Disney is the land of immersive fantasy. You walk through the different areas and step into your favorite stories. And what better way is there to experience those stories than becoming a character yourself?
Would your child love to become a princess? Or a pirate? Or a mermaid? Perhaps you’d like to get into the action too. Here’s what you need to know about magical Disney makeovers.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
If you’re looking for a royal makeover, there is no better place than Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This salon is owned by the Fairy Godmother herself!
You can find Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, Disneyland, and even onboard Disney Cruise Line. Appointments are available for ages 3-12 only, but adults are welcome to witness the action and request a sprinkling of pixie dust.
Little royals can choose from the following options: Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva, Color Star, or a Knight. At Disneyland you’ll also have the option of a Frozen package. And onboard Disney Cruise Line there is a Captain’s package too. Boys and girls are both welcome. Packages range from simple hairstyling and makeup to princess gowns, wands, and crowns.
Tip: Purchase a princess gown or costume before you go to save money and ensure you have the exact item and size that your child wants. (They can still get ready in the royal dressing room like the other children)
As you can imagine, these experiences are very popular. I recommend booking your appointment as soon as the windows open: 180 days for Walt Disney World, 60 days for Disneyland, and 75-120 days in advance for Disney Cruise Line.
Pirates League
Is your child more into pirates than princesses? Never fear! At the Pirates League in Magic Kingdom both you AND your kids can transform into playful pirates and explore the Seven Seas.
Appropriately located next to Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland, this is where guests ages 3 and up can join in the stories of Captain Hook, Jake the Pirate, and more. Guests even get their own official pirate or empress name!
Aspiring sea-lovers can choose from the following options: Jake and the Neverland Pirates, First Mate, Captain Hook, Empress, or a Mermaid. Makeovers include features such as full face paint (Ghosted Pirate, Zombie, Captain Hook, Blackbeard, or Black-Eyed Jack), temporary tattoos, and bandannas or hats.
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Masters will swear you into the Pirates League with a personalized pirate oath and lead you to secret treasure. This is a lot of fun for kids and adults to enjoy together.
If you’re familiar with Pirate Night aboard Disney Cruise Line, you might be wondering if you can get a similar treatment. Well you can! On Pirate Night, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms into the Pirates League.
Booking windows open for Pirates League at the same time as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: 180 days in advance for Walt Disney World and 75-120 days in advance for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Salon Services
Sometimes all you need to feel like a princess (or prince) is a little pampering.
At Walt Disney World Resort you’ll find several salons located throughout the resort hotels. These include:
- Ivy Trellis Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
- La Vida Salon at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
All three salons offer a full suite of hair and makeup services. You can choose from a simply blow-dry, a cut and color, or just a fun up-do for a night out. Special services are provided for gentlemen as well. Children are also welcome at these locations, so it’s a great opportunity for a “Mommy and Me” or “Daddy and Me” event.
At Senses, you can treat yourself to a luxurious manicure or pedicure. Children ages 4 and up are welcome to a “Prince or Princess Pedicure” or a “Magical Manicure” alongside their parents.
Tip: If you can’t find an opening at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, or your child is just over/under the age cutoff, Ivy Trellis Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian is a great alternative. They offer several “Perfectly Prepared Princess” packages and have much more flexibility with the hairstyles.
One other option for hair services is Harmony Barber Shop, located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. This is the perfect spot for your child to get their “first haircut”.
Aboard Disney Cruise Line you’ll find its own version of Senses Spa & Salon. Here you can indulge in massages, facials, nail treatments, hairstyling, and more. Senses is only open to adults 18 and over, but the Chill Spa (located in a separate area inside) is open to teens ages 14-17.
Disney is even more fun when you step into the magic yourself. Which experiences will you choose for your family?
Ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? I’d love to help! I provide booking, planning, and concierge services at no additional cost when you book your Disney vacation with me. This includes assistance with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Pirates League, spa & salon services, and more. Contact me via my consultation request form or send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com to get started today!
