“Beauty and the Beast” was released in theaters in 1991, and to say that I was obsessed with this movie is putting it mildly. I was 12 years old when it debuted and I must’ve seen the film at least 10 times that summer. In my mind, nothing was better than spending an afternoon wrapped up in this tale of “far-off places, daring swordfights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!” I remember sitting in the theater, dreaming of visiting Belle’s quiet French village, exploring the halls of the Beast’s mysterious castle and whirling across the golden ballroom in a gown of the same color.
Soon fans of all ages will have the opportunity to do just that and take a trip through the world of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Enchanted Tales with Belle storybook adventure, which is currently under construction as part of the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom Park.
Walt Disney Imagineering is currently building Maurice’s workshop, which will serve as scene one of the experience. The workshop, which is modeled after a French cottage, will be surrounded by a wishing well, footbridges and lush landscaping. Once inside, guests will step through a magic mirror and find themselves inside Beast’s expansive library, which he created as a gift for Belle in the film. This room will serve as the setting for a memorable character interaction experience with Belle – which will require a little help from Lumiere, the enchanted candlestick.
Another “Beauty and the Beast” experience planned for this area is the Be Our Guest Restaurant, which will allow up to 550 guests to dine in the ballroom, gallery and “West Wing” area of Beast’s castle.
These and other Fantasyland enhancements will open in phases starting in late 2012.
Take a look at these posts for more of what you can expect to see as part of the Fantasyland expansion:
Comments
I have a question about the Beasts Library. Will they have the Beasts Library in Fantasyland, Disney World like the one in Disney California Adventure at the Animation Academy.
Thanx, Lesli
I am soo excited for this to open! I was born in the late 80’s, grew up on Beauty and the Beast, and its still one of my favorite movies. My almost 6 year old daughter also loves the movie and will be so excited to see the beast’s castle!
I love the artwork, your imagineers and artists always manage to set the right atmosphere!That father, hands in pockets, and daughter in the foreground make it very recognisable and real …and I don’t even have children..
To Sabrina on June 6th, 2011 at 3:12 pm;
Sabrina: if the food is as good as in Disneyland Paris’s Auberge du Cendrillion, your children will love it!
Beauty and The Beast is my all time favorite Disney movie! I love the musical, themusic in the movie, the Rose, and of course Belle, my favorite princess. Last night went to Disneyland and watched Fantasmic by the Hungry Bear Restraunt, which is where they stage the barges before the princess scene. Belle and the Beast both waved to me making my night. I have waited for the time when Belle would get her own attraction, and it finally happened. Now it needs to happen at Disneyland in CA.!
My family and I and our friends are coming to WDW in August, I guess this is an excuse to come back again (;
So, will this be a walk-through attraction or an actual ride? This is so exciting. Beauty and the Beast has been my favorite Disney movie since I was a little girl. At 23, I still get giddy to meet the princesses! 🙂
It’s a walk-through experience. 🙂
Beauty and the Beast came out when I was in Kindergarten and I fell in love with that movie. I was just at the Park the beginning of May and I could see the Beast’s castle it looked amazing! I am planning my next visit for January 2013 crowds are usually down and the weather is not so hot. This is awesome it like setting into the movie, I can’t wait!
It is about time Fanastyland gets a face lift!! Cant wait…but I wonder what kind of food with Belle server, French… kid food? And is is cost both arms and both legs or just one of each! LOL
I believe they’re thinking about menus, but I think it’s a little early for any final decisions just yet.
I guess it’s a GOOD thing that we won’t be returning to WDW until 2015 – I’d love to see all of the changes, but we’ve committed ourselves to saving up for a dream vacation for our 15th anniversary. That trip will also be the first for our little girl (currently 3 months old) and I can’t wait to see it all through her eyes!
I was planning on taking a trip to WDW mid-2012….my 2 yr olds first visit, but, how much is going to be down in Fantasyland? Don’t really want to go if she won’t be able to enjoy all of Fantasyland…at least the “major” stuff (Dumbo, Small World, Peter Pan, Carousel etc.)…..any idea on what might be out of commission in April/May of 2012?
