No one poses like Gaston

© Mary Liebman

Perhaps the most impressive feat Disney has achieved in its new Fantasyland is the rehabilitation of the villainous Gaston.

Oh, sure, he still struts and preens, and there’s a statue paying tribute to his many charms — including his striking vanity. But watching Gaston work the crowd was an unexpected highlight of last week’s dress rehearsal at Walt Disney World’s new Enchanted Forest in Fantasyland.

My, oh my, could Gaston work the crowd.

He strolled around the courtyard outside his tavern, and around his fountain, flexing his formidable (and, I’m sorry, fake) muscles and batting his eyes at all the girls, young and not-so-young alike.

© Steven Liebman

As we watched, a crowd formed, and then a line. A Disney cast member tried to discourage the line, saying Gaston preferred to randomly bestow his charms upon his adoring townsfolk. But the line was not to be deterred.

Even dripping sweat in stifling heat, Gaston charmed each and every person he met. He gamely knelt to pose with little girls and puffed up his chest for the grown ladies. Watching him work is a delight, even if you don’t want to wait in line for some close-up faux flirting. It’s clear he’s going to be a huge draw when the new Fantasyland opens next month.

Watching Gaston charm the crowd, I couldn’t help but think … there may be something there that wasn’t there before.