Who hasn’t wished at one time or another that they could be a prince or princess? I know I have! Well, thanks to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World, you can make that dream a reality for your child on your next Disney vacation.
While this magical makeover experience was sadly unavailable for a couple of years due to the pandemic, as of August 25, 2022, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is back open to aspiring royalty once more at Walt Disney World (and Disneyland, too!). Now, bibbidi, bobbidi, boo!
Treat Your Little Princess (or Prince) Like Royalty at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Without a doubt, one of my favorite memories from my time as a Disney PhotoPass photographer at Magic Kingdom is of the smiles that would spread across the faces of female guests after calling them ‘princess.’ Whether young girls or grandmothers, in Disney Princess gowns or shorts and a t-shirt, everyone loved to be treated like royalty at Walt Disney World.
If you’d like to give the full royal treatment to your little princess or prince on your next trip to Disney World, consider booking them a magical makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. With the help of Fairy Godmothers-in-Training and a little Disney magic, your child will enjoy the complete Cinderella experience, from special hairdos sprinkled with pixie dust to regal accessories and even opulent princess dresses. (For a price, that is, but more on that in a bit.)
By the time the transformation is complete, they’ll be ready to take on the ball – or, at the very least, a dreamy day filled with Disney character meet-and-greets, amazing attractions and so much more. Here’s everything you need to know about this enchanting experience.
What are the age requirements for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?
Unfortunately, while anyone can be called ‘princess’ at Disney World, not everyone can look like a princess at The Most Magical Place on Earth. To experience Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, guests must be between 3 and 12 years old and accompanied by a parent or other adult guardian.
So, sadly, neither you nor your 2-year-old will be allowed to participate. You can, however, stick around to watch the transformation, as young princesses and knights are allowed up to two guests during the makeover experience.
Where is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located at the Walt Disney World Resort?
At Walt Disney World, guests can choose from three different Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations:
- In Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
- Next to Once Upon a Time in Disney Springs
- At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
But, that’s not all! Young guests can also get fancy at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques in Fantasyland at the Disneyland Resort and on Disney Cruise Line ships, including the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
When can you make reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?
Reservations are required for makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. As this is an incredibly popular experience, we recommend you try to book your spot as early as possible as the most desirable time slots can fill up quickly, especially at the original location in Magic Kingdom.
For those staying at one of the Walt Disney World hotels, advance reservations can be made up to 60 days prior to their check-in date. For all other guests, reservations are available beginning 60 days before your desired makeover date. As for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique’s official August 25 reopening date, reservations will be able to be booked online starting in early August.
How long does the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience take?
Regal transformations take time. When planning your day around the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, you should expect the makeover to take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on which package you book for your young prince or princess. Naturally, more elaborate transformations with full make-up and hairstyling will typically last longer.
How much does Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique cost?
As you can probably imagine, giving your kiddo the royal treatment doesn’t come cheap, especially at the Walt Disney World Resort. Fortunately, there are several packages available at a variety of price points, with something to suit every budget.
For princess makeovers, guests should plan to spend anywhere from $100 to as much as $450 or more, not including tax. While knightly transformations are considerably more affordable, ringing in at around $20 to $80, plus tax.
Is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique worth the money?
It’s really up to you, your child and your travel budget. While the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is bound to be a magical experience your child won’t soon forget, there’s no denying that it’s expensive, particularly when you’re probably already spending a few thousand dollars on vacation.
On the bright side, the range of prices does make it easy to select a package that is affordable for you. Plus, with some creative thinking and a bit of pre-planning, it is possible to make the makeover stretch for longer than a day or get the same effect of one of the pricier packages at a fraction of the cost (more on that later).
All in all, between the styling, included trinkets, general makeover experience and the sheer fun of feeling like royalty for the day, we think that the costs are fair for what you get, especially if you’re trying to make your trip as magical as possible for your child.
Getting a Royal Makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
So, just how does the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique work? Once you’ve picked which Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique you’d like a reservation at, you’ll next need to decide what package you’d like for your little princess or knight. Then, once you get to the boutique, it’s time to meet your Fairy Godmother-in-Training.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Makeover Packages & Pricing
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique packages are available at a variety of prices, with each including an array of royal swag, from a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt to an ornate Disney Princess gown made with heirloom-quality fabrics.
For the Princesses
Guests with non-Frozen princess packages have the most customization options, such as how they’d like their hair done and which of the Disney Princesses they’d like to dress up as. Some Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique hairstyles include:
- Fairytale Princess – A perfectly smooth ballerina bun (or chic ponytail) crowned with a tiny tiara in front and a Mickey-shaped barrette in back, also called The Enchanted Fairytale
- Disney Diva – A sky-high updo complete with a color-coordinating ponytail hairpiece accented by glittering Mickey hair pins, also called The Fantasy (more natural colors) or The Pixie Magic (more vibrant colors)
- Color Star – A trendy, customizable hairdo featuring colorful hair streaks and fashionable braids and twists
As for which Disney Princess your little princess gets to channel, it really depends on what gowns are available at the time of your visit. Dresses on hand typically include Anna, Elsa, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida and (although she’s not a princess) Tinker Bell.
