We treated my daughter to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Wish and Disney Dream cruises. My daughter has sensory sensitivities, so we put some adaptations in place. With that in mind, was the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience worth it? Keep reading for our honest review of this magical service and whether it offered good value for our family.
If you are travelling with a Neurodiverse family or it is your first time Disney Cruise you will find my other blogs (below) packed full of helpful Disney Cruise tips and advice.
Read:
Disney Cruise Jargon and Terms explained
Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List for First Timers
What is Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique?
So first off, you might be wondering what is Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique? It’s a Disney makeover for kids, offered on Disney Cruise Line and in Disney parks. A super magical makeover at that.
What is the age range for Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique?
This service is specifically for children aged 3 to 12. So unfortunately if you are wondering can adults do Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique – the answer is no.
Family can watch comfortably from the seating area inside the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon.
What makeover packages are available on a Disney Cruise?
Prices and packages do vary you can find more here.
Children can dress as a princess, knight, pirate, or even Captain Mickey or Minnie onboard the Disney Cruise. (Packages vary at the Disney Parks)
Think dresses, buns, bows, sparkles, makeup and props (for example the knights get a sword and shield)
Can boys do the princess package at Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique?
Absolutely. The Disney Cruise Line Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique is inclusive to all genders and therefore any child can select any package that they choose.
Can I bring my own dress to Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique?
Yes you can. My daughter has sensory sensitivities and therefore has chosen on both occasions to wear her own comfortable clothing, still with a princess theme to bring the magic.
Do I have to have make up during the makeover?
No, makeup included in the package is yours to keep and take home. You do not need to have it applied during the experience.
Is the makeup and hair tools used on other guests?
No. All tools are brand new and gifted to your child to keep. This ensures everything remains hygienic.
How long does the Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique makeover take?
As the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella states “even miracles take a little time” and she is not wrong. The makeover takes 90 minutes, so avoid scheduling anything else around it.
What to expect at the Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique?
You will be given an appointment time for your makeover when you book in advance. Arrive early to enjoy every minute of your pampering session.
Your prince/princess will be partnered with their Fairy Godmother (what is a Fairy Godmother in Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique? The cast member that will be carrying out the pamper session)
You will be led to your salon station, where you child will be seated in the magical makeover chair and the family with them can get comfy on the seating. The child will be shown the hair and makeup options and select their preferred choice. And with a Bibbidi Bobbodi Boo…the makeover begins.
The Fairy Godmothers are incredible and will engage in fun conversations with your child; such as ‘would you turn your little brother into a frog’ and all throughout it continues the Disney magic theming. They are extremely gentle and caring, particularly if your child has long, curly hair like mine, reassuring them that they can say ‘bibbidi bobbodi ouch’ at any time and they will stop.
I particularly loved the speech that was given when my daughter was asked to make a wish. Her Fairy Godmother told her that she could “never ever wish to be beautiful because you are already beautiful so don’t forget that.” It feel really empowering to young children that perhaps need to hear that and gave her a real confidence boost.
After a generous dusting of pixie dust (it is worth noting that your child will hold a plastic shield over their face at this time – which could be distressing to some children with sensitivies) your child is spun around so that they can see their reflection for the first time in the mirror. You are going to want to get your camera out for this moment to catch their reaction.
Final thoughts – is Disney Cruise Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique worth it?
Ok so let’s be real, this is not a cheap activity. It will set you back over $100 at least, however, the overall experience and the love, care and attention that is put into the makeover by the Fairy Godmothers is truly special.
Our Fairy Godmother on the Disney Dream made me daughter feel so special and you could see by her facial reactions that all the positivity and affirmations that the Fairy Godmother was saying to her was really making an impact, so for that alone it was worth it to us.
I worried that with my daughters sensory sensitivities; not selecting a dress (although this is also a good Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique money saving tip – there is also a Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique tshirt package) and not having the full make up on that this would dampen the experience, but it definitely did not. She was still able to have her hair styled, her nails painted and a her facial sticker she took away with her.
Here are some of my top tips if you are thinking about booking Bibbidi Bobbodi Boutique on your next trip.
- On a Disney Cruise, you can book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as soon as your online check-in opens, which depends on your Castaway Club status:
- First-time cruisers: 75 days before sailing
- Silver (1+ cruise): 90 days
- Gold (5+ cruises): 105 days
- Platinum (10+ cruises): 120 days
- Concierge guests: 130 days
Tip: It fills up quickly, especially on sea days and formal nights- so book as early as your window opens!
- Book early on in the day so that you can enjoy your royal makeover for longer, and perhaps avoid going in the pool afterwards to avoid spoiling your look (unless of course you are going for the Little Mermaid look!)
- If you are Pixie Dusting around the ship, why not share one with your Fairy Godmother – we did and it genuinely made her day. She welled up.
- If you have the photopass package onboard, why not find a photographer to take some royal snaps for you in your full outfit.
Whether your child chooses the full princess package or a sensory-friendly version, the Disney Cruise Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers an unforgettable touch of magic. From sparkling buns to kind-hearted Fairy Godmothers, it’s more than just a makeover, it’s a memory your family will cherish forever.
If you’re planning a Disney Cruise, I hope this guide helps you decide whether Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is right for your little one. Got questions or your own experience to share? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!