A family reported a disappointing visit to Be Our Guest Restaurant located in Magic Kingdom, highlighting a stark contrast between their expectations and the reality of their experience.
The family, including two young children, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow service they encountered, which resulted in a lengthy wait for their meal—lasting approximately one and a half hours. This extended duration without food caused the children to become restless, detracting from the overall dining experience.
@drkbjohnson This was my only regret #disneyworld #beautyandthebeastcastle We wasted so much time and money
Overview of Guest Experience at Be Our Guest
Their grievances extended beyond just the wait time. The family noted their dissatisfaction with the lack of character interactions during their meal. Numerous guests have reported that Be Our Guest does not function as a typical character dining experience.
Rather than characters visiting tables throughout the meal, guests are only afforded the chance to meet the Beast in a separate area after dining. This aspect of the experience appeared to catch the family off guard, as they anticipated more frequent character interactions typical of other Disney dining venues.
In terms of atmosphere, guests have historically praised Be Our Guest’s beautifully themed interior, inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991).
However, the family noted that the atmosphere alone was insufficient to counterbalance their frustrations stemming from service issues and lack of character engagement. Expectations for an immersive and interactive character dining experience were not met.
Recent Menu Changes and Special Events
The dining experience at Be Our Guest has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in its menu offerings. Seasonal menus, such as those introduced for Mickey’s Halloween Party, have drawn attention. The restaurant, renowned for its French-inspired dishes, often features special items that reflect the current festivities.
Menu modifications can greatly affect guest experiences, particularly in terms of diversity and quality of offerings. While special menus during events like Mickey’s Halloween Party may draw in guests with innovative selections, fluctuations in pricing have also led to debates over the value of such dining experiences.
The family who reported their negative experience at Be Our Guest pointed out that despite the increased cost, their overall satisfaction with the food did not meet their expectations.
Variations in the menu, combined with promotional events, reflect Disney’s strategy to attract guests; however, customer reception can vary widely. While some patrons enjoy the themed experiences, others, like the affected family, may feel that the changes result in a diminished experience, lacking the expected magic.
Character Meet & Greet Reintroduction at Be Our Guest Restaurant
The recent return of character meet and greet opportunities at Be Our Guest Restaurant has been met with mixed reviews. After a hiatus during the pandemic, the Beast has resumed meeting guests in his study, a significant departure from the previous setup, where he roamed throughout the dining area.
While this change has garnered some excitement, including a more personal interaction with the character, it has also led to uncertainty regarding the consistency and availability of such encounters.
The family that shared their experience at Be Our Guest expressed disappointment about the character interaction, as they believed they were purchasing a full character dining experience. They achieved only limited engagement during their visit, which contrasted with their expectations based on other character dining locations within the Walt Disney World Resort.
Guests who wish to meet the Beast can now do so in a dedicated area, which offers more time for interaction compared to the previous setup. Nevertheless, this switch has resulted in questions about the future of character meet and greets at Be Our Guest. While many hope that the new arrangement will remain, uncertainty about its permanence still lingers.
The family’s negative experience at Be Our Guest has elicited a strong online reaction. Social media platforms have become a space for fellow patrons to share their insights and criticisms regarding the restaurant. Some users sympathized with the reported slow service and the lack of character engagement, while others highlighted similar experiences of frustration over lengthy waits and unmet expectations.
Amidst the discussions, suggestions for improvements have emerged. Recommendations include increasing seating to reduce wait times, enhancing character interaction opportunities, and improving the overall service speed to align more closely with the pricing structure.
Given the premium charged for dining at Be Our Guest, several guests felt that adjustments were needed to elevate the experience to match the expectations set by its reputation.
Additionally, patrons seeking alternate dining experiences within the Disney parks have begun looking at options like Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom or Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. These establishments are known for their interactive environments with multiple character appearances, offering what many consider a true character dining experience.
Be Our Guest Restaurant benefits from an iconic status in Magic Kingdom; however, guest experiences can vary greatly. Service speed, menu changes, and character interactions all play critical roles in shaping visitors’ perceptions of dining there. Future improvements and guest feedback may dictate the restaurant’s trajectory as it continues to evolve within the vibrant landscape of Walt Disney World dining.
Be Our Guest is the worst place to go even if no characters . We been 2 times and will never go back. Worst food I have ever tried to eat and service is non existent except to collect your money. The sandwich they brought was like one you find at a gas station. Dried out and like it was put together months ago. The other meal my wife had was about the same.
My family had a poor experience at Be Our Guest, as well. There were eight of us for dinner. We got to the restaurant at our reservation time. There was no table ready for us. They added a chair or two to a small table to try to accommodate us. Our server mixed up all of our food because he did not write anything down. My husband asked for a change for a side dish. The item was on his plate when it was served. Husband asked to have his dinner replaced. “No problem!” When he was re-served, the item was replaced but there was still evidence of it on the plate. A reputable restaurant would have served a brand new plate with the correct food. This was our second meal at Be Our Guest. The first experience was wonderful.
It’s sad but soo true, before covid it was considered one of the best if not THE BEST places to have lunch. but afterwards and higher prices, it now has a vibe not at all now worth the effort in order to just get a reservation (this is not The castle). Lastly the food (French/ americanized) is just above par with the ambiance.