DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney’s enduring classic animated films, so it’s no surprise that Disney fans flock to all things Beauty and the Beast inside the parks. And they definitely aren’t disappointed! Walt Disney World has a surprising number of attractions and experiences, from dining to shopping to character meet and greets, for all of the Belle or Beast fans in your party!
1. Be Our Guest
This restaurant should be the first item on every Beauty and the Beast lover’s to-do list at Walt Disney World! You can dine in your choice of three exquisitely-themed rooms (the soaring, Gothic Ballroom; the darkly forbidden West Wing; and the Castle Gallery), and no matter which you choose, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into the animated film! We also love Be Our Guest’s impressive castle exterior – and don’t miss a photo opp with the gargoyles lining the path to the door! The food is, unsurprisingly, amazing here – and you can actually try the Grey Stuff (yes, it’s delicious!).
2. Meet the Beast
Another reason we love Be Our Guest Restaurant is that it’s the setting for a very special meet and greet – with the Beast himself! This is the only place in Walt Disney World where you can actually meet the Beast, and you’ll need to have a dinner reservation to enjoy this fantastic extra. There’s nothing quite like meeting and posing with Beast inside his very own castle after enjoying a fantastic meal and the best dining ambiance to be found anywhere in Magic Kingdom!
3. Meet Belle
If meeting Belle is more your style, then you’re in luck! It’s much easier to meet Belle in Walt Disney World, as she appears at more locations. Head to Epcot to the France pavilion for some perfect photos or maybe an autograph with your favorite bookworm. This meet and greet occurs right at the water’s edge, in the shade, so you’ll have some relief from the sun while you’re waiting in line!
4. Princess Storybook Dining
Belle also routinely makes an appearance at Epcot’s Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway, as part of Princess Storybook Dining. You’ll meet several Disney princesses during this feast, including Belle (note – not every princess is guaranteed to show up at every meal!), and the gorgeous castle setting of Akershus is perfect for photo opps and autograph signing. Make sure you make reservations early!
5. Enchanted Tales with Belle
Guests who are looking for a more interactive experience with Belle can join her at Maurice’s cottage in the Magic Kingdom for Enchanted Tales with Belle. You’ll see mementos from Belle’s childhood, along with her inventor father’s fun gadgets, and then you’ll step through her magic mirror into the Beast’s library. Here, you can help Belle put on a play to tell her story – and you might even see an enchanted magical object or two!
6. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
It’s worth heading over to Hollywood Studios just for this Broadway-style musical. The tale of Beauty and the Beast is told through song and dance in only 25 minutes – and the performances, costumes, and sets are incredible! Listen carefully for vocal performances you’ll recognize from the film, including Robby Benson as the Beast, Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts and Jerry Orbach as Lumiere. As much as we love the animated film, there’s something even better about a live version!
7. Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along Film
Head over to EPCOT’s France Pavilion where you’ll find the classic film, Impressions de France, is in a rotation with Beaut and the Beast Sing-Along Film. Don’t miss this 15 minute film that shares some of the classic Beauty and the Beast music but with a slight twist. Narrated by Mrs. Potts, it’s a beautiful telling of the love story of Beauty and the Beast.
8. Enchanted Rose Lounge
Fairly new to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the beautiful Enchanted Rose Lounge. This lounge replaced the former Mizner’s Lounge and we for one are happy with the change. With Beauty and the Beast inspired rooms, decor, cocktails, and food – this is a perfect way to unwind while getting your Beauty and the Beast fix.
9. Gaston’s Tavern
If you’ve ever longed to use antlers in all of your decorating, then you’ll appreciate the atmosphere at Gaston’s Tavern! The entire tavern screams “manly man”. Make sure you snag a photo in Gaston’s oversize throne! Check out the score on the dartboard, and look up to see a huge chandelier – made of antlers. We love the warm cinnamon rolls here, but if you’re a LeFou fan, you can indulge in LeFou’s (non-alcoholic) Brew. Pro tip: there’s a hard-to-find Hidden Mickey at the back of the fountain of Lefou and Gaston, outside the tavern.
10. Merchandise
Located just across from Gaston’s Tavern, Bonjour! Village Gifts is your one-stop shopping location for all things Beauty and the Beast. Whether you’re looking for a travel cup with a light-up rose, t-shirts featuring all of your favorite characters, Chip mugs, character plushies, or even artwork, you’ll find it here.
