Has Anyone Ever Pulled the Sword Out of the Stone at Disneyland?
Yes, incredibly, guests have indeed pulled the sword from the stone at Disneyland, though it is a very rare and often surprising occurrence. While the attraction is largely a playful nod to the legend of King Arthur, it’s not entirely a fixed show. The sword does, on occasion, come free, much to the amazement and delight of those present. This legendary moment doesn’t happen frequently, making it a truly magical experience for those lucky enough to witness or even participate in it. The phenomenon has been reported in the past where a guest, usually a child, is given the chance to try and, against the odds, successfully removes the sword. The moment is not usually anticipated by the guest, making it even more magical.
The Reality Behind the Magic
A Playful Ceremony, Not a Fixed Outcome
At Disneyland’s Fantasyland, the Sword in the Stone is not merely a static prop. It’s part of a captivating experience that invites guests, especially children, to attempt to pull the fabled Excalibur. Most of the time, the sword remains firmly in place, part of a daily ritual where a Cast Member will involve young guests in an entertaining reenactment, where it only moves slightly but does not come out fully. However, the sword’s seemingly immovable nature is not always the case. There are instances, as documented over the years, where the sword comes loose entirely.
The Rare Phenomenon
While the daily “ceremony” involves a playful tug-of-war that results in the sword remaining secure, the occasional pull of the sword has surprised both guests and cast members alike. These occurrences are extremely uncommon and are usually facilitated by a cast member using a hidden trigger switch that controls the mechanism allowing the sword to be pulled up. Occasionally, the sword will come free immediately. It often moves a few inches before being pulled back down in its resting place. These sporadic moments contribute to the allure and magic of the attraction. These instances add to the charm, keeping the hope and wonder alive with the idea that anyone could be the one to pull the sword and reign as “Ruler of the Realm”.
Alison King’s Experience and Others
One well-documented instance occurred on December 23, 2004, when Michele King’s daughter, Alison, pulled the sword from the stone. This highlights the possibility that it can, and does, happen. This is not the only such account, there have been others, although none are ever fully anticipated by either the guest or the cast member involved. These sporadic occurrences mean that each interaction with the Sword in the Stone has the potential to become something extraordinary.
What Happens When Someone Pulls the Sword?
The “Ruler of the Realm”
According to Disney lore, the triumphant person who removes the sword is proclaimed the “Ruler of the Realm,” with all associated privileges and responsibilities, a clear nod to the legend of King Arthur. While this is a lighthearted proclamation, in reality, the guest receives a special reward.
The Sword in the Stone Medal and Certificate
Those who successfully pull the sword out of the stone are given a unique “Sword in the Stone” medal and a certificate to commemorate their accomplishment. These tangible rewards serve as lasting reminders of this special experience. They also add to the appeal of attempting the feat, despite how infrequent it actually occurs.
The Sword’s Temporary Hiatus
There was even a recorded incident where a guest known only as “Sam” was able to remove the sword with such force that the attraction was left damaged. The sword itself was described as “broken” and “jagged.” It had to be repaired and the area was taped off to prevent injuries until the repair was completed. It was repaired within a few days but does highlight how the sword can, on occasion, be completely removed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can anyone try to pull the sword from the stone at Disneyland?
Yes, anyone is allowed to try to pull the sword, though Cast Members may sometimes favor younger guests, as it’s an especially magical experience for children.
2. Is the sword in the stone controlled at Disneyland?
It is believed that a Cast Member manipulates a hidden switch to allow the sword to move. The movement can be minimal or can, on occasion, allow the sword to be completely removed.
3. What do you get if you pull the sword out of the stone in Disneyland?
If you succeed, you are declared “Ruler of the Realm” and receive a “Sword in the Stone” medal and a certificate acknowledging your accomplishment.
4. What happened to the sword at Disneyland when “Sam” removed it?
After being forcefully removed, the sword was described as broken and jagged. It was temporarily removed and repaired within a few days.
5. What is the legend behind the sword in the stone?
The legend of the Sword in the Stone is a central tale of Arthurian legends, where only the rightful king can remove the sword, crowning him the ruler. In legend, it is King Arthur who pulls the sword, becoming the King of England.
6. Does the sword really come out of the stone?
Yes, very rarely, the sword does come completely out of the stone at Disneyland. However, it is mostly controlled to only move slightly.
7. What is the moral of the sword in the stone story?
The story of King Arthur teaches that if your actions are right and you have the right intentions, good will prevail, and you just have to believe in yourself and help others along the way.
8. Is it impossible to pull the sword from the stone at Disneyland?
No, it is not impossible, but it is extremely rare. The sword can come free completely but is often controlled.
9. How do you get the sword out of the stone in Fable?
In the game Fable, you need to upgrade your character’s physique, health, and toughness attributes after your initial attempt to pull the sword, in order to be successful. Specifically, increase physique by 5, health by 2, and toughness by 3.
10. Where did the idea of the Sword in the Stone come from?
The idea comes from the Arthurian legends, in which the sword is only removable by the one true King of England. It’s a test of worthiness and destiny.
11. What does it mean to pull the sword out of a stone?
Pulling the sword from the stone is a metaphor for fulfilling one’s destined purpose or true potential, as seen in the legend of King Arthur.
12. Is the sword controlled at Disney World?
Yes, it is believed to be controlled by a hidden switch that is operated by a cast member at Disney World too.
13. Who pulled the sword from the stone in the Disney movie?
In Disney’s The Sword in the Stone, the young orphan boy known as Wart, who later becomes King Arthur, pulls the sword from the stone.
14. What happens in the legend when someone pulls Excalibur?
In the legend, the person who pulls Excalibur from the stone is proclaimed the King of England, ordained by God and the Wizard Merlin.
15. Where is Excalibur now?
A sword that was found in the Vrbas River in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been dubbed ‘Excalibur’ due to the way it was found, stuck in solid rock.
By understanding the reality and the legend behind Disneyland’s Sword in the Stone, guests can fully appreciate the magic and potential surprises the attraction has to offer. While you’re unlikely to be proclaimed King, that moment of possible glory and the potential to receive your special commemorative medal and certificate will be forever remembered.