Design Detail: Tokyo Disneyland's Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast

With rare exceptions, Tokyo Disney Resort's two theme park provide some of the most detailed theming to be found in Disney's parks. With the original Beauty and the Beast film being so loved, it was not surprising that the Imagineers would be hired by the Oriental Land Company to create the ultimate attraction for the property. In contrast to the poorly executed forced perspective mini-castle in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland received a full blown Beast's castle when it cam estimes to expand their Fantasyland. And it is an "E Ticket" attraction with real Audio-Animatronic characters, not just a high priced restaurant. (Is Be Our Guest worth the price? Check out our Dine or Ditch review here and decide for yourself.)

This sign is a small detail that exudes charm and elegance. Are you curious? Do you want to see more? Here is how Disney does Beauty and the Beast in Japan. 

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company)

Rare Concept Art for Pinocchio's Village Haus in Disneyland

Stumbled upon this old piece of concept art for Disneyland's Pinocchio Village Haus (now known as the Beauty and the Beast themed Red Rose Taverne). The brand new revitalized Fantasyland of 1983 saw not only the Pinocchio's Daring Journey dark ride but a nice little restaurant off to the side on the pathway to Frontierland. The very charming inn at Disneyland has an older corporate cousin at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. We know bigger isn't always better, but in this case, the Florida location does have a great big scenic window into the load station of It's A Small World. Over in France, it's Au Chalet de la Marionnette at Disneyland Paris. Anyway you see it, the restaurants are infused with Old World charm and a touch of Disney magic.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Creation of Belle

My adorable little granddaughter decided to send a card to my other adorable granddaughter. But of course, she had to draw something special! And so it was that the littlest Belle came to be created. From one princess to another.

Over the Moon!

Veteran Disney Glen Keane animator directs this brand new film, Over the Moon, and I can't wait to see it. His work on classics such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin show he knows how to tell a story and tell it well. Certainly the opening of the new E Ticket Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disneyland is further proof of the impact this enduring classic has made. Glen has his own fascinating story to tell about the impact of Beast on his life. Go here to read more.

First Look: Full Ride thru of Tokyo's Beauty and the Beast!

Here it is from Disneyphile. Enjoy this look at the Enchanted Tale of  Beauty and the Beast attraction from Tokyo Disneyland before it disappears!

(Shhh- It has a transformation scene just as spectacular as Jack Sparrow's in Shanghai Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.)

How Tokyo Disneyland Does Beauty and the Beast

Well, Tokyo Disneyland has released a series of photographs of their stunning new Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction. And it is just as incredible as the Imagineers could make it. Boy, is it depressing that the largest of all Disney resorts just gets a charming meet and greet and a high end restaurant. 

This seems to be just the way it goes. Oriental Land Company demands and pays for the best- and they get it. Every other park gets some version of the beloved Disney animated film, but nothing can compare to this.

These images make me sad and mad. Don't we American Disney park fans deserve better?

Yes, Ratatouille will be a lot of fun, and Epcot's World Showcase needs an attraction that is good and innovative. But don't you now wish the suits would have added this attraction to the France pavilion instead? I sure do!

Wanna see what Disney has done with Beauty and the Beast in their other resorts? Go here.

Should you eat at the very expensive Be Our Guest in Florida? Check out our Ditch or Dine review here?

(These photos are from various sources on the web, but they were found on the always great WDWMagic site.)

Plans for Russia at World Showcase

Take a look at this beauty! OK, one day, I should probably finish my mega article on the proposed Russia pavilion for World Showcase at Epcot. But not today. I will, however, share this piece of concept art showing the once planned sled ride through the Russian countryside. No doubt the Imagineers plans were grand and expensive with more than one real attraction, several eateries, plenty of shops, and a variety of cultural entertainment. But what a draw to the park this would have been. It would have been show stopping!