While packages and prices are subject to change, here are examples of what has been offered in the past:
The Carriage Package
Starting at $99.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt
The Disney Frozen Crown Package
Starting at $119.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling with braided hairpiece inspired by Anna or Elsa
- Sparkling snowflake hair accessories
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- 12-inch Olaf plush toy
The Courtyard Package
Starting at $149.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt
- Trendy tutu
- Headband
The Disney Frozen Package
Starting at $179.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling with braided hairpiece inspired by Anna or Elsa
- Sparkling snowflake hair accessories
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- Anna or Elsa gown
- 12-inch Olaf plush toy
The Castle Package
Starting at $199.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- Your choice of Disney Princess gown
- Additional coordinating accessories (shoes not included)
The Deluxe Castle Package
Starting at $229.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess necklace, sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- Your choice of Deluxe Disney Princess gown
- Coordinating boxed accessory set (shoes not included)
The Princess Signature Dress Package
Starting at $450.00, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling
- Shimmering make-up and face gem
- Princess sash and cinch sack
- Nail polish
- Your choice of gown from the Princess Signature Dress Collection made with heirloom-quality fabrics and intricate design details
- High-quality crystal tiara with box
- Organza garment bag and satin hanger
For the Knights
As you can probably guess from the much more wallet-friendly prices, knightly makeovers are much simpler, featuring only a dapper hairstyle along with your chosen tier of regal accouterments.
The Knight Package
Starting at $19.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling with gel and confetti
- Mighty sword and shield
The Deluxe Knight Package
Starting at $79.95, plus tax
Includes:
- Hairstyling with gel and confetti
- Mighty sword and shield
- Knight costume
The Regal Transformation & Magical Reveal
Once you get to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, it’s time for your aspiring princess or knight to meet their Fairy Godmother-in-Training and get started. First, if necessary, your child will need to change into their chosen outfit for the day. While you can certainly purchase a gown at the boutique, you are also welcome to bring your own dress for your little one to wear.
Once they’re in the chair, the rest of the makeover can begin. While you’ll be able to watch the action as it unfolds, your little princess or prince will be facing away from the mirror, making the transformation a complete surprise.
The next step of the makeover is the hairstyle. Be sure to have your kiddo arrive with clean, brushed hair. This will make it easier for the Fairy Godmothers-in-Training to work their hairstyling magic. With the hair finished, it’s on to make-up. If you’re not sure which colors are best, feel free to ask the Fairy Godmother-in-Training.
Lastly, they’ll finish up with a dash of nail polish before putting on the finishing touches, such as the princess sash and a sprinkle of pixie dust. After that, it’s time to spin around their chair for the big reveal. This is a truly magical moment, so be sure to have your camera ready. A Disney PhotoPass photographer will also be on hand to capture the moment.
Finally, before you leave, your child will receive a cinch sack filled with everything they need to recreate their look, including a make-up palette and nail polish, as well as all the tools you’ll need to “remove the magic.” For the rest of your day, be sure to work in plenty of photos, meet-and-greets with the Disney Princesses and maybe even a character meal fit for royalty at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot’s World Showcase or 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian.
Tips & Tricks for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Hoping to make the experience as magical as possible for your little princess or princess (and as inexpensive as possible for your wallet)? Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of this enchanting transformation.
The Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Can Be a Great Alternative
Unsurprisingly, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is the most popular location at the Walt Disney World Resort. In other words, things can fill up pretty quickly. In contrast, the Disney Springs outpost offers the exact same packages, prices and styling options while also offering more reservation availability.
On top of that, it also touts a few other worthwhile perks like more space in the salon, a nearby PhotoPass studio for capturing more memories and even a magic mirror featuring an appearance by the Fairy Godmother herself. Best of all, no park ticket is required to enter, so it’s easy to work into any day of your visit.
Try for a Morning Reservation
If possible, we suggest you aim for a morning appointment. This allows your little princess or prince to show off their makeover all day long, including for any meet-and-greets or character dining experiences. For a truly magical moment, try to meet characters related to your child’s chosen princess. For example, interactions with Anastasia and Drizella will be especially memorable if your kiddo is decked out like Cinderella.
Bring Your Own Princess Dress (and a Comfy Pair of Shoes)
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be expensive enough as it is even without adding a dress inspired by one of the Disney Princesses. So, to save some cash, think about buying a gown before you get to Walt Disney World. eBay can be a great resource for both new and used dresses at below-retail prices, while those bought from stores like Target or The Disney Store will still typically be cheaper than what you’d find in the theme parks.
Not only will this help save money, but you can also make sure that the gown fits and is comfortable. After all, your child will be wearing it for an entire day in the theme parks. And speaking of comfort, you may also want to bring an extra pair of shoes: a fancy set for photos and another for walking around the parks.
Tell the Fairy Godmother-in-Training About Any Requests or Concerns
If you or your princess have any worries or special requests, don’t be afraid to share them with the Fairy Godmother-in-Training. It’s their job to make you and your child feel as comfortable and happy as possible. So, the sooner you let them know what you’re thinking, the better experience you’ll have. They’ll also check in with your kiddo throughout the makeover to ensure they are comfortable.
Have Your Camera Ready and/or Pay for the Disney PhotoPass Memory Maker
Photos are the perfect way to remember this enchanting experience. As we mentioned earlier, PhotoPass photographers will be available to capture the makeover as it happens and during the reveal. So, think about investing in the Memory Maker (available for $69 for a day or $199 for your entire vacation), which includes access to every picture taken by a Disney photographer during your visit.
Of course, you can also use your cell phone or personal camera if you’d like to keep things as budget-friendly as possible. Keep an eye out for great backdrops for impromptu photo-ops like the Cinderella Fountain or Wishing Well.
Sleep in a Silk-lined Hair Bonnet to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
Don’t let all that hard work, time and money go to waste. Some hairstyles, such as the Fairytale Princess bun, are made to last. (No, it’s not magic – it’s hairspray!) With the help of a silk-lined sleeping bonnet or a simple shower cap, you can stretch her hairstyle out for at least another day.
Have you taken your wannabe princess or knight to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Which location is your favorite? Do you think it’s worth the high price tag? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how to squeeze the experience into your travel budget with our discount Disney World tickets.
