Sleeping Beauty Castle
Sleeping Beauty Castle is the oldest of all Disney castles and the only one whose construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself. It has been the centerpiece of Disneyland since the park opened in Anaheim on July 17, 1955. Designer Herbert Ryman’s primary inspiration was the 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. Architect Roland Hill used forced perspective to make the castle appear taller than its 77 foot height. Beginning April 29, 1957, visitors were able to walk through the interior of the castle. The walk-through was closed in October, 2001, but reopened in November, 2008. It has become an icon not only of Disneyland, but Southern California and Disney enterprises worldwide.
Disneyland, Anaheim, Orange County
Images by Andrew Schmidt