DISNEY CASTLES
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Disneyland: Sleeping Beauty Castle
The movie "Sleeping Beauty" was still four years away, and yet Walt proclaimed this castle as "Sleeping Beauty Castle". Though the smallest within the Disney kingdom, this castle has proven size does not equal grandeur. Although the drawbridge has only been lowered twice in approximately 60 years, I can proudly claim to be a part of this castle's history, being part of the Toy Soldier guard who took part in the second ceremony (for the opening of the "New Fantasyland" in 1983) as the 3rd person to cross the newly lowered bridge at that time. Though small, this castle looms large to me.
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WDW Magic Kingdom: Cinderella Castle
Cinderella's Castle is large and impressive. Certainly, I love being able to dine inside and I would not pass up the opportunity to stay overnight in the suite that has been created on the upper floors. But despite the impressive height, this is my least favorite of castle designs. I still love this castle, but it just ranks third...
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Tokyo Disneyland: Cinderella Castle
At the time this park was being created, all elements that were to be built were basically the best selections that were deemed the superior options from either Disneyland or Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. So Tokyo got for: Main Street, the Magic Kingdom version... for Space Mountain, the Disneyland version... for a Castle, the Magic Kingdom version. Visually that's more impressive.
For my interpretation of the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle here in Tokyo, I though I should change the actual color palette to represent the location in Japan, thus a heavy Red and White influence. |
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Disneyland Paris: Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant
No matter how much I love the original castle in Anaheim, especially since I am part of the amazing history of it... the Paris version of Sleeping Beauty castle is far and above the most impressive and beautiful of all Disney Castles. Built in Europe, the land of castles, this castle had to be built to exceed any and all expectations of what a perfect castle might be. This castle does not disappoint.
Oh, and that cave at the lower left...there is an actual dragon down there! (How cool is that?) |
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Hong Kong Disneyland: Sleeping Beauty Castle
Since my greatest affection toward any of the Disney castles is directed to the original Sleeping Beauty castle in Anaheim, when it was announced that that castle would be duplicated for the Hong Kong park, I had mixed feelings. I do like this castle, mostly because of its identical twin, but I still find this a better design than the larger Cinderella castle.
For the Hong Kong version, despite it being nearly identical to its Anaheim sister, I crafted this version in the red and gold colors of China. |
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COMING SOON: IN 2015 (or 2016) SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND WILL PREMIERE A BRAND NEW DISNEY CASTLE!
