Always Let Your (Preschooler) Be Your Guide. My First Trip Report! COMPLETE

[shan23877]

Hi. I just found your trip report and it's a HUGE help as I'm preparing for our late January trip with a recently turned 4 yr old boy. We've got a DD too who will be almost 3 at trip time. It's very helpful to see what rides the 4 yr olds like and which ones are too scary.

I'm so glad your daughter loved Soarin and TT. I am so hoping that our DS will try both of those on our Epcot day. We showed him TT and he said it looked too fast on the internet but maybe we can change his mind once there!!

Looks like ya'll had long days. Did Maddie ever nap or did ya'll do down time at the resort mid day ever? I'll keep reading and can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip.

Hi and I'm really glad that you're finding it helpful! We knew that DD was a fan of thrill rides, so it was the rides that she didn't like that surprised us . I hope that he'll be brave for you!

DD didn't nap at all, and we only had a mid-day break once (that's a long story for day 5). DD is a go-go kid though. What we did find is that even though she'd not a huge eater, regular meals and snacks were super important. Most nights she fell asleep for a few minutes on the bus rides back to POFQ, but then she woke up and wanted to go swimming

I hope that you'll find the TR even more helpful, and thanks for reading!

I'm so glad that your dd loved TT and Soarin! I have to try Cape May next trip. I love the whole boardwalk area. Its very relaxing to me.

Me too! I was beginning to think that we'd only be riding Dumbo and BTMRR Isn't the boardwalk area great? DH and I enjoyed it a lot when we'd go before Maddie. I hope you try Cape May, we loved it!

 

[shan23877]

If you’ve watched the Disney Vacation Planning Video as much as we have, then you know that approximately 10 seconds of the video is devoted to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. If you think that those 10 seconds escaped Maddie’s attention, well you’d be mistaken.

As with Cinderella’s Royal Table, we didn’t want to throw costs at DD, but we wanted her to understand that a trip to the BBB was very special. So, we told her that you had to be specially invited to attend.

So, in addition to telling everyone she met that she was going to Disney she also told them “and, maybe I’m going to be invited to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique”



On the morning of Day 3 we awoke at 6:45. Bryan and I showered and dressed before we woke Maddie. Once she was awake we told her that something special had happened while she slept. Would you believe that Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother had dropped by the room in the middle of the night? She was there to extend Madison an invitation to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique for that very morning! Needless to say, Maddie was stoked. I don’t have any pics of her with the invitation because I was reading it to her, and DH was just enjoying the moment. It was great. She was so excited to get going.

We got Maddie dressed quickly and headed to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory for some breakfast. We paid OOP this morning. Maddie got the kids breakfast, DH got a bagel, and I had 2 beignets and finished DD’s eggs. Perfect! We took a few quick pictures outside, and headed to the bus stop.

Our BBB appointment was for 9:05, so we got to the bus stop at 8:00. We were not about to be late for this! Since we’d asked the night before, we knew that the boats didn’t begin running until 10 am, but he CMs assured us that the busses started going to DTD at 8:00. There were 2 ladies also waiting for the DTD buses. They had been there since 7:30 and hadn’t seen one yet, so it was a relief to know that we hadn’t missed one.

There was a CM at the bus stop this morning helping out the guests and radioing for more busses to come. At 8:15 DH asked him if a DTD bus was for sure coming. He told us that it was.

At 8:30 DH asked again, and pled for the CM to be completely honest. He told him that we had an appointment and that we’d take a cab if the bus wasn’t on the way. The CM told us that a bus would be there any minute. He also told us that we could just explain that our bus was late if we missed our appointment time.

By 8:40 I was ready to explode. The CM again told us that the bus would be there any minute.

We got on the bus at 8:50. It of course picked up at Riverside before we left, and stopped at Typhoon Lagoon before going to DTD. GRRRRRRRRR

This was the only bad bus experience that we had on the entire trip, but it sure came at the wrong time.

Finally, at 9:10 we arrived at DTD Marketplace, and we power walked to the World of Disney Store. It was finally BBB time!!



I know that this update was kind of a bummer, so I'm hard at work on the next one which is much more fun!

 

[baseballmickey]

I've been busy and just getting back to reading your TR. I had to tell you before anything else that your reserved post for the Chapter Links worked out great!! Very "Friends" too!

 

[baseballmickey]

The One With The Questionable Parenting
Does the title of this one refer to DH not wanting to see princesses??

