Characters in the Parks: Disney Princesses

When visiting a Disney destination, it is always exciting to meet those Disney characters that you have seen on-screen or in books. The easiest way to meet characters is through character meals, and you can read more about those in my previous blog posts:

Meals with the Fab 5Meals Fit for a Princess, and Other Character Meals. However, you can also find the characters in the parks, along with others that are not available at meals.

Mulan at the China pavilion in Epcot

Mulan at the China pavilion in Epcot

Over the years, the royal ranks of Disney princesses have grown, and now they can be found at every Walt Disney World theme park. Sometimes it is only a matter of knowing where to look!

Read on to find out more.

Magic Kingdom

The newest Disney princesses can be found at the Magic Kingdom, along with some classic favorite ones. They can be found in several locations, some of them well hidden.

There is a semi-permanent character greeting location for the princesses at Town Square Theater on Main Street. Here you can find several Disney princesses; the specific characters may change, so be careful about telling your little one exactly which princesses will be there. Princesses may include: Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Snow White, and/or Rapunzel. This is a Fast Pass attraction. This greeting area will eventually be moved to Princess Fairytale Hall in the new Fantasyland.

Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall

Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall

The Fairytale Garden is an outdoor theater located on the path to the right around Cinderella Castle, as you are facing the front. This location has been the meet-and-greet area for the newest of the princesses, so it now features Mereda from Brave. While adults hold their little ones' places in line, younger guests are welcome to participate in a variety of activities such as archery lessons and coloring. Then, of course, there is an opportunity to meet Mereda!

Tiana at her Garden Glen in Liberty Square

Tiana at her Garden Glen in Liberty Square

Various other princesses can often be found in locations that correspond with their characters. Jasmine is often near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, while Tiana can be found on Liberty Square Bridge. You can also find Ariel in her grotto in the new Fantasyland.

Epcot

Princesses can often be found in the World Showcase in Epcot, in a location pertaining to their character or story. In France, you can often find Aurora and Belle, while Snow White is often in Germany. Jasmine can be found in Morocco and Mulan in China.

Mulan at the China pavilion in Epcot

Mulan at the China pavilion in Epcot

Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom

Although several princesses can be seen in shows at the Hollywood Studios, you will have more luck at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot if you want to meet the princesses. However, Megara (from

Hercules

) can sometimes be found at the Sorcerer's Hat in Hollywood Studios, while Pocahontas is often found in various locations at Animal Kingdom.

Pocahontas at Rafiki's Planet Watch

Pocahontas at Rafiki's Planet Watch

General

The most important thing to remember about character greetings is that characters and locations change on a regular basis. Be very careful about guaranteeing a sighting of any specific character. Even in locations such as Town Square Theater, where some character interaction is guaranteed, there may be a change of characters between when you get your Fast Pass or enter the line, and when you actually meet the characters. Don't let this deter you, though; as long as you make no promises, it is always a magical experience!

Be sure to check character greeting times and locations on the Park Times Guide. Even princesses sometimes need a break! This Guide will give you the most accurate information for the day you are visiting. And always keep your eyes open; you never know who may stop by!

If you have a question or have seen a princess in a location not listed, please list it in the comments section!

Enter the Giveaway!

Enter my Disney gift card giveaway! The more entries we have, the more chances there are for you to win! I will give away one $25 Disney gift card for every 20 people who enter. If you comment on this post (or any other post on the blog), you can earn 2 entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a magical day! 

It's a Princess Thing: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Princess Makeover

Do you have a child who loves the princesses, and wants to look just like one? Or who wants to be a prince? The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience is for you!

At Cinderella's Royal Table after the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

At Cinderella's Royal Table after the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Fairy godmothers in training help to transform the prince or princess of your heart into the Disney hero(ine) of their dreams.

Read more to see how the fairy magic works!

Packages and Add-ons

There are several choices to make your royal transformation perfectly fit your style and budget.

