Pulling the Sword Out at Disney World & Disneyland

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What you need to know about pulling up this hidden gem

Co-authored by Savannah Vold

Last Updated: June 19, 2023 Fact Checked

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How do you pull out the sword?

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Where is the sword located?

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History of the Sword

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Q&A

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You may have seen people attempting to pull the mythical sword Excalibur from "The Sword in the Stone" attraction at Disneyland and Disney World and wondered if there’s a trick to it. Hey, who wouldn’t want to be a royal for the day? In this article, we’ll unlock the hidden secrets of pulling the sword from the stone and provide you with all the best tips on how to do it. Huzzah!

Things You Should Know

Excaliber is thought to be held in place by an electromagnet that cast members can disengage. If a cast member thinks you’re worthy, they might disengage the sword for you!
Up your chances of pulling the sword out of the stone by lifting the sword up from the crossguard (t-handle), planting your feet firmly on the ground, and bending your knees.
Wait for the Royal Majesty Makers show. This fun show has cast members act out a scene from “The Sword in the Stone” and invite nearby onlookers to try their luck.

Section 1 of 3:

How do you pull out the sword?

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It’s theorized that Disney employees control who pulls out the sword. While no one knows for sure how the magical sword of Excalibur, located in Fantasyland at Disney World and Disneyland, is controlled, it’s theorized to be held in place by an electromagnet. Cast members are thought to have some kind of device that can disengage the sword when they discover someone trying to remove the sword who they deem worthy—it could be you!^{[1]
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- While you may think pulling the sword from the stone comes down to strength, it’s really a matter of luck.
- The sword can be accessed by anyone at any time during park hours. Just be sure to have patience and wait your turn, as it’s become a popular hidden gem.
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Pull the sword up from the crossguard. Increase your chances of pulling up this magical sword by getting a good grip on the crossguard (t-shape hold) with both hands at the sword's base. Don’t forget to firmly plant your feet on the ground and bend your knees to really lift that bad boy up! While it ultimately comes down to luck, using all your might to lift can’t hurt.
- Keep in mind that the sword will only lift around 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) if you’re considered worthy. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to fully remove the sword or keep it as a souvenir—hey, at least you can keep the happy memories!
- Fun Fact: The Sword in the Stone monument was temporarily removed from the park when a super strong man ripped the sword straight out of the stone and broke it! Don’t worry, it’s back now.
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Attend the Royal Majesty Makers show. Around once a day, the Royal Majesty Makers (group of “The Sword in the Stone” specific cast members) or a single cast member dressed as Merlin will show up to the stone to act out a fun skit or invite people to test their worth. It’s theorized that participating in the show may increase your odds of pulling up the sword, as they typically choose 1 worthy person per show.^{[2]
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- You may not be as lucky if you try to lift the sword when no cast members are around to watch.
- No matter who you are, you’re allowed a shot at pulling the sword from the stone. That said, cast members may favor younger guests pulling up the sword, as it’s an extra-magical experience for the little ones!
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Interact with the cast members near the stone. You never know who might be controlling the sword, so try to politely interact with any cast members hanging around the area near King Arthur Carousel at Disney World, or Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel at Disneyland, located by "The Sword in the Stone" attraction. You might ask a cast member if they have any tricks on what it takes to pull the sword up—they might just give you a helpful hint or disengage the sword from the stone when you go to try!^{[3]
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- If you pull up the sword, you get nothing besides an awesome memory and picture opportunity.
- Some people theorize that a light in the castle window near "The Sword in the Stone" attraction indicates when someone can pull the sword out. The sword can’t be released when it's red, but you might just get lucky when it's green.

Section 2 of 3:

Where is the sword located?

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"The Sword in the Stone” attraction is at Disneyland and Disney World. At Disneyland in California, you’ll find this magical Fantasyland monument right in front of the King Arthur Carousel. At Disney World Florida, “The Sword in the Stone” attraction is located in Fantasyland, between Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel and Cinderella’s Castle.^{[4]
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- If you couldn’t lift up the sword at one of the locations, make a fun trip out of trying your luck at the other one!

Section 3 of 3:

History of the Sword

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This magical film about an unassuming young boy Arthur, guided by the magical wizard Merlin and his journey to lifting the sword from the stone, was a hit! Released in the winter of 1965, this was the last animated motion picture Walt Disney worked on before he passed away in 1966.^{[5]
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According to Arthurian legend dating all the way back to the 1500s, author Sir Thomas Mallory detailed the story of a young King Arthur pulling the sword, Excalibur, from the stone. Where many big and burly men tried to lift the sword from the stone in hopes of becoming the heir to England’s throne, young Arthur alone, pure of heart and mind, lifted it, becoming the King of England.^{[6]
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"The Sword in the Stone" is a film with a magical message—it’s not about being the strongest of bodies; it’s about being the purest of hearts. So long as you treat others and yourself with kindness and respect, you’re worthy to wield the sword, Excaliber!^{[7]
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Community Q&A

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Question

What if I'm Hench? After my conviction (it's a long story), I dedicated myself to training every single day, all in the hope of pulling this sword out. Alternatively, would an EMP disable the mechanism?

Alexis Morgan

Community Answer

Because it is controlled by the cast members, strength wont really help that much.

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Question

Can I keep the sword if I pull it out?

Alexis Morgan

Community Answer

No, as it is an attraction at Disney, it is for everybody to have a chance at it.

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Will I get any award if I pulled it out? If yes, what will it/they be?

Ant Dougherty

Community Answer

Well, you get to become king or queen. That is, if you succeed with all your might.

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