It’s time to step back into the Beast’s Castle…
…because we’re reviewing the brand new Dinner experience at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom!
Be Our Guest Restaurant has been ever-changing since it opened in late 2012. Upon opening, the highly in-demand restaurant changed the game by offering both Counter Service by day for lunch, and Table Service dining each evening. The current meal options include a Counter Service prix-fixe Breakfast and a Counter Service a la carte Lunch during the day. But by night? Well, that’s the most recent change-up in the Castle, which brings us to our visit.
Previously, the Table Service Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant offered an a la carte menu for one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan. But as of July 27th, Dinner is a prix fixe, 3-course affair, requiring two Table Service credits (also known in Disney-speak as a Signature experience). It’s priced at $55 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 to 9. [Editor’s Update: the price of this meal changed in October 2018. The current price is $60 for adults and $36 for children ages 3 to 9.]
Be Our Guest Restaurant
But before we dig in… let’s take a look around!
Atmosphere
You can take a full tour of Be Our Guest Restaurant here. But because the chance to dine inside Beast’s Castle (from Beauty and the Beast, but of course!) is the major draw for this incredibly popular restaurant, it’s impossible to resist taking a look around this still-pretty-amazing space!
Entrance into Beast’s Castle
Though the dinner experience has changed, check-in still takes place outside, to the left of the path which delivers you to the doors above.
Outdoor check-in
Your phone number is taken so you can receive a text to notify you when your table is ready, and you proceed down the walkway.
Path towards entrance
Once inside, there are three rooms you may be seated in. And the signature is the Grand Ballroom.
Grand Ballroom
Snow even falls outside the floor-to-ceiling windows!
Dancing Snow Outside of Be Our Guest Ballroom
You can practically see Belle and the Beast dancing together in this room which feels as close to being in the film as you can get!
Chandelier in Ballroom
Candles
Of course, you actually can see Belle and the Beast dancing — in a way — in the the Rose Gallery, which is now open for dinner.
Castle Gallery
They spin atop a larger-than-life music box, surrounded by portraits of the beloved characters from the film.
Belle and the Beast
Rose Gallery Portraits at Be Our Guest Restaurant
The West Wing is equally intriguing, but in its own dark and mysterious way.
The West Wing
The somewhat foreboding setting features occasional thunderstorms which have an effect on the room around you.
Watch The Prince’s Portrait Closely
(Here’s a hint: keep your eye on the Prince-turned-Beast’s portrait).
West Wing Beast Portrait
Delivering a breath of beauty into the room is the Enchanted Rose, reminding the Beast that time to find true love is running out as each petal falls.
Enchanted Rose
Something very unique to the atmosphere for Dinner at Be Our Guest is the chance to meet, greet, and get your picture taken with The Beast in his Castle!
The Beast greets visitors in his study during Dinner
This is not a traditional character meal, in the sense that The Beast will not come and greet each individual table. However, you are encouraged to stop by his study after you dine and see him there! As a hard-to-find character, The Beast is a definite draw.
Remember, you can see LOTS of details on the full tour here. But now, by order of Lumiere, “The Dining Room proudly presents… YOUR DINNER!”
Eats
The new prix fixe dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant offers guests their choice of appetizer and entree, while dessert is the same for everyone at the table… almost (you’ll see what I mean later!).
Appetizers for adult guests include the already popular French Onion Soup, Charred Octopus, Escargot, and a selection of assorted meats and cheeses.
Adult Appetizer Menu
Entrees feature a Grilled Center-Cut Filet Mignon, Smoked Ricotta and Corn Tortellini, Poulet Rouge Chicken, Saffron-Infused Seafood Bouillabaisse, Lamb Chops and Roasted Pork Tenderloin.
Adult Entree Menu
The personal Dessert Trio includes a raspberry macaron, a dark chocolate truffle, and a white chocolate “Chip” cup filled with the Grey Stuff.
Dessert Menu
Be Our Guest Restaurant made history as the first restaurant in Magic Kingdom to serve beer and wine, and of course that option remains. (Soda, milk, and other non-alcoholic beverages are included with your meal.)
Wine and Champagne Menu
Beer Menu
Beer Menu
Appetizers for the Kids Menu include their choice of an Iceberg Wedge Salad or a Fruit and Cheese Plate. Entrees include House-made Macaroni and Cheese (also known as Beast’s Casserole) and a Seared Shrimp Skewer among other Disney Check designated meals.
Kids’ Menu
Kids may also choose their dessert, which is either the Dessert Trio (similar to the adults) or Seasonal Fruit.
Kids’ Menu
No matter what you order, your dinner begins with a serving of bread rolls, which is accompanied by butter sprinkled with coarse salt.
Bread Rolls
For the Appetizers, we started with the new Maine Lobster Bisque and Charred Octopus. The Charred Octopus is served with fingerling potatoes, pickled hearts of palm, and a red pepper coulis.
