So, Is Cinderella Castle Bookable or Not?

[Melanie]

Confused after reading this article, since it plainly states "The room cannot be booked at any price, but it's often used by Disney for charity events and promotions, so the mystery of what it's like to spend a night inside is part of its appeal."

And yes Ian, we KNOW it's not a mystery to you!

But back to my point, the article isn't really clear on HOW Suri got to stay there. Last I checked, she's not charity or a promotion, but we know Daddy's got the $$$$. Hmmm.

From People.com

Suri Cruise Spends a Magical Night in Cinderella's Castle Suite

No one is having a better summer than Suri Cruise.

Suri, 6, was the envy of children everywhere as she toured Disney World with dad Tom Cruise last week. While in Florida, Suri's been able to visit the zoo, ride in a helicopter and splash around in Typhoon Lagoon.

But perhaps the best part of Suri's adventure has been staying in one of Disney's most coveted rooms, Cinderella's Castle Suite. The room cannot be booked at any price, but it's often used by Disney for charity events and promotions, so the mystery of what it's like to spend a night inside is part of its appeal. Suri – who wore an Ariel costume while exploring the park last Monday – loves princesses and even celebrated her 3rd birthday with a Beauty and the Beast-themed cake, so visiting the suite must have been a dream come true for the young fan.

Four stories above the Magic Kingdom sits Cinderella's Castle Suite, which is decorated as a 17th-century chamber, with a sitting room, bedchamber and bathroom off a private marble-floored foyer. Staying in the suite includes access to a 24-hour concierge, ready to make your wish his command. Originally designed as an apartment for Walt Disney and his family to stay in while in Florida (unfortunately, Walt died in 1966, five years before Disney World opened), two queen-sized beds and a pullout couch can accommodate up to six people.

The suite's layout may sound modest, but its details are extraordinary. In the foyer, a mosaic of Cinderella's coach was made with more than 30,000 tiles, including 3,400 that are 24-carat gold and more than 120 white gold pieces. In the bedchamber, a 600-lb. antique limestone fireplace utilizes fiber optics to create the likeness of a "fire" with glowing embers, two custom designed 8-ft. tall headboards display "C" for Cinderella, and a painting of the Disney princess that uses special effects to magically transform into a television.

In the sitting room, stained glass windows tell the story of Cinderella's journey from pauper to princess. In the garden-themed bathroom, dome ceilings display a night sky full of twinkling stars, three mosaics – which feature a glass slipper, a crystal pumpkin and a mouse looking up toward the castle – made of Italian glass contain more than 30,000 tiles, each hand-cut and placed by Disney artists.

[SBETigg]

Melanie, I just read that article and was wondering the same thing. I think Disney probably just offered Tom Cruise the special perk because he's Tom Cruise. It's good publicity for them to have pictures of Tom and Suri enjoying the parks and they got extra mileage out of the visit with this bonus coverage. So technically, it is promotion. It would be nice if they magically offered it to regular guests now and then like they did in the Dreams promo year. Celebrity has its perks.

And yes, when I saw the article, I thought of Ian.

[Melanie]

I guess it could be looked at as promotion, but that's stretching it just a bit in my book. But then again, reading the article certainly does seem like promotion.

They certainly did get their tour on last week while they were there. Saw lots of pics of them at various parks and even Blizzard Beach. :thumbsup:

[Mfarquar]

Disney always seems to go out of its way for celebrities. I'm sure more people stay in that room than we're aware of due to their connections...

[ChipNDale79]

Confused after reading this article, since it plainly states "The room cannot be booked at any price, but it's often used by Disney for charity events and promotions, so the mystery of what it's like to spend a night inside is part of its appeal."

And yes Ian, we KNOW it's not a mystery to you!

But back to my point, the article isn't really clear on HOW Suri got to stay there. Last I checked, she's not charity or a promotion, but we know Daddy's got the $$$$. Hmmm.

From People.com

Suri Cruise Spends a Magical Night in Cinderella's Castle Suite

No one is having a better summer than Suri Cruise.

Suri, 6, was the envy of children everywhere as she toured Disney World with dad Tom Cruise last week. While in Florida, Suri's been able to visit the zoo, ride in a helicopter and splash around in Typhoon Lagoon.

But perhaps the best part of Suri's adventure has been staying in one of Disney's most coveted rooms, Cinderella's Castle Suite. The room cannot be booked at any price, but it's often used by Disney for charity events and promotions, so the mystery of what it's like to spend a night inside is part of its appeal. Suri – who wore an Ariel costume while exploring the park last Monday – loves princesses and even celebrated her 3rd birthday with a Beauty and the Beast-themed cake, so visiting the suite must have been a dream come true for the young fan.

