For 75 years, Cinderella, a timeless icon of Disney Animation Studios, has captivated hearts with her story. To mark this event, let’s revisit together her enchanting world and references made to her at Disneyland Paris.
Cinderella, a Disney classic!
The anniversary of the first cinema release of the great classic of Disney animation movies, Cinderella is the ideal occasion to recall its history. It dates back to the beginnings of Walt Disney in 1922 in Kansas City where he establishes his first studio and launches his fist series of cartoons, the Laugh-O-Grams. It is in this context that he released his first adaptation of the tale, with a strongly humorous and contemporary tone, in December of the same year. A Silly Symphony on the main subject was also planned in 1933, but was never developed beyond the sketch phase.
It was only in 1943 that Walt released a new scenario, followed by the decision in 1948 to create his next animated film.
Released on 15 February 1950, the film enjoyed immediate success. It was nominated for three Oscars (best sound, best music and best song for Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo) and was the signal of a new golden age for Disney animation.
Cinderella also contains one of Walt Disney’s favourite scenes: that in which the fairy Godmother magically turns Cinderella’s rags into a wonderful ballgown. It must be said that the animation of this magical moment, created by Marc Davis (one of the creators of Pirates of the Caribbean) is a true masterpiece and that Cinderella’s dress, inspired by Christian Dior (who had made a big impression during his visit in Los Angeles in 1947) is a marvel!
Tribute from Imagineers
Given the success of the movie and its importance for Walt, it was only natural for Imagineers to draw inspiration from it to create the various Disney Parks: we can find Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park of Walt Disney World in Florida and in Tokyo Disneyland of Tokyo Disney Resort.
Tribute was also natural in Disneyland® Paris, in the homeland of Charles Perrault. The universe of Cinderella holds a good place at Fantasyland®, in the L’Auberge de Cendrillon, one of the most charming restaurants of Disneyland Park.
The building is clearly marked by the Renaissance architecture of Val de Loire, which had already inspired artistic directors Mary Blair and John Hench to create the Tremaine mansion in the animation film: it essentially features a main tower in which Cinderella’s room is found. Inside, the wooden beams of the ceiling, the stone archways, multi-faceted mirrors and pastel shades share a romantic and elegant aesthetic with the building’s exterior, while the tapestries, the capitals atop the columns and the frescos are adorned with scenes from the 1950 classic. The famous Cinderella’s carriage in the courtyard and the fountain at the entrance, with its graceful bronze statue, contribute to completing the charm.
Cinderella at Disneyland Paris!
In addition to her regular appearances, whether at L’Auberge de Cendrillon or at Princess Pavillon, Cinderella likes to participate to various shows of the destination. She appeared in her fabulous pumpkin-shaped carriage drawn by magnificent horses in the Disney Parade (1992-1994) and in the glittering Main Street Electrical Parade (1992-2003), where she was followed by the famous castle clock. She also appeared in the iconic Le Livre Magique de Mickey show, which was performed on the Castle Stage from 1992 to 1997.
One could even see the pumpkin transforming into a carriage before us during the Festival of Fairy Tales (1995-1996), while court dancers performed pas des deux and tap dance led by fanfare live. Cinderella also likes to participate in a show or dance along other Disney Princesses. She could be admired for example on Castle Stage in the Starlit Princess Waltz (2017-2019), and more recently in the show Disney Princesses Holiday Season Celebration.
At Walt Disney Studios Park®, since 2016 Cinderella appears in the Mickey and the Magician show at Animagique Theater.
Since January 2025, during the night show Disney Tales of Magic, the Fairy Godmother joins the party. When she casts her magic on the Sleeping Beauty Castle, it propagates towards Main Street, U.S.A then transforms into a shining bright ballroom for Cinderella and Prince Charming. Magical!
As the other Disney Princesses, Cinderella is part of the characters that the children of the Make-A-Wish programme dream to meet at Disneyland® Paris.
In the footsteps of Cinderella, when dreams come true
At Disneyland® Paris, enjoying lunch or a “Royal breakfast” at Auberge de Cendrillon is always an unforgettable experience. Pampered by the most attentive table service, visitors can enjoy delicious dishes in a fairy-tale atmosphere, in the company of Disney Princesses. For this anniversary, a new dessert was in fact prepared by the Disneyland Paris pastry chefs.
* Vanilla mousse, almond-coco cookie, raspberry insert with a ruby chocolate shell
To follow this magical journey, go ow to Disneyland Hotel. Including hairstyle, make-up and royal costume according to the chosen package, “My Royal Dream: a fairytale makeover” is the occasion for children to become princes or princesses for one day.
And for a happy ending, why not finish the journey in the charming setting of Cinderella* Signature Suites, in which magical touches continue to shine after midnight, to begin with the famous glass slipper?
Nothing is better to fulfil a wish you heart makes!
The celebration continues in the shops
Disneyland® Paris shops are no exception to the rule of these festivities. For this occasion, a new Spirit Jersey sweat-shirt, a denim jacket, a headband* but also a figurine and a collection doll will gradually arrive in a selection of Disneyland Paris shops.**
So you can take a bit of the magic of this special anniversary home with you!
*Mickey and Minnie’s ears.
**While stocks last.