Party like it’s 1996!
It was definitely a sight to behold!
Disney has dropped a BRAND-NEW piece of merchandise that celebrates one of the most… interesting overlays in company history.
The Reign of the “Castle Cake”
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World in 1996, Disney decided to do something special to the iconic Cinderella Castle. Specifically, the company turned the structure into a massive birthday cake. They used 400 US gallons of pink paint, 26 faux candles, ranging in height from 20 to 40 feet tall, 16 two-foot-long candy stars, 16 five-foot candy bears, 12 five-foot gumdrops, four six-foot stacks of Life Savers, 30 three-foot lollipops, two 50 two-foot gum balls, and more than 1000 feet of pink and blue inflatable “icing” to transform the icon.
©Disney
Some loved the so-called “castle cake”, praising its whimsy and temporary nature. Others however despised the look, pointing out that it ruined potential once-in-a-lifetime vacations and events such as weddings. Either way, the castle cake stood from October 1st, 1996 to January 31st, 1998.
In the 25+ years since the “castle cake” overlay was removed, many of the bad feelings about the decoration have dissipated, leaving it to be a quirky bit of nostalgia. Which brings us to the newest shirt available on Disney’s online store:
©Disney
The white shirt features the pink castle cake on the front in all its glory, with “Circa 1996” written underneath.
©Disney
Disney’s description of the shirt leans into the nostalgia discussed above: “It takes the cake! To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 1996, Cinderella Castle was transformed into a giant pink birthday cake for the duration of festivities. When it comes to topping off your vintage flair, this retro-style t-shirt with puff ink accents is the frosting on the cake.”
If you’re a Disney adult of a certain age, you’ll likely want to head over to the Disney Store online ASAP to pick up the brand-new tee celebrating the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World merchandise updates.
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Did you see the “castle cake” in person? Let us know in the comments below.
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That birthday castle was one of my family’s favorites! The girls loved the PINK. Who does WDW as a once in a lifetime? All pictures are memorable.
We were there during the 25th anniversary celebration, so we have first-hand observation experience. Our theory is that when the transformation was completed, whoever designed it stood back and whispered, “My God, what have I done?”
We thought it was NOT swell, and felt sorry for those who would never see it in its original state. That said, we’re just happy that was not our only visit to the Magic Kingdom. And yes, the t-shirt is cute and could be worn by anyone who loved OR hated the cake castle. It could be a real conversation starter.
Most of the sizes are already sold out. Hopefully they will restock soon!