Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is the oldest attraction in the Magic Kingdom. Originally built in 1971 by The Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Walt Disney himself purchased the handmade carrousel along with its horses from Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey. The carrousel was originally named 'Liberty' and the maidens can still be seen on top of the carrousel.

 

The attraction is kept in fantastic condition with 18 hand painted horses, each completely unique. 

 

The attraction was known as Cinderella's Golden Carrousel until June 2010 where it was renamed. It is thought that the renaming was to fit with the new Fantasyland area that was being constructed at the time.

 

The official backstory from Disney however goes like this:

Following their fairy-tale romance and happily-ever-after wedding, Cinderella and Prince Charming took up residence in Cinderella’s Castle. With peace throughout the kingdom, Prince Charming had time to practice for jousting tournaments. In the countryside near the castle, he built a training device of carved horses, on which he could practice the art of ring-spearing, a tournament event in which a knight rides his horse full speed, lance in hand, toward a small ring hanging from a tree limb, with the object of spearing the ring. This event was known by various names throughout the lands, but generally came to be called “carrousel.” The carrousel device drew the attention of the villagers, who wanted to take a turn on this amazing spinning contraption. So Prince Charming had a second carrousel constructed closer to the Castle, where everyone could take a spin on this wondrous invention. Instead of a working knight’s training device, however, this new carrousel is more befitting its regal location in the Castle Courtyard – its rustic training horses replaced with ornately decorated prancing steeds adorned with golden helmets and shields, flower garlands, feathers and other festoons. Prince Charming invites one and all to test their horsemanship skills and to enjoy their own happy ending.