‘Beauty and the Beast’ Attraction to Take Over Magic Kingdom Classic

A tale as old as time is about to become even more prominent inside Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Beauty and the Beast has enchanted audiences since its release in 1991, quickly becoming one of Disney’s most beloved animated films. The movie tells the timeless story of Belle, a young woman who yearns for adventure, and the Beast, a prince cursed to live in a monstrous form until he learns to love and be loved in return.

With its groundbreaking animation, memorable songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and heartfelt story, Beauty and the Beast captivated critics and audiences alike. It became the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and won two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

The reception of Beauty and the Beast was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for its animation, music, and voice performances. The film’s success solidified Disney’s renaissance era, a period of revitalized creativity and critical acclaim for the studio.

Its impact extended beyond the box office, inspiring a Broadway musical adaptation that debuted in 1994 and ran for 13 years, becoming one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. The live-action adaptation released in 2017 also received significant attention, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and introducing the classic tale to a new generation.

Beauty and the Beast has had a lasting presence in Disney parks around the world. At Disneyland Paris, guests can dine at the enchanting Auberge de Cendrillon restaurant, which features characters from the film.

In Tokyo Disneyland, Belle and the Beast star in their own dedicated area, “Belle’s Village,” which includes attractions like “Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast,” a trackless dark ride that immerses guests in the story through stunning animatronics and detailed sets. This ride has been praised for its innovation and faithful recreation of the film’s magical moments.

At Walt Disney World Resort, Beauty and the Beast is celebrated through various attractions and experiences. Guests can enjoy the “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” musical at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which has been a park staple since 1991.

Additionally, the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland offers an immersive dining experience set within the Beast’s castle, allowing guests to dine in rooms inspired by iconic scenes from the movie. 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

Though the IP certainly has representation throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including the popular restaurant and the meet-and-greet with Belle, things are reportedly about to get even better for Disney World guests visiting the Magic Kingdom.

Since COVID, Disney World has been slowly integrating back to its normal array of offerings. Even today — four years after the pandemic — there are certain experiences and offerings that simply have not returned. One of them took place inside of Be Our Guest Restaurant.

According to reports from Kenny the Pirate, things are about to change.

The report indicates that Disney has finally begun testing for the Beast meet and greet to return. For those who don’t know, prior to the pandemic, Disney park guests who ate at the Be Our Guest restaurant were able to meet The Beast as part of the experience. Though he has walked around and made appearances in the areas where guests eat, he has not been available to pose for photos since early 2020.

This testing is reportedly happening at both lunch and dinner, but it’s not an official offering from Walt Disney World Resort yet. This means that you are not guaranteed an opportunity to meet The Beast and must understand that testing can depend on the date and time, with no prior announcements being given.

This is major breaking news for fans who have hoped for changes to be made to the Magic Kingdom location.

Known for its exquisite theming and delicious French-inspired cuisine, Be Our Guest is a popular restaurant that offers a prix fixe menu for dinner. The menu costs around $70 per adult and $41 per child, and guests can choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Securing a dining reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant is crucial, as it is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Walt Disney World. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and typically fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Guests without a reservation may find it challenging to dine here on the day of their visit, making advance planning essential for those wishing to enjoy the location.

Assuming that Disney moves ahead with testing, this will be a great replacement for what Be Our Guest has become over the last four years. For the price that guests are paying, it only makes sense that they would have the opportunity to get a photo with The Beast and to meet one of their favorite characters.

Please remember that Be Our Guest has a cancellation policy. If you don’t show up, the credit card on file to book the reservation will be charged. Policy details will be available when you make your reservation and in your confirmation email.

What else should Walt Disney World Resort bring back for guests to enjoy?