Discover King Arthur Carrousel
Our tips:
- Look up
- Rather not ride a horse?
- Start at the castle
King Arthur Carrousel
King Arthur Carrousel is the carousel in the courtyard of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was already there on Disneyland Park's opening day in 1955. The carousel and most of the horses are more than 90 years old.
The concept
The carousel was handmade by the Dentzel Carousel Company in Philadelphia. In 1922 it ended up in Sunnyside Beach Park in Toronto. When Walt Disney bought it, it also had giraffes, deer and other animals on it. Walt wanted everyone to be able to ride a galloping horse, just like King Arthur. So he had extra antique horses tracked down.
The Experience
You pick one of the 68 hand-carved and painted horses or take a seat in the chariot. Classic Disney songs play from the old-fashioned band organ as your horse gently rises and falls. Above your head, nine hand-painted scenes tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Discover King Arthur Carrousel
Look up
Above the horses hang nine hand-painted scenes from Sleeping Beauty. Follow the story as you go round.
Rather not ride a horse?
There's also an ornate chariot to sit in. Ideal if you'd rather sit back and relax.
Start at the castle
The carousel is in the courtyard of Sleeping Beauty Castle, so it's easy to combine with the walk-through of the castle.
Visitor information
There's no minimum height. Children under 7 must be accompanied by someone aged 14 or over. You can stay in your wheelchair; there are also separate transfer spots. There's no Lightning Lane for this attraction: everyone uses the standard queue. During fireworks shows the attraction may close temporarily.
Where it all began
Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland while watching his daughters ride the carousel in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. That's why a carousel became the heart of his design. So a spin on King Arthur Carrousel is a genuine slice of Disney history.
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