Four stories above the Magic Kingdom sits Cinderella's Castle Suite, which is decorated as a 17th-century chamber, with a sitting room, bedchamber and bathroom off a private marble-floored foyer. Staying in the suite includes access to a 24-hour concierge, ready to make your wish his command. Originally designed as an apartment for Walt Disney and his family to stay in while in Florida (unfortunately, Walt died in 1966, five years before Disney World opened), two queen-sized beds and a pullout couch can accommodate up to six people.

The suite's layout may sound modest, but its details are extraordinary. In the foyer, a mosaic of Cinderella's coach was made with more than 30,000 tiles, including 3,400 that are 24-carat gold and more than 120 white gold pieces. In the bedchamber, a 600-lb. antique limestone fireplace utilizes fiber optics to create the likeness of a "fire" with glowing embers, two custom designed 8-ft. tall headboards display "C" for Cinderella, and a painting of the Disney princess that uses special effects to magically transform into a television.

In the sitting room, stained glass windows tell the story of Cinderella's journey from pauper to princess. In the garden-themed bathroom, dome ceilings display a night sky full of twinkling stars, three mosaics – which feature a glass slipper, a crystal pumpkin and a mouse looking up toward the castle – made of Italian glass contain more than 30,000 tiles, each hand-cut and placed by Disney artists.

That's interesting, we took the Keys to the Kingdom tour a couple of years ago and our guide told us that you can't rent the room. He said that Tom and his family wanted to visit during a busy time one year and there were no hotels left for them, it literally had to be approved by Bob Iger (take that for what its worth) but it was the only time they've let a celebrity stay there.

And then he gets to stay there again? That's interesting......

[MaterializedHaunt]

Melanie, I just read that article and was wondering the same thing. I think Disney probably just offered Tom Cruise the special perk because he's Tom Cruise. It's good publicity for them to have pictures of Tom and Suri enjoying the parks and they got extra mileage out of the visit with this bonus coverage. So technically, it is promotion. It would be nice if they magically offered it to regular guests now and then like they did in the Dreams promo year. Celebrity has its perks.

Took the words right out of my mouth! :D

[DizneyFreak2002]

How did she get to stay there??? Daddy is a celeb...

[BrerGnat]

Who knows...maybe the Scientologists have a secret connection at Disney. :secret:

I couldn't care less. I wouldn't want Suri Cruise's life for a billion dollars...

[kakn7294]

I've had several people tell me that they know someone who has "booked" the suite and stayed there. I found that interesting because I've always been pretty sure that it couldn't be booked like a regular room. I'm sure Tom Cruise and Suri stayed there because he's Tom Cruise and his people contacted the Disney people to say he was heading to WDW with his daughter. I wish it was still a give-away even if I never get to stay there. It's a shame that us "ordinary" folk never get to stay there. Well, except for Ian...

[Melanie]

It's a shame that us "ordinary" folk never get to stay there. Well, except for Ian...

HA!! Kathy called you ordinary Ian! :razz:

I didn't even post this about Suri Cruise. I'm just curious if the price is right, can you book the suite?

[TinkerbellT421]

My father was a smart man, and he once told me a saying, "money talks and....." well the rest sorta rhymes but includes a bad word. :secret:

[Ian]

Well first of all I am the very definition of ordinary. My family and kids not so much ... they're all extraordinary ... but not me. I'm just plain Ian.

Anyway yeah it's publicity. They give Cruise the room for the night and a million people write about it. By all accounts you cannot book it for any amount of money. It's strictly invitation only.

[Georgesgirl1]

When DH and I went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, our guide told us that Tom Cruise had it put into a contract for something he did with Disney that he could stay at the castle with Katie. Not sure if that is true, but it does sound feasible...

[Ian]

When DH and I went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, our guide told us that Tom Cruise had it put into a contract for something he did with Disney that he could stay at the castle with Katie. Not sure if that is true, but it does sound feasible...Except I can't think of a single project that Cruise has done with Disney.

Although admittedly, they own so many different studios and stuff now that I may just not be connecting the right dots.

[kakn7294]

HA!! Kathy called you ordinary Ian! :razz:

I didn't even post this about Suri Cruise. I'm just curious if the price is right, can you book the suite?

I guess I worded that incorrectly. Ian is anything but ordinary!

[Cinderelley]

Well, that probably worked out the best for everyone. It keeps his privacy safer and better crowd control than if people were gawking at him walking around a resort.

[joonyer]

Well, that probably worked out the best for everyone. It keeps his privacy safer and better crowd control than if people were gawking at him walking around a resort.

True, except that he's still presumably walking around in a crowded theme park. People will still be doing lots of "gawking". Celebrities have to put up with it when they go anywhere in public. Of course he could have rented out the MK for a private party for all I know.

