Celebrating one of the most beloved animated films by Disney, Belle’s Village in the New Fantasyland area of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom transports guests to scenes from “Beauty and the Beast”. Of course, we are especially fond of the dancing flatware*!
But NOW, we have even more pictures from the two venues that we are most excited about — Be Our Guest Restaurant and Gaston’s Tavern (we even have pics of the FOOD TODAY!).
During a New Fantasyland “Dress Rehearsal,” some incredible Disney Food Blog readers and a few of our favorite colleagues captured the photos in the dazzling display below. A huge thanks goes out to Alison Durkee (who also writes over on DisZine.com), Matt Hoskins, Suzannah DiMarzio at Zannaland, Missy Rosenberg and Franklin Khamvongsa, Kelly Tressler, @CoreyPatterson, @Leah679, and @CookingGuys for these incredible photos! Let’s take a peek…
Here we gooo!
Be Our Guest Restaurant Pictures
Guests have been able to enter Be Our Guest Restaurant for the first time over the past couple of days! Even though they’re not yet serving food at Be Our Guest, there is still a LOT to take in… . You can see the Beast’s Castle from anywhere in Belle’s Village, and it looks particularly ominous from Maurice’s Cottage!
View of a Distant Beast's Castle from Maurice's Cottage
Once you make the trek to the castle, you’ll have to cross the bridge! This makes the anticipation even stronger…
Entrance Bridge to Beast's Castle!
Sad Gargoyles line the bridge to the Castle, guarding this incredible vista of rocky waterfalls!
Sad Gargoyles and Waterfalls guard Beast's Castle
Sad Gargoyle is Sad says Matt Hoskins' son, Alexander
Don’t forget that you can purchase goblets with this Sad Gargoyle on them at Bonjour! Village Gifts!
As we approach the Beast’s Castle, Disney Imagineers have placed lots of enticing detail to tell the story! The Beast’s Coat of Arms adorns this castle gate…
The Beast's Shield Adorns a Castle Gate
And other gates stand ready to repel intruders!
Beware!
A castle entrance should be nothing less than enchanting! Check out the fun gargoyles and menacing lions (with ram antlers?) guarding the entrance!
Lions Guard Beast's Castle
Be Our Guest Castle Entrance is Guarded by Lions
The incredible Entrance to the Beast's Castle!
Of course, let’s not forget what’s important around here…
Be Our Guest Restaurant Sign
Once inside, the castle comes to life with satin flags and suits of armor! (By the way, once the restaurant is open, those suits of armor are supposed to interact with guests as they order!)
And check out the fun lunch counter-service ordering kiosks in the middle of the aisle!
Entryway
The castle details are extraordinary. From the carvings and gargoyles to the tapestries decorating the palace, the Imagineers have outdone themselves.
Gargoyle at Beast's Castle
(Those are some SERIOUS abs on those gargoyles, my friends… . Apparently holding up beams in castles is some wicked core work.)
Beast's Castle Gargoyle
And don’t forget to look UP!
Check out the details!
To see a close-up of a very familiar face…
Beast Gargoyle Detail
The tapestries add a softness to this otherwise cold, stone decor. This one seems to depict winemaking. How appropo!
Be Our Guest Restaurant Winemaking Tapestry
And here’s another tapestry you’ll find hanging in Beast’s Castle. More lions. And bunnies?
Beast's Castle Tapestry
Now, as we move toward the restaurant, be sure to check out the menu!
Be Our Guest Restaurant Menu Cover
Be Our Guest Menu Close-Up - click for larger image
But the rooms of Be Our Guest Restaurant are what guests will truly find enchanting!
Be Our Guest Ceiling Detail on the way to Ballroom
Entering the ballroom, it’s that magnificent ceiling that draws our attention! Here are a few shots that we got from our friends!
Ballroom featuring 20-ft ceiling!
Side View of Ballroom
Of course, every fairy tale has a happy ending! These mosaics around Be Our Guest Restaurant add both color and story to the decor!
Be Our Guest Restaurant Belle and Beast Mosaic
Whew!! Well, I’m even more excited to visit this place now, aren’t you?? Be sure to check out the Be Our Guest Restaurant Menu and Be Our Guest Restaurant Food Pictures posts as well as the Be Our Guest Restaurant Kids Menu news!
