Disney Ceases Performances at Cinderella Castle Until Further Notice

If you were planning on visiting Magic Kingdom between now and July 28, we have some unfortunate news for you.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom beckons visitors to step into a realm of timeless wonder and captivating experiences. This immersive theme park, meticulously crafted to resemble a classic fairy tale kingdom, offers a vast array of attractions designed to spark the imagination and ignite the joy of discovery for guests of all ages.

Six distinct themed lands, each meticulously designed to transport guests to iconic Disney stories and fairy tales, await exploration. Main Street, U.S.A., serves as the park’s charming gateway, lined with nostalgic architecture, horse-drawn trolleys, and opportunities to wave to beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse himself. Adventureland throws open the doors to exploration, inviting guests to embark on thrilling cruises along the Jungle Cruise or climb aboard the rickety Swiss Family Treehouse. Frontierland offers a captivating journey back in time to the Wild West, where guests can experience the exhilaration of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or test their marksmanship on classic shooting gallery games.

Fantasyland brings the magic of fairytales to life, with iconic attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and “it’s a small world,” alongside cherished encounters with Disney princesses. Tomorrowland offers a glimpse into a future filled with innovation and excitement, featuring thrilling coasters like Space Mountain and interactive adventures with Buzz Lightyear. Finally, Liberty Square allows guests to step back in time to America’s revolutionary era, with scenic cruises aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat and a glimpse into American history at the Hall of Presidents.

Beyond the captivating lands and thrilling rides, Magic Kingdom boasts a vibrant entertainment scene. Guests can witness spectacular stage shows like the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, sing along to classic Disney tunes at Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or be mesmerized by Disney Enchantment, a breathtaking nighttime fireworks display. Character interactions are a cornerstone of the Magic Kingdom experience, with opportunities to meet and greet iconic Disney figures throughout the park.

With meticulous planning through tools like Disney Genie+ (which will soon turn into the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, essentially, FastPass+ but paid) and the My Disney Experience app, visitors can maximize their time and create a truly unforgettable experience.

Entertainment at the Disney parks is one of the reasons that the Disney theme parks is able to stand out above all else. From the interactions guests are able to have with the characters, to the Broadway level performances of shows like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Festival of the Lion King”, Disney is able to bring to life all of our favorite characters.

At Magic Kingdom both “Let the Magic Begin” or “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” are hosted on the Cinderella Caste stage, which is now under refurbishment through to July 28. These shows will not be replaced or moved to a new location, and the My Disney Experience app simply notes that there are no showtimes. 

July is peak season at Walt Disney World Resort, since kids are out of school, making it easier for parents to take their families on vacation. With the upcoming influx of crowds, it is unfortunate that Cinderella Castle will not have any stage shows to share to their audience. Luckily, the refurbishment on the stage is not affecting Happily Ever After, the fireworks show.

It is likely that the refurbishment has to be done now, as August marks the beginning of the Halloween season at Disney, with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party followed by Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Both events are separately ticketed and very popular and have a large stage show that is a big selling point for guests. If the refurbishment did not occur now, it likely would have had to be held off until 2025.

Right now, construction at Magic Kingdom has not begun (visibly); however, it will likely soon.

Guests can still catch a majority of the characters in the show during Festival of Fantasy, the parade at Magic Kingdom.

At Magic Kingdom, we recently saw the unveiling of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is the newest attraction that took over Splash Mountain. Following a long refurbishment, the ride opened with many technical difficulties that it continues to face today.

The upcoming opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland coincides with a period of significant change for the area. Recently filed permits hint at a major refurbishment for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a cornerstone attraction since the park’s inception. While previous closure rumors for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 2020 did not materialize, this extended refurbishment presents both opportunities and challenges for Frontierland.

Frontierland has historically been a major draw for Magic Kingdom visitors, offering thrilling experiences like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the recently reimagined Splash Mountain (now Tiana’s Bayou Adventure). The potential closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad during Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s opening phase raises concerns about maintaining guest satisfaction in this section of the park.

The success of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is crucial in mitigating the potential impact of a closed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. A lukewarm reception to the new attraction, coupled with the absence of a beloved classic, could lead to decreased attendance and a diminished overall experience within Frontierland.

This period of change places high stakes on Disney’s ability to deliver exceptional experiences. The upcoming reviews of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, alongside the details surrounding the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment, will be closely monitored by fans and industry professionals alike. Successfully navigating this period of transition requires Disney to leverage its reputation for creating magical experiences while addressing guest concerns and ensuring the continued allure of Frontierland.

Are you sad to hear that all shows on Cinderella Castle are suspended for the near future at Magic Kingdom?