Disney in a Minute: What is the Sword in the Stone?
We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!
Near the Magic Kingdom carousel, you’ll see a sword stuck in a rock. What’s that all about?
The sword in the stone is a nod to the 1963 Disney animated film The Sword in the Stone, adapted from the 1938 T.H. White novel of the same name. These media are based on the tales of King Arthur, a variation of which includes the plot point that there is a sword imbedded in an anvil atop a boulder. Only the future king of England has the strength to extricate the sword. Eventually Arthur removes the blade and demonstrates that he is the rightful king.
In years past, there was a minor show that took place daily at the Magic Kingdom stone. Today the sword in the stone is basically a photo opportunity. Guests can walk up to the stone and attempt to pull the sword out. The vast majority of these guests will be unsuccessful. However, on rare occasion, a guest will be able to pull the sword almost all the way out. (The sword never comes out fully.) There is a button that a remote cast member can operate to “unlock” the sword.
Click photos to enlarge.
There is no way to influence whether you are a lucky guest that gets this experience, nor is there any prize or special privilege that accompanies a pulled sword. But of course you do get bragging rights that you are “king” of the realm.
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We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you…
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We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you…
I was called up from the crowd for one of these ceremonies a few years ago. I was declared an “evil sorcerer” by the CMs (I think they were called “The Citizens of Fantasyland” or something like it). I failed (of course) and a small boy was called and pulled it out.
I will NEVER forget the sheer amazement and joy on my sister-in-law’s face when the sword began to move after three other people in our party pulled on the sword with futility. It’s such a simple, little thing but it can create memories that last forever.