Hi, Elizabeth! Your little prince is the best. As a child, Beauty and the Beast was one of my favorite movies also! You are correct in that The Beast is only at Be Our Guest Restaurant during the dinner hour. This is currently the only place you can actually 'meet' The Beast in person. Fear not, as there are plenty of other places for your son to experience one of his favorite Disney movies.
You cannot miss Enchanted Tales with Belle at Magic Kingdom Park. It is my all-time favorite attraction at Walt Disney World. This is a wonderful meeting with Belle where she uses your help to tell the story of how she fell in love with The Beast. The last time we were there my son was chosen to play The Beast! I was so happy I was in tears. It is just one of my favorite memories from that trip. Pay attention to the Enchanted Mirror inside Maurice’s Cottage. It is my favorite thing in all of Walt Disney World.
You also must meet Gaston. He is a riot. You can find him near his Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park. Just look for the bronze statue and fountain of - himself. Oh, Gaston!
You can also Meet Belle in France at Epcot. She is donned in her blue dress and white apron at this location.
Also do not miss Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is a beautiful live action re-creation of the story. Your son will see The Master act out his story with Belle and the rest of the characters from Beauty and the Beast.
Beauty and The Beast both also appear in a beautiful, lighted, rose float during the Fantasmic! performance - also at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Beauty, The Beast, Fireworks, and Mickey Mouse? I can't think of anything better!
Lastly, you can also catch Belle with some of her fellow Princess friends at the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom Park.
Elizabeth, I hope you and your son have a magical vacation!
~Rachel