I remember the first time I returned to Disney as an adult with my daughter when she was about 2 years old. We spent our first day in Magic Kingdom and after a long day we sat down at Tony’s Town Square, right near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. It’s an Italian restaurant that had availability when I looked for a reservation last-minute.
The service was fine, but the food was decidedly mediocre. That was the beginning of our indifference to the food in the Magic Kingdom. There was plenty of it, but finding a great meal was impossible. It took a few years, but we finally had a decent (bordering on great) meal inside the Magic Kingdom.
It’s the toughest reservation at Disney World right now. Be Our Guest, housed in the new Beast’s castle in the back of Magic Kingdom, is fast casual service for lunch and sit-down service for dinner. It’s also one of the very few places in the Magic Kingdom (might be the only, just don’t recall) to have beer or wine.
We arrived at the drawbridge that guards the Beast’s Castle. That’s where we checked in for our reservation. The waiting area is the drawbridge itself, where you get a better view of the castle and a chance to throw a penny in the wishing pond.
After a short wait we were escorted into the building. There are 3 dining rooms that offer different experiences. There’s the Grand Ballroom, with high ceilings and chandeliers.
There’s also the Castle Gallery, Belle’s library. And, finally, the room we chose, the West Wing. The West Wing is the Beast’s domain, and a bit darker than the other rooms. But, for those with kids who believe in the fairy tale, they’ll be able to witness the enchanted rose petal fall (hint, when the lightning strikes and the picture of the Prince changes to the Beast, you can see the petal fall).
The Beast himself was on the way to the West Wing and lead the way. You can see the full menu here, but it’s got a pretty decent variety (positively endless by Magic Kingdom dining standards). We chose French Onion Soup and Mussels Provencal for appetizers. For entrees, the group collectively chose the Strip Steak, Pork Chop, Herb-Crusted Lamb and Salmon. With accompaniments like fresh green beans, root vegetables, mashed potatoes and potato gratin, the plates were very much like a (pricey) sit-down restaurant. The service was timely and the kids had plenty of entertainment during dinner that the Imagineers had thought up.
Strip Steak with Green Beans and Fries
Braised Pork
Pork Chop
Of course, because it’s Disney, there are $16 royal chalices that light up for the kiddos to enjoy drinks in as well as themed desserts. The evening ends with a complimentary picture with the Beast.
Bottom Line
Be Our Guest is not a cheap meal. It can be the most expensive in the Magic Kingdom (Cinderella’s Royal Table is pricey as well) but the service was timely and polite, and all of our meals were positively enjoyable, even by non-Disney standards. The theming in the dining rooms is very memorable for the children. It’s well worth the effort to try and snag a table. Be sure to be ready at whatever date you’re eligible to book dining options, as this one goes extremely fast.
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6 comments
Did you try the “Grey Stuff”? It’s delicious! Their steaks are fantastic too.
I can verify, it is the only place in the Magic Kingdom at WDW that serves alcohol. =)
Tiff, I was pretty sure. The only thing I couldn’t recall was whether that place where you can get a lamb leg (Gaston’s) allowed toy to buy a tankard of ale with it. 😉
I was shocked how great the meal was here. I’ve eaten at all WDW’s high end restaurants and this was pretty comparable. We had a pork chop and fish dish and was pleasantry surprised. Compared to places like Narcoosis (sp) or California Grill I think it’s actually a value. It’s great too because you aren’t trading food quality for atmosphere which is the case at many Disney eateries as BOG hits on both fronts.
Shaun, you hit the nail on the head. No compromise here. And, the food isn’t horrendously overpriced, though still pricey.
My theory on theme parks is don’t eat at them. I normally have a water bottle in my tote. I have a cooler in the trunk of the car with soda and sandwich fixings. I always try to stay where I have a kitchen so I can make our dinner. I loved it when I had a motor home….when we went to theme parks….I always had premade lunch and dinner that could be quickly eaten. My home cooking is better than most restaurants. Plus I could take a siesta if I was hot or tired.