Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicDisney fans keeping a close eye on the big projects coming to Magic Kingdom in the next couple of years noticed something surprising in Disney’s newly released 2026 calendar.
According to the 2026 full-year overview, Disney shared attraction openings, refurbishment end dates, seasonal events, and new experiences debuting throughout the year. But the Cinderella Castle repainting and Carousel of Progress overhaul were nowhere to be found, according to reports from WDWNT.
The omission instantly raised eyebrows because both projects were officially announced and previewed just a few months ago.
Magic Kingdom regulars are already wondering what this means, especially since these updates are tied to some of the most recognizable pieces of Disney World history. Cinderella Castle is the icon of the entire resort, and Carousel of Progress is one of Walt Disney’s most personal creations. Leaving them off a yearlong calendar is noticeable—and interesting.
A Castle Returning to Its Roots
At Destination D23, Imagineers revealed that Cinderella Castle would be returning to a classic, more traditional color palette after five years of its pink 50th-anniversary look. The refreshed design leans into soft grays, creams, blues, and elegant touches of gold—tones meant to evoke the castle’s original charm while still offering a fresh, polished finish.
Imagineers also spent time explaining the huge amount of research behind the update. The team studied the castle’s architecture, how the colors shift throughout the day, and how the structure appears against the Florida sky. It’s clear that a project of this scale requires precision and planning—but the one thing Disney didn’t provide was a timeline.
The timing is particularly important. Repainting the castle isn’t subtle; it requires cranes, scrim, and heavy equipment around the most-photographed spot in the park. Disney would almost certainly avoid doing that during the 2026 holiday season, which means the project would need to start earlier in the year or potentially slide into 2027. The absence from the calendar makes that possibility feel even more likely.
Carousel of Progress Readies for a Meaningful Update
Meanwhile, over in Tomorrowland, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is gearing up for its biggest update in 30 years. Disney revealed at D23 that the attraction will receive a brand-new pre-show featuring a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic that introduces the carousel and ties it back to its origins. For longtime fans, this addition feels especially meaningful—Walt’s presence is deeply connected to the identity of the show.
The final scene is also being refreshed to reflect a more modern, near-future setting. This includes updated technology, new set pieces, and a storyline that better matches today’s version of “progress.” It’s the kind of overhaul that respects the attraction’s legacy while ensuring it remains relevant for new generations.
Still, despite how significant this project is, it didn’t appear in the 2026 calendar either. And that raises the same question as the castle repaint: if not listed, when will it happen?
Why the Silence From Disney?
Disney’s decision not to list timelines for these two major projects doesn’t indicate cancellations. Both were officially announced, showcased, and described in detail at Destination D23. Instead, the missing timelines probably reflect a few practical factors:
-
Disney may not be ready to commit dates yet.
Major updates—especially to highly visible or historic attractions—require extensive planning. Announcing a date too early can lead to complications if adjustments are needed later. -
The projects may begin in 2026 but finish in 2027.
This is highly plausible. Given the scope of both updates, a multi-year window makes sense. The repaint and Carousel overhaul both require downtime, resources, and strategic timing to avoid disrupting peak seasons. -
Disney may be intentionally waiting for the right moment to reveal schedules.
Sometimes Disney prefers to hold announcements until the logistics are fully locked in, especially when fan excitement is high.
The castle repaint is particularly sensitive. Wrapping Cinderella Castle in scrim during the holidays would instantly dominate social media and dampen the festive atmosphere. Starting late in the year simply wouldn’t be practical. Carousel of Progress, while less visually disruptive, also needs careful timing to avoid overcrowding in Tomorrowland.
What Happens Next?
Right now, the best guess is that both projects will begin sometime in 2026—just not early enough to appear on the calendar. A late 2026 start with a completion date sometime in 2027 feels like the most realistic scenario.
Disney tends to be cautious with timelines involving major visual or historic fixtures. Cinderella Castle must always look picture-perfect, and Carousel of Progress has deep emotional ties to the company’s history. Rushing either project wouldn’t align with Disney’s goals.
So while the silence may be surprising, it doesn’t signal bad news. If anything, it shows Disney wants to take its time and give both the castle and Carousel of Progress the thoughtful updates they deserve.