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All in the Details: Imagineers Add Character to Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Jennifer Fickley-Baker

by , Editorial Content Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

This week, our “All in the Details” post is taking on a video twist thanks to our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering, who recently installed the centerpiece of Belle’s Village – an elaborate bronze statue of Gaston and his sidekick, Lefou.

As Imagineers Ted Robledo and Chris Kelly explain here, the statue’s design of Gaston and Lefou juggling leaky barrels and mugs was inspired by both Gaston’s boisterous temperament and the fountain Belle visits early in the film as she is reading. Ted and Chris also walk us through the detailed process it takes to create such an elaborate bronze statue – from building a clay maquette to choosing specific shades of bronze for the piece.

For reference, the fountain sits in the center of Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland. The building that appears behind the fountain is Gaston’s Tavern, while the structure directly across is Bonjour! Village Gifts.

And as we shared last week, each of these experiences will grand open December 6 (with general previews beginning November 19).

Don’t miss the other video sneak peeks that Walt Disney Imagineering has previously shared here on the Disney Parks Blog, including a behind-the-scenes look at the installation of three massive chandeliers and a French countryside mural in the Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Destinations: Walt Disney World Resort

Comments

  • No one has statue made of himself like Gaston!

  • I just did a search for Be Our Guest restaurant and it came up with the lunch and dinner sample menu’s, it states that we will be able to start booking over the phone on Monday August 20th, and online booking starts on Wednesday August 22nd. So very excited to finally be able to book

  • Jennifer, I have read today on many other Disney related web sites that Advanced Dining Reservations for Be Our Guest restaurant will open up on August 20th. Is what these other sites are writing true?

  • hey I had a fantasy land question actually about the castle. How come they dont talk about the suite anymore??? can people still stay there? would love to see an article about it. Its on all the disney tv specials and havent heard much about it in recent years…. how bout a update???

  • Any word on Be Our Guest reservation date? Heard August 20th.??

  • The gun removal seems like a good choice. Disney is smart that way.

    I’ll be in Disney for my honeymoon in September, but it looks like I’ll have to make another trip shortly after to see new Fantasyland!! oh, darn. 🙂

  • I noticed that from the concept drawing to the actual statue, his gun was removed. Why?

  • What a great description of the process! Will Bonjour Gifts feature some new or exclusive items, or will it primarily be merchandise that’s available elsewhere in Disney World? So excited to explore when we are there Nov. 23-Dec. 1!

  • I noticed in the artist renderings that Gaston originally was holding a gun of some sort. The final statue now has him holding another keg. What was the reasoning for the switch?

  • I love see disney.

  • When will previews begin for passholders?

    • No date has been announced yet. Stay tuned.

  • Jen,
    Thanks so much for all of the wonderful updates on the new Fantasyland 🙂 I can’t wait for our trip to wdw from nov.27th- dec. 4th. So happy we will be able to see this area during the preview time ! Will the new tent in storybook circus with the characters posted last week be open then also ?

  • now that there is Belle’s village to viset and since Gaston is such a huge part of it, will there be meet and greets with Gaston and/or Lefou?

  • Dear Jennifer, I have writen you an e-mail but I guess it’s easier to talk here 🙂
    I am going away from orlando on Nov 19th in the morning, which is very sad but I have the oportunity to change my ticket. These previews are going to be for everyone in the park? Will we be able to visit the area already on nov 19th? I don’t want to miss it for a day! Thanks a lot for your reply 🙂

    • Previews are open to all park guests beginning on Nov. 19. The preview period means that attractions/experiences may have shorter operating times.

  • Thank you so much for sharing all the behind the scenes videos, pictures, etc. I am so excited for this area to open and can’t wait to see it in person. 🙂

  • Where do I sign up to become an Imagineer??? What an awesome job that would be!

  • Thanks for all your updates. Just love seeing magic come to life!

  • Thanks, Carrie. I’m happy we can share them with you. We have some great pals at Imagineering.

  • Yay! It looks fantastic! I love these behind the scenes video tours!

Comments are closed.