We’ve got all the info you need about Be Our Guest Restaurant on our Be Our Guest Restaurant Page!
Gaston’s Tavern Pictures
Now we’re on our way to Gaston’s Tavern! We had a few fun Gaston’s Tavern pictures for you yesterday, but today we’ve got even more pics of the food and interior for you!
Gaston’s Tavern is located in the Enchanted Forest area of New Fantasyland, right under the watchful eye of the Beast’s Castle!
Gaston's Tavern and Beast's Castle
Coming upon the tavern in the middle of the village, you’ll surely be impressed by the massive fountain…which was a gift to the town…
Gaston's Tavern
…from Gaston, himself. 😉
Gaston Fountain Dedication Plaque
Once you’ve checked out that fountain, it’s time to head closer to Gaston’s Tavern!
Heading Over to Gaston's Tavern
Be sure to check out the details on the exterior of the buildings in Belle’s Village — here’s where you pick up your Hunting Equipment!
Hunting Equipment
Of course, since the place is small, there may be a line to get in during these “dress rehearsal” days…
Line to get into Gaston's Tavern
But once inside, you’ll be on antler overload!
Antler Chandeliers adorn Gaston's Tavern
Gaston's Hunting Trophies
Don't Forget to Play Some Darts!
I love the detail on the curtains!
Gaston's Tavern Patched Curtains
I especially love this photo from the evening at Gaston’s! Kind of looks cozy!
Gaston's Tavern at Night
…what with the fireplace and all!
Gaston's Tavern Fireplace
Once you’re ready to eat, it’s time to head up to the…bar?
Gaston's Tavern Ordering Area
Now, remember, the Gaston’s Tavern menu‘s been updated since yesterday! Check out the patch job next to that Pork Shank!
Updated Gaston's Tavern Full Menu - click for larger image
Most folks at Gaston’s will pick up LeFou’s Brew — a no-sugar added frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow. You can get it in a souvenir Beast stein or Belle goblet (or pay less and get it in a cup). 😉
Sporting a Stein of LeFou's Brew!
Here’s a close-up of the goods! In this photo, reader Missy Rosenberg filled her Belle Goblet with Diet Coke. She says you aren’t allowed to get the goblet or stein filled with anything other than LeFou’s Brew by the cast members, but you can buy the souvenir cups and a soda separately and then combine!
I LOVE the hidden Mickey on the bottom of the stein!
LeFou's Brew and Souvenir Cups
As a reminder, here’s what the LeFou’s Brew looks like out of the cups…
Apple Freeze
Now, if you want some hearty eats to go along with your Brew, it’s time for the “Shank du Jour!” …Which will pretty much always be a Pork Shank.
And just like the turkey legs, those Pork Shanks are a mouthful!!
Gaston's Tavern Pork Shank
Now, we’ve gotta talk Cinnamon Buns!! These look a lot like the mouth-watering (and HUGE) cinnamon buns at Main Street Bakery! Check it out…
Gaston's Tavern Cinnamon Bun
According to DFB reader Leah, this is “Different from a normal cinnamon bun. Less white frosting and more of a maple glaze. Still cinnamon-y but different than usual. More like french toast.”
HUBBA HUBBA!!!
OK!! Are you as full as I am?!? I’m eagerly awaiting my opportunity to descent on Gaston’s Tavern and Be Our Guest Restaurant (c’mon November!!), but until then, I can’t wait to hear your reviews!
What will you try first at Gaston’s Tavern or Be Our Guest Restaurant? Have you been? Share your thoughts!
*No, there probably ISN’T going to be dancing flatware at Be Our Guest Restaurant, but we’ve learned to Never Say Never!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I can not wait to see this all for myself! These are some great photos and they are making me so excited to plan a trip for a goblet of LeFou’s Brew!
So is pork shank greasy? Is it bbq-y? Is it fall off the bone or is it rip out and call your dentist?
