A Carrousel By Any Other Name Is Still a Carrousel

Perhaps it is because I don’t have boys.  Perhaps it is because I simply love carrousels and can’t wait to ride them.  But, I never gave it a second thought that the carrousel at  Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (map) was titled  “Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel”.

However, it must have been noticed by quite a few people as the Carrousel will now and forever more be known as Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. There is even a story that goes along with the grand carrousel and perhaps explains the name change.

It appears that once Cinderella and Prince Charming were married and living happily ever after, Charming suddenly found himself with time on his hands.  Charming used this time to create a “training” carrousel of wooden horses for his knights to practice for upcoming tournaments. The townsfolk would gather to watch these practice sessions and often expressed the desire to ride the carrousel themselves.

In order to keep the townsfolk happy, Prince Charming built a second carrousel closer to the castle.  However, this carrousel, because it was so near the castle, did not have mere wooden horses, but decorated horses with bright colors, feathers, and flower festoons.

So in the shadow of  Cinderella’s Castle, guests to the Magic Kingdom will now find Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with the invitation for one and all to ride.  No matter what it’s name, the carrousel will always be one of my favorite rides.

Photo Selection: WDW News, Diana Zalucky, Photographer