Awesome pictures! I think my DD and I will adopt the "Disney" yell for our next rollercoaster... whenever that is.

Looks like you are all having so much fun.

The One With The Scary Mountain and Lovely Ladies

Aww.. that's too bad about SM. I don't think I've ever known anyone to react to it quite like that. DW doesn't mind everything leading up the drop. The drop scares the Beverly out of her. I have to dig up my video of SM to show DD and see if she'll be up for it next summer!

Got to love Woody and Jessie! DD and I dressed up as those two last Halloween too!! (apparently this year I get to be Captain Hook to her Tink)

More princesses! And FOTL for Rapunzel!! Amazing!! Gotta love that!

I'm sorry, no disrespect to your DH, but rides only become "throw-up" rides if you can't control yourself!! He should have gotten his own cup and chose not to spin it like we did on our last trip when we were sick!!

The One With the Gang From the 100 Acre Wood

We love the CP. I totally agree with you about the Character Meals. They're a great way to fill out a DDP schedule when you have a little one. And yes, go for the experience, not the food!! Or maybe to paraphrase Bruce... "Character Meals are about Friends, Not Food!"

I think I've come up with a rule of thumb about the character meals too, after our last trip: "Mostly breakfast, Sometimes Dinner, but NEVER lunch." To me, lunch is PB&J, a hot dog, or some deli meats. I don't want to eat an earlier dinner. I'd much rather eat a later breakfast!

Sorry to hear you couldn't get a better spot for MSEP. I do like the picture you got of Alice and the Castle! I can't wait to see the new show!

BTW.. I am so totally a soda in the morning person, pepsi preferable, but in a pinch coke will do just fine. DW thinks i am so weird because I have never had a cup of coffee in my life.

Anyway... back to reading... lots more chapters to go... this is going to be one long comment. I think I better break it up into smaller ones!

 

[baseballmickey]

The One With Empty Streets and A Date With Royalty Parts 1 & 2

That is great that you guys are so Imaginative and Crafty. (I pieced together my Woody outfit and it was questionable at best) The Invitation looks fantastic and such a great idea!! The costumes you made look great too! are you involved with the Disboutiquers at all?

Poor DH! (not really) He and my DW can commiserate. I am usually taking pictures all the time. Each trip I usually get a handful of DW's "don't you ever put that thing away" face!

I love an empty Main Street. The music is so much clearer, and the smells seem more potent...

ahh... CRT. Once again... Character Meals are about Friends, Not Food. We also found that the food had gone downhill since the first time I took DW there, just the two of us, for dinner. It was King Stefan's then. And then Cinderella and Prince Charming were upstairs and came to your table. It was the Fairy Godmother who you met downstairs as you came in. I liked that much better. I don't see why it couldn't be the same now, just with visiting princesses. They also had mickey shaped butter. not a flat mickey head... but a standing, 3D figure of mickey mouse made of butter! If I had known that would be the last time I'd see it... well, I would have brought liquid nitrogen to freeze it and something to store it in and take it home!

Still.. despite the food and DD not being fully energized... it looks like a great start to another Disney morning!

 

[katt789]

Ack! So sorry about your bus situation, that SUCKS. I haven't known of Disney busses running that behind/badly. I am excited for the BBB update though!!

 

[mom of princess]

I'm enjoying your TR

DH and I followed the let the child rule the vacation during our last trip - he was forced to do so when I kept saying, "she's only little once, suck it up and ride Small World for the 900th time if it makes her happy"

He also had to learn that little girls have the uncanny ability to spot a character 2 miles away thru a crowd of people 60 deep. Where is the Rapunzul meet & greet? I know that will be on our list next summer.

Am hoping that you can give some insight on the POFQ resort. DH wanted to upgrade for this next trip and DD chose this hotel because of the pool. She doesn't even know about this upcoming trip - hoping she isn't just faking us out

 

[shan23877]

I've been busy and just getting back to reading your TR. I had to tell you before anything else that your reserved post for the Chapter Links worked out great!! Very "Friends" too!

Thanks for your help! We are big TV geeks, and have always loved the Friends episode titles

The One With The Questionable Parenting
Does the title of this one refer to DH not wanting to see princesses??



Awesome pictures! I think my DD and I will adopt the "Disney" yell for our next rollercoaster... whenever that is.

Looks like you are all having so much fun.

Thanks!

The One With The Scary Mountain and Lovely Ladies

Aww.. that's too bad about SM. I don't think I've ever known anyone to react to it quite like that. DW doesn't mind everything leading up the drop. The drop scares the Beverly out of her.

