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Opening Magic Kingdom

Opening Magic Kingdom
Showing posts with label Be Our Guest Restaurant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Be Our Guest Restaurant. Show all posts

Friday, August 9, 2013

Our Dinner at Be Our Guest




When the song “Be Our Guest” was in my head when I woke up this morning, I knew it was time to share our experience eating at Walt Disney World’s newest restaurant Be Our Guest located in the Beast’s Castle in the new Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.


As our family was planning our most recent trip, I asked the clan where they wanted to eat.  The boy chimed in immediately with Be Our Guest.  It was on my list too, so the only thing I was surprised by was the fact that the new restaurant existed.  Be Our Guest was on our Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) list.  When our travel agent made our dining reservations, the only available time for dinner was at 8:30 pm as Be Our Guest is the hottest dining reservation in town so to speak.  When we changed our trip a bit and our travel agent was adding more dining reservations, she happened to double check and snagged us a 5:30 pm reservation for the same night as our original reservation.  Whew hew! 


We checked in for our ADR a few minutes prior to 5:30 pm at the reservation area just left of the bridge that leads to the Beast’s Castle.  We were given a pager and told to stay on the bridge area. 

Interestingly, only guests with reservations and who have checked in for their reservations are even allowed on the bridge.  Though when I went to check in for our dining reservation, I was told by another Cast Member prior to check-in area for only one of our party to go to check in while the others had to stand aside.  Yet, when I checked in, I was asked if my whole party was here and I said “yes” the Cast Member looked at me as if to say, “where are they” so I explained that I was told that they needed to stand aside and I was to check-in.  My recommendation—get the system straight so that guests aren’t made to feel uncomfortable or confused.


Pager in hand, we were allowed to go onto the bridge, which is a great spot for photos.  A Cast Member from the cleaning crew named Walt (no kidding) visited with us and we got the inside scoop about the Mine Train Coaster which is being built right next door.

Within a few minutes, our pager lit up and buzzed so we were off to the gates of the castle to be welcomed by the Cast Member who would then seat us.




Walking into the castle was amazing and we were given a  run down of the various rooms, told we could tour and photograph after we ate, and that we would even get a chance to meet the Master of the Castle.


At our table we found our napkins shaped into roses and our greeter showed us how to make the rose napkin shape ourselves. 


Drinks and menus came shortly to our table in the main ballroom.  We were seated near the giant “window” looking onto the mountains while it was “snowing.”


Both the husband and the boy ordered the strip steak and said it was delicious.  It came with a truffle and mayonnaise sauce for dipping—either the steak or the potatoes or both—that was yummy.  I ordered the seafood medley served in a puff pastry shell.


The dessert cart came when we finished our entrees and the various cupcake sized desserts were highlighted so that we could choose our favorites.  It was hard to select among the treats.  The boy chose the Beast’s favorite, while the husband chose Belle’s favorite, and I selected the passion fruit selection.

Our server also surprised us with a bit of the Grey Stuff.  You know, in the song—“try the grey stuff, it’s delicious. If you don’t believe us, ask the dishes.”  Well our Grey Stuff was to help us celebrate our anniversary, so we held hands, each made a silent wish, and blew out the candle together.  And, the Grey Stuff really was delicious!



Upon finishing our dinner, we toured the other rooms.  The West Wing is darker, has the rose under glass, and has evidence of the Beast’s fits throughout the décor.

The other room is much lighter in tone and color and has a large replica of Belle and the Beast dancing in the center of the room. 



When we were exiting, we were directed to the Library, where the Master was greeting guests.  It was wonderful to thank him for being a great host.

Guests then exit through a room filled with suits of armor.  But since this is Disney, they are not ordinary suits of armor, but talking, sneezing, and coughing suits of armor.  What a delightful end to a delightful meal and experience!

After a stop in the restrooms which are located in the main entrance to the castle, we exited.  The boy announced loudly to all who within earshot, many waiting for their reservation, that this was the best meal he had ever had.  He got applause from the waiting crowd.  I concur—it was top notch.  The husband rubbed his full belly with agreement.

We dined at Be Our Guest on the last night of our Walt Disney World Resort vacation and it was a fitting way to end a vacation.

Note:  Be Our Guest is a counter or quick service location for lunch, featuring a specific menu for lunch, and is very popular.  Dinner is table service and includes alcohol selections.


Friday, September 14, 2012

Magic Kingdom--No Longer a "Dry" Park With Alcohol Added to Be Our Guest Menu




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.  

Friday, August 17, 2012

Be Our Guest Restaurant Ready for Dining Reservations



It’s official!  Walt Disney World guests wishing to dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant, the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant in the new Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom, will be able to make Advanced Dining Reservations on Monday, August 20, 2012, for dinner beginning November 19, 2012.

The opening of Be Our Guest Restaurant has had fans salivating at the opportunity to eat at the new restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.  Be Our Guest will feature a counter service meal for lunch with china plates—not paper, guest-activated terminals for ordering along with traditional cashiers.  Lunch will be served to you rather than you carrying lunch to your table. 

Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant is table service with French inspired cuisine and three dining rooms—West Wing (not the White House) with the enchanted rose, the Rose Gallery with figures of Belle and the Beast, and the Ballroom with twinkling chandeliers.

Some speculated that Be Our Guest would offer character dining, but there was no need with the addition of many character meet, greets, and interactive opportunities slated for the new Fantasyland.

Guests wishing to make Advanced Dining Reservations beginning Monday, August 20, 2012, may do so by phoning 407-WDW-DINE.  On-line reservations will open on Wednesday, August 22, 2012.

Will you be dining at Be Our Guest?