VIDEO: As live-action “Beauty and the Beast” hits theaters, Disney’s theme parks remain the best way to live the fairy tale

in Disney, Disneyland Resort, Entertainment, Movies, Movies & TV, Music, Theater, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

After much hype, tomorrow Walt Disney Studios will finally release their long-anticipated, live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” to theaters. But at Disney’s theme parks, the concept of a “live-action” version of the tale as old as time is nothing new.

At Walt Disney World and Disneyland, the characters of “Beauty and the Beast” have brought this fairy tale to life for years in many entertaining forms.

“Beauty and the Beast–Live on Stage” is a beautiful musical production that has been put on daily for many years in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

Earlier this year, a few changes were made to the show.

First, a touching pre-show was added to the performance in which a father and daughter from the audience share a moment together on stage as a reference to the loving relationship that Belle has with her father, Maurice.

WATCH THE PRE-SHOW: 

Additionally, Beast’s costume got a bit of a makeover. In his former look, Beast was shirtless and sported a bit of a mohawk on top of his head. Along with his fur, Beast also bared quite a lot of teeth. This is no longer the case. In his updated look, a white shirt has been added to his ragged pants, and his cape is now made of velvet. He has a fuller head of “hair,” and he has also tucked a few more fangs back in his mouth, making him look more like his character in the animated film.

WATCH THE SHOW:

You can see here how Beast’s look was a little outdated compared with his current appearance.

BEFORE

Beauty and the Beast--Live on Stage

AFTER

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

“Beauty and the Beast” still runs multiple times daily in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and is well worth the time. With performers that bring their “A-Game” to the stage and a surprising amount of panache for a theme park show, we hope this attraction will remain for quite some time.

Beyond this mainstay, a variety of stage shows, attractions, and character appearances have delighted guests over the years.

From Gaston’s antics in Fantasyland to seeing Belle in an enchanted meet-and-greet to the stunningly detailed Be Our Guest restaurant, there’s been no shortage of this classic tale. Watch a few of our favorites from over the years:

What’s your favorite “Beauty and the Beast” encounters at a Disney theme park? Chime in below!

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