Walt Disney World is getting ready to celebrate the resort’s 50th anniversary this October. As such, they are not only sprucing up the park, but they are refurbishing many attractions and areas of the parks – in particular the Magic Kingdom.

Imagineer Zack Riddley shared what was the inspiration for the decor for Cinderella Castle.

“Our past is always inspiring our future. Our Imagineering team drew inspiration from Disney Legend Mary Blair for our transformation of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom in honor of the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration beginning October 1, 2021.
 
A couple weeks ago we shared a rendering of how this new décor will come to life. And for the first time – I’m excited to reveal this new @WaltDisneyImagineering illustration of Cinderella Castle in full 50th Anniversary regalia in the style of Mary Blair.

 
Her enchanting visual designs and use of color for the film Cinderella were our source of inspiration, which you can swipe to see courtesy of the @DisneyAnimation Research Library. We wanted to go back to the original story of this beautiful structure to create something entirely original for this grand celebration. Fanciful ribbons wrap in air around the castle turrets – inspired by the scene in the film where Cinderella is transformed in her stunning gown. And Mary’s designs provided us a beautiful palette of rich hues to choose from – deep blues, purples and shimmering golds mesh with a touch of EARidescence that will catch light and evolve through the day and into each evening. 
 
Over the coming months we’re excited to share more of our progress as this stunning transformation happens before our eyes.”

Last week, Disney started getting Cinderella Castle ready for the celebration by adding embellishments to the park’s icon. The first piece of decor was ribbon swags that will adorn the castle.

Last year, while the park was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cinderella Castle was given a “royal makeover.” The entire castle was painted. The turrets received a deep blue/purple shimmer, the upper half is now pinker, and the stones were also touched up.

However, it appears the deep blue/purple turrets have faded in less than a year and now workers are repainting them, this time in a deep blue color. It is unfortunate that the paint faded, but many Disney fans did not like the blue/purple color and are much happier that castle is going back to its familiar blue color.