Charred Octopus
Though I have had several opportunities to try Octopus since it is so often found on the menu in Disney World table service restaurants these days, I still don’t consider myself a connoisseur. But I can say this: in comparison to the other Octopus dishes I’ve tried (Coral Reef and Tiffins spring to mind), this is actually the one I prefer.
Charred Octopus
I think it was the texture that set it apart, as it was not at all mealy or gummy. The seasoning from the char was also tasty. In fact, the only portion of the dish I didn’t care for was the red pepper coulis, which was almost a little too sharp in contrast. While I wouldn’t personally order this again out of preference (I tried it for you!), I was surprised to find myself eating more of it than I thought I would.
We’d already tried the French Onion Soup on previous visits. (More than once, in fact!)
French Onion Soup
So we went instead with the Maine Lobster Bisque, which is served with a creme fraiche and a bit of poached lobster. It’s plated in one of those fancy, gigantic bowls which — for whatever reason — I get a kick out of.
Maine Lobster Bisque
The bisque itself was as it should be: creamy, buttery, and savory. But it also delivered an unexpected bit of spice at the end of each spoonful which I especially enjoyed.
Maine Lobster Bisque
We couldn’t resist ordering up what — even from the first day — seems like it will be one of the biggest hits on the menu: the Center-Cut Filet Mignon.
Filet Mignon
It’s served atop Yukon potatoes, seasonal vegetables (snap peas and carrots, for our dinner), and cipollini marmelade with a red wine glaze. The 8 ounce filet was prepared nicely to my medium request.
Filet Mignon
The thick cut of beef was tender and flavorful enough that it didn’t require the red wine glaze, but that really was a delicious addition. From a taste perspective, my first bites of it helped me appreciate how the cuisine here really has been elevated for this new signature experience.
Filet Mignon
The potatoes were also enjoyable, but I will say that they did leave me wanting more. Which brings me to my critique: for the price of this new experience, I do wish the portions were larger, even though the rich entree was satisfying.
The Roasted Pork Tenderloin is served on top of a cauliflower puree and accompanied by roasted asparagus and Brussels sprouts. It’s sprinkled with “bacon dust”… which sounds pretty close to pixie dust for a lot of us 😉 !
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Placed on top of the dish is a piece of Berkshire Pork Belly. (When we were deciding between the pork and the Smoked Ricotta dish, the mention of pork belly is what swayed things over.)
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
The meat was good, though I think I would have enjoyed a bit more seasoning. (Bring on more bacon dust!) But the pork belly was a neat addition. In fact, I had similar thoughts to the Filet with this one… the execution of the dish again helped me realize how the food has stepped up a notch at Be Our Guest.
Rather than choosing from a full dessert menu, all guests receive the Dessert Trio Platter.
Dessert Trio
Components include a Dark Chocolate Truffle and an Almond Macaron with lemon jam and raspberries.
Dark Chocolate Truffle
Almond Macaron
The third member of the Trio is the White Chocolate “Chip” Cup… filled with the Grey Stuff!
White Chocolate “Chip” Cup
Altogether, this is such a great dessert that I didn’t mind not being given a choice in the matter. The Macaron is not only fitting within the French theme of both the film and the restaurant; it’s also wonderfully delicate, and the raspberries and the lemon jam give it a fruity brightness. The Dark Chocolate Truffle is so rich and decadent that I almost couldn’t finish it… almost 😉 .
And the cookies and cream whipped dessert that make the Grey Stuff so — say it with me! — delicious is always a unique sweet treat. But, I must confess: I couldn’t eat much more than the smallest bite of the white chocolate Chip Cup… because it was simply too cute.
White Chocolate “Chip” Cup
Funny story… my friend remarked how she would have gladly purchased the “stained glass” platter that the Trio is served on, until we noticed something. It was coming apart while she ate the Dark Chocolate Truffle! Upon further investigation…
Dessert Trio Platter
… and with some information from our (wonderful) server, we found out that the “stained glass” is actually edible sugar paper! It doesn’t have very much sweet flavor at all, but it simply dissolves when you eat it with a bite or two of your dessert. A fun touch!
So… remember when I mentioned that dessert was almost the same for everybody at the table? Well, children also receive the Dessert Trio (if they don’t choose the Seasonal Fruit). But it’s their own version.
Kids’ Dessert Trio
Chip’s cute face comes without color, so kids can be paint him with the colorful icing presented on the plate!
Chip Cup for Kids
A brush is presented along with the Grey Stuff on the side, so your little artist has everything they need.
Grey Stuff, Brush, and Chip
Kids also receive a modified version of the Macaron (without the raspberries) and a slightly smaller Chocolate Truffle.
