Could anything be more iconic than staying in Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World?
Encapsulating the dreams of every Disney fan and spotted on everything from spirit jerseys to iconic movie introductions - Cinderella Castle is where the magic happens.
It’s one of the first things you see when entering
Disney’s Magic Kingdom, as you walk in the footsteps of countless marriage proposals, cherished family photos and daily Disney celebrations, ever since
Walt Disney World first opened in 1971.
If Disney dreamers could wish upon a star, waking up in Cinderella Castle would be high on the list - but getting into this iconic attraction isn’t as easy as waving your magic wand. Find out more about spending the night in Disney’s most exclusive hotel below...
The Tale Of Disney’s Cinderella Castle
Although it looks like it should be home to royalty or Cinderella herself, Cinderella Castle has more humble origins. When the iconic palace was first built, Walt Disney planned for it to be a place for him and his family to stay when visiting the parks. Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away in 1966 before he could experience this dream, almost five years before Magic Kingdom would even open.
All the way up until the early 2000s, the castle remained empty, occasionally used for storage and at one point, as the offices for Disney’s telephonists (what a great place to work!). After this, Disney launched their famous Year of a Million Dreams, granting wishes to people around the world. For the occasion, they transformed the castle and its Cinderella Suite, into a place fit for any princess.
Inside The Cinderella Suite
The Cinderella Suite is the one place within the castle walls that is designed for overnight stays. Created by the wonderful Imagineering team, the interiors are as lavish as you’d expect, mimicking the stunning castle exterior with touches of a medieval French chateau. Dark wood floors and ceilings, plush carpets, fabrics woven with gold details and sparkling stained-glass windows are just the start of the experience.
The suite sits on the fourth floor, accessed only via a lift which requires a Key to the World card. The 650sq/ft suite itself includes two queen-sized beds, an ornately-carved fireplace, a bathroom with a plunge bath and a personal foyer complete with a pumpkin coach. Guests can also spot a painting of Cinderella hanging above the fireplace which turns into a Magic Mirror TV that plays the original Cinderella movie.
How Much Does It Cost To Stay In Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World?
Rumours swirl continuously about the sum of money Disney has been offered by millionaires and celebrities to spend a night in Cinderella Castle, but unfortunately, we’ll have to turn your dreams of being a princess back into a pumpkin, as a stay here simply can’t be bought. The suite can’t be booked by the public, although some famous faces have managed to secure a rare invitation, including Tom Cruise and Mariah Carey.
During the Year of a Million Dreams in 2008, six people won the chance to stay in the Cinderella Suite and since then, Disney has occasionally offered up the prize in select competitions (in fact, there was one for UK fans in 2023!) - so keep an eye on social media for any giveaways. However, just because you can’t sleep in Cinderella’s Castle, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a peek inside.
Other Ways to Visit Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World
You may have seen some lucky visitors managing to go on Cinderella Castle tours, but unfortunately, Disney World rarely offers these and they no longer include a visit to the Cinderella Suite. Instead, if you’re a die-hard fan or looking to make a dream come true, book a seat at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
This exclusive dining experience takes place inside the magnificent banquet hall of Cinderella Castle and can be booked for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll get a rare look inside the palace and be greeted by Cinderella upon arrival, before ascending to your meal via a spiral staircase or gilded lift. Decorated with stone archways, medieval flags and grand stained-glass windows with park views, the experience is the next best thing to make princess dreams come true.
Cinderella Castle is as magnificent outside as it is inside, so don’t forget to spend some time exploring and capturing memories. When Disney’s wide range of events, fireworks and displays aren’t happening in the Magic Kingdom, visitors to the park can walk underneath the castle and admire its famous mosaic that depicts famous images of Cinderella - it’s made from over 300,000 pieces!
Disney loves to hold many of its most famous celebrations at Cinderella Castle, from the new Enchantment, which involves amazing projections and music, to the annual 4th July fireworks and Christmas and Halloween spectaculars. If you’re looking for a different photo-op than the famous one outside the castle, here’s a tip - take the small path from Fantasyland Bridge to behind the castle to visit Cinderella’s Wishing Well (perhaps your wish of a stay in Cinderella Castle will come true).
Where To Stay Instead of Cinderella Castle
Staying in Cinderella Castle may be wishing upon a star, but you can still find hotels with views of the castle itself. Disney’s very own properties, such as
The Polynesian Village Resort,
Disney’s Contemporary Resort and
the Grand Floridian all enjoy sweeping views of the castle along with Main Street, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, not to mention the fireworks display. No matter where you stay, visiting Magic Kingdom and Disney’s other parks and experiencing the magic for yourself makes for an unforgettable family holiday.
Are you ready for a Floridian fairytale? See the Walt Disney World castle for yourself in 2024. 
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