One of the most celebrated and beloved Disney films, Beauty and the Beast, is going to be officially turning 25 this November. But if you know Disney, you know they love celebrating anniversaries almost year-round and more so. And with the live action movie coming March 17th, 2017, you can be sure that the merchandise roll out having to do with Belle, Beast, Gaston and company is not gonna end anytime soon. So if you’re like me and want to be part of enjoying this awesome anniversary, you want to find anything you can do to show off your Beauty and the Beast pride – especially when in the Parks! So here are some ideas (and things to buy) so that you can be a part of the magic of the “Tale As Old As Time” turning the big 2 – 5!
Enchanted Tales with Belle
For those that have yet to go to the Magic Kingdom, I’m sure you might know about the most recent additions to Fantasyland, and how there are quite a few Beauty and the Beast opportunities to be had. Trust me, we’re going to cover all of them on this post – but the one that I think needs to be enjoyed above all the others (at least for those families out there) is the Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction. Hidden in the back corner next to Gaston’s Tavern, you’ll find Belle’s childhood home. After you curve through various spots filled with Maurice’s inventions and family portraits, you go through a magical portal into Beast’s castle. This is one of the few things in Magic Kingdom that has slowly become a most-do for me, mainly because of the attention to detailed featured in every part of the attraction. This also is a great opportunity for the kids young, and older, to have some fun by taking part in telling the “tale as old as time” to Belle, with fun cardboard cut outs of the characters and other bits of silliness. All this, plus incredible animatronics (I’m looking at you, Lumiere!) and Belle being as magical as always, there are a lot of moments to cherish here for all Beauty and the Beast fans.
No One Does Meet and Greets Like Gaston
If there ever was a meet and greet that could change your vacation from great to legendary levels of brilliance, that would be the meet and greet for Gaston. Why? Um, hello, it’s Gaston. If you are at all a person that likes to adventure around YouTube, it is more than likely that you’ve seen at least one (if not more) videos of the famous “local football hero” of Belle’s Village. From hilarious, somewhat sassy phrases, to incredible poses, Gaston will never disappoint. Tip: Like you should with any character, make sure to have something fun to ask or say to them, especially Gaston. I recommend saying something nice about The Beast, who Gaston considers his competition for Belle’s affection. That, or you could try and ask about Maurice and his “raving” past.
Photo from Disney Parks Blog
(Try and) Snag A Dooney and Bourke Beauty and the Beast Bag
Some of you may have been lucky enough to grab one of the limited edition Dooney and Bourke Beauty and the Beast bags via the Disney Parks App. The design came in a tote bag, letter carrier and wristlet – all of which have unique and fabulous touches! Though their restock ability seems unlikely at this point (or at least in the near future), there is a chance of finding them on the aftermarket (but for a mark-up way higher than you should pay for them.) If you were able to get your hands on one of these stained glass beauties, you have all of my respect to a degree that is above most other things. Or if you’re like me wishing you could own a D&B print like this one, well we should all go to Gaston’s Tavern and grab a glass of LeFou’s Brew. Speaking of which….
Get Yourself some LeFou’s Brew, in a special mug!
Though some are not fans of the drink, I definitely think it is worth to at least try the famous Fantasyland concoction. It is a apple, marshmallow and mango flavored goodness, and can be devoured in one of two special mugs. If I was to tell you which of the two is my favorite, obviously go for the Gaston beer style holder, just because it is way too cool for words, and will be a hilarious conversation starter at your work place during coffee time! While you’re there, grab a cinnamon bun, and see if you can pull a seat near the fireplace and take a picture in Gaston’s famous chair. Because no one delivers a yummy drink and sugary snack quite like Gaston!
Eat in Every Room in Be Our Guest – And Try Every Meal Too!
If you are like me and love to go into full Foodie mode in Disney, then I’d suggest trying to book a couple of meals at Be Our Guest. Being one of the best restaurants on Disney property, this place has an excellent variety of food for every meal of the day, and considering that there are three distinct rooms within the restaurant, you should try and have a different meal in a different room each time! Granted, when it comes to dinner time, you can’t choose which room you dine in (especially considering that you’d be very lucky to get a reservation) but for lunch and breakfast, the choice is yours! If you’re looking for the best room to start in, I’d say The West Wing since it is the smallest and gets crowded pretty fast. Next would be The Rose Gallery, which is usually only used for breakfast and lunch, and typically has been closed during dinner time (except when it is peak season, I believe!). And of course there is The Ballroom, which is the biggest area of the restaurant and the one you most likely will be seated in during a dinner time slot. But no matter how many meals you can get or how many rooms you eat in, if you love Beauty and the Beast, Be Our Guest is an absolute must. Don’t forget to go meet the Beast if you can, and yes, The Grey Stuff is delicious.
Have Some Tea at Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tearoom
Many first timers to Disney might not know of the magic that awakes them at The Grand Floridian Resort. And one of my favorite little hidden treasures is their Garden View Tea Room. Not only is it one of the yummiest and most relaxing places in all of Disney World, but it happens to feature some adorable decor around the entrance to the dining room. Because who better to get you ready for a Tea themed adventure than Mrs. Potts! That’s right, you can find images of her and Chip in the marble floors near the tea room, and these simple renditions are stunning to behold. And heck, while you’re checking that out, grab “a nice spot of tea” as the famous enchanted teapot would suggest! The service at Garden View is always incredible and a not to miss part of any vacation.
Picture from Disney World.com
Meet Belle at the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase
Since the Fantasyland expansion, a lot of people have forgotten that Belle has been meeting guests over at Epcot’s France Pavilion in World Showcase for quite awhile now. Though her partner in crime (Beast or Gaston) doesn’t seem to appear alongside her much anymore, it is still awesome to see this beautiful princess out in all her glory. And as a bonus, you get to meet her in her now “rarely seen” peasant dress, as opposed to her typical gold ballgown. Make sure to check her meet and greet times in the sign near her meeting spot, since they seem to change regularly (especially whenever rain is in the forecast!)
Picture from Disney World.com
Beauty and The Beast – Live on Stage! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Though the show is getting a little bit dated these days, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: Live On Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a cute little production, one that you should add to your celebration list! Why? Well though the costumes need some love, and the fast paced retelling of the story seems to miss the more interesting beats of the movie (and certainly doesn’t measure up in comparison to the Broadway musical) there’s still something charming about this 20 plus minute show. You get to see all the characters from the movie you adore, along with some live (though sometimes not great) singing, plus the songs that are always great to hear. For me, I make a point to see this show for nostalgic and sometimes unintentionally funny purposes (aka Gaston’s sometimes ridiculous poses). But it’s fun for kids and families, and still better than Jungle Book: Alive with Magic (in my personal opinion).
These are only but a few things you can do to celebrate the anniversary of Beauty and the Beast! And considering that we only have 6 months or so till the release of the new live action movie, there will probably be plenty of more opportunities too – along with some future attractions in the international parks as well (I’m looking at you, Tokyo Disneyland!) But whichever thing you decide to do, make sure to celebrate this incredible movie – the first animated film to ever be nominated for an Best Picture Academy Award, which opened the door for so many of your favorite movies to be made. So Happy Anniversary, Beauty and the Beast! I am certainly taking part in the celebration, and hopefully you will be too.