The Beauty and the Beast Fan’s Guide to Disney
It’s a tale as old as time – or at least since 1991, when the original Beauty and the Beast movie hit theaters. Though you probably saw the film (either as a kid or with your kid brother) and found yourself humming along to ‘Be Our Guest’ while envisioning what that grey stuff really tastes like. Now that you have children of your own (or remain young at heart), seeing Emma Watson take the silver screen along your throwback favorite characters, like Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere and more.
Creating a whole new generation of B&B lovers, this highly-acclaimed blockbuster hit is more than enough of an excuse to book your trip to Disney, ASAP. If you truly have a mini-Belle living in your household, you’ll want to make the experience as star-studded as possible.
Here’s what to make sure you sign up for or visit when you’re headed for your Beauty & the Beast-themed trip. Just don’t say we didn’t warn ya that your kiddos might never want to leave the palace.
Have Dinner at the ‘Be Our Guest’ Restaurant
Headed down to Florida for your family vacay? You can waltz through the doors of Beast’s castle (in it’s glorified version from the end of the movie, of course) and eat like royalty. With French-inspired dishes in the gorgeous dining rooms, you’ll feel like you stepped right out of the pages of a real-life fairytale.
With three options – The Grand Ballroom, The West Wing (eep!) and The Castle Gallery (Belle’s beloved library, of course) – you can find whatever fits your family’s lifestyle. Depending on when you make your reservation (more on that later), you can adopt the French way of life, taking your time through a croissant-filled breakfast or a multi-glass-cup-of-tea kind of lunch, complete with an 8-hour ‘singing’ braised pork.
The best of all though? Your dinn-ah, as Lumiere would say. Adults can order some glasses of vino or champagne while kids will enjoy the wide selection of desserts.
Hang Out With Lumiere On Disney Cruise Line
If you’re sailing the sea for your Disney getaway, you can still enjoy the splendor of France, though you’re likely miles and miles away from the shore. At Lumiere’s, your family has a choice of traditional American and contemporary French fare, depending on your tastebuds.
Photo Credit: AllergyFreeMouse.com
During dinner, you’ll have a four-course feast, complete with ‘Mrs Potts’ French onion soup and ‘Gaston’s’ escargots for those who are adventurous. In addition to leaving full, you might also leave feeling inspired. The restaurant takes you back to the sweeping scenes of the movie, complete with glowing roses hanging in domes and golden Art Deco columns.
Dine and Dance Like Belle & the Prince
For the greatest fans of all, indulge in a limited-time adventure that allows you to be immersed into the story of Beauty & the Beast, by experiencing it yourself. As part of Adventures by Disney, you can book the ‘Dance, Dine and Dream Like Bell’ on the Disney Rhine River Cruise.
Here, you’ll enjoy a themed-dinner (complete with dancing!), be able to watch both the animated classic and the new live-action movie, and – wait for it!- tour a town that resembles the one where Belle and her father lived. Called Riquewihr, imagine taking your kids through the cobblestone streets, their eyes bigger than you’ve ever seen.
Enchanted Tales With Belle
While exploring Fantasyland, don’t miss out on this attraction where you’re sure to get photos you’ll hang on your walls for years to come. Nestled near Gaston’s Tavern, there’s a home that resembles the one that Belle grew up in, called Maurice’s Cottage & Workshop.
You’ll see tons of gadgets, memorabilia and if your kiddo is lucky (and hey, we promise they will be!), they will be able to play in the storyline, alongside Belle herself. Depending if you buy the PhotoPass or just buy photos on your own as you go, you can take images and videos home from the experience.
Watch Beauty & the Beast Live On Stage
What’s better than either movie? Taking your child (and whole family) to see the performance on stage. This Broadway-style musical will have your kids in awe, as they watch their fave characters from the film dance and sing the tunes they know in their sleep.
Let Us Book Everything For You!
When you work with our travel sponsor, MickeyTravels, you don’t have to make any of these reservations, but can still have a one-of-a-kind experience. They’ll take care of the planning for you – you’ll just need to pack the sunscreen and find a few wardrobe changes for your little Belle (or Beast). After all, what princess vacation is complete without dress-up, right? Contact them today for a FREE quote!
