Magic Kingdom’s cherished morning welcome show, Let the Magic Begin, is being presented in a modified format while Cinderella Castle undergoes significant exterior work.

Disney has confirmed that the show will continue to play its fanfare and music as guests gather for park opening, but characters such as Mickey Mouse and friends will not appear on the castle forecourt stage during this period. The change is directly tied to ongoing refurbishment and repainting efforts on Cinderella Castle, which crew members are actively working on each morning.

In a notice shared via the My Disney Experience app, Walt Disney World explained that the castle is “currently undergoing a magical transformation.” Because of project work, Let the Magic Begin is “temporarily modified” with only the welcome music and fanfare, rather than the usual character appearances that have long delighted early arrivals at Magic Kingdom.

The repainting project is part of a broader effort to refresh the iconic Cinderella Castle’s appearance with a colour palette inspired by its original 1971 look. To accommodate the work, the castle moat is being drained and cranes are in use during the morning, although Disney aims to lower them from view by around midday.

Because of the repainting, other entertainment offerings around the castle have also seen adjustments. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, a popular stage show, now runs at afternoon-only times, while Happily Ever After continues its nightly run with only minor adjustments as needed.

Disney has not announced when Let the Magic Begin will return to its full format with characters present. The modifications are expected to remain in place for as long as exterior work on Cinderella Castle continues, with no firm end date yet shared.

Early reactions from park-goers and fans include disappointment from those who missed the character-filled version of the welcome, though many remain excited about the castle’s upcoming transformation and eventual return to a classic look.

This marks one of Magic Kingdom’s more visible entertainment pivots in recent years, with the castle refurbishment shaping how guests experience the park’s opening moments.