I had no idea that DD wouldn't like it! We were shocked!

I have to dig up my video of SM to show DD and see if she'll be up for it next summer!

Got to love Woody and Jessie! DD and I dressed up as those two last Halloween too!! (apparently this year I get to be Captain Hook to her Tink)

That's great! I think it's really cool when daddy's will dress up with their girls! I'd love to see a Tink and Hook picture! We're doing Belle. Dad's not to sure about being the Beast . He may just be a prince.

More princesses! And FOTL for Rapunzel!! Amazing!! Gotta love that!

I'm sorry, no disrespect to your DH, but rides only become "throw-up" rides if you can't control yourself!! He should have gotten his own cup and chose not to spin it like we did on our last trip when we were sick!!

The One With the Gang From the 100 Acre Wood

We love the CP. I totally agree with you about the Character Meals. They're a great way to fill out a DDP schedule when you have a little one. And yes, go for the experience, not the food!! Or maybe to paraphrase Bruce... "Character Meals are about Friends, Not Food!"



I think I've come up with a rule of thumb about the character meals too, after our last trip: "Mostly breakfast, Sometimes Dinner, but NEVER lunch." To me, lunch is PB&J, a hot dog, or some deli meats. I don't want to eat an earlier dinner. I'd much rather eat a later breakfast!

Sorry to hear you couldn't get a better spot for MSEP. I do like the picture you got of Alice and the Castle! I can't wait to see the new show!

The new show is amazing.

BTW.. I am so totally a soda in the morning person, pepsi preferable, but in a pinch coke will do just fine. DW thinks i am so weird because I have never had a cup of coffee in my life.

I'm Pepsi too. Have to suffer through the Coke at WDW though.

Anyway... back to reading... lots more chapters to go... this is going to be one long comment. I think I better break it up into smaller ones!

The One With Empty Streets and A Date With Royalty Parts 1 & 2

That is great that you guys are so Imaginative and Crafty. (I pieced together my Woody outfit and it was questionable at best) The Invitation looks fantastic and such a great idea!! The costumes you made look great too! are you involved with the Disboutiquers at all?

I've lurked on the threads, I think their skills are a little out of my range.

Poor DH! (not really) He and my DW can commiserate. I am usually taking pictures all the time. Each trip I usually get a handful of DW's "don't you ever put that thing away" face!

I've seen that face...

I love an empty Main Street. The music is so much clearer, and the smells seem more potent...

ahh... CRT. Once again... Character Meals are about Friends, Not Food. We also found that the food had gone downhill since the first time I took DW there, just the two of us, for dinner. It was King Stefan's then. And then Cinderella and Prince Charming were upstairs and came to your table. It was the Fairy Godmother who you met downstairs as you came in. I liked that much better. I don't see why it couldn't be the same now, just with visiting princesses. They also had mickey shaped butter. not a flat mickey head... but a standing, 3D figure of mickey mouse made of butter! If I had known that would be the last time I'd see it... well, I would have brought liquid nitrogen to freeze it and something to store it in and take it home!

I'm a big fan of butter. I would have loved to see that.

Still.. despite the food and DD not being fully energized... it looks like a great start to another Disney morning!

Ack! So sorry about your bus situation, that SUCKS. I haven't known of Disney busses running that behind/badly. I am excited for the BBB update though!!

I hate that I left things on a sour note. I can't wait to share our BBB experience!

I'm enjoying your TR

Thank you! and

DH and I followed the let the child rule the vacation during our last trip - he was forced to do so when I kept saying, "she's only little once, suck it up and ride Small World for the 900th time if it makes her happy"



He also had to learn that little girls have the uncanny ability to spot a character 2 miles away thru a crowd of people 60 deep. Where is the Rapunzul meet & greet? I know that will be on our list next summer.

They sure do! Can't sneak past 'em if you try! Rapunzel is between the castle and the teacups. It's a great little area.

Am hoping that you can give some insight on the POFQ resort. DH wanted to upgrade for this next trip and DD chose this hotel because of the pool. She doesn't even know about this upcoming trip - hoping she isn't just faking us out

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. We loved POFQ. It's small enough that everything's close by, the theming is great, gardens very pretty. We will certainly stay there again.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi I'm joining in for the remainder of your TR!

