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Magic Kingdom Welcome Show Loses Characters as Cinderella Castle Repainting Nears
Early mornings at Magic Kingdom are looking a little different as Disney prepares Cinderella Castle for its upcoming repaint. The Let the Magic Begin welcome show has been further modified, and characters are no longer appearing during the performance. Fireworks had already been removed earlier this month, and showtimes are no longer listed on the Walt Disney World calendar.
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Disney has posted a notice explaining that the changes are due to project work on Cinderella Castle. While characters are temporarily absent, guests will still hear the familiar welcome fanfare and music each morning around 8:55 am, just before the park officially opens at 9 am. The music continues to set the tone for the day, even without the full show experience.
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Additional entertainment adjustments are also in place. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire has shifted to afternoon-only performances beginning at 1 pm, with updated times available online, in My Disney Experience, and on signage near the castle. Although these changes took effect on January 28, visible paint work on Cinderella Castle remains limited so far. Once complete, the castle will return to its classic color scheme, ending its five-year run in the 50th anniversary look.
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