A Disney Dining review by Fran CassanoAll photos by Fran Cassano
I was wandering around Fantasyland trick or treating during the last night of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and wanted to peek into New Fantasyland. I had heard that there have been many previews during their Dress Rehearsal. Imagine my surprise when I was offered an immediate dinner seating at the French-inspired, Be Our Guest
Restaurant.
As instructed, I went up to the “gatehouse” at the bridge and was seated very soon after. However, they told me these opportunities are sporadic and only during times they are operating a Dress Rehearsal.
Once inside, I was seated in the Ballroom, which at first glance nearly brought a tear to my eye it is that gorgeous. The stunning chandeliers glitter from a hand painted ceiling. The windows reveal an evening snowfall (but were too difficult to photograph with my camera).
I knew I was in for a first class experience only Disney can dream into reality.
I ordered the Thyme-scented Pork Rack Chop. You can tell it was braised for hours. It was so tender, I didn’t even really need a knife. It comes with a creamy Au Gratin Macaroni and seasoned vegetables. I paired this with the Lasseter Family St. Emilion Red Blend and I found it to be an excellent match to the Red Wine Jus from the pork.
For dessert, I had the Lemon Meringue Cupcake. The tangy but sweet curd was surrounded by fluffy vanilla sponge. The “icing” was probably the best meringue I ever tasted-smooth, sweet and charred just the right way.
My server told me that they will only bring “The Grey Stuff” out for guests on very special occasions, but she brought some out to me as part of the rehearsal. I can verify that it’s delicious, but boy did I love that cupcake!
During my seating, the Rose Gallery was closed off, however I did get to see the not so “forbidden” West Wing. The rose is animated and when the petals fall, the room environment changes. I did some more exploring of the tapestries, mosaics and gargoyles. There are even some “enchanted” Knights in the corridor.
The Be Our Guest is Disney dining AND imagineering at its absolute finest. The theming is so perfect, it’s as if you actually stepped in the film ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The storytelling in New Fantasyland is very tight and connective as you move within the respective areas. Going from Maurice’s Cottage to Enchanted Tales with Belle to Gaston’s Tavern to the Be Our Guest Restaurant feels linear to the movie.
“Tie a napkin ’round you neck, Cheri!” And get ready for a new favorite ADR.
The Be Our Guest Restaurant officially opens on November 19, 2012. Reserve online at
http://disneyworld.disney.go.
New Fantasyland officially opens December 6, 2012.
