It seems everyone wants to spend the night at Cinderella's Castle Suite in Walt Disney World. And who wouldn't? The place looks amazing! However, most visitors have to settle for dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table instead since no one is actually allowed to book it.
The good news: It's completely free to spend the night in the lavish suite. The bad news: Overnight stays are by invitation only, and the vast majority of those are reserved for contest winners. Disney often holds sweepstakes and contest with the grand price being a vacation at Walt Disney World for four, and some killer bonus gifts like a $1,000 gift card and a night in the ridiculously tricked-out suite.
If you're not one of the lucky ones invited to spend the night in the suite, your next best bet to live in the lap of Disney luxury is to book one of the "Royal Rooms" at Disney's Port Orleans Resort. The suites there include lots of the details and features you'd find in the Cinderella suite.
The contests are usually run by a Disney computer which randomizes the winner. For instance, if you're the 58th person to walk through a turnstile at Epcot at exactly 9:45AM, then you could be the winner! That's when the fun starts. First, you'll be surprised by the Disney Dream Team, and then get ready for some epic Disney VIP fun.
You'll receive a royal photo session, then you'll be brought to the castle via Main Street, where you'll be checked into the suite and given a tour. Later in the day you'll serve as grand marshal for the "Disney Dreams Come True" parade.
Winners are then invited to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table with Cinderella herself, and you'll get VIP access to view the nighttime Wishes fireworks show. In my opinion, the best part is that you'll then have access to the Magic Kingdom Park...2 HOURS AFTER THE PARK CLOSES! After you've had your fun for the night, you'll go back to your room and there will be candies and desserts waiting for you.
The Castle Suite itself is pretty phenomenal. It's on the fourth floor of the castle and decorated just like a 17th century royal chamber, and it can accommodate up to six people. The mirrors double as flat-screen TVs, and there's also a fireplace and parlor.
"On January 25, 2007, the Fouch family of DeWitt, Michigan became the first family to be selected by Disney to spend the night in Cinderella's Castle. Sixteen-year-old Brad was in the right place at the right time. In this case, it was Row 2, Seat 8 in Simulator 4 of the Star Tours attraction at Disney-MGM Studios at 10:00 AM." - Hotels.com
Luckiest. Family. Ever.
So, doesn't matter how much money you have, Disney won't be allowing reservations for the suite anytime soon. However, it's often auctioned off for charities or used for philanthropic visits for families of terminally-ill children.
