Disney fans have been waiting patiently for details of the
Fantasyland Expansion attractions, shows, and restaurants. So, when Be Our Guest started taking Advance
Dining Reservations for dinner, the spaces filled up quickly. Just recently
more details were released regarding the dinner menu which will feature beer
and wine selections. This seemingly
minor decision has stared a firestorm of controversy as this will make alcohol available
at the Magic Kingdom for the first time in
history.
The Magic Kingdom has been known as “dry” park since it opened
in October of 1971 based on Walt Disney’s wishes that the Magic Kingdom
be a family oriented park with families participating together—making memories,
family memories. He had seen alcohol
being served at other fairs and carnivals where the adults sent the children
off to play while they headed to the “beer tent” or other establishment that
served alcohol. That’s why Walt was adamant
that the Magic Kingdom be alcohol free.
What made current Disney leadership make the decision to
include alcohol as a part of the menu for Be Our Guest? Reports indicate that the availability of
wine and beer with dinner are a continuation of the “theme” for the restaurant;
a part of the “story.”
The other three Disney theme parks offer alcoholic beverages
for purchase. Guests at EPCOT have
beverage stands at virtually every Nation pavilion in World Showcase and are
welcome to promenade around World Showcase Lagoon while consuming an alcoholic
beverage. Restaurants have alcoholic
beverages for sale as well. Hollywood
Studios sells alcohol at most restaurants and nearby some counter service
locations. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has
similar offerings.
It is my understanding that Be Our Guest will not offer “to
go” options for the beer and wine served Be Our Guest during dinner, so guests
should not see alcoholic beverages being consumed throughout the park. This is similar to Club 33 in Disneyland .
Amazingly, I’m indifferent to this announcement. The availability of alcoholic beverages does
not change my feelings about Be Our Guest, the Magic Kingdom ,
or Disney in general. Some feel that
this decision is a “slap in the face” for Walt and does not “obey” is
wishes. Hmmm. . . well, the current
design of EPCOT wasn’t his initial wish either, but we enjoy the park without scorning
the fact that it isn’t Walt’s original design.
Can the availability of alcohol change a trip? Well, other than the husband’s consumption of
a beer or two at the Beirgarten in Germany , it doesn’t change our
trips at all. Though, we have seen the
affect of alcohol on other guests and it isn’t pretty. Cast Members have shared stories with us that
indicate the same.
Will the decision to serve alcohol at Be Our Guest be
reversed to the outcry of dedicated fans?
Doubtful. Will there be expansion
on the serving alcohol to Gaston’s Tavern?
Hopefully not, but the mighty dollar and guest demand may prove
otherwise.
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