Imagineers Apologize for Castle Paint Debacle, Blame Home Depot Paint Department

ORLANDO — As guests were welcomed back to the Magic Kingdom this week, they were greeted by a new-look Cinderella Castle. Many fans, having seen photos online, had already expressed their displeasure, while others were reserving judgement and waiting to see it in person before letting their anger be known.

After weeks of silence, Pierce Hahn, Chief Painting and Touch Up Imagineer (North America), is finally speaking out about the castle’s fresh coat of paint. While Disney had intended to add a little extra magic for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the park, it appears the final result was not what they had in mind. His statement in full reads:

“Many of you returning to Magic Kingdom are disappointed to pass the turnstiles, look up Main Street, and see a castle that you don’t remember. Imagineers take guest feedback to heart, and have been actively reading your facebook comments, tallying your reaction emotes, and watching your midway madness in person here at Magic Kingdom.

I pride myself on treating every project I work on with the utmost importance; from touching up a marker mishap in an All Star Sports guest room to repainting the most cherished symbol of capitalism in the world. That’s why every project, big or small, starts at The Home Depot.

As you probably would have guessed, my position requires me to order quite a bit of paint – much more then the everyday Bob Villa handyman. Still, it’s a special day when you get to order 2,500 gallons of paint for Cinderella Castle. So I can tell you with certainty that I correctly ordered the approved Fairest of Them All swatch, but it has come to my attention that what was received and applied to the castle was, in fact, Fairytale Pink. As the chief imagineer on the Cinderella Castle face-lift project, it’s my responsibility to bear The Home Depot’s burden and shoulder Travis from the paint department’s blame.

Rest assured, we are working to rectify this situation. In fact, as we speak, I am on hold with The Home Depot’s customer service department, attempting to get a refund or, at the very least, store credit. At this time I don’t want to say we’re switching to Lowe’s for future projects, but it’s certainly being discussed internally.

I’d like to apologize on behalf of The Home Depot and do hope you can understand how this mishap is not my fault.”

With many projects currently delayed or cancelled, it seems like this “magical accident” will be here to stay for the time being. What do you think of the new look?