Ride: Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Spin around, up and down to joyous music atop a regal steed at this classic attraction inspired by Disney's Cinderella.

Curated Review (4.5 / 5)

The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is a classic Disney attraction located in the heart of Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. Here is a curated review of the attraction based on visitor feedback and reviews.

Overall Verdict

The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is a must-do classic that defines the innocent magic of Magic Kingdom. It is rated highly for its stunning visuals, perfect family appeal, and strong sense of nostalgia. It serves as an incredible photo opportunity and a peaceful break, especially for families with small children, earning it the title of a beautiful "memory maker" attraction. While thrill-seekers may pass, it is an essential piece of Disney history and story-telling.

The Experience

Situated directly behind Cinderella Castle, the Carrousel is an ornate, massive merry-go-round that is difficult to miss. The attraction, which is actually an antique dating back to 1917, was completely refurbished by Disney Imagineers to tell the story of Cinderella.

You will choose from one of 90 unique, hand-carved horses, each one a work of art adorned with gold, silver, and bronze details—no two horses are exactly alike. The horses are arranged in five sizes, with the largest on the outer ring. Once mounted, the ride gently spins and the horses move up and down for a short duration of about two minutes, all set to cheerful, organ-based renditions of classic Disney tunes. Guests who prefer not to ride a horse, or those needing wheelchair access, can utilize the available bench seating.

The true magic of the ride lies in its visual splendor, from the 18 hand-painted panels depicting scenes from the Cinderella fairytale on the canopy to the 2,325 lights that illuminate the attraction, making it truly spectacular after sunset.

The Good: What People Love

• Timeless Beauty and Ambiance: Guests are enchanted by the attraction's classic, fairytale look. The hand-painted horses and gold accents create a sense of royal elegance, making it feel like more than just a standard carousel.
• All Horses Move: Unlike some carousels where only the outer rings move, this one is noted because all of the rideable horses move up and down, a detail appreciated by riders.
• Accessibility: The ride is wheelchair accessible, with bench seating available for those who cannot mount a horse.
• Perfect for Young Children: As an attraction with no height requirement, it's considered an ideal first ride for toddlers and a reliable family favorite. One reviewer captured this sentiment perfectly:

"Right in the middle of one of the most magical parts of the Magic Kingdom. Try to go fairly early before the lines get too long, and if you have no kids or older kids it may not be worth the time to you, but for younger kids and parents it's an incredible memory maker."

The Bad: Common Complaints

• Low Thrill Factor: For older children or adults seeking more exciting experiences, the Carrousel offers limited thrills. Some visitors feel it is "beautiful, but no different than most carrousels" and is easily skipped if time is limited or if the party is focused on faster rides.
• Slow Loading Process: While the ride itself is only two minutes, several reviewers note that the loading and unloading process can be slow due to the sheer number of guests and the one-guest-per-horse rule.
• Potential for Motion Sickness: As a spinning ride, the continuous circular motion may be an issue for a few sensitive riders.

Top Tips from Reviewers

• Ride It at Night: The most popular tip is to experience the ride after dark. With over 2,300 twinkling lights, the Carrousel is "especially enchanting" and creates the most magical photo opportunities.
• Find Cinderella’s Horse: For an extra touch of magic, look for the unique horse that belongs to Cinderella. It is easily identified by the golden ribbon tied to its tail.
• Prioritize Location for Photos: If your goal is a great picture, choose a horse on the outermost ring to ensure the best angle and backdrop of Fantasyland.
• Use It as a Buffer: The Carrousel generally has shorter waits (often 10-15 minutes, rarely exceeding 30) than nearby attractions like Peter Pan's Flight. It makes a great ride to fill a gap in your schedule or to visit during Early Theme Park Entry.

Summary

The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel remains a cherished classic for a reason. Its antique craftsmanship, beautiful Cinderella theming, and lack of a height restriction make it an unparalleled family memory-maker and a calming refuge in the bustling Magic Kingdom. Whether you are searching for Cinderella's horse, capturing a perfect nighttime photo, or simply basking in the nostalgia, this gentle attraction is a centerpiece of Magic Kingdom’s charm.

Reference

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/prince-charming-regal-carrousel/