During the upcoming EPCOT 2020 International Festival of the Arts, a slew of new movies will premiere all over the park, from Awesome Planet in Future World, to Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 in World Showcase. Over at the France pavilion’s Palais du Cinéma theater, a new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will debut as well, playing intermittently between showings of Impressions de France. Artwork for the Sing-Along was revealed during this year’s D23 Expo, and it featured a hint at the fun “twist” that was coming to the tale as old as time:
Notice LeFou up in the upper left hand corner of the poster art? They easily could’ve featured Chip (okay, he doesn’t have hands), Lumiere, or even Cogsworth up there, but instead they opted for LeFou, Gaston’s right-hand man… or was he?
According to this new retelling of the classic tale, it turns out LeFou actually intended for Belle and Beast to meet by sending Maurice off into the forest (and ultimately to the castle) and having Belle follow him there as well. From there, he helped them fall in love by making magic behind the scenes, including playing the violin during the iconic ballroom scene.
Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, has overseen the creation of the Sing-Along, which will also be narrated by Angela Lansbury, the voice of Mrs. Potts in the animated movie, and feature five classic songs. LeFou will be voiced by none other than Jesse Corti. The original animators of Beauty and the Beast have also lent their creative talents to the new Sing-Along in creating all of these new scenes. The Sing-Along will have a run time of 14 minutes.
It has not been confirmed whether Robby Benson, the original voice of Beast, or Paige O’Hara, the original voice of Belle, will also be reprising their roles, but O’Hara makes regular appearances at the Festival of the Arts every year for art signings, so it’s likely she’ll be a part of the grand opening in some way.
Are you excited for the new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along? What do you think of the new plot twist? Sound off in the comments!
Don’t want this at all. This belongs in MK not Epcot.
You’re wrong, James! Don’t be an idiot! 😡
I agree. At least they aren’t totally closing Impressions de France. I am bummed it is under refurbishment right now and I will miss it on my trip.
I would love to see Robby Benson here. 💗💗💗 That would make it perfect!
The twist sounds stupid. I’ll just keep watching the original animated feature and make sure I only go to that theater for the French Movie.
Yes, please get Robby Benson!! It will not be the same without him.
I’m sure it will be an entertaining attraction for many.
But that plot twist is abysmal.
Yes Bobby Benson should be put back into the role he is an amazing actor!
Please have Robby Benson as “The Beast”. Love his voice. He is simply awesome!!
Listen. The universe made me this one thing. It doesn’t matter if any one of you like this attraction. This was made for me.
I’ve seen it. It’s god awful. One of the worst disney world attractions I’ve ever seen.