Cinderella is Finally Coming to the Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley is closing out 2025 with one last big update on December 9, and it is a magical one. The Winter Ball update will finally bring Cinderella to the valley, along with a new realm in the Dream Castle and fresh quests to dive into.
We do not yet have full patch notes or a detailed breakdown of every new feature, but we know a few key things already. Cinderella will arrive with her own realm and story content, the Fairy Godmother will play a major role, and you can expect the usual Dream Castle routine of spending a large amount of Dreamlight to unlock the new area.
Because details are limited, the best way to enjoy the update on day one is to prepare ahead of time. With a little planning you can avoid getting stuck waiting on friendship levels, crops, or materials and jump straight into helping Cinderella get ready for the ball.
Level Up Key Friendships and Stockpile Resources
Even if you have plenty of Dreamlight saved for the new realm door, you might find yourself blocked by softer requirements like character friendships or specific materials. Here are a few easy prep steps that will make your first Winter Ball session much smoother.
Befriend the Fairy Godmother
The update trailer has already made it clear that the Fairy Godmother will be a crucial character in Cinderella’s story. She is likely to guide you through the main Winter Ball quests and may be required for certain steps in Cinderella’s unlock chain.
To avoid hitting a wall on release day, focus on raising her friendship level now. Spend some time:
- Hanging out with her while you perform daily tasks like mining, farming, or fishing
- Giving her favorite gifts each day to boost friendship faster
- Completing any remaining quests she already has available
If you have not unlocked the Fairy Godmother yet, you will gain access to her once you open the Forgotten Lands. There are no special tricks needed to move her in, but doing this before the update will make sure she is ready to help with Cinderella’s arrival.
Mine Extra Gemstones
Cinderella’s story is full of sparkle and glamour, and that theme will likely carry into her in game quests. Gemstones are often used in crafting recipes, magical items, and decorative objects, which makes them a smart resource to stockpile before the update drops.
Spend some time working the mining nodes across your valley and build up a small stash of different gems such as:
- Common and rare gemstones from each biome
- Duplicates of colors you usually sell right away
- Any shiny variants you come across, just in case
If the Winter Ball asks you to craft accessories, decorations, or even help with Cinderella’s outfit, you will already have what you need. And if it turns out you do not need them for the update at all, gems are always useful for selling and earning extra Star Coins.
Plant a Patch of Pumpkins
Nothing says Cinderella like pumpkins. Her iconic carriage begins as a simple pumpkin, and the Winter Ball roadmap image has already teased the carriage appearing in game.
To stay ahead of any pumpkin related quests, get a crop field going now. You can:
- Buy pumpkin seeds from Goofy’s Stall in the Forgotten Lands for 275 Star Coins each
- Plant a solid patch of seeds so you have a good stockpile ready
- Keep in mind that pumpkins take four hours to grow, so plant them well before the update
If the Winter Ball requires pumpkins for a carriage, crafting, or cooking, you will be ready to go without waiting around for crops to finish. Pumpkins also sell for a great price, so your prep work doubles as a money maker.
Tame and Prepare Animal Companions
Animal companions have become much more important in Disney Dreamlight Valley since their ability overhaul in the Mysteries of Skull Rock update. They now play stronger roles in quests and Dreamlight Duties, so it would not be surprising if Cinderella’s content leans into this system.
In the classic story, Cinderella is famously close with her animal friends, especially mice and birds. To be ready for any critter related tasks in her realm, you can start preparing now by:
- Taming a few different animal companions in each biome
- Learning and remembering each critter’s favorite food so you can befriend them quickly
- Keeping a small stock of those favorite foods in your inventory
If a quest suddenly asks you to bond with a specific animal type or bring a companion along, you will be able to respond immediately instead of running around trying to figure out what they like to eat.
Enjoy a Smooth Start to the Winter Ball
While we do not yet have a complete list of every feature in the Winter Ball update, these simple prep steps will cover most of the likely bottlenecks. By the time December 9 arrives, you should aim to have:
- The Fairy Godmother unlocked and leveled to a strong friendship rank
- A stash of assorted gemstones in your storage
- A pumpkin field planted and harvested at least once
- Several animal companions tamed, with favorite foods ready to go
With those basics handled, you can step straight into Cinderella’s realm, explore the new content, and enjoy the Winter Ball story without constantly pausing to farm, mine, or grind friendships. Grab your Dreamlight, tidy up your valley, and get ready to welcome one of Disney’s most iconic princesses to your village.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/disney-dreamlight-valley-winter-ball-update-how-to-prepare/
