By Nicole Nalty
Faith, trust, and pixie dust are just part of the magical combination that brought the largest Disney castle in history so enchantingly to life at Shanghai Disneyland. Enchanted Storybook Castle represents many firsts for a Disney Parks castle: it is the first to celebrate each of the Disney Princesses, the first to host a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and the first to be part of a boat-ride attraction, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. Take a closer look at the many mesmerizing tales Shanghai Disneyland’s royal residence can tell.
Located at the heart of Shanghai Disneyland, Enchanted Storybook Castle is a stunning, splendid castle full of distinctly Disney touches and nods to Chinese culture. The tallest point of the castle is a golden finial topped with a golden peony—which represents China. Another golden finial is topped with magnolia flowers to represent Shanghai. Among these are Disney stars shooting towards the sky from the central spire, and a Disney crown to represent all of Disney’s princesses.
Enchanted Storybook Castle is much more than just part of Voyage to the Crystal Grotto—guests can relive the tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through “Once Upon a Time” Adventure, an innovative take on Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough.
Snow White and the Prince as seen during “Once Upon a Time” Adventure.
A castle representing all of the Disney princesses would not be complete without its newest additions, Anna and Elsa. This is one of four mosaics inside Enchanted Storybook Castle, one for each of the seasons. The Frozen sisters represent winter—and rightfully so.
Brave’s Merida celebrates fall with her bear-y cute brothers, mama bear, and her father—although he seems to be a little preoccupied…
Princess Tiana’s portrayal of the spring season makes perfect sense—blooming flowers are a great comparison to her transformation from frog to princess.
While there are many details to take in at Enchanted Storybook Castle, don’t forget to look up!
Climb the winding staircase on your way to “Once Upon A Time” Adventure, and you’ll see some more familiar faces—each of the princesses is represented in a charming motif. Seen here are Ariel from 1989’s The Little Mermaid, Belle from 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan from 1998’s Mulan.
Just as stunning at night as it is during the day, Enchanted Storybook Castle is certainly a sight to be seen—and never forgotten.