The addition of the Ratatouille ride to France is one I'm looking forward to as it is my favorite Pixar film, but it has always been the shows and attractions based on the history and culture of the people that have made World Showcase a place I can spend days in. Bring on Brazil or India or somewhere else, but please give us more than beloved animated characters and iconic Marvel properties into my favorite Florida park. Dig deeper, strive harder, take risks. In a world where "cancel culture" is taking over, it is time to remember our real history- both good and bad- and celebrate the positive with hope for the future. Isn't that what EPCOT Center was all about?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Dine or Ditch: Be Our Guest at the Magic Kingdom

The next restaurant to be reviewed in the Dine or Ditch series is one that's sure to raise some heated opinions on both sides. Be Our Guest is a fan favorite and one restaurant that was on the top of my list to experience in 2018. Would it live up to the hype?

The approach is promising.

Regardless of how you feel about it, one of the hottest meal tickets on the Disney property is Be Our Guest in the New Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom. Does this mean it has the best food, the most incredible atmosphere, or stunning entertainment compared to other locations found in the parks or resorts? No, it means that Beauty and the Beast is a much loved film and in all its forms continues to be a big draw throughout the multitude of Disney destinations. 

Behind door number 1? The movie's ballroom.

Having to get up early in the morning to make dining reservations when the central desk opens is not my choice in vacation planning. Yet, there's no way around it if dining in Beast's castle is at the top of your list as it was for mine in 2018 when we traveled with our youngest daughter and her family. Be Our Guest also made the list for our 2019 trip as we were traveling with a different daughter and her family, and they wanted to eat there as well.

The West Wing- dark, mysterious, and full of Disney charm.

The number one rule here to getting the reservation you want or one at all- "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Over and over. It took many attempts to get exactly what we wanted. Unfortunately, with the mess Disney's created by having to book everything in advance, you have to shuffle the importance of getting key Fast Pass attractions with the most coveted dining reservations. This challenge is the most difficult, most maddening, part of a Walt Disney World vacation! Is Be Our Guest worth it? Read on and make your own decision.

Our first visit was truly a magical experience. Our reservations were very late in the evening. In fact, it may have been the last seating time on schedule. Fantasyland was close to empty as parents took their kids home for the night. Even though we had two elementary kids with us, choosing this time was to our advantage. 

If you ask nicely, the cast member may let you in early

to take some photos- even if your reservation

is later in the day.

The approximate twenty minute wait gave us time to explore both the inside and outside of the castle and take some photos. 

We considered the ballroom, but decided to dine in the West Wing as our daughter's family had dined in the ballroom in the past. The atmosphere here is rich and rather private feeling in spite of all the tables. Toss in a thunderstorm outside, a magic rose losing its petals, and a changing portrait of the master of the castle, and it is a stunning environment. Added benefit was how quiet this location was, creating a very relaxing spot to eat. 

Beast in his dinner attire.

Once we were seated, I took the time to explore the other rooms and discovered a dinner only surprise: The servants of the castle introduced the master, who then proceeded to walk through the main areas before settling into a private meeting room so that diners could have an up close and personal character greeting. Be aware, this is something that is not done at any other time of the day. You'll see Gaston in the village, but Beast is only found here.

Our meals were just as wonderful as the surroundings! They began with a glass of sparkling wine and ended with the grey stuff. Yes, it is delicious! Service was attentive but not intrusive, and our staff was very much into providing a memorable experience for us and for the littlest diners without the slightest bit of a mess. (Inside joke.)

Was it expensive? Absolutely! Our dinner for two with "adult" drinks, dessert, tax and tip went far beyond the one hundred dollar mark. (Note this was back when the Disney Dining Plan counted this as one credit, not two.) We had other very memorable meals that trip, but this was hands down my favorite overall. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite animated movie, so the experience was something I did not want to miss. I was not disappointed. Definitely a "Dine".

Our next visit was not so "enchanting"...

Not in the movie, so this room wasn't even on the table as a choice.

By the time we returned a year later, Be Our Guest was two credits for dinner on the Disney Dining Plan. We were on the plan for this trip, but we opted for a lunch reservation instead, making use of a Quick Service credit. Was it a smart choice? Yes and no.

