Castle that inspired Walt Disney receives Unesco protection
King Ludwig II envisioned a 'holy and unapproachable' medieval knights' castle, employing theatrical set designers to help create the marvellous structure built in the late 19th century.
The castle's interior features Wagnerian motifs, including elements from Parsifal in the Singers' Hall, and an elaborate grotto connecting living spaces.
Ludwig II's extensive building projects, which also included Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and the Royal House at Schachen, strained the Bavarian treasury.
The king was declared insane and died mysteriously before Neuschwanstein was completed, leading to the castle opening as a tourist attraction just seven weeks later and its recent recognition by Unesco.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Disney World fans left in 'tears' as theme park announces ANOTHER major change after slew of ride closures
Disney World fans were left 'in tears' after the theme park announced another major change following a slew of shocking ride closures. In recent months, Disney has been continuously slammed by many of its longtime fans for doing away with numerous beloved attractions and areas to make way for new ones. And now, it has been revealed that another update is coming to Hollywood Studios... and this one has left people all across the web emotional. The company announced on Tuesday that it will be replacing the Star Wars: Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. In a press release, Disney described it as 'a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences' and vowed that it will 'bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.' The Star Wars: Launch Bay is a spot where fans can 'celebrate all things Star Wars and come face-to-face with Characters from the legendary space saga.' People quickly rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the upcoming change to the park. And while many previous changes were met with fierce criticism, people seemed ecstatic over this announcement. 'I like it. It's a relatively inexpensive way to bring new life into what was a very dead area of the park. Not everything can be $100 million new attractions. Solid move,' one user wrote. 'This is a good change this park needs offerings focused on the elementary school kids,' agreed another. Someone else added, 'That section of the park was so lame so this sounds great!' 'I think that this is a good and very necessary change to Hollywood Studios which feels a lot like an IP dumping ground right now,' read a fourth tweet. 'Actually interactive activities that aren't rides being added into a dead area is so needed.' 'What a great way to use the space for families and pay homage to what made Disney great,' said a fifth. 'As a former Star Wars: Launch Bay performer, I will be sad to see this space go. But, as an overall Disney and theme park fan, this is the right choice,' gushed a different user. 'We are going into Disney's future with a look backwards at what this space used to be, a focus on Disney Animation.' The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank' 'I am so here for this transformation. Instead of making the area into a singular IP land, we are getting a tribute to the animators that make IP lands possible. Thrilled to see this!' praised another. Someone else described it as the 'best Disney news' they had heard in 'ages,' while another user said it was 'step in a better direction.' Some people even admitted that the news had made them cry. 'I'm in tears right now,' one user wrote, while another said, 'Not even gonna lie - I'm legit tearing up on the way to work right now at the news.' But other users weren't as excited and shared their dismay. 'Good grief, another cheap quick fix that will be empty in a month. People want rides. These parks lack rides, bulldoze all of this and build three new rides,' urged one user. 'Trying not to be negative, but really would've like to see this space utilized for a future ride or two,' agreed another. Disney noted in the press release that the building will be topped with a giant Mickey's Sorcerer Hat - just like the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California. 'Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they're ready to play,' reads a description. 'Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. 'Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.' There will be 'playful and interactive moments around every corner' and portraits will 'come to life before your eyes.' 'You'll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch,' Disney added. Younger guests will be able to play in the 'Drawn to Wonderland' playground that will be 'filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art.' In addition to the 'whimsical indoor play area' there will be tons of chances to meet characters, Disney promised. The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank.' It will open in 2026. To make way for it, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. The new The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will stay open during this time, and over at the soundstage nearby expect a 'fresh' Disney Jr. show.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Disney World is giving away FREE $100 gift cards to annual passholders… but there's a catch
