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NEWS: Disney Finally Adds Princess to Theme Park After 15 Years

After years of being left out of the attraction lineup at the original Disney park, Rapunzel and her iconic tower are finally taking center stage—well, sort of. It may be small, but it’s official: Rapunzel’s Tower is being added to the classic Storybook Land Canal Boats attraction at Disneyland Park, and it’s a move that has longtime Tangled fans saying, “It’s about time.”

Tangled Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Credit: Walt Disney Animation

This new scene is set to debut during the park’s 70th anniversary celebration and brings a little golden glow (and maybe a few frying pans) to one of Disneyland’s most charming, old-school rides.

Let’s break down what’s coming, what it means, and why this tiny tower might be the start of something much bigger.

Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) shared the news on X posting the concept art and stating, “Storybook Land is getting more miniature magic 💜☀️ Rapunzel’s Tower will debut in Storybook Land Canal Boats at
@Disneyland this winter! Sail into the details and history of the beloved attraction. http://di.sn/6015AouuB”

The Glow-Up: Rapunzel’s Tower Comes to Fantasyland

In a surprise but welcome update, Disney has announced that the miniaturized world of Storybook Land is getting a brand-new neighbor: Rapunzel’s Tower, straight from the world of Tangled. According to official concept art, the tower will be nestled into the landscape between the Patchwork Quilt hills and Toad Hall, seamlessly joining the collection of fairytale locales that make the boat ride such a nostalgic fan favorite.

This new addition doesn’t just look pretty—it’s got layers. The tower is surrounded by dense, lush greenery, perched high above the canal with its familiar turret and weathered stone. And yes, Flynn Rider’s infamous “wanted” postersare there too. In true Tangled fashion, Disney Imagineers had a little fun: each miniature poster features a slightly different version of Flynn’s face, because let’s face it—they still didn’t get his nose right.

It’s All About the Mood—Day and Night

Rapunzel in 'Tangled'
Credit: Disney

Here’s where things get even more magical: the new Tangled scene will change depending on when you ride.

  • By day, the air will fill with a soft instrumental version of “When Will My Life Begin?”—Rapunzel’s bouncy tune that captures her tower-bound routine of painting, cleaning, and baking.

  • At night, things shift. The scene will glow with twinkling lights, including a string of lantern-style bulbs winding up a nearby trellis and bridge. The soundtrack? “I See the Light,” playing gently as your boat floats by a dock modeled after the one from Rapunzel and Flynn’s lantern moment.

For a ride that’s remained relatively unchanged in tone since the 1950s, this is a pretty dreamy modern addition.

Why This Matters: Disneyland’s First Real Tangled Ride Moment

Let’s be real—Rapunzel has long deserved more representation in Disneyland Park. Sure, she’s made appearances in parades and meet-and-greets, and her face is on plenty of merch. But in terms of actual in-ride experiences? This is the first time a Tangled scene will be part of a Disneyland attraction.

Tokyo DisneySea recently debuted Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, a full-blown ride in the stunning Fantasy Springs area (which is already breaking the internet). Disneyland Paris is also gearing up to launch its own Tangled-themed ride soon.

So it’s about time the original Disney park gave Rapunzel her due—even if it’s in miniature.

Storybook Land Canal Boats: A Deep Cut with Deep Roots

Not everyone realizes it, but Storybook Land is one of Disneyland’s most historically significant rides. It opened on Disneyland’s debut day in 1955 (then called “Canal Boats of the World”), and just a year later, it was transformed into the attraction we know today.

Walt Disney himself had a huge obsession with miniatures—he collected them, admired them, and ultimately helped inspire this entire ride, which blends detailed tiny models with lush landscaping and a tranquil boat ride that’s narrated by real live Cast Members.

Think of it as Fantasyland’s version of a scenic food crawl… but for your imagination.

More Than Just a Pretty Tower: The Details Make the Magic

Storybook Land Canal Boats Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Here’s what you can expect when Rapunzel’s tower drops into the mix this winter:

  • Flora Overload: The scene is packed with layered greenery, boulders, and lush foliage. Don’t be surprised if it smells amazing—Disney horticulture doesn’t mess around.

  • Lantern Vibes: Look for strings of glowing lights along the bridge and dock that call back to the famous boat scene from the movie.

  • Easter Eggs: Those Flynn Rider posters aren’t just cute—they’re a running gag from the film, recreated in perfect scale.

  • Miniature Dock: A tiny rowboat near the water’s edge adds depth to the scene, tying it back to one of Disney’s most romantic movie moments.

And yes, you’ll still be entering the ride through Monstro’s wide-open jaws. Don’t forget to look up for the fake soot marks from Pinocchio’s big escape.

A Fitting Addition for the 70th Anniversary

With Disneyland turning 70, Disney is choosing to honor the classics while still giving love to newer stories—and that’s exactly what this addition represents.

Storybook Land isn’t just a nostalgic throwback. It’s a living showcase of how Disney storytelling continues to evolve, welcoming new characters without losing the charm and heart that made the park iconic in the first place.

Adding Tangled to this attraction is a strategic move. It doesn’t require an overhaul or massive investment, but it makes a big impact. And for longtime fans? It’s a signal that Disney hasn’t forgotten the modern classics.

Small Scene with Big Energy

Let’s not get it twisted—this isn’t a brand-new ride. But for Disney adults, Tangled superfans, and those of us who live for the little details, Rapunzel’s Tower in Storybook Land is a big deal.

Whether you’re snapping photos for your Disney food blog, updating your Instagram highlights, or just riding it five times in a row to catch the day-to-night transition, this is one addition that’s worth celebrating.

Stay tuned—Disney hasn’t given an exact reopening date for Storybook Land yet, but with winter right around the corner, Rapunzel’s big (tiny) debut is just a few lanterns away.

Author

  • Alessia Dunn

    Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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