King Arthur's Jingles!

King Arthur’s Jingles!

            According to learner.org there is a legend about carousels. According to carousel legend, the lead horse of any carousel is always the biggest, most decorative horse. In many instances, this horse is a military or warhorse. If a chariot is included in the carousel the first horse right behind the carousel on the outside is the lead horse.

            There are 68 white galloping horses on King Arthur’s carousel. Each horse has a name and you can get a list of the horse’s names from City Hall on Main Street. But one of the horses is unique. The horse’s name is Jingles.

            Jingles was Walt’s favorite carousel horse, named for her ornate carvings which include beautiful straps of jingle bells hanging from her saddle and cantle. Jingles is King Arthur’s lead horse. She is right behind the bench seat and handicap loading area. During 2005s 50 anniversary of Disneyland Jingles was removed from the carousel and painted gold from the tip of nose to tail and trimmed with 18 carat gold and set apart as a photo opportunity near Dumbo Flying Elephants queue. When Jingles was reinstalled as the lead horse after the Year of the Million Dreams campaign, a major portion Body of Jingles were painted over with white, except where the gold bells and trim were showing through, with exceptionally striking translucent treatment of the rosettes on Jingles head. Decoration detail was painted on the saddle blanket representing the talking handled umbrella from Mary Poppins, and in four quarters as a crest upon the kneepad – the monogram “JA”, a raven perched upon high button shoes, the silhouette of Mary in-flight and a number 50 representing the 50 Magical Years anniversary of this original Disneyland attraction featured on opening day – all showing through the gold and blue outlined. Jingles was then ceremoniously dedicated to Julie Andrews on April 8, 2008 as “Honorary Ambassador”, the title painted beneath the hidden Mickey on her cantle.

            Julie Andrews was given a slightly smaller version of Jingles in honor of her being made a Disney Legend and “Honorary Ambassador”. This she proudly displays in her home for her grandchildren to enjoy sitting upon.

            Jingles is a guest and cast member favorite on King Arthur’s Carousel. Many people wait to ride Jingles. She is the most sought-after and pampered (most meticulously maintained) of the carousel horses. Jingles was recently missing from King Arthur’s Carousel for approximately 4 months. When I asked cast members where Jingles was they told me she was getting some extra hay and oats. Translation – Jingles was being repainted and repaired. Jingles is now back in her lead position on King Arthur’s Carousel, leading the charge of happy children writing their beautiful white chargers around fantasyland.