Hi Rebecca,
The antique carrousel ride in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom officially changed its name to
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel on June 1 of this year. According to the official Disney Parks Blog, "The name change helps tell the rest of the
Cinderella story that inspired the carrousel. They posted this official story behind it:
"Following their fairy-tale romance and happily-ever-after
wedding, Cinderella and Prince Charming took up residence in
Cinderella’s Castle. With peace throughout the kingdom, Prince Charming
had time to practice for jousting tournaments. In the countryside near
the castle, he built a training device of carved horses, on which he
could practice the art of ring-spearing, a tournament event in which a
knight rides his horse full speed, lance in hand, toward a small ring
hanging from a tree limb, with the object of spearing the ring. This
event was known by various names throughout the lands, but generally
came to be called “carrousel.”
The carrousel device drew the attention of the villagers, who wanted
to take a turn on this amazing spinning contraption. So Prince Charming
had a second carrousel constructed closer to the Castle, where everyone
could take a spin on this wondrous invention. Instead of a working
knight’s training device, however, this new carrousel is more befitting
its regal location in the Castle Courtyard – its rustic training horses
replaced with ornately decorated prancing steeds adorned with golden
helmets and shields, flower garlands, feathers and other festoons.
Prince Charming invites one and all to test their horsemanship skills
and to enjoy their own happy ending."
Hope this helps and that you have a wonderful vacation,
Kaylene