We’re headed to Disney next week (!!) and your blog has been such an awesome resource. Thank you for all of your work! Is there any way to know ahead of time whether the dress rehearsals will be happening while we’re there? Mostly, I’m thinking my girls would love to see inside the castle. Either way, can’t wait for our trip to finally try all of the fabulous food finds I’ve read about on the DFB!!
I’ll be there the week before the soft opening. I’m hoping to be able to see some of the sites while I’m there.
We will be there Nov 8-17, is there any chance of us being able to walk around and see either of these wonderful spots?
Jaia — You and me both! I can’t wait to see it all!!
Jen — Here’s a comment from reader Micheal on our previous Gaston’s Tavern post: “Just got back from MK. Was able to get in tonight for preview/rehearsal. I order the pork shank … Could not resist. This was a large chunk of meat. Roasted to the point where it simply came right off the bone… Overall was pretty good albeit a little greasy… Meat was most and tender. As side this area really looks beautiful. My wife and caught the wishes fireworks show right in front of Gastons tavern. Great spot to catch the show!”
Sara — YAY!! From what I’m hearing, Fantasyland should be open to guests barring any major issues, so chances are good that you’ll be able to go. I can’t wait to hear what other foods you’re excited to try!
JoAnn — Woo!!! Maybe we’ll finally be able to meet up! I should get there sometime in mid-November.
Sandy B — Yes, ma’am!! I think it will be a 99% chance that you’ll be able to check it out! 🙂
We have a reservation at Be Our Guest in April. I cannot wait!
Thanks for the update – can’t wait to go here in December!
I can’t wait to hear how the cinnamon rolls are! Any news from anyone that has tried them?
Shayne — Will you have the kids with you?
Courtney — We’ve updated the post with a pic and review of Gaston’s Tavern cinnamon rolls. Scroll down to the bottom!
We were there last night…..it was amazing. I kept saying, “I cannot believe we are actually standing here.” Hubs said I should really stop hugging the walls and the fences and…..but it’s been 2 years of watching and waiting! Getting to see the BOG Restaurant was just beyond breathtaking. I didn’t think it would be that much of a “WOW” factor….but it was. Gaston’s tavern is just perfectly themed. The roast pork shank was delicious and quite filling. The cinnamon rolls…..oh my word! Definitely more caramel frosted, HUGE and delicious. We were split on the brew. Hubs really liked it, me, not so much. Tasted more like medicine to me……I just can’t blend apple, marshmallow and passion fruit in my head. But, hey, he got the drink, I get the stein so it’s all good. I cannot wait to go back during the day for the passholder preview and see all the details. However, the ambiance at night was so cool too. <3
We will be there from Nov 27 to Dec 8 and I can’t wait! We have reservations at Be Our Guest on 12/3 for my youngest grandson’s 2nd birthday. He might not remember it but the rest of us will! My hubby is looking forward to the Pork Shank!
Thank you so much to AJ and the rest of the Disney Food Blog crew for keeping us up-to-date on everything!
ok… so normally I’m not a huge cinnamon bun fan and wasn’t that excited to hear they were selling them here… but NOW that I see the picture and hear the description of them.. YES PLEASE! mmmmmmm! French toast cinnamon bun!
thanks for this great update! I wish I could have seen all this stuff for myself two weeks ago! 😉
Just went today and it is all SPECTACULAR!!! It literally took my breath away and made me well up because it’s like actually stepping into my favorite Disney movie! In terms of food all I tried was the LeFou’s Brew, but it was delicious! Sadly the toasted marshmallow flavor was strong at first but then dwindled down (not sure if they mix it in and I just hit a strong spot at first or what happened, but by the end it just tasted like apple juice). The foam on top was really fun, and I may or may not have licked the top of the goblet to get out the last little bits 😉 The atmosphere of New Fantasyland was total and complete perfection!
I am not 100% sure, but I think the lions guarding the entrance might be chimeras, a mythical combination of lion, goat (the horns), and dragon or serpent (see the pointy tail). In any event, the theming looks spectacular and I can’t wait to see it in person.
I’ll be there 11/08 – 11/16. That would be awesome if we can meet up.
We have dinner ADR for Christmas Eve at Be Our Guest (3 Adults, 2 kids) and are so excited. Dad is somewhat worried the kids won’t like the food at Be Our Guest (very picky eaters) but I think it will be just fine. And a wonderful experience. It looks to good in these pictures… I can’t wait to see it!!!