I love the chapter titles and how excited DD is in every picture. Love all her meets with the character and how happy she is when meeting the princesses! I'm a bit jealous that you got to see Genie - we only got Aladdin and Jasmine

Beast is such a sweetie, isn't he? I'm so happy that he made DDs day.

Loving all your pics esp the ones of MSEP and Wishes. You are right in that one can never have too many pics of the train track!

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[Caretames1]

Hello! Joining in. I really try to return the favor, you read mine, I'll read yours!

Going back to get caught up.

* All caught up!

Your DD is adorable! I'm totally enjoying your TR and we did let our DD take the lead on what we did while we were in the parks, because this trip was all about her. We figured they are only young once!

Our DD doesn't like the dark rides either, but Peter Pan she loved! Weird kid

I hope that being late to BB wasn't too bad!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi Shannon, I noticed the link in your siggy from your post on my TR, so I came over to check yours out. Your DD is adorable!! I love that you decided to let her lead your trip and just enjoyed WDW through her eyes

 

[kokotg]

Followed you over from my TR and joining in. I'm about halfway through and really enjoying it so far! It's funny, in my family the kids are the ones who always just want to go ride another ride, and I'm the one trying to get them to slow down, watch a show or parade, meet some characters

 

[shan23877]

Hi I'm joining in for the remainder of your TR!

I love the chapter titles and how excited DD is in every picture. Love all her meets with the character and how happy she is when meeting the princesses! I'm a bit jealous that you got to see Genie - we only got Aladdin and Jasmine

Beast is such a sweetie, isn't he? I'm so happy that he made DDs day.

Loving all your pics esp the ones of MSEP and Wishes. You are right in that one can never have too many pics of the train track!

Looking forward to reading more.

Thanks for joining in! I was really excited to see the Genie! It was a nice addition to princess-palooza

Hello! Joining in. I really try to return the favor, you read mine, I'll read yours!

Going back to get caught up.

* All caught up!

Your DD is adorable! I'm totally enjoying your TR and we did let our DD take the lead on what we did while we were in the parks, because this trip was all about her. We figured they are only young once!

Our DD doesn't like the dark rides either, but Peter Pan she loved! Weird kid

I hope that being late to BB wasn't too bad!

Thanks for joining! I imagine that our trip will sound pretty familiar to you, since your girls are older than my DD.

We didn't even try Peter Pan. We were saving our last "dark ride" for HM

Hi Shannon, I noticed the link in your siggy from your post on my TR, so I came over to check yours out. Your DD is adorable!! I love that you decided to let her lead your trip and just enjoyed WDW through her eyes

Thanks!

Followed you over from my TR and joining in. I'm about halfway through and really enjoying it so far! It's funny, in my family the kids are the ones who always just want to go ride another ride, and I'm the one trying to get them to slow down, watch a show or parade, meet some characters

Thanks for reading! I think a little more balance between rides and characters would have been nice.

 

[shan23877]

According to the Disney website

Girls 3 years old and above can choose from 3 hair styles — Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess — in 3 available packages:
Coach Package includes hairstyling and shimmering makeup — starting at $49.95 USD plus tax.
Crown Package includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup and nails — starting at $54.95 USD plus tax.
Castle Package includes the Crown Package plus the Imaging Package (one 6" x 8" and four 4" x 6" photos in a princess-themed photo holder) and complete costume of your choice with accessories — starting at $189.95 USD plus tax.
The optional Imaging Package includes one 6" x 8" and four 4" x 6" photos in a princess-themed photo holder.

When you make your appointment, you’ll be instructed to bring your own hairbrush, and that the girls’ nails must be free of polish. This proved to be an issue for us because DD ALWAYS has her nails polished, and she certainly didn’t understand why she couldn’t have them done for her Disney vacation.


We arrived at the World of Disney Store, still a little flustered from being so late. On the bus ride we’d been asking Maddie what princess she’d like to be made into hoping to save a little time choosing. “We’ll see Mommy”. Ok, we’d be taking our time.

As we checked in at the desk (appointments are made in the little girls’ names) the CM assured us that our tardiness was not an issue. We were asked which package we’d like (we chose the Castle Package) and Maddie was told to choose which princess she’d like to be. I’d like to say that we let her choose all on her own, but we did try to nudge her toward certain dresses. She wanted to be Aurora, but we told her that long sleeves in August were a bad idea. Then, she was teetering between Jasmine (her dad was having a mild heart attack) and Cinderella. I was hoping she’d choose Tiana, because the dress was absolutely beautiful, but in the end Arial was the winner. I never in a million years would have guessed that this is what she’d pick!

