Disney Park and Resort Photo Updates

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” Kicks off First Cinderella Castle Lighting for 2016: Photos & Video of 10th Year of Lighting

Denise

Hi everyone!

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” kicked off the 10th year of Cinderella Castle holiday lighting – I’m not sure if Disney still refers to the display as “Castle Dreamlights” anymore, but that is what it was called for years. We’ve been photographing the lights since the debut year in 2007, when the Fairy Godmother convinced Cinderella that she should wish for twinkling lights on the castle. A new tradition was born! This is the third year of Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff doing the honors.

This is the busiest I ever remember it at the first lighting of the season.

Before checking out all the photos, here is our full video of “A Frozen Holiday Wish” with castle lighting!

The show features Anna, Olaf and Kristoff as they eventually persuade Elsa to light Cinderella Castle.

Anna and Elsa.

Olaf shows up in what used to be the Fairy Godmother’s window.

Anna and Olaf.

Anna, Olaf and Kristoff.

Elsa says that they should respect the owners of Cinderella Castle and not turn it into ice, but it doesn’t take long for her to change her mind.

Elsa will be turning Cinderella Castle into “ice and snow”.

Elsa with Kristoff and Anna.

Elsa tells everyone to envision the Castle with shimmering ice.

Elsa gets ready to work her icy magic.

Olaf and Elsa.

Olaf with Elsa.

Elsa begins the transformation of Cinderella Castle.

Cinderella Castle begins changing behind Elsa.

Cinderella Castle starts to resemble an ice palace.

It takes a minute or two for the transformation to be complete.

A snowflake appears.

It looks like wind is blowing.

Cinderella Castle changes to ice, as fireworks shoot from it.

I can’t believe it’s the 10th year! I still remember seeing the lights for the first time, the one year that they were lit for the first few evenings during dusk.

Elsa walks down the stairs.

Olaf, Elsa, Anna and Kristoff say goodbye to everyone.

And Cinderella Castle is ready for Christmas. This does happen nightly! And if you are going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it happens during that event too.

There are at least 200,000 lights on Cinderella Castle, but more were added to the turrets as well last year. It is a lot!

We look forward to enjoying the season again at the Magic Kingdom, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We’ll be sharing hundreds of photos from that event, along with tips on making the most of your Party!