AJ, actually we won’t have the kids with us.
I was so excited about getting the reservation that I made too big of a deal about the short, yet kid-free April trip. As a result, Peter somehow guilted me into taking the family to DLR for Spring Break! (ok, not that it took a lot of convincing…)
I love the pics of BOG restaurant; they are fantastic BUT has no one been able to see the library yet? The ballroom is incredible, and the detail is brilliant, but I am desperate for a view of my favorite room in the castle…
I’m so excited to see all of the new Fantasyland Expansion!!!! Be Our GuestRestaurant looks incredible!! I can’t wait to seethe other rooms too 🙂 I’m excited for all of it haha!
It looks like it’s time for the first every Magic Kingdom Bone-in Snackdown. In this corner, the current champion. It’s classic, it’s smokey, it’s big enough to use as a weapon: The Turkey Let. In the other corner it’s the upstart that’s been training for about 5 years since the expansion was announced: The Pork Shark… er… Shank!
(ok, i want a clean fight everybody. Napkins are over on the table to the right. Don’t wipe your mouth with your sleeve.)
So LeFou’s Brew = Red’s Apple Freeze from DCA’s Cozy Cones, right?
Ignore that, I just saw the exact sentence where it says that it is. I really should read more carefully! ; )
Checked it out this week!!! The theming is amazing!! I thought that the LeFou’s Brew was just wierd. It was ok tasting, but I wasnt a big fan because of the marshmallow. The pork shank was a bit dry, but all and all it was ok. I kept saying, I cant believe we are here!!!!!!!!!! we just happened to be there during the dress rehearsal, and I couldnt believe it. I also loved the new Little Mermaid ride!!!!! I cant wait to try the new Be Our Guest Restaraunt. I also saw cupcakes on the menu!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got a chance to experience a dress rehearsal on Tuesday and it was awesome. Wish we hadn’t just eaten at Casey’s or I would have ordered a pork shank! We did try LeFou’s Brew and I loved it. I actually could see myself wanting one of those instead of my must have dole whip! I don’t know if it was just because it was something new, but I thought it was very light and refreshing. We sat at a table by the fireplace and if you lean in close, you can hear the fire crackling. Love that attention to detail that Disney has perfected. My favorite part was running into Gaston – such a character and easy on the eyes : )
I noticed you mentioned that you felt the dress rehearsal should continue to be open. Do you feel that is still the case? We are going Veteran’s Day weekend to celebrate my daughter’s sweet 16 and we were depressed the big reveal isn’t until December. We are hoping to at least walk around the new area.
We are going to be there Nov. 2-6 (short 1 year anniversary trip! <3) I hope we will have the chance to preview the NFL (Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid are my absolute favorites) and I am hearing rumors that we might be able to get into Be Our Guest for CS!! That would make my life!
Looking forward to seeing this on my trip in January. I’ll have to make DOUBLY sure to hit Gaston’s during this trip, because the next trip will be with my best friend who would be absolutely appalled by all the mounted animal heads, real or fake.
Richard/Tralfie
Is the pork shank simply roasted pork or is it a smoked pork with more of a ham taste?
I had the pork shank yesterday along with the LeFou Brew and cinnamon roll. I also had lunch and dinner at Be Our Guest in November (AMAZING!!!) so I have sampled most of the food in New Fantasyland. 🙂 I didn’t think the pork shank tasted like ham at all. It is really pork and the shank had SO much meat on it. We shared one and we just kept pulling and pulling. The skin was greasy and there was some fat but once that was all removed, the shank was cooked to perfection. The bones were HUGE – I felt like Fred Flinstone eating bronto ribs. VERY GOOD!
Just went to Gaston’s tavern today! We got the chocolate crossiant and a cinnamon bun. The cinnamon bun was HUGE and Delicious!!!!! The crossiant was yummy too! 🙂
Would someone let me know if there are characters at the lunch or dinner at “Be Our Guest”.
Amy — No characters at lunch. Only Beast at dinner.
Is the pork shank a snack credit?
Sheila, sadly the pork shank isn’t on the menu at present!