It’s a big week for fans of Disney’s most chaotic little alien. After more than two decades, Stitch is back on the big screen—and longtime fans of Lilo & Stitch (2002) are celebrating in full force. But some of them are also watching Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom just a little more closely than usual.
Why? Because when Stitch made his theme park debut back in 2004, Disney didn’t just give him an attraction—they gave him the keys to the kingdom. For one unforgettable day, Cinderella Castle was completely taken over in one of the most outrageous stunts in Disney World history. And with the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) remake releasing in theaters on May 23, fans can’t help but wonder… could Disney pull another fast one?
Stitch’s Historic Takeover of the Castle
If you were at Magic Kingdom in 2004, you might’ve thought you walked into an alternate dimension. The elegant Cinderella Castle was draped in toilet paper, spray-painted with “Stitch is King,” and pumped full of mischief—including burps, giggles, and other sounds that would make even the Mad Hatter raise an eyebrow.
It was all part of the launch for Stitch’s Great Escape!, a Tomorrowland attraction that embraced Stitch’s chaotic energy. While that ride came and went over the years, the castle prank lived on in Disney fan memory. To this day, it remains one of the boldest—and most playful—marketing moves Disney has ever made inside the parks.
The move was risky, but it worked. Stitch’s takeover was the kind of harmless mayhem that made fans laugh and left a lasting impression. It also helped cement Stitch as one of the more unconventional but beloved characters in the Disney lineup.
The Live-Action Remake Brings Ohana Back to Theaters
Now, with the release of the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025), the beloved story is being introduced to a new generation. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the film is a heartfelt tribute to the original’s core message of family, grief, and unlikely friendship—while dialing up the visuals with CGI and live-action performances.
Young actress Maia Kealoha, a native of Honolulu, stars as Lilo, making her feature film debut. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong takes on the role of Nani, Lilo’s fiercely loyal older sister. Chris Sanders, who originally voiced Stitch in the animated film (and directed it), returns to voice the alien once again.
The rest of the cast is loaded with recognizable names, including Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, Hannah Waddingham as the Grand Councilwoman, Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, and Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles. Fans of the original will also notice a few creative updates and character changes—but at its core, the story remains true to the heart of ohana.
Will the Castle Get “Stitched” Again?
Let’s be clear—Disney has not announced any official plans to recreate the 2004 prank. The castle is not, as some fan theories jokingly suggest, under “high alert” this week. But the buzz around the park is real.
Photos of Stitch’s original “vandalism” have resurfaced across social media. Disney diehards are sharing memories, speculating about potential nods in the park, and even hoping for an Easter egg or two—whether that’s a surprise appearance from Stitch near the castle, themed merchandise, or even just a cheeky photo op that winks at the prank from 20 years ago.
Truthfully, even if Disney doesn’t do anything to the castle, the very fact that fans are expecting something says everything about how deeply Stitch has embedded himself in the Disney legacy. He’s not just a blue alien with attitude. He’s a character that represents the unpredictable, emotional, and often chaotic magic that Disney can deliver when it leans into the unexpected.
A Mischievous Legacy That Lives On
Whether or not Cinderella Castle gets teepeed again, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is already making an impact. It’s reigniting the love fans had for the original and introducing Stitch to a brand new generation of kids who will now grow up saying, “Stitch is my favorite.”
And that legacy—built on mischief, love, loss, and laughter—is what makes this moment feel so special. Stitch isn’t just back in theaters. He’s back in our hearts.
So, if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom this week, take a glance up at the castle. Maybe it’ll look the same. Maybe not. But either way, don’t be surprised if someone walks by wearing a shirt that proudly says, “Stitch Was Here.”
