If you are ever in Magic Kingdom and are looking for something new and exciting to try, look no further than the Sword in the Stone located in Fantasyland at Walt Disney World.
Children and adults have tried their hand to see if they are worthy enough to be able to pull the sword from the stone, but very few ever actually get the chance.
Read on for more about why you should include this activity in your Disney World day!
What is The Sword in the Stone at Disney World & Disneyland?
Located in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, the Sword in the Stone attraction is located in both parks in the US. The Walt Disney World replica attraction can be found in Fantasyland behind Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel. The attraction gives the eager man or woman a chance to be worthy enough to pull the sword from the stone.
Walking up to the attraction, guests will encounter a sword stuck into a stone. The Stone Monument has a plaque that reads, “Whoso Pullath Out This Sword of this Stone and Anvil is rightwise Ruler Born of England.”
Since 1992, guests have tried their hand at pulling the Excalibur replica from the stone. This attraction is not 100% successful for guests to pull the stone, but it makes for a great photo opportunity and a fun out of the box idea to add into your Disney day.
Many guests who keep up with Disney history know that the attraction was inspired by the 1963 Disney film The Sword in the Stone, the last full-length animated film to be released during Walt’s life.
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The Sword in the Stone Movie
The film, the attraction is built around, is based upon T.H. White’s novel. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who would eventually become King Arthur. Through his work with Merlin, he becomes worthy enough to accidentally pull the sword out the stone, making him worthy enough to become King of the Realm.
The music in the animated classic was the first Disney film with songs composed by the famous Sherman Brothers duo. These brothers are also responsible for contributions to Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Aristocats, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
With all of the rich history that comes with the movie, it makes sense that there would be a dedicated attraction in the theme park for Disney lovers to try their hand at pulling the legendary enchanted sword, Excalibur.
How Does the Sword in the Stone Work?
Sword Ceremony
Previously in Disney, there was a special show that went along with the pulling of the sword each day.
Merlin or Royal Majesty Makers would ask for volunteers to pull the sword from the stone (usually young kids). Sometimes they would ask for an adult first so that when they failed, it was all the more exciting that a child could succeed.
Once the volunteer is chosen, they will approach to try and pull the sword from the stone. If you are lucky enough that the Cast Member decides you will succeed, you will be able to pull the sword from the stone.
Unfortunately, we have not seen this show in a long time at Walt Disney World, but you are still able to try your hand at pulling the sword.
Rumors and Theories
There are many theories floating around the internet that suggest ways to be successful in pulling the sword from the stone.
There are some people who suggest a cast member controls it remotely by a button choosing who is and who is not able to pull the sword. If you like this rumor, it would be best to try and go mid-morning or mid-afternoon. You are more likely to not have to deal with cast members just arriving, getting ready to leave, or going on a lunch break.
Another theory is that the sword is on a random timer and you just have to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
People have also thought that magic bands control who is and who is unable to pull the sword.
Going to YouTube, or TikTok, you can even watch videos of people demonstrating the proper hand and foot placement to be successful at pulling the stone. The proper technique is to place your hands on the side handles of the sword and keep your feet on the ground, not on the stone. Then, pull up the sword. This is the most likely way to have the sword lift when you try.
However, there is no official answer on how to be successful at extracting the sword that has been released by Disney, and we have yet to see someone be successful using their technique 100% of the time.
When you are successful in pulling out the sword, know that the sword only comes out partially. You will never be able to see the point at the end. Once you release the sword it goes back into the stone monument.
What Do I Get if Pull the Sword in the Stone?
For most guests, they get a really cool picture and bragging rights that they were able to pull the sword.
You will also get the itch to want to go back again and again to Magic Kingdom to see if you can replicate your successful attempt to demonstrate your worthiness.
Will the Sword Remain in Magic Kingdom?
While there is no guarantee the sword will always be an attraction in Magic Kingdom, it is probable the attraction will remain for a while longer. Announced in 2015 that Disney would be making a Live Action retelling of the original Sword in the Stone movie, Disney sees this as an opportunity to introduce new audiences to the beloved tale of Merlin and King Arthur. Unfortunately after announcing the director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, there has been little to no update at all as to the status of this remake.
Plan Your Next Trip To Disney World!
If you are ready to try your hand at pulling the sword in the stone, make sure to subscribe to our FREE newsletter to receive all of the planning updates, deals, tips, and more. For now, read on below for more Walt Disney World planning articles.
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What is the trick to the Sword in the Stone at Disney World?
While there really is no magic answer that works every single time to pull the stone, many guests say that holding the sword by the handles on the sides has given them the best luck.
Who pulled the Sword from the Stone Disney movie?
Wart pulled the stone in the Disney Movie. Wart was given guidance by Merlin to pull the stone and was then named King Arthur.
Can the Sword at Disney World be pulled out?
If you are one of the lucky ones who is able to get the sword to release from the stone, you will be able to pull the sword about 10″ out of the stone. The sword remains heightened for a few seconds for pictures and then returns for the next guests.
What does it mean to pull the Sword?
Since we do not live in England, pulling the sword in Walt Disney World means you were very lucky and worthy. In Wart's case in the movie, it means he is the next King of England.
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The button which controls the action is actually a garage door opener. My nephew pulled the sword from the stone and he received a BEAUTIFUL sculpted bronze medallion to mark the occasion.
That is such a nice memory!