Disneyland is a place where dreams come true for all ages. Increasingly much of the wish fulfillment the company offers has been for guests over the age of 12. There are a lot of areas where being an adult Disney guest has its advantages. Yet there is still a bastion of enchantment for children behind the protective borders of Fantasyland's castle bulwarks. That one area gives kids the distinct edge in make-believe enhanced with the ultimate Disney royal makeover. This is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland park (as well as the walt disney world resort and disney springs marketplace ).

Given the Walt Disney Company's 100-year history and varied approach to audience retention, I can't assume that anyone really knows where Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique comes from. Cinderella is still one of the more prominent Disney princesses, but barely. Even the princesses of the Disney renaissance frequently get edged out in favor of more recent characters such as Rapunzel, Tiana, Moana, and of course Ana and Elsa. Cinderella was a Walt Disney-produced fairytale that was released over 70 years ago. If your child hasn't seen this animated classic they are missing out on one of the cornerstones of the Magic Kingdom. The boutique's name borrows from the magical incantation sung by Cinderella's fairy godmother “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo”. The song was a huge hit among the Disney classics and it used to be considered quintessential like “When you Wish Upon a Star”. If you haven't watched the film recently with your family, I highly recommend a rewatch!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a play on words that points to the magic that allowed Cinderella to go to the ball by transforming her rags to a beautiful, enchanted gown. Even if your child doesn't know the backstory, she will appreciate the chance to transform into a real Disney princess for the day. Whereas grownups must be content with Disney Bounding (or else auditioning for the part), children can truly embody their favorite princess with a little help from some magical cast members and the fairy godmother's apprentices .

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Becoming a Disney Princess

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Fantasy is such a huge part of what it means to be at Disneyland, one of the greatest experiences a child can have is the opportunity to dress up to the nines and imitate their favorite princess as they go about the park. There are two ways to do a prince or princess makeover . First, you can buy or sew a princess dress and have a hair stylist do their hair in a particular style. There is not so much fanfare involved in this technique, but it may save you some money and some time. One of the caveats with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is that it does take considerable time away from your opportunity to explore and experience the park. Since you pay for the admission, you may want to leverage that time as much as you can. On the other hand, Disneyland typically has very long operating hours during the day, so it may not hurt to take some of that time to get ready for the ball.

The second way does not always involve a full-blown makeover either. There are a variety of packages that let you choose the level of enchantment you want the experience to produce. You can get pretty basic if you feel like the saved time and money is worth a less-than-extravagant outcome.

Either way, science has proven that kids who get to do Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are more loved and have more fun at Disneyland than other kids (citation needed, ha). The truth is costume dress-up is a huge part of the make-believe fun that comes with going to Disneyland. If you have room in your vacation budget for a splurge such as character dining, consider one of the ten Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique packages to choose from.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Packages

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is not cheap. The least expensive package for girls creeps over the $100 barrier when tax is included. Boys have it a lot easier, but they don't get the same level of frills. A basic Knights package is $19.95 plus tax. The pre-tax total of the Deluxe Knight Package is $79.95. Both packages offer hairstyling with gel, a sword and a shield, but the deluxe package includes an upgraded sword and shield along with a costume. For girls, there are a whopping 8 package options to choose from when planning this magical experience and royal transformation .

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Basics

The girls' packages are far more extensive even on the basic $99.95 “Carriage Package”. This includes:

Hairstyling;

Shimmering make-up with face gem;

A princess sash and a sack;

Nail polish or nail color;

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt.

for $50 more you can upgrade to the “Courtyard Package” which adds a tutu and a headband into the mix.

Budget tip: you CAN bring your own dress to appointments

$200-$450 packages

There is also a “Castle Package” and a “deluxe castle package”. These are the packages you probably picture when you think of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The cost difference between these two options is not bad and the added amount goes into how elaborate you want the dress to be. They are identical except for the disney princess gown. These packages include the same features as the first two, but instead of a T-shirt, tutu or headband, you get accessories like a princess necklace and a gown. About the only thing not included is matching shoes, but those are sold separately. If you really want to go all out you can. The “Princess Signature Dress Collection” costs $450 before tax and it includes an even higher tier of princess gown, a crystal tiara with a box, and a garment bag with a satin hanger.

Other Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Packages

From a value perspective, the Castle and Deluxe packages are probably the best choices. I would even say Deluxe is the most impressive value. But your budget should dictate more about which package is right for you. It may help your decision that these are the only two options that include a “necklace or keepsake portrait session”.

The other three package options which I haven't mentioned yet are between the $100-$200 range. The $179 “Disney Encanto Package” is essentially the Castle Package without the keepsake portrait. It's exclusively themed to Encanto. The other two packages are themed to Frozen. The “Frozen Crown Package” is $119 and does not include a dress, tutu, or T-shirt. It does include an Olaf plush, though. The more expensive $179 package includes an Anna or Elsa gown. Both include a braided hairpiece as part of the styling service.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Planning Guide

Deciding on a budget and which princess or knight package is right for you is one thing. It's another thing entirely, once you decide to go ahead and do it. It is a time commitment and there is a lot to know about and straighten out before you actually show up for the service.

The first thing to be aware of as you plan your trip is timing. Although you will likely want to get your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique package early in the day to enjoy all day, not everyone can be in those first couple of slots. You may even decide you would rather make your appointment later on in the day. Choosing a time when the park is busier, but there will likely be more availability in the boutique could be a good strategy. You may want to enjoy a day without worrying about messing up your hair or tearing your gown. That makes sense too. You can do it later on and be all glammed up for a fancy dinner and an evening of costumed fun.

However you choose to approach Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, it's important to know their schedule. Although they are open as long as the park is, there are several exceptions. The last reservation you can make is for 6:00 pm. Anytime after that is walk-in only. Also, they close down temporarily for fireworks shows such as Wonderous Journeys which debuts on January 27, 2023. They resume 20-30 minutes after the conclusion of the show.

Another important piece of information regarding a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservation is that bookings after 4:00 may not allow for packages that include the keepsake portrait session.

Other Important Timing Information for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

You can make your reservation for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique 60 days in advance of your next trip (as well as lunch after at cinderella's royal table if you are going to the magic kingdom location at walt disney world and you want a little extra pixie dust). That of course means that everyone else can too. So reserve your session as early as possible to ensure you get the time of day you want. You will have to use your credit card to book the appointment. You won't be charged, but no-shows and cancellations within 24 hours do receive a $10 penalty charge on their accounts.

Be aware also that Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on which package you select. The service is available to kids from age 3 to 12. All participants must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years or older at the disney resort. Clean brushed hair is also expected prior to arrival. As always the information and package prices and details are all subject to change. So check in regularly to stay up to date on what Disneyland's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has to offer. Find current information and scheduling availability for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique here. Remember also that you'll need a Park Pass reservation and a valid ticket for the same day as your reservation for any of the disney parks. You can also shop online for Disney princess costume dresses and accessories.

Shop Princess Dresses:

So, what do you think? Will you be making a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique anytime soon?