Just beyond the sword in the stone, in the courtyard of the castle at Disneyland Paris, stands a tribute to one of King Arthur's most trusted knights, Le Carrousel de Lancelot. This "Round Table" is a fitting symbol of all the knights of the realm, with its rich color palette, decorative fleur-de-lis patterns and heraldic shields and flags.
Inside the ring of javelins (forming the posts supporting the canopy) is a team of carousel horses among the most ornate found in any Disney Park. The inner rings of horses were created by the artists at Walt Disney World, based on existing designs from Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Florida. The stallions leading on the outer ring, however, are original works of art hand-crafted by a carousel horse sculptor in Ohio. Each horse is fitted with a suit of armor, sporting details of swords, lions and dragons.
Joining the steeds are a pair of chariots, refurbished from an antique carousel produced by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in the early 1900s. The chariots ensure every Guest can enjoy a trip on Le Carrousel de Lancelot. Notice the detail of Neptune and a sea serpent on this one, along with the hitch at the front attaching it to a pair of horses.
Additional sculptural details adorn the inner canopy of the carousel, along with a series of medieval illustrations by artist George Edwards.
At the heart of Le Carrousel de Lancelot is Big Nelly, an antique carousel organ. Unfortunately, Big Nelly herself no longer functions, but the sound of band organ-produced Disney tunes one hears while riding the carousel was produced at one time by Big Nelly herself. Although she may no longer be with us, her music plays on for the Knights of the Round Table.
TAND
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Related Posts