[Buttercup]

Completely unrelated, but I can't stand Tom Cruise. That is all. :rotfl:

[SBETigg]

True, except that he's still presumably walking around in a crowded theme park. People will still be doing lots of "gawking". Celebrities have to put up with it when they go anywhere in public. Of course he could have rented out the MK for a private party for all I know.

Disney claims they have never and will never do this (rent out a park) for a celebrity or wealthy guest at Walt Disney World, though they have done it at Disney Land.

I also think that lots of celebrities could walk around almost completely unnoticed if they didn't do anything to draw attention, like walk with an escort or security team and not have to queue up for rides. I would think it might be refreshing to enjoy the parks as a regular person, but I stop guessing at celebrity behavior. At any rate, Tom Cruise with Suri is certainly one of the ones who would be recognized, so I understand escorts, security teams, and getting on rides without waits. Fair, maybe not, but whatever keeps things running smoothly for the rest of us.

[Brer_Fox]

I remember during the "Year of a Million Dreams" Celebration they were granting special wishes to lucky family members and one of the things you could win was a night stay inside the castle.

[Ian]

I remember during the "Year of a Million Dreams" Celebration they were granting special wishes to lucky family members and one of the things you could win was a night stay inside the castle.You don't say? :secret:

[Melanie]

You don't say? :secret:

Oh no. Here we go. :thedolls:

Brer_Fox, if you didn't know, Ian was actually one of the very few lucky ones chosen to stay in the Castle during this promotion. :thumbsup:

[Brer_Fox]

Oh no. Here we go. :thedolls:

Brer_Fox, if you didn't know, Ian was actually one of the very few lucky ones chosen to stay in the Castle during this promotion. :thumbsup:

No I didnt... Congrats to that.... We missed it by 3 people. 3 people in front of me. I saw the castle members and I knew it was a big one cause they had a ton of people around so I tried to get up as discreetly as possible but fell short oh well...

[Melanie]

Ian was riding Everest and had just pulled into the station when they picked him.

Lucky 'you know what'! :D Seriously though, if you want to read about his experience, here it is:

Wacky Clan in the Castle (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=107945)

[AvonleaCF]

Neil Patrick Harris recently tweeted that his husband, David Burtka, arranged for them to stay in the suite. Not sure if their twins Gideon & Harper were there with them or not (I think not because David arranged some crazy cross-country birthday scavenger hunt for Neil and they never mentioned the kids tagging along).

Here's a link to the tweet. (https://twitter.com/ActuallyNPH/statuses/320246728248934400)

[DisneyDINK]

Neil Patrick Harris recently tweeted that his husband, David Burtka, arranged for them to stay in the suite. Not sure if their twins Gideon & Harper were there with them or not (I think not because David arranged some crazy cross-country birthday scavenger hunt for Neil and they never mentioned the kids tagging along).

Here's a link to the tweet. (https://twitter.com/ActuallyNPH/statuses/320246728248934400)

He's done the Candlelight Processional narration a couple of times right? I wonder if the suite is regularly used for some of those speakers or the celebs who participate in the parade taping??

[WhiteRose1]

I would love to just see it in person! I know getting the chance to stay there won't happen. I was there during the promotion year and was crossing my fingers every day. We did not get lucky...

I think we blew all our luck for a lifetime when we were picked to be Grand Marshalls in the Stars and Cars Parade in 2003 during our honeymoon. I wish Disney still did stuff like that!!

I think it is very hard on the staff to have someone stay in the castle, because if someone is staying in the park, there would need to be at least a single CM on duty in the building the whole time...and what about if you wanted to leave your room after the park closed??

...could you imagine checking into your hotel room and being told that you are not staying there, but are staying in the castle that night??
:mickey:

[DVC2004]

I saw it but did not stay there. When I worked for Disney, I was given a private tour of the suite with a few other coworkers. It was really something special.

[WhiteRose1]

I saw it but did not stay there. When I worked for Disney, I was given a private tour of the suite with a few other coworkers. It was really something special.

I have given up on getting the chance to stay there - so just seeing it would be wonderful...maybe I can hide in a closet and stay the night...(kidding! really!)

I wonder if it is possible to arrange a tour? I promise NOT to hide in the closet.

[Main Street Jim]

I think we blew all our luck for a lifetime when we were picked to be Grand Marshalls in the Stars and Cars Parade in 2003 during our honeymoon. I wish Disney still did stuff like that!!Every day at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom :) A Guest Relations Cast Member randomly picks out the Grand Marshals for the parades each and every day, with the exception of celebrities like the Super Bowl champions, etc.


I think it is very hard on the staff to have someone stay in the castle, because if someone is staying in the park, there would need to be at least a single CM on duty in the building the whole time...and what about if you wanted to leave your room after the park closed??There's more Cast Members in the park after it closes than there are during a normal operating day :) Custodial and Maintenance cast take over once guests have cleared the park. When there are guests staying in the suite, (well, at least with "normal" guests like for the Years of a Million Dreams), there was at least one "Concierge"/Guest Relations Cast Member. Guests are not permitted to leave the suite and "just wander around"...LOL...Once you're in the suite, you're in there all night.

