Gaston’s Tavern Review: A Must-Visit for Beauty and the Beast Fans
Thinking about stopping at Gaston’s Tavern? Here’s my honest review, what to order, and why this Beauty and the Beast-themed snack stop is worth visiting.
I’ll be honest.
I almost don’t think of Gaston’s Tavern as a quick service restaurant.
Technically, it is.
But when I think about Gaston’s Tavern, I think of it as more of a place to stop for a really good snack than somewhere I’d plan on eating lunch.
And honestly, that’s perfectly okay.
I’ve eaten here a couple of times over the years, and every time I’ve walked away happy. The menu is pretty small, but the things they do well, they do really well.
And then there’s the theming.
If you’re a Beauty and the Beast fan like I am, I honestly think it’s worth stopping by even if you don’t order a thing.
Here’s my honest review.
Gaston’s Tavern at a Glance
Location: Fantasyland
Cuisine: Pastries, savory snacks, desserts, and specialty drinks
Dining Plan: Snack Credit (when available)
Mobile Order: Yes
Indoor Seating: Yes
Air Conditioning: Yes
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Best For: Beauty and the Beast fans, a hearty snack, a light breakfast, and one of the best themed dining locations in Magic Kingdom.
Where Is Gaston’s Tavern?
Gaston’s Tavern is tucked away in Fantasyland, just past Be Our Guest Restaurant and not far from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
If you’re spending your morning exploring this side of the park, it’s an easy place to stop for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. Gaston’s Tavern is a great snack stop, but if you’re craving something a little heartier while you’re in Fantasyland, I’d probably choose Friar’s Nook instead. Here’s why in my Friar’s Nook review.
It’s also one of those places that’s easy to walk right by if you’re rushing from ride to ride.
Don’t.
Even if you aren’t hungry, I think it’s worth walking inside just to see it.
The Best Part Has Nothing to Do with the Food
One of the things I love most about Gaston’s Tavern is that Disney completely committed to the theme.
The minute you walk inside, you feel like you’ve stepped into Gaston’s favorite hangout from Beauty and the Beast.
There are antlers hanging on the walls, giant wooden beams, oversized fireplaces, and rustic furniture everywhere you look.
And then, of course, there’s Gaston’s chair.
If you’ve never seen it before, it’s absolutely enormous.
Go sit in it.
Seriously.
It’s one of those little Disney details that’s just fun, and it perfectly captures Gaston’s larger-than-life personality.
I think Disney Imagineering absolutely nailed this one.
What I Recommend Ordering
I’ve tried several things here over the years, and I’ve honestly enjoyed everything I’ve ordered.
Crème Brûlée Croissant
This is my favorite thing on the menu.
Which honestly surprised me.
Normally, pastries with cream fillings aren’t really my thing. I’ll usually skip right over them.
But this one just worked.
The pastry was flaky, the filling wasn’t overly sweet, and the caramelized sugar on top gave it just enough crunch.
I’d order it again without hesitation.
If you’re anything like me and plan a good part of your Disney day around snacks, be sure to check out my guide to the best Magic Kingdom snacks, where I rank all of my favorite sweet and savory treats throughout the park.
Ham and Gruyère Sandwich
When I first tried this menu item, it was the Ham and Gruyère Tart.
Disney has since updated it into the Ham and Gruyère Sandwich, but it’s still served on that same crispy croissant dough with the same savory ham and melty Gruyère cheese.
I really enjoyed the original version. The flaky pastry, savory ham, and cheese all worked really well together, and it was surprisingly filling for what looked like a fairly small snack.
If you’re trying to decide between something sweet and something savory, this would absolutely be my savory recommendation.
The Gray Stuff Cupcake
Yes…
“It’s delicious.”
I couldn’t resist.
I actually had the Gray Stuff Cupcake at Be Our Guest Restaurant, but it’s the same dessert served here. If you’re trying to decide whether the prix fixe meal is worth the splurge, be sure to read my Be Our Guest review.
It’s good.
Not amazing.
Not life-changing.
Just good.
Personally, if I were standing at the counter trying to decide what to order, I’d pick the Crème Brûlée Croissant every single time.
What About the Cinnamon Roll?
I know.
This is probably the thing most people come here to order.
And I’ve never had it.
There’s a pretty simple reason for that.
I’m almost never in Fantasyland first thing in the morning, and the idea of eating a giant cinnamon roll in the middle of the afternoon just doesn’t sound very appealing to me.
I’ve also heard really mixed reviews over the years.
Some people absolutely rave about it, especially when it’s fresh.
Others say if it’s been sitting for a while, it’s dry and kind of disappointing.
I’ll probably try it one of these days, but until I do, I’m not going to pretend I can recommend it.
Is Gaston’s Tavern Good for Families?
Absolutely.
Kids will love the Beauty and the Beast theming, adults will appreciate all of the little details Disney tucked throughout the restaurant, and there are enough sweet and savory options that most people can find something they’ll enjoy.
I also like that you don’t have to make a huge time commitment here.
This isn’t somewhere I’d plan to spend an hour eating lunch.
It’s somewhere I’d stop, grab a snack, cool off for a few minutes in the air conditioning, and then head back out into Fantasyland.
Who Might Want to Skip Gaston’s Tavern?
As much as I enjoy Gaston’s Tavern, it isn’t for everyone.
If you’re looking for a full meal, I’d probably recommend Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill, or even Casey’s Corner instead.
Gaston’s Tavern is really more of a snack stop than a restaurant where you’re going to sit down and have lunch.
The menu is fairly small, and that’s okay.
I think Disney designed it that way on purpose.
If you’re looking for something between meals, though, I think it’s a great choice.
Things to Know Before You Go
A few quick tips before you visit:
- Mobile Order is available.
- Seating is indoors and air conditioned.
- Take a few minutes to look around before you leave.
- Don’t miss Gaston’s oversized chair—it’s one of the best photo opportunities in Fantasyland.
- If you’re looking for dessert, I’d choose the Crème Brûlée Croissant over the Gray Stuff Cupcake.
Is Gaston’s Tavern Worth It?
I definitely think so.
Would I go out of my way to eat lunch here?
Probably not.
Would I stop here for a snack almost every trip?
Absolutely.
Between the fantastic theming, the Crème Brûlée Croissant, and the Ham and Gruyère Tart, there’s plenty to like about Gaston’s Tavern.
It’s one of those places that reminds me Disney doesn’t always have to do something big to do it well.
Sometimes a small menu, great atmosphere, and a couple really good menu items are all you need.
Final Thoughts
Gaston’s Tavern isn’t trying to compete with the larger quick service restaurants at Magic Kingdom.
Instead, it fills a different role.
It’s the kind of place where you stop for a snack, admire the incredible Beauty and the Beast theming, take a picture in Gaston’s chair, and enjoy a few quiet minutes before heading back into Fantasyland.
I’ve always enjoyed my visits here, and I know I’ll be back again.
If you’re still trying to decide where to eat at Magic Kingdom, don’t miss my guide to the best Magic Kingdom quick service restaurants, where I compare every major location in the park and explain which ones I think are worth your time.
