Another One Bites the Dust: A Fond Farewell to Beast’s Library

You know those special places that reside nearby, but you don’t often visit? Maybe it’s the beach or a famous landmark…it’s not that you don’t appreciate these hidden gems. Rather, you know they are there, so you take them for granted. Well, the Beast’s Library in Disney California Adventure Park shares a similar orientation. Tucked away in a corner of the Animation Building in Hollywood Land, some aren’t even aware of it. But, those who are find joy and comfort in its existence. Although they may forego a visit on a typical trip to the park, it’s enough to know it’s there. 

If you haven’t already heard, Disney will soon be shutting the doors of this location. This is not the first time a beloved segment of the Animation Building has been nixed. Its closure follows the shutdown of Ursula’s Grotto, and the Toy Story 3D Zoetrope. Now, the public is left wondering if more closures will follow. Since the news broke, fans have been heading to the Beast’s Library in droves, lining up to get their last taste of the magic.

So, come along with us as we follow the path to a place where you can enjoy remnants of a tale as old as time. In addition to the Beast’s Library, we’ll also take a look at the Animation Building’s transformation over the years. Are you ready? Let’s go!

The Animation Building

For animation fans, a visit to the Animation Building is akin to being a kid in a candy store. One of my favorite places in the park, it’s an inspiring location, capable of evoking strong emotions. Opening with California Adventure on February 8, 2001, it’s a popular place to rest and escape the California heat. Upon entering, you’re immediately surrounded by multiple screens projecting different scenes from iconic Disney animated films.

Guests can take a seat as they watch some of their favorite cinematic memories come to life, and sing along to their soundtracks. Scattered around the room are several signs guiding you to various interactive experiences including the Animation Academy, Turtle Talk with Crush, Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome, and the Sorceror’s Workshop. If you truly wish to celebrate Disney’s 100th Anniversary, the Animation Building is the place to do it!

Beast’s Library

The Beast’s Library used to be sandwiched between the Sorcerer’s Workshop and Ursula’s Grotto, but after the latter’s departure, only two remain. This unassuming location may be more symbolic of pop culture than you think! Just a few days ago, the Beast’s Library was mentioned in SNL’s popular Weekend Update segment. Yes, you heard that correctly.

Within the enchanting room, fans are treated to some quintessential Disney Parks magic. Inspired by the Beauty and the Beast film, the library undergoes a striking transformation.

After the last petal falls, the room brightens as the Beast’s photo is transformed, and the fireplace is set ablaze. Check out the action below!

Interactive Elements

That’s not all! Fans also get to experience a taste of their own personal magic via enchanted kiosks that tell you which Disney character you resemble most. Led by Lumiere, a magical book and mirror lead you through a series of questions.

Simply select your choice in the center of the bookmark and find out your Disney doppelganger of sorts. However, we must warn you, be careful of what you select, or you may end up an animal or villain!

Here are a few of the character possibilities! 

Sadly, after December 10, 2023, The Beast’s Library will no longer be available to guests. The location has been selected as the new destination for the Disney Imagination Campus. Formerly situated in the Blue Sky Cellar, instruction will commence on December 15, 2023. As for Blue Sky Cellar, it’s destined to become a Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center in 2024.

This was an unexpected announcement and Disney hasn’t given fans much time to say goodbye. As of today, less than a month remains. Just as with Ursula’s Grotto, and the Toy Story Zoetrope, it will be sad to see this enchanting addition depart from DCA.

Ursula’s Grotto

Speaking of which, let’s take a look back at Ursula’s Grotto. You won’t find much on the internet about this interactive experience, but it was a good time, filled with loads of laughter! Ursula’s Grotto was the last of three chambers located under the Sorcerer’s Workshop umbrella in the Animation Building. Upon spotting the sign in the courtyard, you’d follow the ramp down through the Sorcerer’s Workshop, then to Beast’s Library, and on to Ursula’s Grotto. The door to the chamber can still be seen inside the library, but it’s blocked off. Ursula’s Grotto featured multiple kiosks where you could select a Disney scene, and act or sing it out! 

After Ursula’s countdown, you’d record your segment, and it would play back on the screen.

It was both hilarious and magical to see your voice come to life through the characters!

Here’s a short mashup I created of the process, from a couple different family trips to Ursula’s Grotto!

In January 2015, when Frozen Fun hit California Adventure Park, Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome replaced the Toy Story 3D Zoetrope, and Ursula’s Grotto became their dressing room…and then, there were two. After the removal of Beast’s Library, all that will remain is the Sorceror’s Workshop, which is arguably the weakest link. Although it’s a neat room, with its own Disney magic, it lacks the excitement of the other two spaces.

Toy Story 3D Zoetrope

Did you ever get the chance to see the Toy Story Zoetrope in action before the Frozen sisters moved in? A feast for the eyes, it was quite the spectacle! In the same way that stop motion and flip books deceive your mind in the best of ways, the Toy Story Zoetrope shows the wonder of animation. Consisting of 214 maquettes, each character is posed in a sequence and mounted on a turntable. As the turntable spins, and the lights flash, its figures spring to life. It’s truly magical.

Although the Toy Story Zoetrope is no longer at Disney California Adventure, guests can still get a glimpse of the magic at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. Check it out below!

It’s always bittersweet when an attraction leaves The Happiest Place on Earth. Although Disney Parks are ever-changing, it’s hard to let go. As the Beast’s Library departs, I’m left with one sentiment…thanks for the memories.

Dusty Visits Beast’s Library

Every Friday Dusty Sage goes live from Disneyland on the MiceChat Facebook and YouTube channels. This past week he began the video in the Sorcerer’s Workshop and Beast’s Library. Take a look at this magical space and then stay for his walk through the parks.  

Let’s Hear From You

Have you ever visited the Beast’s Library? Are you sad to see it go? Do you think the Sorcerer’s Workshop will be next? What are your thoughts on California Adventure’s Animation Building as a whole? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments!