One of the newest additions to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the Be Our Guest restaurant in the still under-construction area of “Fantasyland”, modeled after the Beast’s castle from the animated Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park never had much in terms of food beyond the burger and hot dog variety, but in recent years the food and beverage folks have really stepped up their game (think chicken and arugula waffle sammies at Sleepy Hollow). The recent experience that I had at the Be Our Guest restaurant places it as one of my top favorite dining experiences in Orlando.
The restaurant has become so popular that guests often have to request reservations months in advance and the pricing on the French-inspired menu has even undergone a slight increase to keep up with the demand.
Not a bad problem to have for a restaurant that opened only last fall of 2012.
Attention is paid in great, breath-taking detail here at the Be Our Guest restaurant. From the gorgeous chandeliers, grand columns, “in character” wait staff who call Beast their “master”, down to the very digital pixels used from the film for the snowflakes falling in the window scenes. Such detail truly makes it an awe-inspiring and breathtaking, dare I say, magical experience as if you are transported into the world of Beauty and the Beast.
Look carefully at the cherub faces who we are told are the faces of some of the Disney Imagineer’s children or a child version of themselves.
Service, throughout the night at Be Our Guest, was impeccable. The meal started with a few appetizers such as the mussels provencal and a charcuterie plate featuring local honey and cured meats.
Charcuterie Platter – Assorted Cured Meats and Sausages served with Cornichons, Pickled Onions, and Toasted Baguette – 14.99 – One of my favorite dishes of the meal, the charcuterie platter featured local Winter Park honey comb, delicious pate, and local cheeses. Such a delight!
Mussels Provencal cooked with white wine, Tomato, Garlic, Onion, Basil, and Butter 10.99 – Delicious mussels, with a savory, addictive sauce that you can sop up with the crouton bits…all until the croutons are all sopped up leaving you wanting for more.
Green Bean, Tomato, and Roasted Beets Salad – Simple, very fresh, and healthy tasting salad with flavors that shine.
Thyme-scented Pork Rack Chop with Au Gratin Pasta, Seasonal Vegetables, and Red Wine Au Jus 21.99
I ordered the pork rack chop that was cooked similar to the way a prime rib roast is cooked, cut off the rack, moist, juicy, delicious. The au jus sauce made the pork chop just sing. The au gratin pasta is a grown up’s version of “macaroni and cheese” and was superb as well.
Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops with Seasonal Vegetables served with Puff Pastry with a Creamy Lobster Sauce 22.99
Pan-seared Salmon on Leek Fondue served with Creamy Saffron-crushed Potatoes 20.99
Grilled Strip Steak with Garlic Butter Spread and Pommes Frites 29.99
Desserts are served table side from a French style lit dining cart that rolls around the restaurant called a gueridon, with very absolutely decadent puff pastries and cupcakes. Cupcakes come in flavors like Lemon Meringue, Strawberry Cream Cheese, and Triple Chocolate.
Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious/ Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes
– from the song Be Our Guest – Beauty and the Beast
The “Grey Stuff” is a special dessert available for “special celebrations” celebrated at the Be Our Guest restaurant and is a nice nod to the film’s musical song, where the dessert is actually mentioned and shown. The taste is similar to a cookies n cream type of whipped cream with little cookie sprinkles. Very nice touch.
Aside from the main dining hall, lies the Beast’s quarters in the West Wing in a perfectly dark, moody ambiance (just like the Beast himself) with torn curtains and a shredded portrait of the prince that sometimes flashes to a more beastly image. The room is created down to the tee, with even the eternal rose encased in glass on display in a corner of the room.
The wonderful service, the great attention to detail, and truly delicious food at Disney’s Be Our Guest brings out a “wow” factor that is truly special, and definitely magical.
