Did you know that Disney World offers special makeovers? With the snap of the wand or the swish of a sword your child can become the princess or pirate of their dreams. Get the scoop from someone’s who’s been there on how to make sure your little ones get the chance to transform into Cinderella or Jack Sparrow for one day at Walt Disney World.
BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOUTIQUE
Both of my daughters have experienced magical transformations At Walt Disney World and loved every second. The entire process is immersive and truly about the child becoming whatever they wish. Watching the kids walk around all day and be recognized not as themselves but a favorite character is worth every penny.
To become a princess you must make an appointment with the Fairy Godmother at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique before your arrival. You can call the Disney reservation line direct up to 180 days in advance to secure your appointment. Call as early as possible in your Disney vacation planning process.
At Disney World, there are two locations, one in Cinderella’s Castle and another at Disney Springs. Princes are also welcome as they can become knights if they wish. I always wished I had twins so that I could transform them into a little Prince and Princess.
Tip: If you want to secure a reservation in the castle location call exactly 180 days in advance. The time slots are limited and demand is high; they fill up very fast.
“Owned” by the Fairy Godmother and “operated” by Fairy Godmothers-in-Training, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers a magical menu of salon services to make your little princess or prince look and feel like royalty. My daughter was princess-obsessed on her first trip and she had just turned 4. I was afraid she wouldn’t sit still for the makeover, but she was very cooperative.
There are four packages to choose from for a princess transformation–from a basic hair, makeup and sash to a full package including a photo shoot, costume and more. Prices range from about $60 to nearly $200, with an additional $35 for the photo package. Transforming into a knight is about $20.
We opted for the Courtyard Package (about $100). It includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, face gem, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt, trendy tutu, princess sash and princess cinch bag. We brought our own gown from home instead of purchasing one in the parks or at the boutique, which saved us a bit of money. While glass slippers sound like a great idea, they aren’t very practical for the Magic Kingdom. My little princess wore Crocs under her gown.
Tips:
- Your princess transformation will take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the package you buy. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to appointment.
- Arrive with brushed, clean hair that is free of all styling products
- Be sure your child’s fingernails are not polished and her hands are washed
- Bring your own brush or comb.
- Plan to stick around during the transformation. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience.
PIRATES LEAGUE
If becoming a Princess isn’t in your Disney vacation plans, hit the high seas and head to The Pirates League in Adventureland. The hours for this magical experience are only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and you are highly encouraged to secure your swashbuckling adventure up to 180 days in advance. Pirates League is located next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, so you will need theme park admission for this experience.
The best part of the Pirates League is that there is no maximum age, only a minimum of 3 years old. This means the whole family can become buccaneers for the day. Talk about magical moments (and great photo ops)!
There are four basic pirate packages to choose from and two deluxe packages. The price range for the packages is $29.95 to $74.95. You may choose to dress up before your pirate transformation or you can purchase loot in the gift shop. The transformation begins with your official name, which is recorded in the leather-bound captain’s log. Then you head to the Muster Station for your makeover. After your transformation, you will recite the secret oath and officially become part of Captain Jack’s crew.
My daughter was 12 at the time and chose the Empress package complete with makeup, bandanna, eye patch, earring, sheath and sword. I personally loved this transformation for her age at the time. I was afraid with her being a tomboy she was going to choose the skeleton package as she was anti anything girly, unlike her sister.
Be sure to return to Adventureland for the pirate parade and show off with your new crew. Ya may get a little more loot, you never know what those scurvy pirates have hiding
Tips:
- Arrive with brushed, clean hair. Pirates in training must bring their own comb or hairbrush, and be free of scalp conditions for at least 30 days.
- Clean fingernails (no polish) with washed hands
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience.
Both of these experiences are a fun and magical addition to your next Walt Disney World vacation. The Pirates League and Bippidi Boppidi Boutique are a great way to surprise your kids.
If you don’t want to spend the extra money for these experiences you have a few less expensive options for adding a little magic.
You can visit the Harmony Barbershop on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom and get a princess hair style with pixie dust. This will cost around $10 with tip. Reservations are highly recommended.
All of the Disney Parks and Disney Springs have face painting stations offering everything from pirates, princesses and more. The price varies depending on the design, but starts at $5, no appointment necessary and only takes about 15 minutes.
Tip: If your face painting gets messed up during the day, Disney will fix it for free.
