Sword In The Stone At Walt Disney World: How Does It Work?



Sword in the Stone at Magic Kingdom

“Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise ruler born of England.”

At the Magic Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World, there is a special attraction that captures the imagination of visitors young and old: the Sword in the Stone. Inspired by the classic tale of King Arthur, this attraction features a replica of Excalibur, the sword said to have been magically embedded in a stone until Arthur pulled it free and became king.

Where To Find The Sword In The Stone At Magic Kingdom

the Sword in the Stone at Magic Kingdom

In the Magic Kingdom version, the sword is set in a stone located between Cinderella’s Castle and the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel attraction.

What To Expect

Guests are invited to try their luck at pulling the sword from the stone, just as Arthur did. However, unlike the legendary king, most visitors are unable to budge the sword. This adds to the mystique and excitement of the attraction, as guests continue to try their luck throughout the day.

Once in a while, a fortunate guest will grasp the hilt to find that they are able to lift the sword from the stone, but what determines their success? Is there truly a secret magic imbued within the sword, or is there some logical explanation? Read on to find out what’s truly behind this mystery!

How It Works

The short answer is that Walt Disney World is at the center of a nexus point in 4-dimensional space and time. The unusual connection of the land to this magical nexus point allows many mysterious and magical occurrences to take place each and everyday.

Through Walt Disney’s tireless efforts of identifying these little-known points on earth, we now have Disney theme parks placed at strategic locations across the globe that enable a concentration of this magic that can be enjoyed by park guests on each visit.

Ok, are the kiddos in bed? Have they lost interest in looking over your shoulder yet?

Throughout the day, a Cast Member outfitted as Merlin will make several appearances to request volunteers to test their might in pulling the sword from its resting place. Although younger kids are typically chosen, adults sometimes do get chosen. In fact, part of the spectacle is letting the burliest of individuals get the first chance to try their luck before being overpowered by a child that follows next, leading to some comical moments.

Once selected, the chosen person steps forward to attempt to extract the sword. Occasionally, the sword will come loose right away, but more often it will lift a few inches before slamming back down. While much of this is founded on speculation, it’s likely that a Cast Member manipulates a trigger switch to activate the sword’s movement.

For those present at the right moment and favored by a Cast Member, the possibility exists to free the sword from the stone at Disney World. Although rumors often circulate that a Magic Band can unlock the sword, evidence to support this claim is scarce. It’s more probable that a Cast Member operates a trigger switch at precisely the right instant to animate the sword, allowing Merlin to announce the lucky individual as the “Ruler of the Realm”!

Try Your Chances With The Sword In The Stone

While the attraction has since undergone several updates and refurbishments since it first appeared in 1992, it has become a beloved part of the park’s history.

In addition to being a fun and interactive attraction for guests, the Sword in the Stone also serves as a nod to one of the greatest legends in Western literature. The tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table has captivated readers for centuries, and the Magic Kingdom’s interpretation of the story brings it to life in a unique and exciting way.

The Sword in the Stone is a must-experience attraction for anyone visiting the Magic Kingdom. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, Disney magic, or just enjoy trying your luck at pulling a sword from a stone, this attraction is sure to delight and inspire!

As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the best tips on making your Disney vacation as magical as possible and all latest developments for Disney theme parks & Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Written by

Rachel Van Norman


Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.

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