Kids’ Macaron
Dark Chocolate Truffle
The Dessert Trio is a truly fun and memorable way to end dinner at Be Our Guest. (Well, that, and saying “Hello!” to the Beast, of course!)
The Beast greets visitors in his study during Dinner
Nosh or Not
You may want to try the new Dinner experience at Be Our Guest if:
- You are intrigued by the more upscale cuisine at this incredibly popular spot.
- Dinner at Be Our Guest is on your Disney Food Bucket List.
- You can’t pass up the chance to meet The Beast in his own Castle!
You may want to pass on the new Dinner experience at Be Our Guest if:
- You prefer not to dine at Signature restaurants due to cost or requirements of two Disney Dining Plan Table Service credits.
- Or, you prefer the cuisine at lunch or breakfast, which you think presents more options that you and your family would enjoy.
- You’d rather that your Signature experience in Magic Kingdom take place in Cinderella Castle — as opposed to the Beast’s — at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Overall
Well, it was probably only a matter of time before a Table Service restaurant in such demand as Be Our Guest would be converted to a Signature experience, requiring two dining credits (or a fixed price in this case, out of pocket). The question is: is it worth it? When considering the more upscale flavors — and creativity, in some cases — of the dishes in such a memorable setting, I do think the new Dinner at Be Our Guest offers a Signature experience. Especially considering that the cuisine is not simply more upscale in concept; we found our meals to be quite well prepared.
That said, Signature dining isn’t every guest’s cup of tea, which is why it’s a good thing to know that both Breakfast and Lunch remain Counter Service experiences. (Though please note: they are unique in that they do accept Advance Dining Reservations, unlike your typical Counter Service locations. And since these experiences will likely become even more in-demand than they already are, it’s best to make your reservation as soon as possible.)
In any case, it’s always a thrill to step back into Be Our Guest Restaurant… no matter which meal you try there!
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Thank you for this! We go at the end of November and have reservations for dinner here. Would you be able to share adult meals or do you think everyone has to have their own? We are on the dining plan and have 4 adults and 2 children. I think the boys could probably share a Mac n cheese but that dessert is too cute I think they would both need a Chip to paint 🙂
I’m excited to go in December for our final evening meal. The paintable dessert is genius! My children will thoroughly enjoy every aspect. This is a great price for atmosphere, experience and cuisine.
Is the new signature experience included on Tables in Wonderland?
Thank you so much for this review! We were able to get a reservation, but our big family is being split at two times 7:35, 8. Our hope is that we can all see beast around the same time. How long did it take to get through dinner, and how much room is there in the library?
Based on its price point, I would suggest paying out of pocket rather than use dining credits because the value is not there to warrant 2 credits. There are many dining venues that are 1 credit that easily would run $55 per person if paid out of pocket such as Mara’s and Chef Smiths. I would save the 2-credit signature dining for places like California Grill, JIkos or Narcossess.
Oops. I meant Saana as a 1 credit surpassing the food and dollar value of BOG.
Is it possible to share meals at dinner now? I’m going in November and was considering splitting meals. We have the dining plan.
The children’s dessert plate with the option to paint their Chip cup…omg precious! I love that little touch, and the sugar paper.
I agree with the previous comments, I wouldn’t use two dining plan credits for a meal that costs $55. You can definitely get a better value for a signature meal elsewhere. That being said, I also think the value for the price can really vary based on what you order. $55 for filet mignon with an appetizer and dessert feels like a steal compared to other Disney signature restaurants that have filet mignon alone for $50, but if you order the tortellini or the chicken $55 feels a little pricey.
We do appreciate that your budget is limited, but a word on the vegetarian options would have been nice. We didn’t care for the previous offering and wondered if the new menu was better. I guess we’ll have to look elsewhere.
Not wanting to sound like a moaning Nelly – but does anyone else think the kids menu is a bit pricey for what is very similar to other Disney kids table service menu’s (apart from the desert) at half the cost?
I, too, wish we could have seen some of the vegetarian options. It’s tough paying the $55 dollar price tag for the vegetarian menu as it is, so we’d definitely like to get a look at the items before deciding whether or not to even bother with dinner at Be Our Guest now.
Can’t tell you how disappointed I was when I heard the news that BOG was turning into a signature restaurant. This has been our favorite restaurant since it opened. It is now unaffordable for most families, and clearly ours. This was a HUGE disappointment. I have growing concern over Disney looking for the next opportunity to make more $ rather that sustaining what Walt ventured as an affordable place for family vacations. :o(
What is the grey stuff? Frosting?
Elizabeth, the Grey Stuff is a cookies-and-cream-flavored panna cotta. Check out our description here!
Christina, dinner took under an hour. The library has a fair amount of seating (though not as much as the ballroom). You could always try to be seated around the same time (explain the situation when you check in). Have fun!
