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Is the high price tag of The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique worth it for your little princesses?
There are so many extras available to guests at Disneyland Resort, from dessert packages for shows like World of Color, to all sorts of souvenirs like balloons and light wands being sold up and down the street. Sometimes one can get dizzy with wondering if the price tags are worth it.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers makeovers for princesses—and if you add on the cost of a dress to match, it can get pricey. But is it worth it? My pals and fraternal twins Hadley and Willa turned 6 years old and got a princess makeover. They let me in on and the magic, and here is what this writer, with the bent on entertainment, found out about the importance of show, even in a beauty parlor for little princesses.
Sonia applies lip gloss for Hadley. Photo by Natalie Diem Lewis.
Of course these are popular and you must book in advance to make sure you get a spot. There are also many different packages, so check out the Disneyland Web site (there are also hair, sword and shield for boys, but none were present on the day we were there). Mom waited a little too late and the twins had appointments an hour apart. There was also an older sister present and many opportunities for Dad to go off with the two girls while they waited. Disney cannot guarantee changes but they do their best to accommodate, and by waiting about a half of an hour, the twins not only got to go together, but they faced each other during their makeovers. The girls went for The Crown Package ($64.95), which inculded makeup, face gems, hairstyle, nails, sash, and makeup to go.
The Fairy Godmothers in Training work together to get the job done. Photo by Natalie Diem Lewis.
On this birthday the twins decided they wanted to be identical and match completely. They wanted to have their hair in a bun (hair donut) on top of their head with a tiara. Always fashion conscience and simple they wanted only glitter and no color pieces in their hair as not to detract from their tiaras. The face gem they chose was a golden key that was made of many tiny stick on plastic gems.
Hadley gets the Magic Wand Treatment. Photo by Natalie Diem Lewis.
The boutique has many benches that face your princess and there is a very keen sense of VIP for family to attend. While other people are allowed to look in on the hustle and bustle, a velvet rope keeps them out of the space. When someone snapped a picture on the sidelines, one of the Fairy Godmothers in Training gently reminded this guest that pictures of the princesses were not allowed. When the photographer said she could delete it, the Fairy Godmothers in Training said that would be lovely. The magic of the boutique seemed to be in full swing of folks behaving beautifully, and the attention to privacy was a nice touch.
Willa said that this experience "makes a great birthday treat." Big sister Zaida says to "Just sit back and relax. And enjoy the enchantment." Perhaps a bit too much television is watched by these two. Big sister Zaida was really looking forward to her turn in the Boutique on her next birthday.
The show and the magic really comes together with the Fairy Godmothers in Training. Brittany seemed like a teenage baby sitter with Willa, and they really had a nicel rapport. Willa was instantly charmed. But Sonia being a bit older was absolutely magical with Hadley. Sonia looked her young charge in the eye and let her know how wonderful she looked and that that was all well and good, but that each day she is special inside from the moment she wakes up—and by looking for new things in the world around her and keeping joy in her heart, she doesn't need makeup or a crown to be beautiful through and through. Mom stopped taking pictures for just an instant as she saw her little girl listen with rapt attention.
Dad and Willa really get to enjoy some magic together. Photo by Natalie Diem Lewis.
With some glitter sprinkled over them from the wand, the newly crowned princess helps the Fairy Godmothers in Training by saying the magic words "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo." The curtains part and the mirror lights up, revealing flowers that slowly come into focus in the magic mirror. Once again Disney takes something that is ordinary, and with just that little bit of pixie dust, the simple act of a makeover becomes more of a show and truly makes one feel special.
Mom is happy with her two princesses. Photo by Steve Lewis.
So is it worth it? The answer from Mom and Dad is a resounding yes. Dad reminds everyone to make that reservation as early as possible. Mom's favorite moment was Sonia empowering her daughter, and then her second favorite moment was later in the day when asked over some Gray Stuff at Red Rose Taverne what her favorite part of the makeover was, and Hadley said it was this very speech that Sonia had imparted on her. It's as the Stephen Sondheim lyric from "Into the Woods" states: "Children will listen…"
The length of the basic makeover is just right for the 6-year-old age group. Willa, who is usually gregarious, was a little self-conscience and seemed very pleased, but it was just the right amount of time. Hadley, who is usually more reserved and shy, really took to her Fairy Godmother in Training, and seemed that she could sit in the chair for hours. The attention that the girls get is really lovely, and it is a memory that they will remember. This is definitely time well spent rather than waiting in too many lines. Some of the girls there were a bit too young and were antsy, though, so make sure your little ones are able to sit still for a spell.
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