After months of work, water is returning to the Cinderella Castle moat at Magic Kingdom. During a recent visit, we watched the basin filling back up as the repainted grey and blue Castle sat nearby. Disney has indicated that some work remains, but the moat refilling is the clearest sign yet that the project is hopefully in its final stages.
Cinderella Castle Moat Refilled at Magic Kingdom as Repainting Project Nears the Finish Line
In This Article
- In-person look at the refilling moat and the current state of the castle
- The full timeline from announcement to today
- What guests can expect at Magic Kingdom right now
A LOOK AT THE MOAT TODAY
The basin is filling. During our visit, water had returned to a level that is nearly full for the moat. The cranes are gone from the basin, equipment has cleared out, and the view from Main Street USA is clean. It is the closest the area has looked to normal since the project began in January.
While the “Feels Like” temperature was approaching 100° when these photos were taken, hopefully you’re inside, enjoying some air conditioning. It’s going to be another oppressive Summer in Central Florida, and we’re just getting started. At least it was a nice day if you don’t count the temperature.
It might be a bit difficult to tell from the photo below, but the moat is not at full height yet. As we make our way closer to the Liberty Square bridge, it will become obvious that the refilling is a work in progress.
Today was the closest I’ve ever been to taking a swim in the moat. The water was clear, the temperatures were hot, and it would’ve been lovely. However, I value my Annual Pass far more than the 10 minutes I’d enjoy in the moat. The moat was being refilled from a pump nearby, and the water was shooting out from a temporary hose under the Liberty Square bridge.
HOW WE GOT HERE
The repainting began on January 28, when the first grey paint was spotted on a small upper section of the castle. Through February, crews moved across the back half without any cranes visible during normal park hours. By March, almost no pink remained on the main structure.
Next, attention shifted to the rooftops. By early April, the dark blue spires were nearly finished. Later that month, the final section of rose pink came down. The high-reach cranes left the moat shortly after.
While the repainting project appears to be done, Walt Disney World says that the project isn’t complete yet. That said, Cinderella Castle looks great, and the water returning to the moat means that the iconic Castle is looking great from more angles today.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR VISIT
If you are heading to Magic Kingdom, expect Cinderella Castle to look great. No cranes, no equipment in the basin, and the classic color scheme on full display. The moat is on its way back, and the project is clearly winding down. We will be watching closely and will let you know when Disney officially calls it complete.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!