My wife, when she was a Tomorrowland Cast trainer, actually got to tour the suite as part of the training team - and got pics :) I'd have to see if I can find them...

[Ian]

You mean a picture like this?

[WhiteRose1]

Every day at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom :) A Guest Relations Cast Member randomly picks out the Grand Marshals for the parades each and every day, with the exception of celebrities like the Super Bowl champions, etc.

There's more Cast Members in the park after it closes than there are during a normal operating day :) Custodial and Maintenance cast take over once guests have cleared the park. When there are guests staying in the suite, (well, at least with "normal" guests like for the Years of a Million Dreams), there was at least one "Concierge"/Guest Relations Cast Member. Guests are not permitted to leave the suite and "just wander around"...LOL...Once you're in the suite, you're in there all night.

My wife, when she was a Tomorrowland Cast trainer, actually got to tour the suite as part of the training team - and got pics :) I'd have to see if I can find them...

Thank you so much for your clarification...I guess I was under the impression that there are no more grand marshalls. But it's good to know I'm wrong. :)

I was not aware there were so many people in the park after closing - makes sense! But there still have to be an additional person available for the suite, hey at least I got one thing right...!!

I was wondering how they handled leaving people in the suite - makes sense that once they are in they are in for the night.

I have seen pictures, but I knownit does not do it justice.

Thank you so much for clarifying!

[Main Street Jim]

I was wondering how they handled leaving people in the suite - makes sense that once they are in they are in for the night.You'd probably have to ask Ian :)

I've had GR friends scheduled for Concierge when I was working at the park, but they didn't divulge much detail on how it works.

How 'bout it, Ian? Did they just "lock you in and throw away the key" until the next morning? I haven't read *the* post yet...LOL

[DizneyRox]

WOAH WOAH WOAH Stop the clock!

Ian stayed in the castle?

[ledudes]

I was going to ask the same question. I recently read that Doogie Howser also satyed in the castle suite to celebrate his Birthday. It was a suprise from his boyfriend. I guess money won again and disney gave in. If you can pay, you can stay.

[SBETigg]

I was going to ask the same question. I recently read that Doogie Howser also satyed in the castle suite to celebrate his Birthday. It was a suprise from his boyfriend. I guess money won again and disney gave in. If you can pay, you can stay.

I don't think it's money. I think it's celebrity. I doubt they even charged him for it. They got promotional press out of the deal and encouraged thousands of regular people to dream that they, too, one day could be so lucky as the fabulous people like Neil Patrick Harris, Tom Cruise, and Ian.

[DVC2004]

I have given up on getting the chance to stay there - so just seeing it would be wonderful...maybe I can hide in a closet and stay the night...(kidding! really!)

I wonder if it is possible to arrange a tour? I promise NOT to hide in the closet.

You know, I have no idea. I know the private tour I had was a surprise my manager set up for me and a few coworkers. We weren't told where we were going and were picked up in a van. The van drove us back behind the Main Street facade and dropped us off. We went over to the castle and a young lady CM met us there and took us up for a tour. It was really cool! Though I didn't like seeing the unmagical backside of Main Street ( I just tried to look down and not around!). We spent a good 20-30 minutes looking around and taking pictures. So I would think it wouldn't be something you could arrange unless you knew a higher up that worked there. Sorry. :(

[Melanie]

They got promotional press out of the deal and encouraged thousands of regular people to dream that they, too, one day could be so lucky as the fabulous people like Neil Patrick Harris, Tom Cruise, and Ian.

:funny:

[TinkerbellT421]

*goes to the "stupid ian and his stupid castle" thread and updates castle count to #1,234,578,921*

[WhiteRose1]

When I check in to the Poly, I'm going to ask if I can see the 2 floor suite there, and if I get the chance to see that I'll ask nicely if I can see the castle suite too...what do you think are my chances? :secret:

[DVC2004]

When I check in to the Poly, I'm going to ask if I can see the 2 floor suite there, and if I get the chance to see that I'll ask nicely if I can see the castle suite too...what do you think are my chances? :secret:

It's worth a shot! Good luck! :mickey:

[Katzateer]

My family was asked to be one of the families in the AK parade and no one WANTED to do it, except me.:(.

Couldn't believe it.:confused:

A night in the castle would be a dream come true. I would rather see a Make a Wish overnight guest than a celebrity.

[gueli]

WOAH WOAH WOAH Stop the clock!

Ian stayed in the castle?

Love the quote Ronnie...:thumbsup:


I remember reading about Ian being there...we went in 2007 and I have a dream pass from then (sadly it was on my last day, never was used, but it is a great souvenir)
:mickey: