There aren’t many things in life that I love more than a view of Cinderella Castle. While standing directly in front of its majestic prowess on Main Street USA is a perfectly delightful way to enjoy Disney’s most beloved icon, it certainly isn’t the only place to view this exalted tower. The first time I saw the Castle, I surprised my 29 year old self by how overcome with emotion I was. For me, it wasn’t like being a kid again, it was like I was finally experiencing what it was like to see a building or landscape and truly be in awe! (the grand canyon is cool and all, but…)
As the years and trips to Disney World have racked up (I have officially lost count at this point!) every new stopover proving to be more magical than the last, you become your own map, discovering new treat spots, secrets and viewing locations along the way. I remember being overcome with all feels the first time I saw Cinderella Castle from locations other than Main Street – ’surely I’m the first person to discover the hidden secrets of the Magic Kingdom!’ I said in my naivete. While I may not be the first person to discover these not so secret places to take in the majesty of the castle, these are my favorite spots to sit, stand, sigh, gush, and yes, sometimes shed a tear.
This may be my absolute favorite viewing spot of Cinderella castle, with my all time favorite memory being during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party – this was the first time I ever rode Big Thundy and caught a glimpse of the glowing castle in all her erie glory. While my tummy was flipping in anticipation of my descent down my all time favorite mountain, the purple aura of her royal gorgeousness caught my eye and for a moment I ceased my blood curdling screams and gasped in delight. The moment was fleeting, but it was significant enough for me to get back right back in line for one more viewing (and a photo-op this time, of course!)
Bonus location, you can also snap some fantastic photos of another precious landmark, Madame Leota’s Pad – The Haunted Mansion. It seems no matter how congested the Magic Kingdom is on any given day, there is always room for one more on the Liberty Square bridge for a quick photo-op or even just an audible sigh as you bask in the glory that is the breathtaking architecture of Disney imagineering.
Oh People Mover, how I love thee! From the ethereal Star Tunnel tunes, to waving across the way at guests who may or may not wave back and resting your tootsies whilst zipping around Tomorrowland at an appropriate speed, this truly is the perfect attraction. What makes it even more quintessential of course, is the stunning view of the most beautiful castle in all the land!
We all have our favorite routes, our tried and true byways in which we make our way around the Magic Kingdom. Mine is Main Street, to Liberty Square, to Fantasy Land, to Frontier land, to Tomorrowland. A bit of a loop, I know, but when Disney responds to my feedback to put Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thundy and TTA snuggled up next to the Haunted Mansion, it won’t be such a trek! But with adventure comes discovery – the walkway to and from Frontierland is a perfect photo-op of the castle, lagoon, and Tom Sawyer’s Island! This is also a great location to hang in the back and watch the parade and even catch a not so conventional glimpse of the fireworks.
The more times I visit Walt Disney World, the more joy I get from finding those hidden viewing spots that only me and about 15,000 of my closest Disney friends know about! Whether it’s a night show in any one of the parks, a view of your favorite castle, mountain or land from the top of an attraction, or even those hidden details that can only be seen from just the right angel and location, those are your sweet little secrets. Next time you are at the top of Splash or Thundy (notice I didn’t include Splash as my eyes are always glued shut!) or even making your way down Main Street USA, keep in mind what the imagineers took into account during the inception of Cinderella Castle – to build it high and grand enough to be seen at multiple spots across the land!
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