Fantasyland has long been a place where fairy tales come alive, but recently, guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park noticed something curious: the legendary Sword in the Stone has mysteriously disappeared.
The interactive attraction—positioned near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel—has been a charming photo spot for years. Often drawing in families and Disney enthusiasts alike, it gave guests the chance to tug on Excalibur and discover whether they might be the chosen one. Occasionally, thanks to some well-timed Disney magic, the sword would rise from the anvil to gasps of delight.
Inspired by Disney’s The Sword in the Stone (1963), the attraction is one of the rare in-park tributes to the animated film. The movie, based on T.H. White’s novel, follows young Arthur—nicknamed Wart—as he is tutored by the wise and whimsical Merlin. Though it wasn’t a major box office draw upon release, the film has grown to become a fan favorite and holds historical significance as the last animated feature released before Walt Disney’s passing.
Over the years, the Sword in the Stone attraction has seen brief refurbishments, occasionally prompting online chatter.
Now, reports indicate another change is afoot. According to Kenny the Pirate, the sword vanished overnight: “Yesterday, the Sword in the Stone was roped off and a blue tarp surrounded the stone, but the sword was still visible. Today, the blue tarp remains, but the sword is now missing.”
So far, the closure hasn’t been listed on the official Walt Disney World Resort refurbishment calendar. Currently, the only attractions marked as closed are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Hall of Presidents, and Astro Orbiter. The Sword in the Stone’s removal now brings the total number of unavailable experiences in Magic Kingdom to four.
And that number could soon rise. If no changes occur by July 7, both Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America in Frontierland will also close, part of a broader transformation of the area. These classic experiences will make way for the new Piston Peak National Park, marking one of the most significant expansions in the park’s 53-year history.
Despite its compact size, the Sword in the Stone holds a strong emotional connection for many. Guests fondly recall moments when a child was selected by a Merlin-costumed cast member for a mini-ceremony, further adding to the memory-making magic of the moment.
Fans can still find versions of this attraction at Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, but the Magic Kingdom version is cherished for its unique atmosphere and legacy. With any luck, this is just a temporary refurbishment and the beloved sword will soon return to its rightful place.
Have you ever had a magical moment with the Sword in the Stone? Share your stories with us in the comments!
