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Disneyland’s Historic King Arthur Carrousel Reopens
Fantasyland is officially whole again! One of Disneyland Park’s most beloved, historic opening-day attractions has officially reopened to guests following a brief refurbishment.
King Arthur Carrousel temporarily closed its gates earlier this month on July 6, 2026, for some standard tender loving care. While Disney initially kept the exact return date quiet, crowds visiting the park on Friday, July 17, 2026, received the ultimate surprise: the construction walls were down, the classic calliope music was playing, and guests were officially lined up to take a spin!
The timing of the carrousel’s return couldn’t possibly be more magical. July 17 marks Disneyland’s official 71st opening anniversary.
Because King Arthur Carrousel is an original 1955 opening-day masterpiece, having it fully operational for the park’s birthday weekend is a massive win for nostalgic fans and vacationing families alike.
While the carrousel has been a Disneyland staple for over seven decades, its history actually stretches back even further than the park itself!
- 1922: The merry-go-round was originally built by the William Dentzel Carousel Company for Sunnyside Beach Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- 1954: Walt Disney purchased the revolving menagerie to bring his vision of Disneyland to life.
- 1955: The attraction officially opened alongside the rest of the park on July 17.
When Walt first bought the attraction, it actually featured a mix of different animals, including giraffes, zebras, and deer. However, Walt wanted everyone to be able to ride a regal, galloping horse just like King Arthur. To make that happen, additional antique wooden horses were tracked down and incorporated into the ride, replacing the other animals.
Today, the ride stands as a beautifully kept tribute to classic The Sword in the Stone iconography, complete with the famous anvil and sword monument standing proudly right in front of the queue.
Because this was a routine maintenance closure rather than a major creative overhaul, you can expect the same beautiful, timeless attraction you know and love. All 68 of the intricately carved, hand-painted white horses are back and ready to spin you through a whimsical backdrop of classic Disney tunes.
If you’re in the park this weekend celebrating Disneyland’s 71st anniversary, make sure to pull up your Disneyland App to check on current wait times before heading into Fantasyland to secure your favorite horse!
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