Even two years after it opened, Be Our Guest still is the most difficult dining reservation to book at Walt Disney World. So, when I was able to secure a late-night table for a family celebration this past weekend, we all were counting the minutes until our dinner was served.
We first dined at Be Our Guest during passholder preview days two years ago, and my family and I hadn’t been back since then. So, naturally, I was curious if it would live up to our expectations of our previous experience. The answer was a resounding “yes” from each of the four members of my family.
Our reservation was for 9:20 p.m., and I’m told the last parties are seated at 9:30 p.m. during normal operating hours. (Be Our Guest stays open later during busy periods, such as the holidays.) Because of the timing, we were able to watch Holiday Wishes from the bridge to the restaurant, which was a new experience. It’s amazing to be so close to some of the fireworks that normally are seen from in front of Cinderella Castle.
When we entered Beast’s castle, we were led to the ballroom, which is where most of the seating is located. And if it isn’t spectacular enough on a regular day, imagine it decorated for Christmas. There was a beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the wall-to-ceiling windows that showcase the snowfall effect outside, just like in the story. Garlands also were draped along the walls, creating a festive atmosphere.
The menu has undergone a few changes, as is to be expected, since we last visited. Popular dishes, such as the French Onion Soup and the Grilled Strip Steak, remain, however. We were happy to see the steak that is served with garlic-herb butter and pommes frites was still available because three of us had been dreaming of ordering just that! (It also is served with green beans.) It is a 10-ounce steak, which was large enough for my daughter and I to split one portion. My 12-year-old son ordered his own, though he did end up sharing with his dad. My husband again ordered the Pan-seared Salmon on Leek Fondue, which was served with served with creamy saffron-crushed potatoes. We all really enjoyed our meals.
Be Our Guest has an extensive wine list, and several imported beers are available, as well. My husband again enjoyed a dark belgian strong ale, Chimay Blue, and said it had a subtle hint of fruit that paired well with the salmon. Beast’s castle also serves two signature non-alcoholic drinks: All-Natural Fruit Punch and All-Natural Lemonade. If you choose a light-up castle-themed souvenir goblet for the foamy drinks, the price quadruples. Almost $20 for a drink without alcohol!
Of course, we saved room for dessert. The Grey Stuff has been added to the menu since our last visit, and we were excited to taste the fabled dessert. Our server saw that we were wearing “I’m Celebrating” buttons and brought us a complimentary serving to sample. What a nice surprise! We also chose to share a Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake, a Triple Chocolate Cupcake, a Lemon Meringue Cupcake and a Chocolate Cream Puff. My children again loved the presentation of the desserts in a rolling trolley, which makes it difficult to turn down a sweet treat – not that I’m complaining!
After dinner, we were invited to meet Beast in the library, which is the room that doubles as the checkout during lunch. This meet-and-greet was not available the last time we dined at Be Our Guest, and dinner at the restaurant is the only time and place for guests to meet Beast at Walt Disney World. We were the last family of the night to meet Beast and he patiently posed for a bunch of photos, including one the cast members suggested where the kids and Beast showed their “claws.”
My first impression of Be Our Guest was confirmed this past weekend: It is a delightful dining experience. We received outstanding service, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Although the restaurant is expensive, the pricing is in line with other table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. In fact, it costs less overall than dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, which does not offer alcohol. Although securing a reservation can be a hassle, it is well worth the effort.
RELATED LINKS:
** Be Our Guest Menus: Lunch, Dinner, Kids
I ate at Be Our Guest in June of last year, and I have to say the food was a tad disappointing. The French Onion Soup was terrific, but my steak was not cooked as I had ordered it and was overdone and on the tough side. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, we had been seated in the ‘man cave’, which was very cool. I’d go again more for the atmosphere than the food.
I went there for lunch in November and really enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere is beautiful, the view can’t be beat, and the food was good too. I had the pork which was lean and tender and it came with green beans and the portion size was large so I don’t remember even finishing it. I can’t wait to return!
We have all of our meals at table service restaurants so I’m aware of the quality and cost of dining at WDW. We’ve had dinner at BoG twice in the last two years and frankly I found the meal to be a disappointment both times. The hype doesn’t live up to the product. Though the Potato Leek soup was tasty my Braised Pork was tough and flavorless. My husband and son we’re both unimpressed with the steak and my daughter-in-law couldn’t even finish her chicken.
There is only one type of dessert…cupcakes…and though they are different flavors it’s still all the same…uninspired cupcakes. The “Grey Stuff” is nothing more than cupcake frosting presented with a flourish. Even my 8 year old granddaughter passed on dessert the 2nd time we ate there, preferring instead to get a churro after we left.
Our servers were very good on both dining occasions and the rooms are beautiful. It’s wonderful to have the Beast passing though the dining hall as you’re having your meal but regarding the food, I would spend my money for this overpriced meal somewhere else.
French Onion soup was flavorless due to vegetable rather than beefstock base. Since their other soup is a vegetarian option, why not offer onion soup with some flavor? Panera’s is far superior. Should offer more kid-friendly options for picky eaters.
Did they realize that they could have built twice the space and still kept busy? We’ve made it in 1 out of 4 visits and the visit with BEAST was worth the wait.
Every one of our visits served up great food as well as fastidious service…only once have we had dinner and a visit with Beast.
I’ve written Disney several times asking for a day time meet and greet for Beast.
when I went in 2013, we dined there and it was amazing! they, however, did not cook my dad’s steak right, but they totally made up for it. the grey stuff is indeed amazing!! I loved it. seeing these photos of the tree and the stain glass Mrs.potts reminds me of the Christmas special of beauty and the beast! the detail is amazing ! I love the photo of Angie on the top of the tree! now the song ” as long as theres christmas’ is stuck in my head!
Thanks for the great review. My wife and I ate at BoG last week for dinner and we also loved it. There is just something really special about dinning here. Merry Christmas to you and your family.