Excitedly, we entered the castle and were ushered past the suits of armor into a room where kiosks were set up to receive our meal orders. It was quick and efficient. If I'm not mistaken, these were placed in the exact same room where Beast sat at exclusive dinnertime character meet and greet. 

This time we ate in the Ballroom. It was difficult to find seating for our large group. The whole restaurant was filled with families. That in itself wasn't a problem as we were a party of seven with three kids. Part of the issue was so many kids - but not ours - were left to run around as they pleased, making it a very noisy and unpleasant experience. The general lack of consideration for others was rather appalling. 

Although the lunch offerings were decent and the food slightly better than average, the service was not very good. More than once, food was brought to our table that wasn't ours. And it was not delivered all together. I'm not sure this was the fault of the harried waitstaff as much as it was the system. We ate our meals and left as quickly as we came. Our daughter and her husband counted Be Our Guest as one of their least favorite experiences on the property... and I had to agree. It was not worth the time or the money. The contrast between first and second visits couldn't have been more stark. We probably won't eat here again unless it's with another family member who has not been there before. 

A Few Tips:
If you must eat here, try to obtain the reservation you want by getting on line early and/or try again up until departure date. If still unsuccessful, keep checking availability on the My Disney Experience App once you arrive on the Walt Disney World property.

If you're a big fan of the movie, eat in the Ballroom or the West Wing. Skip the Music Box room as it is not in the movie, but do take the time to explore each area. 

Wanting the full dinner experience? Use the Disney Dining Plan. Otherwise plan for a very expensive out of pocket meal- much more than it is worth. Choose lunch for a Quick Service credit or pay on your own. It's still expensive, but if you've got to see it for yourself, this is your best option. Take your time to explore the rooms in the castle and do not let anyone rush you- but do be considerate of others.

Dine or Ditch for Be Our Guest?  A very personal choice. If you've never eaten here, it's a "Dine" with some caveats. If you have, it's a "Ditch". Better experiences and food can be found elsewhere on the property with much less stress.

UPDATE: Disney confirmed today that this restaurant will no longer offer breakfast and will now only be table service. Makes the decision to Dine or Ditch even more difficult!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Two Beauties, No Beast

Character meet and greets are not high on my list, but for families with little ones, they can bring some of the most memorable vacation experiences. Enchanted Tales with Belle is one sweet little opportunity! Would I rather have a Mary Poppins meet and greet akin to this or a spinner? Absolutely! If it's half as charming as what you find in this Fantasyland attraction. Yes, please. (Should be an "E Ticket", but that's another story!)

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Sexualization of Children Needs to Stop

It's time for some common sense. The ongoing sexualization of children needs to stop, but unfortunately some artists are using creative freedom to target children. The latest of Billboard magazine's lead articles this Tuesday feature Nina West (of RuPaul's Drag Race) and her desire to create the "Drag Alphabet". 

In an interview with the artist, Nina shares, "I have wanted to build a really solid foundation of a relationship in children's spaces for drag, and for drag entertainment to enter those spaces," she says. "So what a better way to revisit this idea and this topic than to start with the alphabet?" 

Let's be honest: Parenting is a way in which adults use their time with their own children to impart values near and dear to them. Issues relating to sexuality and expression of it should be handled by the parents of children, not the media, and certainly not the government. However, media giants under the guise of artistic freedom have decided to break those boundaries. Disney has done it before with the live action Beauty and the Beast, Pixar is now doing it with Onward, and it's only the beginning. Anyone in the industry can tell you their ranks include those who prey on children and young teens. Where is the line drawn?

This is not just an inclusive reflection of our society. For those so inclined, this type of media is also a form of grooming- preparing children to be sexualized and used by adults for their own gratification. 

If the #MeToo movement has taught us anything, it's taught us that it's time to stop allowing this madness to continue.

This ongoing assault against children needs to stop. The producers of this garbage are leaving us no choice but to make hard decisions.  Who will lead the way?

