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Princess for a day – Disney-styleBy Marilyn LoeserOh to be a princess; even for one day. How many little girls have dreamed that dream throughout the ages — long flowing gowns, a tiara and sparkling jewelry, make-up and nail polish? Little girls visiting their favorite Disney princesses at Walt Disney World Resort can do just that at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located at the World of Disney store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is just one of the new features of the newly "re-imagined," 51,000-square-foot retail playground. Children ages 3 and up can be made up as pretty as a princess with the help of a "Fairy Godmother-in-Training," at the boutique — “owned” by the Fairy Godmother herself — part of the store's new Princess Room.
The Princess Room resembling a great hall from castle lore, the room is dedicated to the classic fairy tale stories of Disney princesses, princes and their castles. Other features include an Audio-Animatronics princess who sings to guests and interactive stations where little girls can create their own tiaras and wands, fill jewelry boxes and purchase princess make-up kits.
More adventureThe boutique is just the beginning of the adventures you’ll find at the World of Disney store. The Adventure Room: Pirate-themed toys, costumes and video games. The Magic Room: Adult sleepwear, slippers and bath items. The Wonderland Room: Toys, dolls, fairy tale costumes and beauty products from the Disney Princess and My Disney Girl lines. The Enchanted Dining Room: Figurines, snowglobes, frames, mugs and home products. The Exotic Animal Room: Men’s apparel and accessories. The Villains Room: Fine jewelry, watches, clocks and collectibles. The Map Room: Souvenirs, candy, personalization and information desk. The Carnival Room: Stationery, books, office items, video, music and computer software. The Bird Room: Children’s and toddler apparel and accessories, including the new Disney Baby line. The Snow White Room: Children’s sleepwear, infant apparel and accessories. Great Hall: Adult apparel and accessories, ladies apparel, luggage and accessories.
Young adventurers can pretend to sail the high seas and hoist the Jolly Roger in the Adventure Room. Young heroes and heroines can fill treasure chests and skulls with pirate plunder, create their own seafaring hat and interact with a new Audio-Animatronics pirate named Rusty Blade and his talking parrot pal. Throughout the store, 18 colorful murals carry the theme of travel, with famous Disney characters venturing to adventurous spots around the world. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse can be spotted on safari in a scene from The Lion King. Chip ‘n’ Dale take a tour of Russia, and Lady and the Tramp share a plate of spaghetti in Italy.
If you go:
Girls choose from three hair styles — Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Pop Princess — and then chooses one of three available packages: Coach Package includes hair style and shimmering make-up — $35 plus tax. Crown Package includes hair style, shimmering make-up and nails -- $45 plus tax. Castle Package includes the Crown Package plus a photo package and complete costume with accessories — starting at $175 plus tax. Hours of operation for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with the last appointment at 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (939-7895). For more information call Downtown Disney Guest Information at 407/WDW-2NITE (939-2648) or visit disneyworld.com. |
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“My daughter Merideth is 3-years-old and her cousin Jenny
is 8-years-old,” said Sarah Kozal after returning from a vacation in Florida.
“We decided ahead of our visit to take the girls to the boutique and they were
so excited.
“They both got the crown package which includes hair,
makeup and nails. Jenny chose the fairytale princess and Merideth wanted to
become the pop princess,” she said laughing. “Complete with purple hair.”
“The experience was wonderful and well worth the expense,”
Kozal said.
“Merideth was the youngest in the salon,” she continued.
“Her Fairy Godmother-in-Training was Stephanie. She was very patient and
accommodated the Merideth’s typical 3-year-old squirming.”
“After their boutique visit, we took the girls to the
Princess Lunch at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot,” Kozal said. “It was a really
fun day for both of them.”
Each
of the superstore’s Disney-themed areas tells its own story based on classic
Disney films. Fairies from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty add whimsy to the
store’s intimate apparel department. Disney villains lurk in the murals and
decor of the jewelry and watch department, where the Spirit of the Magic Mirror
from Snow White emerges from the silvered surface.
In
the store’s 60-foot-high rotunda, a fairy tale night sky is sprinkled with stars
and a giant video screen plays travel scenes from classic Disney films.
The
boutique also rolls out the welcome mat to boys with its "Cool Dude" treatment.
For $10, boys as young as 4 get their hair spiked with colored gel, glitter and
a "hidden Mickey" in the back of their head.