Okay, you may have read that title and thought, “Ouch!” — seems a little harsh, no? But lately, “Be our guest” has taken on a whole new meaning; Disney is practically begging people to be their guests and dine at the Beauty and the Beast-inspired restaurant.
The truth is, Be Our Guest Restaurant was once one of the hardest reservations to get in Disney World. Now, most days, it’s pretty easy to get a table at Be Our Guest. Why? Well, in the words of Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts, “There’s something there that wasn’t there before.”
The good old days
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. When Be Our Guest first opened in 2012, the restaurant was well-regarded as one of the most stunning, immersive restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. In fact, we were among the first to dine at the restaurant way back in 2012!
Back in the day, this restaurant served a Counter-Service (fast-casual) Breakfast and Lunch, then switched to a Table Service (sit-down) meal for Dinner. Despite the fact that this spot only served Counter-Service meals at breakfast and lunch, guests still had to make Advanced Dining Reservations. It was that popular!
Not only that, but guests pre-ordered their meals using My Disney Experience before their dining date. It was a TOTALLY different dining experience — but we loved it. The food was delicious, and the meal felt like a good value considering the stunning setting, quality entrees, and overall popularity.
What went wrong
Unfortunately, Disney decided to change things up. In 2018, Disney changed its service. Now, the restaurant is regarded as a Signature meal with a prix fixe menu. Translation: MAJOR price increase.
Previously, the Table Service Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant offered an a la carte menu, but starting on July 27th, 2018, Dinner became a prix fixe, 3-course affair. Back in 2018, the meal was $55 for adults and $35 for children; today, it costs $67 for adults and $39 for kids. That fan-favorite Counter-Service breakfast is gone, and two heavy full-course lunch and dinner options have taken over.
Not only that, but dining reviewers started souring on the food. Thanks to that nearly $70 per-person price tag, guests are expecting some quality food (as they should!). Unfortunately, many feel that the atmosphere is the best part of the dining experience. We just can’t stomach those prices — or those heavy meals at 1:00 in the afternoon in the dead of summer.
Need more proof that the restaurant isn’t as popular as it used to be? We’ve seen Be Our Guest Cast Members walk around Fantasyland and advertise the restaurant’s open availability. In fact, we were once approached by a Cast Member one evening, and they offered us a table at Be Our Guest. Of course, this doesn’t happen all the time, but we have seen it happen in the past.
The truth is, many Disney guests just don’t want to pay a premium on top of an already high-cost vacation. If the Star Wars hotel was any proof, it seems like guest demand just isn’t there for those ultra-pricey experiences. Who knows, maybe Disney will change the menu someday to restore Be Our Guest to its former glory. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more!
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Have you dined at Be Our Guest recently? Let us know in the comments!
Lou corona says
Agree with the article. Went in January2023 for my grandaughter’s birthday. They checked us in and said it was 20 minute wait. After 90 minutes wait and 2 inquiries later they finally seated us. It was so disappointing with no apology offered and the beast was 4 tables away and so fast we didn’t a picture. Horrible birthday experience. Service was as poor as the food. We went to Liberty Tree Tavern and had an excellent meal with great service at a lower price. They also provided a birthday cupcake. From the original restaurant that had great food and a fun experience to what it is now is a sad experience that we will not repeat.
Joyce says
For my two year old granddaughter, who loves the Beast, we reserved dinner at BOG. At least at that time, March 2023, we did not have to pay for her dinner. This was a huge disappointment for all 4 of us. First, the main diningroom is like a cafeteria. It’s large and noisy. The Beast comes through so quickly. Its good he is large or you would miss him completely. The Beast himself was friendly and actually waved to our little princess, as she stood by our table waving.
This character meal is a perfect example of the new Disney corp executive idea of “Be Our Guest”. It is outrageously expensive with no respect for the guests’ “you get what you pay for”. This is absolutely NOT Walt Disney’s idea of “family entertainment”.
I have a few questions: Why is Beast not able to visit each table as in all other character dining events? Where is Belle? What about some of the other characters from the movie walking around the room? Certainly with the outrageous price of these meals – Can’t Disney afford to have more characters coming around to the tables?
In the 2 hours we were there, we saw the beast for 4 minutes – as he walked around the room 2x. I know because I videoed the entire time he was near our table. It is amazing how the Beast only shows up once per the hour. He walks quickly around the room and then leaves.
My granddaughter was so upset that Belle was not there, she was in tears as we left. Fortunately, the park was still open and we were able to go to “Enchanted Tales with Belle” where our 2 year old was able to meet and hug Belle. We were very lucky that we made it, just in time. It was the last event of the evening and we had to wait a half hour so enough people joined in to go into this wonderful show.
In April 2024 we will be going back to WDW, but we will NOT be going to BOG character meal. We will however, be going to dinner with Minnie Mouse at Hollywood Studios.
Sue says
We loved the breakfast and the lunch pre Covid at be our guest !!! Both were awesome especially the lunch !!! Bring these back wdw !!!
We are coming from the U K on Friday and are DVC members and annual pass holders but although we are coming for 2 weeks we are only having one table service on my 70th birthday and that’s a breakfast ! Gone are the wonderful days when we could afford table services most days ! Now it’s just too expensive so it’s Walmart order and meals in the room ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜.
Has Disney ever considered how much more money they would make by reducing prices in all food outlets ? Selling more food and happier customers ! Let normal people enjoy wdw not make it a place for the rich !!!
We used to come every year but now it’s going to be every third year it’s just too expensive ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Pat says
Everything was plopped on a plate like cafeteria line up. Non attractive food is not pleasant. To much money to spend in a restaurant when you consider it costs 150$ to enter park, not to mention a 3 year old who picked at his plate for 40$ Service was mediocre, had to ask for condiments. The room was the best and got a kick out of the talking armor, but not the meal.
Mel says
It’s unfortunate the meal plan requires 2 credits. I enjoy the dinner at BOG. I miss it.
Christine Krueger says
Last dined there in 2019. I had weight loss surgery but still had to pay the full adult price. The food was good, but for that price, I’d rather dine at the Brown Derby. So disappointing.
Keith says
When my daughters were younger, we’d go here often for lunch. It was affordable and the food was good with great atmosphere. With the current menu and pricing, not a chance.
Alison Smith says
I was lucky to eat dinner at Be Our Guest, soon after opening with my brother, sister-in-law and bonus mother-in-law. My brother had gotten a reservation and arranged for a birthday cake for two of us. He is sharp like that! I had my first alcohol ever at The Magic Kingdom in the form of a glass of wine, a trio of small salads and the excellent pork dish! The server asked me how I wanted the pork cooked and I said whatever the chef recommends. I had never been asked about pork before and it was medium rare and excellent. At the end I got to dance with the Beast and the person swung me around like I weighed nothing- when I am solidly curvy. Truly magical!