Cinderella Castle Repaint Confirmed Begins January 2026 For 12 Months

Walt Disney World has confirmed that Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom will begin a major repaint in early January 2026, restoring the iconic landmark to a more classic, pre-50th Anniversary colour scheme.

If you're travelling from the UK in 2026, this is one of those updates that sounds dramatic, but in reality has minimal impact on your holiday plans, and very little effect on photos if you know what to expect.

Here's everything UK travellers should know before heading into Magic Kingdom in 2026.

Cinderella Castle Is Changing Colour

Disney Imagineers revealed the new look during the Destination D23 "Beyond the Spires" panel, where they showcased concept art inspired by the castle's original appearance.

The refreshed colour palette includes:

• Soft greys and warm creams

• Classic blues on rooftops and turrets

• Subtle gold detailing to highlight architectural features

Disney says the aim is to enhance the castle's structure and make it shimmer naturally in Florida sunlight; not to dramatically alter its appearance.

The new look is expected to debut "later in 2026", though Disney hasn't confirmed a precise end date for the repainting works.

When Will Construction Start?

Disney has now confirmed that visible work will begin in early January 2026, with expectations pointing to on or after 5 January 2026, once the Christmas and New Year rush subsides.

This timing is important for UK guests visiting Magic Kingdom as the works are expected to go on for some time. Visitors heading to Magic Kingdom for:

• Late December 2025 and early January 2026 holidays should see no impact.

• Easter 2026 trips may overlap with ongoing work

• Summer 2026 visitors could still see the project in progress, depending on timeline

Will There Be Scaffolding or Scrims?

No, there will not be scrims and scaffolds obscuring or hiding the view of Cinderella Castle, which is the mots important reassurance 2026 visitors are looking for right now. The thought of walking up Main Street and not seeing the castle would be upsetting for many UK visitors with trips booked.

Disney has confirmed:

• No scrims covering the castle

• No all-day cranes blocking views

That does not mean that the view of the iconic castle will be uninterrupted at all times. Instead visitors can expect:

• Cranes and lifts will be used in the mornings only

• Equipment will be lowered by midday

• Afternoon and evening views from Main Street U.S.A. will remain clear

This mirrors Disney's approach during the last castle repaint in 2020, and is designed specifically to protect guest photos.

How Will This Affect Your Photos?

For UK visitors, the impact on photos should be minimal, provided you plan around the timing of cranes. Grabbing pictures first thing in a morning during crowds will be a no go unless you are happy to have the cranes in the background.

Here’s what to expect when it comes to getting your all important iconic holiday shot in front of Cinderella Castle:

• Early-morning photos taken during rope drop or Early Entry may show cranes

• Midday, afternoon, and evening photos should be largely unaffected by the works, and this is the time to plan to grab them.

• Fireworks photos are still expected to include full projections, so night-time show experiences should feel just as magical while the painting work is being completed.

Disney is encouraging guests to plan around the works, structuring park days to experience headline rides first thing in a morning, before returning to the castle in the afternoon for photos.

For anyone who likes to get that iconic Cinderella Castle shot with their outfit of the day before the Florida heat or snacks add character to your outfit, it is still worth grabbing your shot. Instead of aiming for a full castle shot, aim to just have part of the castle in the picture.

In short: your classic family castle photo is still very much safe.

Entertainment Changes to Be Aware Of

From 28 January 2026, there will be minor temporary adjustments to some shows:

• "Let the Magic Begin", Magic Kingdom’s morning welcome show will be modified

• "Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire" will continue, but with small changes

• Happily Ever After fireworks will continue, possibly with reduced lighting effects

These changes are expected to be very subtle, and most first-time or infrequent visitors are unlikely to notice or have a reduced experience. Disney seem to be determined to protect the overall show experience and deliver that moving moment UK fans expect to have.

What This Means for UK Travel Planning

If you're booking from the UK, this update should not change your travel dates or overall experience of Magic Kingdom in 2026.

Key takeaways for planners:

• No reason to avoid Magic Kingdom in early 2026

• Castle photos remain achievable

• Fireworks and daytime shows continue

• Morning ride strategy continues to be a smart planning choice

For UK families who typically visit once every few years, or once in a lifetime, Disney's approach here is about preserving the magic, not disrupting it, so don’t hit the planning panic button.

Why the Timeline Feels Vague

Disney has only said the refreshed castle will debut "later in 2026", which has raised some eyebrows. Historically the Castle repaint has taken around 4-5 months. This year, however, they are starting the repaint earlier, and the no scrims approach suggests Disney are confident in maintaining the castle façade while repainting for 2026 guests to experience.

The debut of “later in the year” does suggest that Disney are looking to take there time and do a good job with the re-paint. By not committing to a specified timeline, Disney are giving themselves some leeway, perhaps to complete some additional maintenance at the same time. Either way, Disney is prioritising guest experience over speed with this paint process, which should bring 2026 visitors a lot of comfort.

Magic in a Minute

Cinderella Castle will be repainted from early January 2026, but UK visitors can expect clear views, minimal disruption, and photo-ready afternoons throughout the project, making this a planning footnote, not a holiday spoiler.