Enchanted Tales with Belle is a small, sweet, interactive show in the Fantasyland section of Magic Kingdom. It opened in 2012 and sits inside Maurice’s cottage, just below the Beast’s castle. Instead of simply watching the story of Beauty and the Beast, guests are picked to play parts in it, and Belle herself joins the fun at the end. It’s a highlight for young princess fans, and it is gentle enough for any age.
| Location | Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom |
| Attraction type | Interactive character show |
| Height requirement | None |
| Experience length | About 20 minutes |
| Opened | December 6, 2012 |
| Thrill level | None |
| Best for | Young children and Beauty and the Beast fans |
What the experience is like
The line winds through Maurice’s workshop and past his inventions, sketches of Belle and the familiar family portraits. Inside the cottage, a magic mirror on the wall grows larger until it becomes a doorway, and the group steps through into the Beast’s castle.
In the library, a cast member hands out roles to volunteers. Children play characters like the Beast, Chip, Mrs. Potts and the enchanted objects, and a few grown-ups are usually drafted too. Then Lumiere, one of the most expressive animatronics Disney has ever built, springs to life on the mantel and helps Belle tell the story. The cast acts out the ballroom scene, and each performer gets a photo with Belle and a bookmark to remember the moment.
Tips for visiting
- Let the kids volunteer. The best part is watching little ones act out a part. Position them near the front when roles are being handed out.
- Plan around the wait. Because each group is small, standby waits can build up. Morning and evening usually move fastest.
- Bring your camera. You can take photos throughout, and Belle poses with the performers at the end.
- Pair it nearby. Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid and Be Our Guest Restaurant are both steps away.
Accessibility
The experience is wheelchair and ECV accessible, though guests will stand for most of the show. Assistive listening and handheld captioning are available.
Is it worth it?
For families with young kids, it’s one of the most memorable things you can do in Magic Kingdom. Adults without children may prefer to spend the time elsewhere, but Lumiere alone is impressive enough to be worth a peek.
Featured Photo: Enchanted Tales with Belle by Sam Howzit, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