There are three hairstyles for girls to choose from:

  • Fairytale Princess - traditional bun at the top of the head with tiara
  • Disney Diva - hair pulled back and teased, with ponytail hairpiece and accessories
  • Pop Princess - funky little braids, colorful hairpiece and accessories

Guests can choose from the following packages (prices do not include tax):

  • Knight Package ($15.95) - colorful gel hairstyle, sword and shield, confetti
  • Coach Package ($54.95) - hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, sash and tote
  • Crown Package ($59.95) - hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, sash and tote
  • Courtyard Package ($89.95) - exclusive hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt, trendy tutu, sash and tote
  • Castle Package ($189.95 and up) - hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, complete costume of your choice (price changes based on the costume chosen), princess sash and tote, princess photo shoot including one 6x8 and four 4x6 print photos
Ready for the hairstyle

Ready for the hairstyle

In addition to your choice of package, you can also purchase the following add-ons (prices do not include tax):

  • Imaging Package ($29.95) -  royal photo shoot including one 6x8 and four 4x6 print photos
  • Merchandise - t-shirts, parasols, accessories

Locations

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is has several locations at multiple Disney destinations!

Walt Disney World:

  • Cinderella Castle - This location is generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., and Magic Kingdom park admission is required. It is possible to make a reservation before the park opens! We have done this twice with the Castle Package, and were completely finished (including the photo shoot) before the park opened. It's a great way to avoid spending valuable park time with this experience. This location is extremely popular, and reservations are highly encouraged. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, and it is necessary to plan well ahead to get a coveted morning appointment.
  • Downtown Disney Marketplace - Open from 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., this location is not as popular as the Magic Kingdom location, and it is sometimes possible to get an appointment even at the last minute. The Boutique is found inside the large World of Disney Store, and park admission is not required. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, and are highly encouraged. This is a terrific activity to do if you have a non-park day and don't want to spend valuable park time.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Cinderella Castle

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Cinderella Castle

Disneyland

  • There is one location at Disneyland Resort, located in the Sleeping Beauty Courtyard at Disneyland Park, and park admission is required. This location offers the same packages. However, the imaging package is not available as an add-on at the Disneyland location. Disney Photopass photographers will take pictures that you may purchase later online. Merchandise may also be different at this location. Operating hours are from park opening until 7:00 p.m., and reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance.

Disney Fantasy

  • There is now a location on Disney's newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy! Package options are mostly the same, with the Courtyard Package replaced by the Fantasy Package. The Fantasy Package ($119.95) includes t-shirt and tutu inspired by the cruise ship. There are also additional packages available only at this location: the Under the Sea (mermaid) Package ($99.95) and the Royal Sea Package (3 different makeovers, $595.95). On Pirate Party nights, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique becomes the Pirates League, and offers pirate makeovers for boys and girls ($34.95-$99.95). Reservations can be made before departure through the Disney Cruise Line website. Onboard, reservations can be made by phone or in person.

General Information

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience is available to guests ages 3-12, with clothing available in youth sizes only. Each guest must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

Hair and nails must be clean and free of products such as gel, hairspray, and/or polish. Scalp must be clear and free of any conditions for at least 30 days prior to reservation. Guests must bring their own hairbrush or comb.

Beginning the hairstyle, with a pink brush from home

Beginning the hairstyle, with a pink brush from home

The fairy godmothers in training are wonderful about meeting each child's needs. Our daughters didn't like the face gems, so didn't wear them. Our oldest daughter didn't want her bangs pulled back, and hated the lipstick, so adjustments were made. I was very impressed with the flexibility.

Packages and prices may change at any time without notice.

Conclusion

We take each of our girls on a "private" trip when they are 4-5 years old, leaving their sisters with grandparents. This is the time we go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and we purchase the Castle Package for the once-in-a-lifetime (and wallet) experience! They love it!

At Cinderella's Royal Table after the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

At Cinderella's Royal Table after the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

We always dine at Cinderella's Royal Table on the day of our princess makeover, and it's so special to see the girls with their Disney princess counterparts. Though it is expensive, it is completely worth it to see the look on the girls' faces!

For those on a tighter budget, I suggest purchasing a princess dress from a store at home and bringing it with you. Then you can purchase one of the less expensive packages and she will still feel like a princess!

Have you experienced the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Do you want to? What do you think?