Disney parks are home to iconic landmarks that capture the hearts of millions around the world, and none more so than their castles. These architectural wonders do more than serve as photo ops—they embody the essence of each park’s stories. But one of the most cherished castles in Disney history is now showing signs of significant wear and tear, leaving fans questioning its future.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris has long been celebrated as a masterpiece, but recent revelations about its deteriorating state have sparked concern. The beloved landmark, which opened alongside the park in 1992, is now in desperate need of some serious TLC.
The Glory of Disneyland Paris’ Sleeping Beauty Castle
Disneyland Paris’ Sleeping Beauty Castle, or Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, has always been one of the park’s most stunning features. Unlike the more traditional designs seen at other Disney parks, this castle was built to evoke a distinct European fairy tale atmosphere. Its pink and blue hues, towering medieval-style spires, and intricate stained-glass windows give it an almost otherworldly charm.
What truly sets this castle apart, however, is the underground lair. A massive animatronic dragon—Maleficent in her dragon form—rests inside, providing a dark and thrilling addition that you won’t find in other Disney castles. This innovative feature has made Disneyland Paris’ Sleeping Beauty Castle a standout in the Disney park lineup, but recent photos reveal that the magic surrounding this iconic attraction is starting to fade.
Damage to the Sleeping Beauty Castle Revealed
In recent years, Disneyland Paris has made efforts to restore and maintain the castle, but the latest photos show just how much work is still needed. Pictures shared by @InsideDlpCastle highlight the visible damage, including cracks and wear on the stonework surrounding the castle.
One particular image shows the bridge leading to the castle in a sorry state, with faded surfaces and visible deterioration.
🚧 There is still a great need for work on the Sleeping Beauty Castle Bridge… even though the first touches were made some time ago.
#Disneylandparis
🚧Il y a toujours autant besoin de travaux sur le Pont du château de La Belle Au Bois Dormant… même si des premières retouches ont été faites il y a quelques temps.. #Disneylandparis pic.twitter.com/fMRyUBvG6L
— InsideDlpCastle (@InsideDlpCastle) March 15, 2025
There’s a growing sense among park-goers that the repairs have been slow and inconsistent. “This bridge has been in need of work for a long time,” one user wrote. “I hope they really maintain it thoroughly and not just bits here and there.” Others have pointed out that addressing the problem may require more than just cosmetic fixes. “Easier said than done,” one fan commented, hinting at the difficulty of making a full restoration.
While Disney has made attempts at upkeep, some fans feel the castle’s condition is no longer on par with the magic that the brand is known for. “This requires completely changing this stone,” one commenter remarked, emphasizing how much work would be needed to bring the castle back to its original grandeur.
A Resort in Flux
The state of Sleeping Beauty Castle is just one example of a larger trend at Disneyland Paris. The resort has been undergoing a massive transformation in recent years, but not all of it has been well received. Walt Disney Studios Park, the smaller of the two parks, is currently a maze of construction walls as the park prepares for the opening of new attractions, including a World of Frozen land and a Tangled (2010) ride. While these additions promise a brighter future, for now, guests are stuck navigating a construction-heavy environment.
Disneyland Park, the flagship park, has similarly been left to stagnate. The last major attraction to open was Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast in 2006. That ride has since been replaced at other Disney parks, highlighting just how much Disneyland Paris has fallen behind in terms of new attractions.
Even Disney Village, the resort’s shopping and dining area, is undergoing significant renovations. Although new stores, like Disney Style and Disney Glamour, have opened in recent months, many other areas are still in the middle of massive construction projects.
What’s your favorite Disney castle?
