The Disneyland Paris Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in a Disney theme park. Not only is it more than twice as tall as the original Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland California, but the Parisian version is also twice as elaborate!
Disneyland Paris Castle Facts
The Disneyland Paris castle is known also as Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant. You may remember this as the book inside Enchanted Tales by Belle at Disney World or more commonly as Sleeping Beauty.
Sleeping Beauty Castle was created to look like the fairy tale castle from the Sleeping Beauty animated movie. And while it does resemble features of a classic French Chateau, it was not designed with any real castle in mind.
The castle is surrounded by square-cut trees that are also a nod to the Sleeping Beauty film.
The interior of the Disneyland Paris castle is different than all others. You will find that it is very Gothic and was constructed to include details from other famous French buildings.
The exterior of this castle is deliberately situated so that it faces South. This was done so that the castle would not be backlit for those wishing to capture the perfect photo in front!
If you zoom your camera up close, you might be surprised to find snails climbing one of the turrets and fleur de lies in the design of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris.
You will also find that each turret features a different decorative weather vane!
Sleeping Beauty Castle is the only Disney Castle in the world with its own dragon. The dragon was designed to resemble the dragons of European folklore, not ones found in Disney movies.
Inside Sleeping Beauty Castle
There are two levels in the castle. The bottom level has a walkthrough, a staircase to the upper level, and a door to a crystal shop.
The stairs take you to the upper level which features a gallery dedicated to the story of Sleeping Beauty. It is not to be missed!
Sleeping Beauty Gallery
It is easy to walk straight through the Disneyland Paris castle, but you might want to take the stairs to the second level where you will find La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant, a gallery of displays that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Just like the mosaics in Cinderella’s castle tell the story of how Cinderella met her prince, the stained glass windows inside the Disneyland Paris castle tell the story of Aurora’s life from her birth to her being awakened with a kiss from her prince.
Several tapestries are hanging in the castle, but the one you will most enjoy is the one of Sleeping Beauty on her death bed.
The spinning wheel is placed right in front of it and is spinning out of control.
Along with the beautiful stained glass and woven tapestries, you will see a beautiful statue featuring Sleeping Beauty dancing with her prince.
Perched along her dress are the three fairies.
While the Disneyland castle is bright and cheery above ground, below ground is a whole different story!
Make sure that you venture beneath the castle to see what lies below!
The Dragon’s Lair
Deep below Sleeping Beauty’s castle, you will find “La Tanière du Dragon.”
Once the ruler of the skies, this defeated dragon lies chained against jagged rocks.
You may find it sleeping, but know that it does awaken and isn’t very happy when it does!
Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland Paris is one of the most beautiful in terms of details both inside & out.
Make sure that you take time to explore it next time you are visiting Disneyland Paris!
Have you been inside the Disneyland Paris castle? What was your favorite part?