Exclusive
MICKEY MAGIC
I stayed in the secret Cinderella suite at Disney World for free – here’s how
A WOMAN has revealed how she managed to stay inside Cinderella's Castle at Disney World Florida without spending a penny.
Kathryn Chung, 32, won an overnight stay of a lifetime after being crowned the UK's Biggest Disney fan by Disney Parks and Resorts.
7
7
Hopeful entrants had to submit a 60-video detailing why they should win a 10-day "holiday of a lifetime" to Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, Florida, and the Disney Wish cruise ship.
During their trip, the finalists took part in a series of challenges to earn an ultra-exclusive night in the Cinderella Castle Suite in Disney’s Florida resort.
On the final day, Kathryn Chung from Hackney, London, was crowned the UK's Biggest Disney fan by Disney buff and Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara.
Kathryn told Sun Online Travel: "When I found out about the competition on social media, I knew I had to submit a video about why I was the biggest Disney fan.
Read More on Disney
"I told my husband Richard about the competition and he encouraged me to enter but I had no idea I would get this far."
In the video, Kathryn said she'd fallen in love with the Disney parks from the age of five after a holiday to Disney World with her parents.
Two weeks after she submitted her video, Kathryn received a phone call from Disney.
She said: "They wanted to talk to me more about my entry but all I could think was that 'I'm having a meeting with Disney' and it seemed like I'd already won."
Most read in News Travel
But Kathryn, who was shortlisted along with nine other Brits, was soon competing in a series of challenges to win an overnight stay at the Cinderella suite.
She added: "All the challenges were really really fun but the Magic Maze was one of my favourites was guessing the locations on a 3D map over Magic Kingdom."
She was then told that she won: "I didn't expect to win at all - I was speechless. I keep having to remind myself that this did happen.
"It was just amazing, I couldn't believe I stayed there.
"I just did my best to take it in every detail inside the suite and the views over the park."
7
7
7
The Cinderella Suite was originally created for Walt Disney himself, who died before he could stay there.
Inside the bedroom are two double four-poster beds, with a C above them which actually stands for Prince Charming, not Cinderella.
The stained glass windows have scenes from the film, as well as an amazing view of the park.
A TV in the centre of the suite plays the 1950 Cinderella film for guests who want to watch it all the way through - which transforms into a mirror when it is turned off.
The bathroom has two sinks and two chandeliers along with a jacuzzi surrounded by three grand mosaics of the Cinderella story, each with 10,000 pieces.
There is even a separate "throne room" where the toilet is found.
Speaking on the competition, Janette Manrara, said: "It was a dream come true to be a part of this competition from the early stages, right up until we announced our winner in front of Cinderella Castle.
"The top 10 fans were a true pleasure to meet and soak up Disney magic alongside – we’re all already planning our next Disney reunion together!"
Vice President of Disney Destinations International UK and EMEA, Angelica Costantini, added: "Congratulations to our winner, Kathryn!
"This competition was a hugely exciting way for us to come
together and share our Disney stories and memories during our 100th anniversary year."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The Disney parks have a lot of secrets that guests don't know about - here are some of the best.
7
7
Topics