Provided by: Tokyo Disney Resort
An age-old tale is likely to get even more attention at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Beauty and the Beast has captivated audiences since its release in 1991, quickly becoming one of Disney’s most beloved animated films. The film tells the timeless story of Belle, a young woman with a dream of adventure, and the Beast, a prince who is cursed to live as a monster, where he learns to love and be loved.
Credit: Walt Disney Animation
With groundbreaking animation, memorable songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and a heartwarming story, Beauty and the Beast captivated critics and audiences alike. It was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and went on to win two Oscars, for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
Beauty and the Beast received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with particular praise for its animation, music, and voice acting. The film’s success cemented Disney’s Renaissance period, marking a resurgence of creativity and critical acclaim for the studio.
Its impact extends beyond the box office, as it even inspired a Broadway musical adaptation that premiered in 1994 and ran for 13 years, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. A live-action version released in 2017 also garnered a lot of attention, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and introducing the classic story to a new generation.
Beauty and the Beast has long been a beloved theme park at Disney parks around the world, and at Paris Disneyland you can dine at the enchanting Auberge de Cendrillon, a restaurant featuring characters from the film.
Credit: Disney
At Tokyo Disneyland, Belle and the Beast take center stage in a dedicated area called Belle’s Village, which features attractions such as “The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast,” a trackless dark ride that immerses guests in the story with incredible animatronics and elaborate sets. The ride has been praised for its innovation and faithful recreation of magical moments from the film.
Walt Disney World Resort celebrates Beauty and the Beast through a variety of attractions and experiences. Guests can enjoy the musical “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a park staple since 1991.
Additionally, Be Our Guest restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland offers an immersive dining experience set in Beast’s castle, where diners can dine in rooms inspired by iconic scenes from the film. The restaurant’s popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Beauty and the Beast.
Beauty and the Beast attraction begins testing at Magic Kingdom
While the IP is certainly spread across Walt Disney World Resort, including popular restaurants and interactions with Belle, things are reportedly going to get even better for Disney World guests visiting the Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
Disney World is slowly returning to normal service since the COVID-19 outbreak. Four years into the pandemic, there are some experiences and services that haven’t returned. One of those experiences took place inside the Be Our Guest restaurant.
According to a report from Pirate Kenny, that may be changing.
Disney has reportedly finally begun testing the return of meet-and-greets with the Beast. For those unaware, before the pandemic, guests at Disney parks could meet the Beast as part of the experience when dining at a Be Our Guest restaurant. The Beast would roam around and make appearances in the dining area, but he hasn’t been available for photos since early 2020.
While the testing will reportedly be available at both lunch and dinner, it’s not an official offering from Walt Disney World Resort, which means you should understand that your chance to meet the Beast is not guaranteed, testing may vary by date and time, and will not be announced in advance.
This is big news for fans who were hoping for a change in location at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
Known for its exquisite theme and delicious French-inspired cuisine, Be Our Guest is a popular restaurant that offers a prix fixe menu for dinner. The menu costs approximately $70 per adult and $41 per child, and includes a choice of one appetizer, main course, and dessert.
As one of Walt Disney World’s most popular dining experiences, it’s important to secure a dining reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, but they fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Guests without reservations may find it difficult to dine here on the day of their visit, so advance planning is essential for those hoping to enjoy this location.
Assuming Disney goes ahead with the test, this would be a great replacement for Be Our Guest of the past four years, and considering what guests will be paying, it makes sense that they’ll have the opportunity to take a photo with the Beast and meet one of their favorite characters.
Credit: Disney
Please note that Be Our Guest has a cancellation policy. If you do not show up, the credit card used to book the reservation will be charged. Details of the policy are available at the time of booking and in your confirmation email.
What else should Walt Disney World Resort bring back for guests to enjoy?
