Everything You Need to Know About Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at the Magic Kingdom!

What is Prince Charming Regal Carrousel?

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is an original Magic Kingdom opening day attraction from October 1, 1971. Guests ride one of the uniquely designed horses for a gentle spin in the heart of Fantasyland.

Fun Fact: Did you know there are two ways to spell this classic attraction? The French spelling is carrousel while the English spelling drops the double r and spells it carousel. Since Cinderella is a French-inspired story, it makes sense for the attraction to use the French spelling while over at Tomorrowland, the Carousel of Progress went with the English spelling.

Where is Prince Charming Regal Carrousel?

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel sits behind Cinderella Castle right in the middle of Fantasyland!

What is the History of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel?

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. and first enjoyed by guests at Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan in 1917. Back then, the carrousel boasted a patriotic red, white, and blue color palette and was appropriately known as the Liberty Carrousel.

The carrousel was moved to Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey after being refurbished in Philadelphia. It remained at Olympic Park for 39 years until Disney acquired it and redesigned it to reflect the story of Cinderella, the perfect compliment to the Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle!

When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the carrousel was called Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel. It’s name was changed to Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel on June 1, 2010.

What You Need to Know About the Queue

Unfortunately, there’s not much to tell… The queue simply wraps around the exterior of the carrousel. It’s partially covered and open-air. Also, due to the nature of the ride, it takes awhile for each group to board.

What You Need to Know About the Experience

The ride experience on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is typical of other carrousels. Each horse moves gently up and down as the carrousel smoothly turns. During the ride, guests can hear a variety of Disney songs played by an organ. The whole ride experience lasts about 2 minutes.

What You Need to Know About the Ride Vehicles

There are 90 horses on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with the largest horses on the outside and smallest on the inside. There are 18 rows with 5 horses in each row. There’s also one beautifully, ornate carriage which seats 2 to 3 guests. Each horse is completely unique; but one in particular gets a lot of attention. Some say a horse in one of the middle rows with a gold ribbon tied around its tail is Cinderella’s own horse! Now Disney hasn’t confirmed this, but I won’t tell you you’re wrong. Live your dreams.

There’s only 1 rider per horse, but adults are allowed to stand next to a child rider. There’s also a loose belt serving as a safety constraint for riders.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility

Guests will need to take a small step up to board the carrousel. In order to climb onto a horse, and depending on the height of the horse when the attraction last stopped, a possible large step up to the stirrup may be necessary. Also, depending on the height of the horse when the attraction stops, a larger step may be needed to disembark. Guests will also need to be able to throw one leg over the horse.

For those who may find this to be a challenge, there is a a carriage or bench on the carrousel so all can share in this classic Disney attraction!

Guests using wheelchairs/ECVs must transfer. Guests with service animals should check with a Cast Member at the attraction for boarding information.

What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories

There are no health and safety advisories! This gentle ride is perfect for every member of the family. The only concern is the possibility of motion sickness. Guests prone to motion sickness may want to speak to a Cast Member or watch a few rides to gauge what they can handle.

What are the Height Requirements?

There is no height requirement for Prince Charming Regal Carrousel!

Does Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Offer FastPass+?

No, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel doesn’t offer FastPass+.

Does Weather Affect Prince Charming Regal Carrousel?

Since the carrousel is covered, rain or inclement weather typically doesn’t affect its operation. Guests waiting in the queue may be partially exposed to the elements.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience Prince Charming Regal Carrousel?

This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Prince Charming Regal Carrousel when you visit on a day with a given Magic Kingdom Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Wait Times.

Did I answer all of your questions about Prince Charming Regal Carrousel? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.