Fall of 2012 is a little late for me as I’ll be down late July/early August. Here is wishful thinking that it might be done early. I love that movie and can’t wait to see all the new areas.
I’m so exited about this it seems it’s going to be espectacular!!! But can anybody can tell me more about, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort??? I’t blow my mind when I see this, Because we always have problem searching for acommodations for 5, especially when 2 are big and tall. I hope you can comment on this.
Good idea. It’s about time for a new update. I’ll see what I can share. (This may take awhile).
Well unfortunately (not really that unfortunate) I’m going to WDW in October of this year. But planning on flying down for a weekend in early 2013 to see this. I just have to say I’m so excited, just even reading the quote from the beginning of the article. I just kept saying the words in my head because I know them by heart!!! I was born in 90′ so I was only 1 year old when Beauty and the Beast was released. But it’s been my favorite for as long as I can remember. I <3 it so much!! CANT WAIT!!
Cant wait!!! This is still my most favorite fairy tell!! I was 2 when it came out, but i sware ive seen it over a thousand times and know it line for line. I also love the Beauty and The Beast play at Hollywood Studios, Ive seen that 3times in one year!! To say im obsessed is probably an understatement!!
They have some of the best dancing in that show, don’t they?
I’m so excited! Thank you for sharing this behind the scenes sneak peak!
I am so happy, for this, I return one month ago form WDW, and I saw the beginning of the construction; I am planning a trip in 2013 for the full opening of the new fantasyland for our birthday (march 30th, I hope its finished), mine and my daughter, 42 and 8 respectively , but I feel like 8 again!!!
That should be a great trip.
WOW! Just the other day my four-year-old daughter Amelia said how much she would love to see Belle’s library and the ballroom in the castle. Little does she know she’ll be able to! We’re going in January for their 5th birthday, but of course will return when this is ready. I’m not going to tell her…what a surprise it will be! Thank you for this update!
That will be an excellent surprise! Don’t forget that Beast’s Castle will also include a lunch/dinner restaurant, so you can technically dine in his castle, too.
I am so excited for this to open, as I am going to be in the world in the fall of 2012!! This would be a great addition to my next vacation!! Cant wait to see all the changes that have been done at MK since I was there last!!
There’s always something new, isn’t there?
I can only hope a decent chunk of New Fantasyland is open in Late October/Early November of 2012 when I bring my girlfriend for her first visit.
Also, I am graduating from college in 2012 so my parents are going to take me to Disney World as a graduation present! Please post more pictures soon 🙂
As soon as we can!
My favorite Disney movies are Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. I am so excited to go to Disney when Fantasyland adds all of the new transformations!! 🙂
Cross my fingers that in a couple of years I will be back working at WDW after I finish my degree and get a professional internship with the Disney research department so I can come see all these great additions!! I was doing my DCP when they started clearing ground for this! Can’t wait for it to be completed!
Neither can we!
I can’t wait for this! It sounds amazing!!
Looks like it’s coming along nicely…can’t wait to see it when it opens!
I’m so excited for this expansion! “Beauty and the Beast” is my favorite Disney film and it’s wonderful to have a larger area devoted to this great film!
Oh, I’m looking forward to this! (I can’t believe I was 14 when Beauty & the Beast came out; it immediately became my FAVORITE Disney movie ever) Guess I’ll just have to start planning my 2013 trip today!
🙂
So exciting to see the Fantasyland Expansion progress. Keep these photo updates coming… love them!
Thanks so much!
AAAAAAAAAH! I can’t wait!
Hopefully I’ll be doing the DCP by the time part of it opens! 😀
Thanks so much. I get so excited when we have new updates to share.
Love these peeks “behind the curtain!” It’s fascinating to watch the concept art take shape in the parks. Keep them coming!
Lou M
WDW Radio
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