Magic Kingdom entertainment is undergoing some schedule changes as the repainting of Cinderella Castle begins. We are always watching closely for updates like this that impact your Disney day.
Keep reading for the updates to Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire and the return of the iconic, blue castle. At Mickey Visit we bring you the latest Disney news and planning resources, such as Disney World Resort hotel refurbishments and Disneyland ticket policy changes.
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Entertainment Schedule Changes Due to Castle Repainting
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire,” which is a musical performance with characters from The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Frozen, has seen a major schedule change to prepare for the repainting of Cinderella Castle. The show takes place on the stage in front of the castle and usually has performances in the mornings and the afternoons.
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Beginning Jan. 28, 2026, the show will only have performance times in the afternoons at 1 p.m., 2:05 p.m., 4:00p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Until then, the show will follow its normal schedule with two morning performances at 10:05 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. and three afternoon shows at 12:40 p.m., 1:55 p.m. and 4 p.m.
On the Walt Disney World entertainment calendar, starting Jan. 28, 2026, the “Let the Magic Begin” show has no performance times. “Happily Ever After” has no current changes on the calendar and will continue to happen at 9 p.m. nightly.
Cinderella Castle Repainting Project Details
There is no announced end date for the schedule changes at this time, but the repainting is set to run until late 2026. The project will begin with the draining of the moat around the castle, and cranes will be used for the painting and taken down in the early afternoon for minimal impact to guest experience.
The castle was painted its current pink and blue color in 2020 for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. The color change caused Disney some backlash from guests who prefer the classic blue and gray castle, making it one of Disney’s most controversial changes to the parks.
The new paint job will be “inspired by the classic and original look of the castle,” and will include notes of gray, cream and blue with gold accents.
You can see some of the other expected construction impacts at Disney World in 2026 that you should be aware of ahead of your vacation.
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