King Arthur Carrousel: A Timeless Disneyland Attraction

King Arthur’s Carrousel, a cherished attraction since the opening of Disneyland, is renowned for its rich history and whimsical charm.

King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland California

What You Need to Know About King Arthur Carrousel

A recent analysis indicates that approximately one in five Disneyland guests choose to experience this enchanting ride.

• Location: Fantasyland
• Rating: ★★
• Restrictions: No height restrictions; children under age seven must be accompanied by an adult 14 or older.
• Ride Time: 2 minutes
• Recommended for: Small children and carousel enthusiasts
• Fun Factor: Low
• Wait Factor: Low
• Fear Factor: Low
• Herky-Jerky Factor: Low
• Nausea Factor: Low, unless prone to dizziness.
• Seating: Features both horses and benches for seating.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users can remain in their vehicles; entrance is through the left of the standard queue. Learn more about accessibility at Disneyland.

As with all Disneyland attractions, King Arthur’s Carrousel may occasionally close for maintenance or renovations. To stay updated, check the Park Hours tab on the monthly calendar page.

How to Have More Fun on King Arthur Carrousel

• Adults can stand next to the horse their child is riding.
• The wait time for the carrousel is typically short, often under 10 minutes. Don’t be misled by the line length; this ride accommodates approximately 100 guests every five minutes.
• For added safety, always use the seat belts, especially for younger children.
• The carrousel is ideal for kids, but other fun rides exist within Disneyland.
• Note that King Arthur’s Carrousel closes prior to and during firework displays.
• The carrousel returns to the same starting height upon completion of the ride.
• Adjacent to the carousel is the Sword in the Stone attraction, where visitors can try to pull off the legendary Excalibur.

Fun Facts About King Arthur Carrousel

Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disneyland is sometimes attributed to observing his daughters on a carousel in Griffith Park. Regardless of its origins, King Arthur’s Carrousel remains one of the original attractions since the park’s debut in 1955.

Originally built in 1875 in Toronto, Canada, today’s carousel was purchased by Walt Disney and relocated during Disneyland’s construction.

Initially, the carousel featured various animal figures, including giraffes and deer, but Walt chose to have only horses for riders.

The lead horse, named Jingles, adorned with bells, is famously known as Walt Disney’s favorite. During the 50th anniversary, it was dedicated to actress Julie Andrews.

Each horse has its unique name—Dubloon, for instance, is known for having a gold tooth.

All carousel horses were once vibrantly painted but were unified in white in 1975. They receive regular maintenance and painting, involving over 30 colors for the intricate details.

Finally, here’s a fun tidbit: according to a guide from the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour, a carousel rotates clockwise, while a merry-go-round moves counterclockwise.

Next Disneyland Ride: Gadget’s Go Coaster