Important Update: Disney has updated its mask policy regarding photos. Masks may now be removed temporarily when taking outdoor photos, provided guests are physically distanced from others and stationary. Click here to see how this new policy works.
Wow. We really spent the day back in Magic Kingdom. It’s crazy to think about!
Magic Kingdom
Of course, there is a LOT that’s different in a reopened Magic Kingdom and we took a good look around today at the Cast Member preview (thanks to an invite from some friends!). Even the way you take your picture with Cinderella Castle has changed! Yep, let’s take a look at everything different about snapping that iconic pic and pics in general!
Keep in mind that this is a Cast Member preview so everything is subject to change. We’ll be reporting in throughout the rest of the week so follow along with DFB for the most up-to-date information.
The Castle looks different.
First of all, you might have heard that the Castle looks preeeetty different. This iconic structure is getting totally glammed-up ahead of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary with new golden hues, royal blues, and a soft pink color!
Cinderella Castle
Keep in mind that the refurbishment on the Castle isn’t quite finished, so there were still cranes up with workers painting today. Depending on how much longer they’re working, this might be a factor when you’re taking your Castle pics.
Cinderella Castle
One thing is for sure — your Cinderella Castle pictures are going to look pretty different than they did before! Hopefully, your outfit doesn’t clash with that pretty pink!
Click here to see more pictures of the new Cinderella Castle look!
You’ll have to wear your mask.
Beyond that, you might have to wear your mask in pictures. After chatting with a PhotoPass Cast Member, we were informed that face coverings are required at all times in the Disney parks and that includes during your Castle photoshoot for the time being. Now, this may change as the parks reopen to guests but it’s definitely a possibility.
Magic Kingdom Mask
Just in case you do need to keep your mask on for a photo, wear a cute one and practice smiling with your eyes so you’re happy with your pic when you take it. You could even get one with a character’s smile on it or one of our AWESOME DFB face masks to help turn it into a totally Disney-rific accessory.
PhotoPass photographers have new protocols.
Finally, if you enlist a PhotoPass photographer to help you snag the perfect Castle pic, there are going to be some changes to the protocol. For one, photographers will no longer be able to handle your personal device, so if you want them to snap a pic for you you’re going to need to get it THROUGH the PhotoPass service. Or you can always as a friend/member of your group to take one for you.
Main Street
They’ll also keep their distance as much as possible during your interaction. They’ll still use your MagicBand or Card to link photos to your account, but they’ll do it as quickly and as distanced as possible.
Click here to learn more about the new PhotoPass protocols.
So there you have it! Now you can keep these three changes in mind when you’re heading to Magic Kingdom to snap that perfect Cinderella Castle picture. Follow along with DFB for all of the latest reopening updates from IN the parks!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
What do you think of Cinderella Castle’s new pink look? Tell us in the comments!
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That’s dreadful. Especially the view down Main Street. I was holding out hope but the colours are too vibrant and gold looks tacky and plasticky. Bring back the old castle before Cindy moves out!
I like the new color scheme. After 35 years of visiting DW, it’s about time they updated the castle. Old look was getting way too drab.
One way you could get around it is by getting a drink and have your picture taken while you’re sipping on your straw!
Hi AJ,
I’m trying to plan for a WDW 2021 vacation. Our family will be celebrating many milestones, one being my 50th birthday. I wanted to celebrate together with WDW. =)
I realize the park opened in October of 1971. Does this mean the 50th birthday celebration will begin in October 2021? I’m planning a trip in August 2021 and I really do not want to miss any of the birthday/anniversary festivities. Please share any information you may have.
The royal blue is terrible… It really does look fake.. Bring back the old colors
Wearing a mask for photos, that is dreadful…I sure hope Disney changes the mask ban soon, lets try social distancing and hand washing ! If we don’t get close to anybody in theory we shouldnt need a mask
If I need to wear a mask for a photo then by gosh it’s going to be my Winnie the Pooh mask!
the re-do of the castle looks like what gets projected after the Happily Ever After show, so frankly I don’t take too much issue with it (especially since our castle in Disneyland got a re-do to the same hues and tones and it looks great). My only issue is that in the photos above (granted, it was cloudy, so lighting is off etc), the rest of main street just looks absolutely drab in comparison, and the lack of people makes it look like you’re walking through a town that just hit the Great Depression
Said it before and I will say it again. Disney is not getting my money for any PhotoPass photos until they agree to let us lower the masks and see our whole faces.
I’m guessing Gov Desantis hasn’t realized that case counts are down in the three states he’s blocking to manageable levels, while his numbers are still peaking? This sounds like politics at work, because those 3 states have imposed 14 day quarantine periods on a number of states with spiking profiles. Kinda like Oklahoma restricting virtually all travel to California because of a California stand on something or other that made the legislators angry.
Didn’t I read that you don’t have to wear your mask if you are eating? I would carry food with my for every picture, lol.
Wow. That’s awful. I know people usually just hate change for the sake of hating change, but that’s hideous. It looks like a 4 year old’s coloring book picture of the castle.
Wow sure looks deserted..
As a DVM I do not intend to return until the Mask issue is resolved, bad enough I have to wear it in the stores
Maskes are to hard to breath for me
Monica, we expected the celebration would last all year long, so we’ll await more from Disney about that celebration now that things are a little different.
Look at the castle scene before every Disney movie. The pink color shows up on the movie scene. Maybe Disney wanted the real castle to match that?
How can I shop at the Poly gift shops or grab a Lava Flow at the pool bar if I’m staying at a different WDW Resort? I also shop at other WDW Resorts and stop in for special snacks, cupcakes, cocktails, etc.
Rozalen, the official word is that you need an ADR or a Resort stay reservation in order to shop/Quick Service eat at a Resort. I will say that we have not yet seen impediments to arrivals to Resorts by Disney transportation.
I’m going for maybe our only trip in December. (Yes we’re ok with how things are) However if we cant take pictures without a reminder of this horrid year, I’m most definitely not going to give Disney MORE of my money for masked pictures. Will have to say bye bye to the Memory Maker. 🙁
I have enjoyed memory maker in the past with the videos of us on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the characters added into photos. If we have to wear masks for the photos, we are not paying for memory maker. Disney World is a place to escape everyday stress and problems. Wearing a mask reminds us that we are in a pandemic that has claimed countless lives. Disney canceled our trip in March, May, and June. Currently, we are going at the end of December. I hope things change by then.
Let us take off masks for professional photos!!
This post is no longer true as of April 8
K.C., thanks for reaching out! We’ll add an update at the top.