Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites, and I can’t tell you how excited I am for the new movie. It’s such a classic tale of looking past first impressions. Plus, I’m a reader so I’ve always related to Belle.
So if you’re heading to Walt Disney World this year, here are my tips on how to plan the ultimate Beauty and the Beast vacation!
Resorts
While there are no Beauty and the Beast-themed resorts (although, how cool would that be), there are a few Disney Resort hotels that will fit your theme nicely.
The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are beautifully detailed with magical touches that will remind you of your favorite princes and princesses. These include glittering headboards with fiber-optic fireworks, the Genie’s lamp, and decor that would fit right in at Beast’s castle.
For a truly elegant vacation, stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This flagship resort is perfect for any princess and is conveniently located on the monorail with views of Cinderella Castle.
- Royal Guest Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Attractions
Located right next to Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom, Enchanted Tales with Belle is an adorable, interactive attraction where guests can participate in a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Join Lumiere and Belle herself (in her gorgeous yellow gown) as you act out the story in Beast’s library. You definitely don’t want to miss this one – be sure to get a FastPass!
In the France pavilion of Epcot you’ll find Impressions de France, an 18-minute film showcasing the many beautiful icons of the country.
Entertainment
If you missed out on your chance to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, you’re in luck. Hollywood Studios offers a 30-minute stage adaptation. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is located in a covered outdoor theater, so it’s a great way to take a break from the sun in the afternoon.
After the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle comes to life with the Once Upon a Time projection show. It features Mrs. Potts and Chip as they share their favorite bedtime stories (ending with a “tale as old as time”).
You can also spot Beauty and the Beast characters in the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Fantasmic!
Characters
You can meet several characters from Beauty and the Beast at Disney World. If you are chosen for a part in Enchanted Tales with Belle you’ll have an opportunity to interact with her and take a photo (no autographs). She also hosts a meet & greet in the France Pavilion of Epcot (in her blue dress) where you can get your books signed. Finally, she typically appears at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and sometimes at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
In Fantasyland, you can find Gaston just outside of his Tavern. He loves to pose, so you can take some fun photos.
If you’ll be attending dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, you’ll get to meet the Beast after you finish your meal. Note that this is at dinner only, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to meet him.
- Belle
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Meet & Greet in France
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (occasionally)
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (typically)
- Gaston – Fantasyland
- Beast – Be Our Guest Restaurant (dinner only)
Dining
There is no better experience in Disney World for Beauty and the Beast fans than Be Our Guest Restaurant. Walking into the Grand Ballroom is like stepping into the movie. You can explore the West Wing with its enchanted rose or dine in the quiet of the Portrait Gallery. You can even try “the grey stuff” (it really is delicious).
Located just outside is Gaston’s Tavern. It offers giant cinnamon rolls and LeFou’s Brew, a mix of frozen apple juice and toasted marshmallow (trust me, it’s good).
For character dining, you can usually find Belle in Akershus. She is sometimes featured at Cinderella’s Royal Table as well. As I mentioned, Beast takes photos with dinner guests of Be Our Guest Restaurant.
For French fare, you have a variety of options. The France pavilion in the World Showcase of Epcot hosts several restaurants. These include Monsieur Paul, Chefs de France, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, and L’Artisan des Glaces. The first two are table-service restaurants featuring fine French dining. Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie features pastries, coffee, cheese platters, and sandwiches (great for an early morning breakfast). L’Artisan des Glaces offers 16 different flavors of ice cream and sorbet.
In Disney Springs, you’ll find Amorette’s Patisserie, featuring beautiful cakes and French eclairs.
As you can see, there is no shortage of French cuisine at Disney World!
- Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)
- Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot – Norway)
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
- Monsieur Paul (Epcot – France)
- Chefs de France (Epcot – France)
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (Epcot – France)
- L’Artisan des Glaces (Epcot – France)
- Amorette’s Patisserie (Disney Springs)
Souvenirs
The best place to look for Beauty and the Beast souvenirs is at the World of Disney store in Disney Springs. You can find nearly any themed merchandise here, and if they don’t have it they’ll help you find it. Their “Princess Room” currently features Belle merchandise due to the release of the new film.
In Disney Springs you will also find the D-Living shop, which currently showcases a Beauty and the Beast theme. This boutique has collectible figurines, table settings, and a gorgeous bedroom setup perfect for any princess. I love the classic books and bookmarks scattered around.
For other French souvenirs, check out the shops in the France Pavilion of Epcot. Plume et Palette offers French perfumes and colognes. La Maison du Vin offers French wines, chocolates, and kitchenware. Souvenirs de France offers a variety of items such as berets, miniature Eiffel Towers, and books on French art.
Looking for the perfect gift to bring home for your Beauty and the Beast fan? Here are a few suggestions:
- A Beauty and the Beast-themed tea set (complete with Mrs. Potts and Chip)
- A new book and bookmark (get a free one from Enchanted Tales with Belle)
- A Belle dress (choose from the classic style or the movie version)
- A “Be Our Guest/Tale as Old as Time” pillow for your guest room
Also check out the souvenir castle goblets from Be Our Guest Restaurant!
- World of Disney
- D-Living
- France Pavilion Shops
Enchanting Extras
Finally, if you want to make your child’s trip extra special, reserve a spot at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. They offer themed makeovers for knights and princesses aged 3-12. Find the perfect Belle dress and schedule your appointment before your meal at Be Our Guest for a magical experience. Don’t forget to get a photo with the Beast!
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Cinderella Castle
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Disney Springs
I hope this has given you some ideas for your next Disney vacation. Beauty and the Beast is such a wonderful story, and it’s truly special to get to experience it at the Disney Parks. If you’re interested in going beyond Walt Disney World, you’ll soon have a chance to experience the world of Beauty and the Beast like never before. In 2018, Adventures by Disney will begin offering a Beauty and the Beast-inspired Rhine River Cruise. You will visit six destinations in four countries, including Riquewihr, one of the provincial French towns that inspired the films. You’ll also enjoy a themed feast and visit a real-life castle. Bookings are available now, so contact me if you’d like to learn more.
I absolutely love planning themed trips for my clients. If you have a theme in mind for your next vacation, I’d love to work with you and bring it to life at no additional cost. Contact me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com or request a free quote on my web form.
