Tale as old as time: Beast’s Castle at Walt Disney World

Did you know that you can enter into the Beast’s castle at Disney World?

One of the many reasons guests come to the vacation destination that is Walt Disney World, is to have the ability to step into the world of the animated classics that they grew up with on their televisions.

Disney takes pride in their Imagineering team and their ability to transfer animation to reality in their parks with immaculate storytelling, theme and a perfect blend of familiarity with new extensions.

The Beast’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom is a great example of some of the intricate techniques that WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) have come to utilize through the years.

Today, I will be letting you in on the mystery of this castle.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Entry way to the Beast’s castle at Disney World.

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I will be breaking the location down as follows:

  • History
  • What to Expect
  • Tips and Tricks

History of the Beast’s Castle at Disney World

Beauty and the Beast debuted to audiences in 1991 as part of Disney’s Renaissance era. It almost instantly became a classic that was a must see for everyone.

Up until recent years, there wasn’t an attraction for the film besides the Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage show, which still operates today and has since November 22, 1991.

Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios

At the 2009 D23 Expo, it was announced that Walt Disney World would be doing amazing extensive refurbishment of Fantasyland and creating a new one in the Magic Kingdom.

This meant that attractions such as Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Toontown has to go away permanently.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Coat of Arms. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

This extension and refurbishment also added 26 acres to New Fantasyland. It was finished and opened to the public on December 6, 2012.

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Soft Opening of the Beast’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom

Although, Disney does soft openings to test things and work out kinks. The Be Our Guest Restaurant was available on November 19, 2012.

The Beast's Castle Construction from Disney Parks Blog
The Beast Castle Construction from Disney Parks Blog

During sneak peeks, Disney Parks Blog showed how they used a favorite tool of theirs, forced perspective, to achieve the look that the castle was larger and more grandiose than it appeared when guests first see it!

How tall is the Beast’s Castle in Disney World?

The Beast’s Castle sit a whopping 15 feet tall in the Florida sun at the Walt Disney World Resort! Talk about the illusion of forced-perspective.

The Beast's Castle Construction from Disney Parks Blog 2
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

To put it in context, Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom is 189 feet tall!

New Additions Around the Beast’s Castle in Disney

Also included in the expansion was Gaston’s Tavern, a quick service restaurant themed to the Tavern that he frequents in the film.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Gaston's Tavern Entrance. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

There was also the Bonjour Village Gift Shop and Enchanted Tales with Belle, an interactive meet and greet and attraction with Belle.

New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Beauty and the Beast Giftshop Bonjour Village Gift Shop
Bonjour Village Gift Shop

Enchanted Tales with Belle takes you inside the mysterious castle and back to the day Belle and Beast fell in love.

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What to Expect from the Beast’s Castle at Disney World

As mentioned before, the castle uses forced perspective so as you get into Fantasyland and closer towards the castle, you will see it’s not as big as you would expect.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Entry Way. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

But this doesn’t diminish the experience at all because you will quickly discover that the castle underneath is the entrance into the dining room.

This entrance is to the extremely popular Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Be Our Guest Restaurant with Ballroom. Inside Beast’s castle at Disney World.

As mentioned before as well, another way to enter the mysterious castle is through Enchanted Tales with Belle…

… but I won’t spoil the surprise there as it’s a big part of how the attraction works.

Be Our Guest Restaurant with West Wing. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Rose Room in the Beast’s Castle at Disney

Getting back to Be Our Guest Restaurant, this is a sit down dining experience and a very popular one at that due to its immerse theme.

Therefore it is highly recommended that you try to get a reservation to dine here. Especially with the new procedures in effect at the parks.

While it’s not impossible to get seating without it, it’s suggested extremely so you won’t have to wait forever to experience it.

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Dining Inside the Beast’s Castle at Disney World

I’ve been fortunate to be able to partake in breakfast, lunch and dinner several times at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Be Our Guest Restaurant with rose room. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

Now I will share my tips and tricks shortly on the best times to go and my recommendations.

Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom

The Be Our Guest Restaurant is truly a credit to Walt Disney Imagineering as it allows you to step inside the very scenes of Beast’s Castle as seen in the film.

There are 3 main dining rooms:

  1. The Ballroom
  2. West Wing/Rose Room
  3. The Castle Gallery

Currently for both lunch and dinner it’s table service.

Angles painted on the ceiling of the ballroom inside Beast’s castle at Disney World. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

The theme is worth the price alone as everything is exact to the film from the angels and chandeliers on the ceiling in the ballroom to the wilting rose in the West Wing with the changing master’s portrait.

Breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant (Currently Suspended)

The Breakfast is a coveted time to go, but personally I would say skip this unless you want to use the time to eat a quick breakfast and be able to get to some attractions such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan’s Flight before the lines get too backed up.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Breakfast Feast at the Magic Kingdom

Breakfast at Be Our Guest features special French inspired menus which allows it to stand out such:

  • Vegetable Quiche
  • French Toast
  • Feast a la Gaston
  • Croque Madame

If you are not adventurous with your food, then this isn’t the time to visit.

