Eating out is definitely one of the highlights of vacationing for me. It's no secret that I am not a fan of cooking, especially while on vacation. On October 21st, 2022, my family and I went to Be Our Guest, in Disney's Magic Kingdom for a late dinner. Be Our Guest, is the Beast's castle, from Beauty and the Beast.
First Impression
As you approach the castle, and cross the bridge, you can definitely feel that Disney magic. The attention to detail is astounding. There are three different rooms which you may be seated in: the library, which is bright and cheerful; the ballroom with vaulted painted ceilings, and a window from which you can see the fresh snow fall; or the forbidden west wing, which is dark and stormy, and you can see the rose protected in its glass container.
We checked in for our reservation electronically with my phone using the QR code posted at the podium. I received a text in under 5 minutes alerting us that our table was ready. Once we arrived in the castle entry way, we waited about 5 minutes to be seated. The atmosphere looks like you are in the beast's castle and is breath taking. All of the hosts/hostesses and servers were pleasant, well informed, and treated us warmly.
Dining Experience
The menu is pre fixe, so you pay one set fee per person, and it includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. This is one of the more expensive places to dine in magic Kingdom. The adult menu includes appetizers such as French onion soup, Duck and Pork Terrine, Escargot, or pear salad. For children they offer applesauce, fruit and cheese, or salad. The main course was a choice of Filet Mignon, Fish, Pork, Chicken or Sauteed Vegetables. The Children's main course was a choice of Steak, chicken, or mac and cheese. This is one of the only places in Magic Kingdom that serves alcohol, and they do have quite an extensive wine list. The dessert was, of course the best of all, and the adults could choose between 1 of 3 different dessert types, or a small taste of all 3, with the dessert trio. Children can choose from the dessert trio, or fruit. Everything was prepared perfectly, and served warm, with a tasteful presentation. While we were dining, we had a surprise visit from the Beast, who came out to greet all of his guests.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Amazing Scenery, Surprise character appearance, Pre fixe menu - so you know exactly what the bill will be, amazing food
Cons: expensive, reservations required, hard to get reservations
Overall Restaurant Rating
Let me be clear on my rating scale here, because I don’t want it to seem harsh. I rate 1-5 stars. If you ever have reviews at your job on their 1-5 scale, its kind of like that.
1 star = falls below standards
2 stars= needs improvement, falls short of expectations
3 stars = meets expectations
4 stars = exceeds expectations
5 stars = entirely another category of awesome – way above target.
So essentially 3 stars is good, rather than mediocre.
Category | Score |
Wait time | We waited about a total of 10 minutes or less, so that's definitely above average - 4 |
Staff Helpfullness/friendliness | This is Disney, and one of their best restaurants in Magic Kingdom, staff here is absolutely outstanding, as would be expected - 4 |
comfort/ seating | The seating is at a table in the beast's palace, its unreal on a totally different level - 5 |
Appearance | From the bridge before the castle, to the painted ceilings its awesome - This is what you came here for - 5 |
Menu | Menu has something for everyone, and leans into the French cuisine to go along with the story - 4 |
Food presentation | So, I was going to go for a 4, BUT they went over the top with the dessert for kids, it's a chip teacup made of white chocolate, with edible paint so the children can paint chip, then eat him. Totally another level - 5 |
Taste and Temperature of food | Everything came out at the appropriate temperature, and the taste of everything was exquisite - Especially the adult chocolate truffles (OMG) - 5 |
Portion size | I think the portions were perfect. Nothing left over, no one left hungry -4 |
Kid friendly food options | I think they did a magnificent job trying to keep the kid menu elegant, yet friendly to a child's palate. -4 |
Drink Selection | From standard drinks to an extensive wine list, and non-alcoholic drink concoctions for kids and adults alike - it was way above what was expected. 4 |
Dessert Selection | Having a dessert tray that is one of everything - that is a Major win, wish more places offered that. 5 |
Price | This is a tough one, because it IS expensive, but you are paying for the scenery, the staff, the service, the quality of food - so is it expensive - yes- is it worth it - also yes For what we got, I would say the price is about what I would expect it to be. - 3 |
Total Score: | 4.3 |
Overall rating 4.3. I would definitely dine there again, but probably for a special occasion.