This year’s top 5 is looking a bit different. Where it’s usually taking a look back at the stories that topped news and social media for Disney, we’re constraining it to the more positive, hopeful stories of the year. This fourth spot is also a compilation of similar items. It’s about the parks, but the new icons that popped up in them when they reopened around the globe.
Beauty and the Beast
Yes, I know this first one is not so much an icon as it is a whole land and attraction. In Tokyo Disneyland, a new area of Fantasyland opened with the theme of Beauty and the Beast. A village setting complete with a grand castle has captivated fans around the world. The castle was even compared to the one atop the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. The attraction is state-of-the-art and upping the capability of what Imagineers can do with a dark ride.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Castle of Magical Dreams
As Hong Kong Disneyland has reopened slowly, the redone castle was taking shape and finally finished. The new park icon and plaza brings in many classic tales together in one place. Inside are some magical features, beautiful displays, and homages to several characters from the Disney library. It has helped make Hong Kong Disneyland’s its own. Previously the castle was an exact recreation of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Now it is a feature found only in Hong Kong. And it is a magnificent one.
Futuristic Pylons
A little after Epcot opened something peeked over the construction walls near Spaceship Earth. The famed Epcot pylons made their return…or rather debut since it is a new set of them. Paying homage to the original over the fountains at the entrance of the park, these new pylons set the stage for a new fountain that is still under construction. But, it doesn’t mean we couldn’t get a glimpse of the new transparent monument with a familiar symbol emblazoned on it. It has brought some hope to many Epcot fans of the future of the park because of bringing in some classic detail.
Cinderella Castle Transformation
Over in the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle got a bright new paint job a little after park reopenings. Where it was controversial at first to have some added pink, many who have gone to see it in person like the new, bright paint job. As the parks were letting guests enter again there were quite a bit of snapshots of the progress. With the refurbishment finished it’s returned to be a picturesque spot for selfies or family photos.
What do you think of all these new park icons? Have you been able to see them in person? Let us know in the comments below! Also below is some of the coverage of these various park icons.
First Look at EPCOT Main Entrance Fountain Pylons Revealed!
Photos: A Comprehensive Look at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Castle of Magical Dreams
New Beauty and the Beast Attraction at Tokyo Disneyland Beautifully Recreates Animated Classic
With Magic Kingdom Reopening, Guests Get Up Close Look at Newly Painted Cinderella Castle!
