Disneyland Paris has revealed the results of an extensive 12-month renovation on its castle and we’re blown away by the magical transformation.
Themed tarps and scaffolding bedecked the ark’s centrepiece for the last year as the tourist destination revamped the palace’s look for its 30th anniversary celebrations.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle was reopened to guests at Disneyland Paris this week in the first major refurbishment since its opening in 1992.
While there have been several moderations to the castle over the past three decades this is the most dramatic yet as the magical castle now boasts pink towers, grey roofing and gilded gold accents.
Disneyland Paris has a long-standing history of collaborating with French and European craftspeople to build and look after the various decorations in the Parks.
Tracy Eck, who works as Art Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris – Design & Show Quality, said: “It was the first time we undertook something so monumental.
“Certain effects have even been improved so that the castle’s structure will be even more resilient in the upcoming years.
“It took nearly a year to complete these works on site with all of the teams. Painters, electricians, gilders, craftspeople in charge of the tiled roofs… It was a hive of activity.”
To successfully carry out the 30th anniversary project, while complying with the design and level of detail that make the resort’s reputation, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris – Design & Show Quality and Construction teams called upon the services of recognised French experts in the field of historical monument refurbishment.
Nine French suppliers were hired to carry out the work in areas such as carpentry, roofing, painting and ironworking.
The stunning new Sleeping Beauty Castle which features 19,900 slate tiles, 41,200 fold leaves and 14 shades of pink also contains many references to French heritage.
The Imagineers who created Sleeping Beauty Castle included symbols – such as the snails covered in fine gold leaf that seem to be trying to get away from French cooks by climbing the two golden spires.
And, artistic references with the geometric gardens inspired by “The Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry, among other things.
The symbol of Disneyland Paris is a combination between the Mont-Saint-Michel shape and that of the castles from the illustrations of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry .
While the roof tile pattern is similar to that of the Hospices de Beaune, the dome with stained-glass windows on the Northern side of the castle is inspired by the one that sits on top of the Château de Chambord.
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Inside, the tree-shaped twisted pillars are inspired by those that support the ambulatory of the Saint-Séverin church in Paris, and the tapestries in La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant are authentic Aubusson tapestries, made especially for the occasion according to the traditional methods of master weavers, who benefit from a legacy that spans over 500 years.
Disneyland Paris boasts the most visited castle in Europe and it always faces North so that guests can get the perfect snap at any time of day as the sun will never pass behind it.
It’s also the only castle in the world that is home to a dragon – admittedly, an animatronic one!
The 30th Anniversary celebrations at Disneyland Paris will begin on March 6 2022.
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