Several Disneyland Paris visitors have gone online this week to share photos of the ‘eyesore’ white construction board that’s been put in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle while refurbishment work happens
The main bridge and central archway entrance of the Sleeping Beauty Castle are currently closed for a major refurbishment (stock image)(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle is one of the main attractions at Disneyland Paris, with many visitors excited to get their first glimpse of it when they go there. However, many have been left “gutted” as the main bridge and central archway entrance are currently closed for a major refurbishment scheduled to last until late September 2026.
Several Disneyland Paris visitors took to Facebook groups this week to share photos of the ‘eyesore’ white board that was put in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. They said they were left ‘devastated’ that this would be their family’s first experience at Disney and that it would now be ‘ruined’.
One person shares a wrote on Wednesday (May 6): “Not being funny but they could have at least got a feature wall maybe to represent the bridge. This is not a little refurbishment, Disney planned this and definitely have the money to make it more attractive whilst the park is still open to visitors paying a lot of money.”
Another agreed: “I’d be so devastated if this was my first and only time being able to go to Disney. Everyone wants pics in front of the castle. It’s a lot of money to be paying and for many a once in a lifetime holiday and yes while you’re not paying just to get a photo at the castle that is a big part of the experience for many.
“Gutted we can’t get our annual photo in front of it this year but lucky enough to have gotten three photos in front of it so far.”
A third chimed in: “Actually gutted. We’ve booked for June. Why is this being done in the summer months when logically it will be busier period. Surely it makes more sense to do in the winter.”
Despite the complaints, many Disney fans argued you could still get nice pictures of the castle behind the boards.
One person wrote: “We got a picture this morning behind the boards, and a nice empty bridge too.”
While another added: “You can still get lovely pictures, if not better from the side.”
Another person also showed people what the castle looked like at night during the fireworks. They wrote: “We have just got back from being in the reserved viewing area for the fireworks this evening. I know a lot of people wanted to see what the view is like.
“To be honest we didn’t even look at the boards. They’ve moved the area backwards so you’re looking up and none of the projection is limited. Honestly we still had the best time.”
It seems Disney could have listened to the complaints, as an online post from today (May 7) shows the white board decorated to blend in with the castle. However, some people are doubting if it’s real until more posts emerge.
The post was captioned: “They have officially decorated the white wall, and it definitely looks prettier.”
One person replied: “Is this real? If so it looks a million times better and has made me feel so much happier about our trip in a couple of weeks. I know everyone is going on about photos but I don’t care about getting the perfect shot-it’s about the impact for my two girls walking up to the castle for the first time in their lives and getting that first impression and ‘wow’ factor.”
Another asked: “Is this real or AI?”
Disneyland Paris has been contacted for comment.