Why I waited two hours for an elusive ‘Beauty and the Beast’ cup – Los Angeles Times

A hush fell over Fantasyland. It was noon on a bright Friday in Anaheim when a Disneyland employee — cast member, in park parlance — emerged to make an announcement. All eyes in a snaking, almost two-hour line turned toward her. Hundreds of “Beauty and the Beast” die-hards awaited her every word.

“There is a limit of two cups per customer,” she shouted.

And with those words a collective sigh — one that could be heard all the way from the edges of Casey Jr. Circus Train down to Snow White’s Scary Adventures — was let out. Many who arrived at Disneyland on Friday, including me, had one mission: to come home with an elusive “Beauty and the Beast”- inspired cup. Disney hadn’t sold out of the plastic, light-up rose tumbler — yet.

As “Beauty and the Beast” mania grips the nation — this weekend the live-action remake of the animation staple brought in an impressive $170 million at the box office — Disneyland is ready to pounce. Late last month the resort opened the “Beauty and the Beast”-themed Red Rose Taverne, which is billed as a limited-time offering that has taken over the Pinocchio Village Haus.

Why I waited two hours for an elusive ‘Beauty and the Beast’ cup – Los Angeles Times