Taking an 'Older' Princess to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

This last March we went to the ‘World’ for my husband’s work. Katie is now 12, so I knew this was our absolute last chance for a princess make over at Disney. I wasn’t completely sure she would still be interested in doing this, it’s hard to gauge the desires of a preteen. I asked Katie if she was still wanted to go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and she gave me an enthusiastic “YES!”

We only had about 8 weeks to plan for our trip, so I knew it would be difficult to get a reservation at Cinderella’s castle, but I made the call, 45 minutes later I had booked Katie’s first princess makeover at the Disney Springs location. She wasn’t too disappointed at not being able to do it at the castle. Katie said, “It might take up too much ride time.”

Most people reading PassPorter are probably familiar with the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but if you’re not let me give you a brief overview. This is a mini-salon that specializes in princess themed make overs for girls ages 3-12. There are two locations for the Boutique - Cinderella’s Castle and Disney Springs. Both locations offer the same packages at the same price.

There are a variety of packages starting with the “Crown” package at $69.95 and going up. All packages include a choice of one of three hair styles, make-up and nail polish application and a “Princess” sash with a drawstring bag. The three hair style choices are; “The Fairytale Princess” with hair slicked up into a tight bun with a crown, “Pop Princess” that includes colorful hair pieces and Mickey shaped hair clips that sweep up into a high pony tail, and the “Disney Diva” where the hair is pulled up and teased with added hair pieces. We were offered the newest package “The Belle Deluxe” package which included everything from the basic package but also had the wedding dress from the live action film as well as the complete jewelry line, this was $234.95 plus tax. Katie desperately wanted this package but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much on a dress she would wear for just a few hours. We did choose the Crown package with the Fairytale Princess hairstyle. She really wanted that crown!

At first, I was worried that we would be rushed. Katie was by far the oldest girl there and the Boutique was very busy. This was not the case at all! Even though we didn’t purchase a dress or have one to change into, Katie still got to use the dressing room to visit with The Fairy Godmother. In this part of the experience The Fairy Godmother from the movie “Cinderella” visits you in the dressing via a magic mirror. It was cute!

We were then ushered to the waiting area until Katie’s assigned Fairy Godmother came to get her. We didn’t have to wait long. Lauren was Katie’s personal Fairy Godmother for her appointment. At seeing Katie, Lauren exclaimed, “Yay! A big princess!” Lauren confided in me that the older girls had the best interactions and the best hair. She was even more excited when Katie let down her pony tail to reveal long, red hair. She called other Godmothers over to look at Katie’s hair and even touch it! Katie really loved all this attention.

Fairy Godmother Lauren went to work on Katie’s hair while Hayley, the Fairy Godmother doing make up, started to work on her nails. The girls laughed and joked the whole time. They told her funny stories of living at the Castle. They complimented her outfit. All the girls seemed to have a great time. Katie was on Cloud 9! The experience was so much fun for my daughter and me. The appointment lasted about an hour.

The Royal Treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Receiving the Royal Treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

After Katie was finished she got pictures with all her Fairy Godmothers then we headed over to the Disney Spring PhotoPass location for a photoshoot. The photographer worked with all of us but also got several pictures of just Katie with her princess make over. I’m so glad that I purchased Memory Maker!

I asked Katie about her impressions of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique:

What was your favorite part of the experience? “I really liked the girls! Lauren, Hayley and Kaylee were really nice and funny!”

Do you think 12 is too old for the make over? “No! I think you should be able to go to the Boutique no matter how old you are!”

Why did you want to go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? “Well, I knew this was my last chance and I really wanted that crown!”

Girls love crowns. I guess somethings never change no matter how old you get!

I am so glad we did the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique when we did! Though I’m sure there is joy to be had in taking your little princess, I think Katie was just the right age for her to go. I’m not sure she would have liked the tight hair styles they offer when she was younger, nor do I think she would have had as much fun with her Fairy Godmothers. I did notice a lot of hesitant princesses in the salon. I would highly recommend taking your older princess to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, she’ll love it and they will love her. They will make sure her princess dreams come true!

About the Author: Nicole Groves is a stay at home mom of two kids, Teegin (15) and Katie (12). She’s been married to Jason for 20 great years! She is the current the PTSA President of the high school and teaches a 3^rd grade girls Bible study at her church. Nicole has a love of all things Disney but especially the theme parks! Her goal is to stay at every Deluxe resort and visit Disneyland Paris.