy's Castle into a giant birthday cake for Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary in 1996. I remember this one well. Cute idea, right? But instead of looking like a birthday cake, it looked more like a cross between the castle featured in the Candy Land game and something you might find in Red Square.  It stayed this way for over a year.



More recently, the castle underwent a  less drastic change. In 2005 (Disneyland's 50th anniversary), its exterior was adorned with polished gold accents, including banners, tapestries, spires, and statues of Disney characters, ranging from classics such as Peter Pan and the Cheshire Cat to more recent characters like Flounder and Simba. I think the key here is subtlety:



So, why does it all matter? Well, for starters, Cinderella's Castle is not simply her home or even the center of the Magic Kingdom--it is a Disney icon that in internationally recognized and adored. It is arguably one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Here's another thought: People don't like to see something they adore be altered...unless this alteration is something they won't consciously see. For example, Cindy's Castle has recently undergone refurbishment. No one but true Disneyphiles would probably notice the changes. And yet, these minor updates will keep Cindy's digs looking spiffy for a few more years. That's change everyone can enjoy and appreciate...whether they notice it or not.

 Just for fun, here's a look at Cinderella's Castle today.



Ah...perfection!