Why Beast’s Castle at Disney World Wasn’t Right for Our Family

A potentially unpopular opinion of a mom of 3 little kids

When we booked our dinner reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom, I had high hopes. The idea of dining inside Beast’s enchanted castle sounded like the perfect fairytale moment for our Disney vacation. But after experiencing it firsthand, I can honestly say—it just wasn’t a fit for our family.

Here’s why:

1. Dinner Took Forever

Let’s start with the obvious: dinner at Beast’s Castle is not a quick stop. We expected a leisurely meal, but the pacing was really slow. What was supposed to be a magical dining experience turned into a test of patience.

If you’ve got little kids like we do, you know they don’t do well with sitting for extended periods—especially after a long, hot day at the parks. Our little ones got restless halfway through the appetizers, and we spent most of the meal trying to keep them entertained or quiet instead of enjoying it ourselves.

2. It’s Pricey—And the Portions Are Small

Disney dining is never cheap, but this one felt particularly tough on the wallet. For what we paid (it’s a prix fixe menu now), the portions were surprisingly small. Sure, the presentation was beautiful, but it wasn’t enough food to justify the price, especially for kids who barely touched theirs.

If you’re looking for a good value meal or have big appetites in the group, this might not be the best pick.

Low lighting in the main dining room

3. Low Lighting = Low Visibility

The dark, moody lighting is meant to mimic the ambiance of the Beast’s castle—and while it’s thematically spot-on, it’s not very practical. My dad, who’s a senior, had a hard time seeing the menu and even the food in front of him.

It felt more like dining in a dimly lit lounge than a family-friendly Disney restaurant.

The Beast waving hello.

4. No Real Character Interaction

One of the biggest letdowns: you don’t actually meet the Beast anymore. He walks through the dining room a few times, gives a wave, and that’s it. No photos, no autographs, no one-on-one time.

For families hoping for that magical moment with a beloved character, this felt like a huge miss—especially since character dining is such a highlight for kids.

5. Better Suited for Adults, Not Families with Young Kids

Honestly, the whole vibe of Be Our Guest felt better suited for adults or couples looking for a romantic evening—not parents juggling kids who are melting down from overstimulation and hunger. Between the long wait, low lighting, and lack of engaging elements for kids, it didn’t match the Disney magic we were hoping for.

Better Dining Options for Families with Kids

If you're looking for more fun, kid-friendly, and engaging dining experiences at Disney World, here are a few restaurants we loved (and think you will too):

• 🍳 Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort): Classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto come right to your table for hugs and photos. The buffet has tons of options for all ages—and it’s just a short walk or monorail ride from Magic Kingdom.

• 🦐 Cape May Café (Beach Club Resort): A relaxed, beachy character breakfast with Goofy, Daisy, and friends. Plenty of food choices, fun atmosphere, and a quieter alternative to some of the louder spots.

• 🕰️ 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian – reopening 2024): This one’s a gem when it's open! Cinderella, Prince Charming, and even the hilarious stepsisters make the rounds. Bonus: the Victorian setting is bright and elegant without being stuffy.

• 🌱 Garden Grill Restaurant (EPCOT): A rotating restaurant (yes, it moves!) where you meet Chip, Dale, and other classic characters while enjoying fresh, family-style meals with views of the Living with the Land attraction.