by Character Diva
Whether you were elated or hesitant about it, from the first moment you heard about Disney releasing a new live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast”, everyone seemed to have an opinion. Considered to be one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, as it retold a “tale as old as time”, “Beauty and the Beast” has taken the world by storm. And while you can view “Beauty and the Beast” anywhere, if you want to immerse yourself into a truly unique experience that only happens once in a lifetime (all while feeling like the belle of the ball), there is really only one place to see it: The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
Parking
There are a couple different options for parking at the El Capitan Theatre. If you wish to park directly behind the theater, you can do so, however parking is a flat rate of $25. This is a great option if you want to park super close, or if you want to do some extra sightseeing around Hollywood.
There is also another lot across the street from the El Capitan Theatre (about a quick 5 minute walk to the theater) that validates parking. If you’re looking to save some money, this is definitely a better option… and there’s a parking validation stamp/scanner right near the exit, which makes it very convenient.
When You Get There
This was definitely one of the coolest movie experiences I’ve ever had, and I would definitely go back to the theater, especially for a Disney movie! Our tickets included one free popcorn and drink. The popcorn came in a cute take-home El Capitan Theatre Bucket, and the drink choices included: Coke products, juice, or water.
As soon as you walk in, they have the rose bell jar prop from the movie, which not only helps set the tone, but it makes for an awesome backdrop for pictures.
Why It Pays to Arrive Early
If you truly want to experience the “V.I.P.” treatment and immerse yourself into Belle’s world, you definitely need to arrive early. The El Capitan Theatre is currently offering all kinds of unique experiences, from the Swavorski Crystal Curtain and Immersive Light and Projection Show, the curated collection of costumes, props and set dressing, and the Ghirardelli Sip and See Package. There are also plenty of unique photo opportunities to check out as well. We arrived about an hour early to make sure we could take everything in, and we were not disappointed in the least! So let’s check out some of the experiences you can find only at the El Capitan Theatre.
Photo Opportunities
To begin with, the entire theater is completely decked out in Beauty and the Beast paraphernalia. Whether it is the numerous props from the movie, Belle and Beast’s ballroom attire, the fragrant smell of rose petals, or the Beauty and the Beast music gently playing in the background, there is definitely no mistaking what event you are there for.
While there are plenty of places throughout the theater to stop and pose for pictures, one place you definitely do not want to miss is the rose wall. One of the women who worked there told us that all of the roses on the rose wall were real (and they all smelled amazing!) Because we had arrived so early, we were able to walk right up to the rose wall and take pictures next to it. Other viewers who waited until later on had to wait in an EXTREMELY LONG line (particularly after the movie was over), so make sure you do this right away. Disney Diva Tip: Again, if you truly want to experience everything, I highly recommend getting there early. Lines will be much shorter, and it’ll give you a chance to take time and appreciate everything there is to see and do without feeling rushed.
Costumes & Props
The costumes and props are located downstairs in the lower lounge and truly exquisite. As mentioned above, Belle and Beast’s ballroom attire are both on display, two iconic costumes that you surely do not wish to miss. You can also see Cogsworth, Lumiere, (both the costumes worn while in their human form as well as the animated objects props), the rose bell jar, and several items from Gaston’s tavern, including beer steins and a few sets of antlers from Gaston’s personal collection to name a few.
Ghirardelli Sip & See Package
This is an experience that Mrs. Potts would be proud of! Ghirardelli has partnered with Disney and the El Capitan Theatre to present guests with some Twinings Herbal Tea over at Ghirardelli (attached to the theater). And since no trip to Ghirardelli would be complete without a free sample, make sure you stop to get the free chocolate they hand out as you enter the store as well.
Seating & The Final Touches Before the Movie
After touring the theater for a bit, we headed up to our seats, where an usher helped direct us where to go. At 7pm, someone came out and informed us that the movie was about to begin, and this is when things truly became magical.
Swarovski has partnered with Disney and the El Capitan Theatre to put on a stunning crystal curtain display before the movie begins, all set to the Beauty and the Beast overture (played by a hundred piece live orchestra… an experience that you will find only at the El Capitan Theatre). While the music is playing, the crystal curtain lights up and changes colors to reflect the music, and for a big finale, rose petal confetti goes off, showering the guests in a dramatic climax. Words simply cannot do the experience justice.
From there, the movie begins, and after all of the excitement, you are definitely prepared for it. While you can see Beauty and the Beast anywhere in theaters, there is only one place in the world where you can experience the VIP treatment and take in all of the little details of “Beauty and the Beast”. You definitely do not want to miss seeing it at the El Capitan Theatre… but buy your tickets soon! They’re going fast!
How Do You Get Tickets?
Ready to experience all of the Disney magic for yourself? The El Capitan Theatre has all reserved seating, and tickets are available now at The El Capitan Theatre Box Office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396). Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. Showtimes for “Beauty and the Beast” are 10:45am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm and 10:30pm daily (showtimes may vary and are subject to change without notice).
So there you have it… everything you need to know about seeing “Beauty and the Beast” at the El Capitan Theatre. Have you ever seen a Disney movie there? Or do you plan on watching “Beauty and the Beast” at the El Capitan Theatre? Let us know all about it in the comments below.
Disney Diva Disclaimer: Tipsfromthedisneydiva.com were provided two complimentary tickets to attend the March 21, 2017 showing of Beauty and the Beast, as well as given access to view and partake in the experiences listed above. While this unique opportunity was provided to us for free, we pride ourselves on the integrity and honesty of our writing. All thoughts and views provided in this article are 100% our own, and are not biased in any manner.
