One of the things we all love best about Disney stories is how they welcome us into their worlds. We relate to the characters. We learn about new environments and cultures. So of course one of the best ways to enjoy a Disney vacation is to imagine ourselves among our favorite Disney heroes and heroines! Whether it’s you or the kids who want a little extra fun, here are 10 ways to become a favorite Disney Character on a Disney vacation.
1) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a magical salon where Fairy Godmothers-in-Training transform kids aged 3-12 into Disney Princesses and Royal Knights. Packages can include hair styling, makeup, nails, costumes, and/or accessories. Plus, they all include a little pixie dust!
You can find Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the following locations:
- Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Park
- Disney Cruise Line – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy
Aboard Disney Cruise Line, sailors can even choose to become pirates, Star Wars characters (select sailings), or Captain Mickey! On Pirate Night, adults are also welcome to get a fun, pirate-inspired makeover.
2) The Pirates League
Located in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom, The Pirates League offers nautical makeovers for guests ages 3 and up (including the adults!). Choose from pirate or mermaid-inspired looks. Packages can include makeup, bandannas, swords, eye patches, costumes, and other accessories.
Just outside you’ll find Pirates of the Caribbean, so be sure to hop aboard and show off your pirate gear!
3) Character Couture Makeovers
Worried that the kids will get to have all the fun? At select salons at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, adults can get Disney-inspired makeovers with Character Couture Packages. These packages can include hair styling, makeup, and nails, with special designs that will remind you of your favorite Disney Characters.
This experience is perfect for a birthday celebration, bachelorette parties, and before Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
4) Painted Sky: HI Style Studio
Heading to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? You can arrange a Polynesian makeover for kids aged 3-12 at Painted Sky: Hi Style Studio! Choose from packages inspired by Hawaii, surf & swim, Minnie Mouse, mermaids, and of course, Moana.
With the Motonui Makeover, young wayfarers can even meet Moana herself!
5) Disney Character Costumes
Some of my best memories of my kids on our Disney vacations are when they were dressed up as Disney Characters: Peter Pan in Disneyland, Baby Kristoff in Epcot, Nemo on the Disney Fantasy, and more. Children under age 14 can wear their favorite Disney costumes to the Disney Parks (and aboard Disney Cruise Line).
If you don’t bring a costume from home, you can find a huge select at the World of Disney stores in Disney Springs and the Downtown Disney District. You’ll also find additional costumes and accessories located around the parks and at a few specialty stores.
For adults who would love to wear a full costume, be sure to check out Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party. During these events, guests of all ages can dress up!
6) The Dress Shop
While adults may not always be able to wear costumes to the Disney Parks, “DisneyBounding” has become very popular over the years. Guests wear custom outfits inspired by their favorite Disney Characters, representing the colors or styles of their costumed counterparts. One of my favorite spots to get accessories for DisneyBound outfits is The Dress Shop!
Here you’ll find vintage-inspired dresses themed to the Disney Parks and favorite characters. You’ll also find unique accessories, such as handbags and jewelry. The Dress Shop can be found at Disney Springs and the Downtown Disney District, although you may also see its merchandise offered in select shops throughout the Disney Parks.
7) Unique Accessories
If you’re looking for iconic accessories to complete your outfit, you can find them at the Disney Parks. Here are two of my favorites.
Any royal needs her tiara! Plastic ones are cute, but I love the crystal tiaras sold by Arribas Bros. around the Disney Parks. These make beautiful keepsakes and can be worn by kids or adults.
For Star Wars fans, there is no better accessory than a custom-built lightsaber from Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Personalize it with your favorite components and be sure to take some photos in Batuu before you leave.
8) Disney PhotoPass Sessions
Ready to show off your Disney-inspired costumes? You’ve got two great options at Walt Disney World Resort! Disney’s PhotoPass photographers are located throughout the parks. You can find them near iconic spots such as Cinderella Castle, Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the World Showcase Pavilions. You can also find a suite of virtual backdrops available at the Disney PhotoPass Studios.
Disney also offers PhotoPass photographers at Disneyland Resort, so keep an eye out for them there as well! Aboard Disney Cruise Line, Shutters photographers can capture fun moments throughout your sailing.
9) Disney Story Rooms
What’s better than dressing up like your favorite Disney Character? Stepping into a room decorated just for them! Walt Disney World Resort offers several Disney Story Rooms. At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Royal Guest Rooms celebrate the Disney Princes & Princesses. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort hosts Pirate Rooms where you can set off an adventure on the high seas (complete with pirate ship beds). At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, rooms are themed to The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, or Cars.
The Disneyland Hotel offers unforgettable Signature Suites, with themes such as Fantasyland, Frontierland, or Adventureland. These are one-of-a-kind rooms that will take your breath away!
10) Special Events
As I mentioned earlier, adult guests (and anyone age 14 and over) can only wear full costumes during Halloween events. You won’t want to miss Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom or Oogie Boogie Bash – Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure Park.
Here you’ll find special ride overlays, festive treats, and Halloween-themed fireworks, shows, and parades. Plus, almost everyone is in costume, so it’s extra fun!
How to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation
Ready to explore options for your next trip? I’d love to help! As a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney destinations, I help families take the stress out of planning their vacations. My services are 100% free to clients who book through me.
Contact me to request a free quote and eBrochure for any Disney destination!
Now there’s only one question left: Which Disney Character will you choose?