Laura, we can’t say for certain that you will able to split meals at Be Our Guest’s prix fixe dinner. We would expect that it’s discouraged at best and might not be allowed at all. You could try calling the restaurant (1 407-939-3463) to see if they can give you a confirmed answer.
I want to hear your “pree feeks” French accent!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I appreciate the review. Please note that Disney has advertised the new pre-fixe menu as “enhanced” and not “signature”.
Since this is now somewhat of a signature dining restaurant, does the same dress code at other signature restaurants apply? Or is normal park attire ok?
Kay, normal park attire is totally fine for dinner at Be Our Guest. 🙂
We went this Past Sunday Evening and it was wonderful! The $55 price tag was not bad at all considering the food and atmosphere. One thing our server did mention is that you can change out the desserts.. except for the Chip cup!
Dean, interesting note!
I have reservations for party 6 for lunch. This would be sit down ? Or you saying lunch is only counter service?
I am confused as the menu still shows a la carte prices as well. Can you order either?
Disregard previous question I see that is the suggested drink pairings lol
I hope you do one of those “everything on the menu” post for this soon. I want to see pics of that seafood dish or the tortellini so I can decide which to try between those. 😉
Bella, lunch is considered quick/counter service at Be Our Guest, but you still get to sit and dine in the Beast’s castle.
Angela, dinner is only prix fixe now. Lunch is a la carte.
Do you have any pictures of the kids meals that you could post?
Can you describe the ordering process? Has that changed from ordering on a computer before sitting down? Are there servers now since it’s signature dining? Or just good brought out?
Thanks.
they use to have shrimp scallous in puff pastry plus a lemon or strawberry cup cake charred octopus . this doesn’t seem to be an improvement . we eat here sometimes two times a trip with this menu I think once will be enough. the kids menu does not have anything my grandaughter will eat. we will be feeding before dinner. I’m dissapointed
Nikki, dinner is table service, so you place your order with a server.
I am not a big fan of the new dinner set up, just based on the fact that I am not ordering the fancy stuff. My food is just not worth the cost and I would rather spend less on food and have some wine with dinner. I would rather go for lunch and be able to still have the Masters Cupcake (yay Chocolate!). The only big draw for me is meeting the Beast, which even though I have done it, I am trying get a dinner reservation for my birthday next month just for that reason. Especially since I will be spending the day Disneybounding Belle (BatB is my absolute favorite). I wish they had the Beast out more than just dinner, or they let you come back for photos if you dined there for an earlier meal.
I have always seemed to be in the minority in that I have never liked the Grey Stuff. I disliked the flavor! I’m SO disappointed that the restaurant has changed to prix fixe and most of the entrees sound good but not wonderful to me. I know, I come from a restaurant family and I can be fussy but the dessert is pretty mingy (my momspeak for “there isn’t all that there, especially for the price.”
I just don’t feel this dinner is worth $60!
We will stick with brunch (it’s really breakfast but we go later like 10am) as the price isn’t nearly as high and the food has always been very good. Also, the portions are large and there’s so much to eat that I have a doggie bag with me when I leave. They have the best hot cocoa I’ve ever tasted too!
If I have an 11 year old child that is classified as an adult but will be most likely to eat the kids menu choices versus the adult menu choices, would he be charged as an adult or a child?
Jennifer, that’s a tough question to answer because it often depends on the server. Some will simply let your son order from the kids’ menu and charge you as such. Others will charge him as an adult but bring out a kids’ meal in an adult-size portion. Sorry we can’t be more definitive, but mileage varies a lot on this. Have a great trip regardless!
Wondering if we could buy an extra appetizer to share? Any idea? (Cheese plate!) thank you; love dfb!
I hate the new menu. I ate there tonight for the first time since April, and I wasn’t aware of any changes until I arrived for my meal. So disappointing. Be Our Guest Restaurant was my favorite restaurant in the world from 2012-yesterday. The food was better before. No way around it.
Stay away from Be Our Guest for dinner! We ate there earlier in the month and my entire party got sick! We left the park early and spent the remainder of the night in the bathroom. Everything about the evening was a disaster – the food was cold, service was slow and then getting sick.
We dined there last night, no I tow as amazing! Food was outstanding. Is there a where can find the lobster bisque recipe?
I wanted to add an UPDATE: Post-reopening of BOG– IF they will only do dinner, then it’s a pass for us! We had an ADR for Lunch prior to the shutdown, but for $60 pp, we don’t like the choices for Apps so unless they can substitute something gross like octopus for a salad, we’re out. Sorry, we eat sushi but not octopus or snails. My partner can’t eat onion soup or lobster bisque so we may have to pass if we cannot do lunch there. We’d save a LOT of money too in the process, but by our October trip, WDW may add QSR back on the BOG itinerary (we hope). Fingers crossed!
Steven, I think you’re right to wait and see what happens. I suspect we’re only on the first phase of endless changes to come. We’ll be here to update!