Lunch and Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Both Lunch and Dinner have recently been changed to a price fixe meaning that meals for adults are $62 including an appetizer, entrée and dessert trio platter. For children it’s $37.

Be Our Guest Restaurant entryway with belle and prince stained glass window. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

The appetizers include the French onion soup, which I was would absolutely recommend you try, Maine Lobster Bisque and Mixed field greens.

Entrees include Herb Salted pork Tenderloin, Center cut filet mignon, and Poulet rouge chicken.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Drinkk Menu

Most guests prefer to do dinner at Be Our Guest because it has a more romantic atmosphere and more of a feel of that special evening where belle and beast fell in love, especially if you get seated in the ballroom.

Hipster Power Tip: Dinner is the only time you can meet the beast in a meet and greet setting.

Dinner features the same appetizers and entrees. For your meet and greet, Disney PhotoPass is available. They also feature an excellent selection of wines that I would recommend you try.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Peach Bellini and Grey Stuff Cupcake. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Peach Bellini and Grey Stuff Cupcake

This location was also the first to serve alcohol in Magic Kingdom.

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7 Pro Tips and Tricks for Your Disney Visit to the Beast’s Castle

Here I will give a few quick tips and tricks regarding the area featuring Beast’s Castle, Be Our Guest Restaurant and Enchanted Tales with Belle along with the area.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Entrance in the Magic Kingdom
Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.

1. Meet Gaston

You can meet Gaston right in between the Tavern and the gift shop. Be sure to check My Disney Experience or ask a Cast Member for times as it may change depending on the season.

Gaston at the Magic Kingdom. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

2. Try the Delicious Snacks

Please also try Lefou’s Brew and a Cinnamon Roll at Gaston’s Tavern if you’re skipping Be Our Guest.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Gaston's Tavern Menu. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Gaston’s Tavern Menu

It’s way more filling due to its size, easy to share amongst friends and you can get a souvenir cup with your brew.

3. Get an Early Reservation

If you want to get a better chance at one of the coveted rides in New Fantasyland such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, try getting a reservation at Be Our Guest before Park opening.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Peter Pan Flight

That way you can dine quickly and have quicker access to those attractions for lesser wait times.

4. Dine During the Holidays

I would highly recommend dining at Be Our Guest for dinner during the holiday season.

The main dining room, the ballroom is decorated for Christmas complete with a huge Christmas tree.

Be Our Guest Restaurant with Ballroom with snow in the window. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Snowfall outside the Beast’s Castle!

It also features Angelique from Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas. This goes for Enchanted Tales with Belle too. Belle’s cottage is decked out for the holidays as well. Both feature intricate details in their trees.

5. Visit Enchanted Tales with Belle

Enchanted Tales with Belle encourages interaction so even adults should try to join in too!

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Enchanted Tales with Belle

This is a great photo-op with Belle as this is the only place in Magic Kingdom you can meet her.

6. Know Where to Take the Best Photo of the Beast’s Castle

The best place to get a good photo of Beast’s castle from the forced perspective angle is near the back of Cinderella Castle.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Entrance in the Magic Kingdom. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Be Our Guest Restaurant

It’s also a nice place to watch the fireworks go off if you don’t mind missing the projections.

7. Discover the Hidden Details

Be sure to take in the details of the castle entrance at Be Our Guest. The stained glass mural of belle and beast, as well as the gargoyle statues are not to be missed.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Belle and Prince Mural Window Stain. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

The whole place is teeming with great Instagram opportunities!

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Final Thoughts on the Beast’s Castle at Disney World

Beast’s Castle in New Fantasyland is a wonderful example of being more than what it seems to be.

At first, it seems to be just a grandiose, mystical and fantastical immersion piece added by Disney.

Magic Kingdom Main Street USA Beauty and the Beast

But the way they include it into different parts of the area to tie it together, like Enchanted Tales with Belle and using it as a magical portal, is all part of the Disney Magic.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Castle View. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.

The Be Our Guest restaurant is considered the crown jewel of Magic Kingdom as far as dining right after Cinderella’s Royal Table. And let me tell you, the grey stuff truly is delicious and worth the trip!

Be Our Guest Restaurant Grey Stuff Cupcake in Silver Wrapping
Try the Grey Stuff, it’s delicious!

The forced perspective of the castle draws you in just as in drew in Maurice and Belle and you’ll be readily enticed to see what stories come to life for you in Belle’s story once you enter the castle.

What is inside the beast castle at Disney World Magic Kingdom. Keep reading to learn about the Beast's Castle at Disney World.
Save image for later on Pinterest!

What is your favorite part of visiting this New Fantasyland area? Let us know in the comments below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Victoria Wade Disney Writer at ThemeParkHipster

About the Author

Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.

She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.

She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date: October 11, 2020/Updated by Editor on August 18, 2022)

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