Tokyo's Expansion Plans and Mermaid Lagoon Art

Without seemingly any argument from any theme park fan, the Tokyo Disney Resort continues to be the location providing the most excellent Disney experience to be found. (It should be in the U.S. parks, but that is for another post.) From attractions, to upkeep and maintenance, to dining and shopping in both the resorts and the parks, it just can't be beat! 

The concept art used to design the park is no less top-notch! Here, Tokyo Disneysea Imagineer Phillip Freer gives us a beautiful depiction of the park's Mermaid Lagoon at night. The area may not be home to a groundbreaking "E Ticket" attraction, but the inside of the main structure is filled with multiples flat rides and a beautiful show, functioning (for now) as the Fantasyland of the park- that is, until the new Fantasy Springs port opens around 2022. 

Mira Costa quality and prices to match!

Tokyo Disneyland will have Beauty and the Beast opening on May 15 of next year, and the second park will see attractions and areas based on Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen coming afterwards. All this- and a new Mira Costa level resort- seems to guarantee Tokyo Disney Resort will maintain its crown for another decade or so... at least.
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Don't Go to Tokyo Disney Resort

If you are a Stateside Disney theme park fan, I would advise you to not go to Japan and see the Tokyo Disney Resort. You'll be disappointed. Very, very disappointed as you explore these two parks, the first overseas Disney park, Tokyo Disneyland, and its newer sibling, Tokyo Disneysea.

As these screenshots show (from Disunplugged), if you are visiting the first park, all you will get is a knockoff Cinderella Castle. You'll also get a Winnie the Pooh attraction that would be an "E Ticket" in any other park, and a whole series of well known and loved attractions that are in tip top shape. Starting next year, you'll also get a brand new Beauty and the Beast themed land with a full size castle and a new headliner ride, "Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast”.

Things go from bad to worse over at Tokyo Disneysea. There, you'll find entire new ports of call not duplicated in any other Disney park. An entire award winning playground filled with new takes on world class attractions, all surrounding a shimmering lagoon with an active volcano... and in 2022, that Tangled boat ride fans of the film have wanted. All for less than a one day ticket to Florida's Magic Kingdom.

Do you want to be even more disappointed? Go to this series of posts by our own Len Yokoyama (that's part one of five) as he explores the Japanese parks and shoots gorgeous photos of the place.

Tokyo Disney Resort Continues It's Standing as the Premier Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneysea is the undeniable champion of Disney fans theme park envy. In the exact same year that this magnificent park opened, the less than stellar (to be kind) Disney's California Adventure made its debut next to Walt's park in Anaheim. The two parks couldn't have been more different. One park was the epitome of Imagineering skill and creativity. The other, well, a stunning example of Disney "budgeteering", full of pride on behalf of the Company leaders who were convinced everyone would come just because it had the Disney name on it. (Sounds a bit like the marketing plan for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, doesn't it?)

Imagineer Phillip Freer painted this beautiful piece of concept art depicting Tokyo's version of the Indiana Jones Adventure. With the lush tropical rain forest and the imposing temple, it's hard to believe the bustling city of Tokyo is right behind it all. With the upcoming Beauty and the Beast and Fantasy Springs additions, the Japanese parks continue to outshine those in the States if not the world. And for very good reason!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Trio of Tokyo Disneyland Posters

Since opening of the park in 1955, Disneyland attraction posters have been an instant hit with guests. In fact, they are some of the most coveted pieces of artwork found in the park. 

It was soon expected that every addition to the park would have its own matching poster. The tradition continued when the company opened the Walt Disney World resort in 1971 and its beloved Magic Kingdom. 

Overseas parks would soon have their own matching set of posters, and here are three of them from Tokyo Disneyland: Star Tours, Snow White's Adventures and the Castle Carrousel. 

The first two closely mimic those found in the U.S. parks, while the carrousel poster is a unique beauty. There are many more to be found! The elegant world class Tokyo Disneysea offers their own as well.

With brand new attractions coming based on Tangled, Peter Pan, Frozen, and of course, Beauty and the Beast, you can be sure that equally impressive attraction posters will be created. At least this author is looking forward to them!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Haunted Mansion Restaurant?

