A beloved relic of Disney lore has quietly slipped away from Magic Kingdom Park—Fantasyland’s iconic Sword in the Stone attraction has been removed without warning, leaving guests surprised and curious.
Once located just steps from Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, the Sword in the Stone served as more than just a photo op—it was a whimsical challenge to test one’s strength and spirit. Visitors young and old could try their hand at pulling the enchanted blade from its anvil, and every so often, a chosen guest would succeed with the help of a hidden mechanism, causing the crowd to erupt in applause.
The attraction, inspired by Walt Disney’s 1963 animated feature The Sword in the Stone, pays tribute to the story of young Arthur—“Wart”—and his magical mentor Merlin. The film, while not a financial powerhouse during its release, has become a classic and is notable for being the last animated film released in Walt Disney’s lifetime.
Fans may remember the occasional appearance of Merlin himself, played by a cast member who would host a small ceremony, selecting a child to participate in the magical moment. This experience gave many guests a memory to treasure, and although the show element eventually faded, the interactive charm of the sword remained.
According to Kenny the Pirate, the attraction’s removal was abrupt: “Yesterday, the Sword in the Stone was roped off and a blue tarp surrounded the stone, but the sword was still visible. Today, the blue tarp remains, but the sword is now missing.” No official update has been posted by Walt Disney World Resort regarding the status of the attraction.
As of now, the only listed closures on the Magic Kingdom refurbishment schedule include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Hall of Presidents, and Astro Orbiter. The Sword in the Stone’s quiet removal adds a fourth to that list. If plans remain unchanged, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will also be closing on July 7 to make way for the highly anticipated Piston Peak National Park, part of a major park-wide evolution.
Though modest in size, the Sword in the Stone offered a special kind of charm—a connection to Disney’s storytelling roots. It remains one of the only physical nods to The Sword in the Stone in any U.S. Disney park, with similar versions found in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
Whether this latest removal is for repairs or part of a larger transformation remains to be seen.
With Magic Kingdom entering a new era of growth, even the smallest changes draw attention. Fans hope the legendary sword will return soon to resume delighting guests with moments of wonder and whimsy.
Have you ever tried your luck with Excalibur? Share your favorite Sword in the Stone memories in the comments!
