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| Sleeping Beauty Castle symbolizes the magic of Disneyland.
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After seven years of slumber, Disneyland's 53-year-old, 77-foot-high Sleeping Beauty Castle reopened in November, fully restored. Visitors who stroll past retro dioramas enhanced by special effects can see Aurora and her suitor, Prince Philip, beset by the spells of the evil fairy Maleficent—and of course, at the world's happiest theme park, they live happily ever after.
THANKS, LUDWIG
Walt Disney modeled his palace on neuschwanstein, built in the 19th century by King ludwig ii of Bavaria.
OBJECTS MAY APPEAR LARGER
Forced perspective makes the castle look bigger than it is: upper doors and windows are smaller than those below.
A GOLDEN TOUCH
Disney had the turrets covered with 22-karat gold leaf that gleams in any weather.
BEFORE E TICKETS...
In 1955, entrance to the castle cost 35 cents. today it’s free.
SHARING THE MAGIC
The moat is part of the park’s “dark water” system—dyed water that circulates through two other attractions as well.
RELATIVE ROYALTY
The coat of arms over the portcullis is the Disney family crest.
TREASURE FOR TOMORROW
A time capsule of Disney memorabilia buried in front of the castle will be opened in 2035.
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