The Haunted Mansion restaurant? There's rumors of one coming someday to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It may never happen, but something close did come within reach. At least it was once considered. 

The Haunted Mansion as you've never seen it in 3D. In the Fall 2009 edition of D23 magazine,  a piece of concept art which appeared displayed guests doing down to the infamous banquet hall for a bite. Very up close and personal. Your eyes are not deceiving you.  

That really is an Imagineering concept for the once proposed 3D version. Had it been built,  guests would don the glasses to see things in a very different, eerie light. There's no Omnimover, but instead a vehicle chain would looks very similar to what you would have found in EPCOT Center's Horizons attraction.  

Before Phantom Manor made its ghoulish debut in Disneyland Paris' Frontierland  in 1992, the Disney Imagineers created this long abandoned new twist on an old favorite as an idea for Tokyo Disneyland. The Tokyo Mansion was already very strangely placed in Fantasyland, so why not try a brand new idea for the Japanese park or for Paris? In my opinion, thankfully, smarter heads prevailed. They held off until a fresh concept- a Frontierland based Phantom Manor came into view for the French park. And it's a winner!

Instead of throwing 3D glasses on existing rides and calling them new, I would rather advocate we one day have  a version of the Haunted Mansion where the Doombuggies travel into some new rooms, expanding the attraction length and repeatability using a trackless ride system a la Ratatouille or Tokyo's Beauty and the Beast.

Would Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor go 3D eventually? Probably not- it already has it all. Even the videos of the attraction circulating on the web prove it is a unique and worthy experience all its own. First, there's a great and very original story using the trackless free roaming system we've loved from the beginning when from Pooh's Hunny Hunt debuted. And that Danny Elfman music! Certainly Mystic Manor is the attraction that finally placed that poor little under built Chinese park on the Disney fan map. It doesn't need the 3D at all.

For now, it does not look like the incomplete Shanghai Disneyland resort has a ghost filled attraction on its roster. That doesn't mean something won't happen one day. Strange things always do.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Oriental Land Company Makes Me Cancel My Plans Once Again

The Oriental Land Company has once again put an end to my plans to finally visit Tokyo Disney Resort. I'd been carefully, mentally, patiently, looking at an opportunity to go when the Beauty and the Beast mini-land made its debut at Tokyo Disneyland. Now, the announcement of their new addition to Tokyo DisneySea will make me delay my plans for even a few more years. Why? 

Can't wait to experience the lantern scene myself.

I just love Tangled. It's my second favorite animated film after Beast. There's certainly no more beautiful animation art in any Disney film than the lantern scene. The attraction itself should be amazing. And finally Rapunzel's tower leads to a real ride and not just to a couple of restrooms!

C'mon everybody...

Plus I can't wait to see what they do with Peter Pan and a whole new Neverland. It's a very charming yet thrilling piece of property at Disneyland Paris, but my bet is this next generation version takes it even further. 

Yo Ho!

An early rumor even suggests Shanghai Disneyland's Pirates technology could be used here. No matter. This expansion will further cement Tokyo's place as the primary leader in the Disney world.

I bet this attraction is a genuine E Ticket!

Frozen land should proves itself interesting on a grander scale than what the Imagineers were allowed to do when they brought the film into Epcot's Norway pavilion. (More on that next post on our trip.)

The choice of where to stay will now be more difficult.

I'll still writing the next chapter post about our Disney World trip. yet, even my wife had to ask this morning upon hearing the expansion news, "Why does Tokyo seem to do things so much better?" Wise woman.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Be Our Guest Conundrum

Decisions, decisions, and more decisions. It's no longer an easy and spontaneous thing to plan a Walt Disney World vacation! And it's really too bad. As I mentioned in an earlier post, My Booking Nightmare, it's often a mess and not as much fun as the whole part of trip preparation should be. 

Imagineering Concept art of the Beauty and the Beast mini-land.

Our trip is prior to the big July change, when the restaurant changes to a prix fixe three-course dinner. Happy about that! I really don't want to pay those new prices for a theme park dinner quality food regardless of what should be stunning atmosphere. 

