Note: This post is part of a 15 Day challenge with questions referring to Disneyland or Walt Disney World. For more information, or to see all 15 questions, please refer to the introductory post, The 15 Day Disneyland Challenge. As stated in that post, I am not the creator of the challenge – just a willing participant!
Day 15 – Your Favorite Castle/Park Icon
This one’s not tough at all. Nothing comes close. Not in beauty. Not in meaning. It’s not the tallest, not the biggest, not housing a ride, but a true icon: Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Nothing more beautiful in the park, even at night.
I’ve repeated a few times what it means to me to hear Jiminy Cricket singing “When You Wish Upon a Star” as you walk through, but it bears repeating. As you pass through, whether walking into Fantsayland or leaving the park, for that moment, if you pause and listen, you begin to truly believe your dreams WILL come true. It’s not just the song, it’s the location. You can look into a world of Fantasy or out onto the streets of yore, but either way, for just that brief moment, all is right with the world.
The castle is quaint – any bigger, and the Matterhorn would be dwarfed – the perception would be ruined. As it is, it’s perfect. It’s the obligatory picture shot. It’s the spot to see fireworks in front of. It’s the location of Lord knows how many wedding proposals. What little girl hasn’t looked upon Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, imagining it was their royal home? I know mine has. Maybe that’s the reason she never wants to leave. She doesn’t want to leave her home. And who knows? Someday it might be. After all, When You Wish Upon a Star…..
I still get misty every time I see this.
And with that, dear readers, we conclude The 15 Day Disneyland Challenge. As I have stated on the official Confessions of a Disnerd Facebook Page, I’m not going anywhere – I’m just getting started. Next week I plan sharing exactly where I see the blog going from here, as well as a fun giveaway! I’m excited to be on this Disneyfied journey with all of you!
Until then, I ask you to share: What’s your favorite icon in any of the parks?
Confessions Of A DisNerd 
Lately I’ve been really entranced by the Paris castle, but it might just be because of the new castle show. And I’ve never seen it in person. So I’ll have to go with the Sleeping Beauty Castle as well. None of the WDW icons seem as charming to me, especially not the big ol’ hat. And I’ve had heated arguments about which castle is better, I will always defend SBC no matter how many times others say “Cinderella Castle is bigger!” because bigger isn’t better. SBC is just more elegant and welcoming.
Once Shanghai opens though, that castle just might win me over…
No contest. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle has been making my heart race for 56 years. I especiall love standing close enough to hear Jiminy sing “When You Wish Upon a Star” all the way through. My visit begins when I can see her, and ends with one last look over my shoulder on the way out.
Craig, thanks for this fifteen days. It’s been REALLY fun!
🙂
As a WDW girl I’m going to choose Epcot’s famous icon. Yes, I could say Cinderella’s castle as I could stand and stare at that all day, but there is something that fascinates me when I see the sun shining off Spaceship Earth, I love that design.
Can’t wait to see Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for the first ever time next year 🙂
The one Walt built; Sleeping Beauty’s Castle!
But I have to throw in the ‘worst’ icon as well; the ridiculous Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat at the Disney Studios. It ruins the entire perspective of the entrance, with the Mann’s Chinese Theater being completely blocked. I would LOVE to see that come down in the coming years. Here’s hoping!!
If I’m picking from just the castles, Sleeping Beauty’s, hands down.
But if I had to pick one and only one Park Icon…DLRR’s Main Street Station. It’s the first thing you see as you enter Disneyland, and the last thing you see as you leave. Walt loved his railroad, and chose it to define the park’s boundaries. For me, seeing that building tells me that I’m home.
You have a great point, Adrienne. There’s something magical about seeing that station as you walk up to the gates!
I have to agree – Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. I love looking at it as you make your way down Main Street, until you’re right there! Every trip I take multiple photos – day and night!
Thanks Craig – have loved reading the 15 day challenge and look forward to further posts.
Thanks, Kerry – I’m having fun with it and hope to have more stuff like this in the future!
You made it to 15! Congratulations! For castles, Sleeping Beauty Castle. For icons… hard to say. I have fond childhood memories of seeing the Matterhorn from the windows of the car and getting very VERY excited!
Thanks for the congrats! Without a doubt, Matterhorn was a close second, just for that reason – it was a game for us. Who would be the first to spot it as we drove down Harbor? My dad always won….
My favourite castle would be Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disnyeland USA. That is it, THE castle. If I could, I would give it the interior of Paris’ version, because that is also amazing. However, the exterior of the castle is not quite so much to my liking (it’s like a Toontown version of a castle).
If we’re talking about overall icons, I would have to also cast a vote for Main St. Station as my runner up.
I don’t know if I could choose just one icon or favorite picture spot. But Disneyland itself is just the place for me. I get anxious when driving there and seeing the Matterhorn from the freeway. I get giddy when going up to the MSUSA Train Station or walking under it. I love gazing at SBC and wish I could walk the parapets. I really love seeing the mansion as it is so beautifully built and kept up, it just invites you into it’s southern charm. I always have wanted to build my own house designed just like this.
Thanks Craig! Can’t wait to see what more you do with the blog!
SBC for sure for me! I’m not a girly girl at all, but the I LOVE SBC! It makes me so happy to see it. My boys see any castle now and they yell out, “Disneyland!!” LOL.
This has been super fun Craig! Can’t wait for more =)
I have to go with Disneyland Railroad Main Street station. When it comes into view as I’m making my way to the entrance gates I get very excited. I love to be there when a train is pulling into the station. The sound of the whistle, the clang of the bell and the smell of the steam really bring it home.
This has been a great challenge Craig. I think I often found myself repeating things, but it confirmed my loves for Disneyland. I love all of Disneyland. What is really special about it, is the friends that I have made and the ways it brings us together.
Sleeping Beauty’s castle never gets old, especially with all the beautiful fireworks!