If you've been thinking about finally splurging on a Disney World Annual Pass, now might be the time to do it. For a limited time, Disney is offering up to a $100 Disney Gift Card eGift when you purchase a new Annual Pass to Walt Disney World. But before you get too excited, there are a few things you should know - and yes, there's a catch. First, this offer only applies to new Annual Passes. If you're hoping to renew your current pass or stack this on top of another discount, you're out of luck. Disney specifically notes that the promotion cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, including renewal discounts. The amount you'll receive also depends on the type of Annual Pass you purchase. The highest value comes with the Disney Incredi-Pass, which includes a $100 Disney Gift Card eGift. This pass is available to everyone and has no blockout dates. If you're a Florida resident or a Disney Vacation Club Member, you can snag the Disney Sorcerer Pass and get a $75 Disney Gift Card eGift. The Disney Pirate Pass, available only to Florida residents, includes a $50 Disney Gift Card eGift. And finally, the Disney Pixie Pass - also exclusive to Florida residents - comes with a $25 Disney Gift Card eGift. Once you purchase a new pass, Disney will send the gift card via email within a few days to the address provided during checkout. So yes, you'll have to wait a bit before you start spending it on Mickey pretzels or those Minnie ears you've been eyeing. It's worth noting that these gift cards can be used pretty much anywhere on Disney property - from dining and shopping to hotel stays and even park tickets. While Disney hasn't shared an end date for the promo, it is described as a 'limited time' offer, so don't expect it to last forever. This deal might be Disney's way of encouraging more guests to invest in annual passes again after its operating income dropped drastically earlier this year. If you're not sure which pass to get, Disney's website has a comparison tool to help you figure out what's worth it based on how often you go, where you live, and what blockout dates you're okay with. The Incredi-Pass, while the most expensive, comes with the fewest restrictions and the biggest gift card bonus. For Florida locals who visit the parks often, the lower-tier passes still offer some solid perks - and the free gift card is a nice little cherry on top. Ultimately, if you've been on the fence about becoming an Annual Passholder, this promo might be the push you needed. Just remember to read the fine print and double-check that you're eligible before you buy - because once you're in, there's no turning back (or refunding that pass).
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Lindsay Lohan makes rare comment on 'public downfall' as she calls Freaky Friday mom Jamie Lee Curtis her rock
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis opened up about their close bond formed while starring together in Freaky Friday, with Lindsay describing Jamie as her rock during a very difficult period. The Parent Trap actress, 39, and the Oscar-winning Curtis, 66, captured hearts as the mother-daughter duo in the 2003 Disney body-swap comedy. Shortly after the film became a bona fide hit—and following Lindsay's breakthrough success with 2004's Mean Girls —the former child star encountered major challenges. During that time, she faced widely publicized struggles, including multiple arrests for DUI, theft, and cocaine possession, as well as several stints in rehab that sidelined her Hollywood career. Now, as she promotes the long-awaited sequel Freakier Friday, due this August, Lindsay revealed that Jamie was a crucial source of support during those trying years. 'Jamie was with me at a time in my life when I was going through a lot publicly,' she told People on Tuesday alongside Jamie. 'She was privately really there for me. I can trust her.' She continued, '"Safe" is a very important word to me. I have to feel safe around people. And Jamie is one of those people for me.' Turning towards Jamie, Lindsay added, 'Like, I feel very safe with you. I feel safe telling you things.' Jamie chimed in, 'Lindsay and I have been in each other's lives since we made that movie. That is first and foremost.' She continued, 'I know I can trust her. I can't say that about a lot of people. I do know that if I tell her something, it's gonna stay with her. 'We've both been through hard things, 'cause we're alive and life is hard. And we're not dead yet. 'So the truth of our experience together, it belies all of the kind of showbizzy stuff. We connected, and we really stayed connected. And that is special and rare for me.' The unlikely BFFs are so comfortable in their bond that they even teased a possible third installment of the Freaky Friday franchise. At one point, Jamie turned to Lindsay and asked, 'So Lindsay Lohan, 20 years from now, Freakiest Friday? You in?' Now, as she promotes the long-awaited sequel Freakier Friday, due this August, Lindsay revealed that Jamie was a crucial source of support during those trying years; (seen in August 2024) Lohan's reply was a resounding: 'I'm in.' Meanwhile, Lindsay's paycheck for the original Freaky Friday has recently resurfaced — and fans were stunned. Despite the 2003 film's massive success, earning over $160 million on a $26 million budget, Lohan was paid just $550,000 for her starring role. It marked a turning point, though — by the time she filmed 2004's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, her salary had nearly doubled to a reported $1 million. Last year, Lohan made a cameo appearance in the musical remake of Mean Girls, reportedly earning $500,000 for the brief role—proof she's moved past her earlier public struggles.
