Just before Christmas, Disneyland Paris put a nice present underneath the tree by inviting guests to visit the revamped Sleeping Beauty Castle. The ever-majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle reopens to the public after 12 months of refurbishment.

We’re not talking a coat of paint and some power-washing here. Over the past year, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris and construction experts gave the iconic structure its biggest upgrade since opening in 1992. What a way to celebrate 30 years, huh?

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Watch: Sleeping Beauty Castle Reopens After Long Renovation

Walt Disney Imagineering Paris Art Director Tracy Eck called it a “hive of activity.” Everyone from painters to electricians to roofers buzzed about the castle during the renovation process. All working with the same goal: making Sleeping Beauty Castle as vibrant as it was the day it opened.

Upgrading Sleeping Beauty Castle was a true team effort. Joining the teams at Disney were French refurbishment experts who know a thing or two about treating important monuments with due care.

No detail was too small for a touch-up. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

“Some of the suppliers with whom we were lucky to collaborate on this project only work on historical monuments,” said Eck. “When they accepted this assignment, we realized that they viewed our castle as a historical monument that is a part of our heritage. It was very touching.”

There was a whole lot of touching that went on in the renovation process. Over the course of 50,000 hours, the team applied 41,200 gold leaves, 19,900 slate roof tiles, and 1,200 liters of paint—including 14 unique shades of pink. How much pink is too much pink? Never a question you’ll hear at Disneyland Paris.

While many of these renovations may seem solely cosmetic, Eck noted that they help improve the structure of the castle. That means it will be glorious for years and years to come.

Tap here for a deep dive into Disney castles around the world.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Pays Tribute to France

What an incredible sight to behold. Photo courtesy of Disneyland Paris/YouTube

Though Sleeping Beauty Castle is all Disney, there’s plenty of French influence. Look for details like the snails trying to escape becoming escargot and gardens inspired by the geometry of gorgeous French tapestries. Perfect excuse to plan a visit, no?

Because of these touches and all that Disney magic, this impressive structure is the most visited castle in all of Europe. As it reopens to the public ahead of 30th-anniversary celebrations at Disneyland Paris, Sleeping Beauty Castle promises to be even more must-see than ever.

Are you hoping to take a trip to Paris in 2022? Visit the DLR Magazine Facebook page and let us know what’s on your agenda for your grand French vacation.

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