Reopening Dates Announced for Enchanted Tales with Belle and Ariel’s Grotto Character Experiences at Magic Kingdom

Tom Corless

Updated on:

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Reopening Dates Announced for Enchanted Tales with Belle and Ariel’s Grotto Character Experiences at Magic Kingdom

Two of the last remaining COVID-shuttered character experiences at the Magic Kingdom will be returning soon.

Enchanted Tales with Belle and Ariel’s Grotto in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom have been closed (at least in their original capacities) since March 2020 when the entire Walt Disney World Resort was shuttered due to the pandemic. Now, nearly 3 years later, both offerings are supposedly close to returning.

Ariel’s Grotto will reopen to guests on January 22. Enchanted Tales with Belle will return on February 19, 2023. Both attractions will be offered as part of Genie+ as well, providing Lightning Lane access.

Guests have been able to meet Belle both inside and outside the cottage over the last few months, but the full Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction was not available. Disney describes the experience as follows:

Step into Belle and Maurice’s quaint country cottage and marvel at the charming decor. Next, tour Maurice’s workshop, where you’ll see his inventive gadgets—and a special enchanted mirror the Beast gave to Belle. Say the magic words and the mirror comes to life!

Watch the story of how Belle and the Beast met, and then behold the walls disappear before your eyes as you are magically transported to the Beast’s castle.

Meet the Enchanted Wardrobe, who will help selected participants prepare for their role. Which of you will play the Beast? Guests of all ages may volunteer!

Take your places inside the Beast’s splendid library, where Lumière the talking candlestick directs the action. When Belle appears, you’ll get a chance to play your part in her fairytale story—or just cheer along as you observe the fun!

Ariel’s Grotto is a much more traditional meet and greet experience where guests could meet Ariel in her mermaid form. This has been something guests have been unable to do anywhere at Walt Disney World since March 2020.

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