Disney World is changing its iconic entrance, and some people think it won't look 'magical' anymore

new disney entrance
Disney shared this mock-up image to show what the entrance will look like. Disney Parks
  • Walt Disney World announced on Monday that it's changing iconic entrances that feature flag-embellished arches and cutouts of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

  • The new design is being made to complement other renovations, according to the Disney Parks Blog, and will no longer feature Cinderella Castle or the phrase "Where Dreams Come True."

  • Some fans, however, argue that the new design lacks magic, and shouldn't be a priority as Disney employees are being laid off.

  • Similar criticism was aimed at Disney World after it unveiled the new pink-and-gold exterior of Cinderella Castle over the summer.

  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Walt Disney World's iconic entrance is getting a makeover — and some fans aren't looking forward to it.

The Florida theme park announced on Monday that it will be changing the color scheme of its gateways, which are known for having tall archways, multicolored flags, and giant cutouts of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The change is being made to complement the recent Cinderella Castle makeover, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Renovations began on Monday, according to the blog post, with similar colors being added to the Magic Kingdom Park Auto Plaza. Disney also shared a virtual rendering of what the gateways will look like after the makeover.

It appears that the gateway will be painted in shades of gold, blue, and gray, with rainbow-colored flags up top. Underneath the Walt Disney World logo will be a thin sign that reads "The Most Magical Place on Earth."

The classic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse cutouts will remain, with Mickey on the left and Minnie on the right.

new disney entrance
The entrance will be painted in shades of gold, blue, and gray. Disney Parks

The updated gateways look a lot different than the classic design that's been seen at Walt Disney World for decades. It's famously featured a miniature Cinderella Castle above the Walt Disney World logo, and a blue banner that read "Where Dreams Come True."

The gateway also had multicolored flags up top, red-brick columns, and Minnie and Mickey cutouts in front of mouse-print walls.

walt disney world entrance
A view of a Walt Disney World entrance on March 16, 2020. SOPA Images/Getty Images

Disney fans have shared mixed reactions in response to the announcement

Some fans have said the new color scheme will ruin the "magic" and nostalgia of the iconic entrance.

Others have argued that Disney World should be focusing its attention on supporting cast members who were recently laid off instead of changing its decor.

"Also today, tons more cast members got notice of separation," an Instagram user wrote. "But paint the arches. Super important."

Still, some people are welcoming the change, which they say will add a modern touch to an older area of the theme park.

Disney previously received some backlash in response to alterations of Cinderella Castle

In February, Magic Kingdom Vice President Jason Kirk announced in a Disney Parks Blog post that the castle would get a makeover in honor of the 70th anniversary of "Cinderella."

The Magic Kingdom landmark was painted pink with gold accents over the course of a few months, much to the dismay of some Disney fans. When parkgoers first entered the theme park in July after pandemic-related closures, some said the structure appeared unfinished and too similar to Disneyland's castle.

It's likely that such changes are being made to ensure that Disney World looks its best for the park's 50th anniversary on October 1, 2021, though Disney has yet to confirm or deny this.

Representatives for Disney World did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

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