The pink Cinderella Castle is disappearing rapidly as gray paint spreads to the Liberty Square side, marking the final stages of the Magic Kingdom Park icon’s color transformation.
WDWMagic posted an image on February 18 showing progress as seen from the Liberty Square side, confirming that Walt Disney World Resort is systematically eliminating the anniversary color scheme that has defined the castle since 2021.
Moat Drained for Final Push
Disney cast members have nearly completed draining the moat around Cinderella Castle, allowing painters access to the front half of the structure. Despite extensive progress on the sides and rear, the castle still appears predominantly pink when viewed from Main Street, U.S.A.—the angle most Disney Park guests photograph.
The transformation accelerated after work began last month, following Disney’s August 2025 announcement that the castle would return to its original blue and gray palette. @DisneyParks shared the news on X (formerly known as Twitter):
✨JUST ANNOUNCED✨ Cinderella Castle at @WaltDisneyWorld is getting a new color palette inspired by the classic and original look of the castle http://di.sn/6006f7IMj
✨JUST ANNOUNCED✨ Cinderella Castle at @WaltDisneyWorld is getting a new color palette inspired by the classic and original look of the castle https://t.co/cTAfEIuoho pic.twitter.com/z4Z24iCTBX
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 31, 2025
Pink Era Ending After Five Years
The pink castle emerged in 2021 for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration. A “50” medallion covered the clock throughout the festivities, and it was removed in 2023 when celebrations ended. The pink color scheme lingered nearly two more years despite mixed guest reactions—many felt the anniversary look had worn out its welcome.
On February 12, Disney Dining confirmed that the entire back of Cinderella Castle had been repainted gray, with work beginning on the front turrets. The latest update shows expansion on the Liberty Square side, and it appears that approximately 75% of the structure has transitioned from pink to its restored colors.
Cinderella Castle Entertainment Modified
Construction continues to force adjustments to the entertainment on the Cinderella Castle stage. “Let the Magic Begin” operates without character performers. “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” was moved to later showtimes so painters could work during the cooler morning hours. Mickey Mouse and friends compensate with unscheduled Fantasyland appearances on some days.
Walt Disney World Resort confirmed that the repainting project would be completed sometime in 2026, without specifying a date. Current progress suggests the pink castle’s days are numbered, with the final goodbye approaching within weeks or months as the front-facing Main Street, U.S.A., view receives its gray makeover.
What do you think about the new color scheme for Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
