FROM: Why Did Disney DO That?!? Published As Necessary

Cinderella Not-So-Suite

Would you like to stay in the suite atop Cinderella Castle at Disney World? Well, you can't, even if you sell everything you own and write Disney a check in that amount. As Lee Beatens observes, the suite is invitation only... and good luck with that.

- Lee Beatens, May 29, 2011

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Staying on Disney property is always a special treat. And, at least at Walt Disney World, there really is something for every taste.

With the Value Resorts, you have incredible cartoon theming for families. With the Moderate Resorts, you have more adult theming based on popular vacation spots of the past. And with the Deluxe Resorts, you have opulence galore!

So what could possibly top a stay in one of these Disney Resorts?

Sorry, Cindy, No Vacancy

How about a stay in a Disney Castle? Forget about making your little daughter feel like a princess with a trip to the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique. That's child's play! Instead, make your whole family feel like royalty with a stay in the Cinderella Suite.

Oh. wait. I forgot. You can't book a stay in the Cinderella Suite.

Why did Disney DO that?!?

I was beside myself when Disney first announced their plans to build rooms into Cinderella Castle. My head swam with images of my wife and I spending a magical night in the Magic Kingdom. Now, I knew it would be incredibly expensive, but perhaps worth the expense for a true Disney fan like me!

And at first it did seem that the common Disney guest could see that dream come true. The Year of a Million Dreams (and its sequel) granted lucky families a night in the Castle Suite. But then an evil spell fell over the land, and the beautiful rooms were closed to vacationing sleepers.

But there was a glimmer of hope! Commoners could still tour the Suite, even if they couldn't book a personal stay.

Will Disney open the guest book for reservations in the future? Maybe Disney's Vacation Club might make it possible to snooze like royalty for a whole year's worth of points? Maybe with a generous gift to charity the opportunity might be offered?

Cinderella Suite Coming Soon... Not!

And now back to reality.

The logistics of hosting guests in the Castle after Park closing and throughout the night must have been a nightmare for Cast Members from Day One.

And what if Disney did open the Suites to reservations? Since there is only one reservation possible, the waiting list would be years long (Club 33 anyone?), with the richer Disney guest getting the most chances to exploit the opportunity because of simple economics.

And what if Disney did find a way to make it fair and accessible to all? If so, would I really spend over $1,000.00 to stay in Cinderella Castle for just one night? That sum could net me two weeks in a Value Resort off-season.

Truly and forsooth, I am conflicted.

But perchance: Is the dream alone enough? It appears that it will have to be! For now...

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