As many others have said, including my good friend and co-blogger Len Yokoyama in his Magic Kingdom trip report, Be Our Guest tends to serve mediocre food at best. Unfortunately, this creates a "one and done" end result, even for a fan like me who counts Beauty and the Beast as his favorite Disney animated film ever.


Taking an objective look at it all, I see three options:

Breakfast- The highlight here seems to be the fact that if you book first thing in the morning, you get to walk down Main Street through an empty Magic Kingdom. Going through the castle into the New Fantasyland and out to the bridge to the restaurant with no one around sounds pretty cool. Is it worth $25 a head for breakfast pastries, pancakes, and other cheap to make items? Tough call. 

Lunch- Cheaper (for now) than breakfast or dinner and a chance to get out of the Florida heat in the middle of the day. Two strong plusses, I'd say. I just love the moonlight at midday atmosphere of places like Disneyland's landmark Blue Bayou and Epcot's San Angel Restaurant at World Showcase's Mexico pavilion. It's a special kind of Disney magic few places can match.

Dinner- Would you want to spend your hard earned money eating dinner here? It's the only meal of the day that Beast comes out, making it a character meal of sorts. (And it also eliminates having to do another one.) It sure would be fun to be in New Fantasyland at night upon leaving. But, oh the prices for theme park food!

What choice would you make and why?

(Top photo copyright Len Yokoyama. Art copyright The Walt Disney Company)

A Brand New Beast

Disney animator Glen Keane will be directing Netflix's upcoming Over the Moon, a tale about a young girl who builds a rockets and takes off on an exciting adventure. He's certainly no stranger to creating memorable characters! Glen was the backbone to many Disney projects (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Tangled). 

For me, the ultimate Keane project was Beast, from the classic Beauty and the Beast, my favorite Disney animated film (which also holds up stunningly well next to the live action release). Not only does the animated film have a huge following, but the whole experience of animating / transforming Beast was a powerful one! This was apparently just as true for his animator.

Glen says,

"This is the moment- this is what I was born for...As I started animating it, for me it's really an expression of my spiritual life. There's a verse in the Bible that says 'If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new...'Because it is really about an inner spiritual transformation that's taking place with the Beast. I saw it as a parable of my life."

Boy, I'm with you, Glen. Perhaps that's why this film strikes such a deep note in me and millions of others! There's a longing in us to be more than what we've been, perhaps to be the best version of ourselves, the version that God created- free from the eternal stain of sin and with new hope for life eternal. This is what Jesus Christ does! 

When our hearts are opened by God to hear His Message of hope, forgiveness, and a fresh life, our heart leaps! When we choose to believe that Jesus died for our sin, paying full price for it, and then was raised from the dead to prove He is God in the flesh- wow! Just wow! New life is birthed in us. The failures and brokenness from the past are now just a part of our eternal journey as we increasingly become who God designed us to be. Make the leap into the Arms of Love- and Beast's transformation will be your own parable as well. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

アメリカ人は日本のディズニーパークファンの嫉妬深い

"Amerikahito wa Nihon no dizunīpākufan no shittobukai." Yes, that is what the title of this post is. OK, it's a Japanese phrase that actually - and accurately- means the following:  "We Americans are jealous of Disney Park fans in Japan." 

This incredible photo from the sky shows Mount Prometheus at the still amazing Tokyo DisneySea. The other Asia parks, even Shanghai Disneyland, cannot compare with the place. Hong Kong Disneyland may have Mystic Manor and Shanghai the stunning, shiny, version of Pirates of the Caribbean, but overall, nothing compares to the majesty of Tokyo's second park. And just wait until Tokyo Disneyland premiers its new Beauty and the Beast Super "E Ticket" attraction through Beast's castle. It'll be the envy of park fans everywhere.

(Image copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A Parade Worth Waiting For

I was a big fan of the original Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland, but no other parade has been worth the wait in my eyes. Until now. 

Check out the video below.