Exploring the Castle - Hidden Gems

 

Exploring the Castle – Hidden Gems

This post is one of the first in a series of hidden gems in the park. On first glance from the park entrance, you see the most amazing pink castle and may think that it is just a lovely piece of the park that you can look at. If you thought that…you would be wrong! Read on to explore the castle and all of the wonderful quirks that it has to offer.

You see the castle immediately when you stand centrally in the park from the entrance and it is the most wonderful sight. It is pink with blue accents and has a sparkle to it that just makes it magical! Designed to replicate Princess Aurora’s castle, you find some hints inside to take you through the story of Sleeping Beauty. If you walk straight down the middle of Main Street U.S.A, you will come to the circular part of the parade route. Go either left or right to move around the circular section and you will come face to face with the entrance of the castle and yes, you can walk inside and explore!

What can you see and do?

• Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant – The castle itself – Classed as a family adventure and relaxing walk – Any height – Walk inside and explore every nook and cranny to make sure that you don’t miss anything – Don’t forget to walk up (and down) the stairs!
• La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant – Any height – All ages – This is located in the upper part of the castle and is a wonderfully colourful and creative retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty.
• La Tanière du Dragon – Any height – Yes the clue is in the name, there really is a dragon in the castle! Find the dragon ‘sleeping’ underneath the main section of the castle in the middle – It may even wake up to say hello in a way that dragons do!

• La Boutique du Château – In this beautiful shop it is Christmas all year round! Find stunning decorations, Christmas ornaments, gifts and collectibles all in one little shop. – This is located on the right side, inside the castle if you are entering from Main Street U.S.A.
• Merlin l’Enchanteur – An absolutely dazzling cavern of wonders – Sells etched crystal, glass ornaments, glass decorations, jewellery and more! – You can see glass blowing at its finest in here and even create your very own Disney glass wand! – I would highly recommend this shop if you wish to purchase a unique Disneyland souvenir as I bought my beautiful Disney ‘D’ ornament from here and it is my favourite one to date! – This shop is located on the left side, inside the castle if you are entering from Main Street U.S.A.

Top Tips:

- Take time to explore the castle and all it has to offer.

- The castle will be closed off about 30 minutes to 1 hour before the illuminations and     fireworks as the castle is the main attraction for the show!

- Go both up the stairs and down the stairs in the castle!

- You can also locate La Tanière du Dragon by going down a little pathway outside the castle to the left (from Main Street U.S.A). I would recommend using this route if you have small children as it is an easy route out if they are a little afraid!

- Take lots of pictures of the castle during the day and at night - it sparkles even brighter in the darkness!