We told the CM at the desk that Arial was our choice, and glancing at Maddie she quickly guessed her sized for both dress and shoes. I was impressed! Maddie was then given her official invitation (their words—bless them) which was basically a brochure with photos of the different hairstyles to choose from. I pointed out the Fairytale Princess ‘do right away and Maddie agreed. DH and I wanted Maddie to look like a little girl- we weren’t ready for hair extentions.

Maddie with her "official invitation"

We waited a few minutes more (we had been late, so we weren’t complaining) and then they showed Maddie and I to her dressing room where her outfit was waiting for her. The Arial outfit included the dress, shoes, wand, and tiara (in addition to the tiara that comes with the Fairytale Princess hairdo). We got her dressed, and then emerged to meet her Fairy Godmother In Training, Chris.

Looking in the mirror in her dressing room

A pose before the makeover began

The "Before"

Chris immediately noticed the Chicago Cubs bag that we were carrying. We got to talking and as it turns out, Chris is from a town about 30 minutes from where we live! It really is a small world after all.

Getting into the chair

​

The makeover began with nail polish. I think that there were 3 colors to choose from (very pale pink, purple or blue) but the girls make all of the choices, so I can’t be certain.

Then came the makeup. (Again there are a few choices, all tasteful, but Maddie picked without Mom’s help). The makeup includes a sparkley sticker on the cheek which Maddie was crazy about, eye shadow, and lip gloss.

​

Then came the hair. I mentioned to Chris that Maddie would not be ok with her bangs being pulled back (she’s oddly attached to the bangs), but was told that they are not allowed to do it any other way. Odd, but nothing that we were going to be pushy about as long as DD was ok with it.

Checking her lipstick

Choosing her Mickey barrette

The whole time there was a PhotoPass photographer snapping pics of the little girls. The one that was there that day was awesome. He kept showing the parents if he got a particularly good shot. The only downside to the BBB is that it is a very small area. Only about half of the chairs were occupied, but the parents had very limited space to stand and watch.

Getting her sash

Getting dusted

The girls are kept facing away from the mirror until the big reveal, which makes for a very cool moment when they finally see themselves. Once Maddie’s hair was finished, she chose which color tiara she wanted, and then chose a Mickey barrette for the back of her hair. DD’s BBB sash was draped over her shoulders, and finally, after a liberal dose of pixie dust, Maddie’s Fairy Godmother in Training spun her around.

Maddie and Chris posed for a picture together, and Chris signed DD's autograph book.

​

We gave Maddie some money to tip Chris, and she was led to a wishing well to put the money in (cute). Maddie was given a bag containing the bottle of nail polish and makeup pallete and comb they’d used as well as an extra Mickey barrette. We settled up at the desk, the whole experience came to about $215 with tax. We were given a voucher to redeem at the portrait area for our photo package, and we said goodbye to the Fairy Godmothers In Training. We browsed the princess area of World of Disney for a few minutes, promising Maddie that we’d come back to shop some more after the photo shoot.

On the way to the photo shoot

The photography is located next to Team Mickey, so we headed there right away. We had to wait a few minutes, but we had fun watching the other girls who had just been made into princesses have their photos taken.

The package came with an 8x10, 2 4x6, and 4 wallet sized photos, but all of them can be added to your photopass card.

DH and I liked the whole BBB experience for Maddie, but our final thoughts on it weren’t really solidified until the end of the day.

We’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Every where we went, CMs and other vacationers called her princess, bowed to her, opened doors, etc. which Maddie absolutely loved. It is very expensive, but worth every penny. It is hard to put into words how wonderful it is to see your little girl feel like royalty. Maddie loves to dress up, but if you call her by the princess’s name, she always says “I’m just Maddie. I’m only pretending to be a princess.” On this day there was no arguing. She WAS a princess. The BBB experience extends so far beyond the short time that you’re there.

It is truly magical.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Wow what a lovely update!

Maddie looks gorgeous before, during and after her makeover! She makes a lovely Ariel - we saw many princesses during our trip and loved watching them being treated like royalty.

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a great update! Maddie looks so pretty all dressed up as a princess! I don't think I've ever read a review of the BBB where someone says that they wished they hadn't done it. What a great experience that is for little girls

 

[JAMIESMITH]

It was really neat to see how much fun Maddie had at BBB. I don't see that as something we'll do simply because I can't picture spending that much extra money. The quality of costumes at Disney looks so much better than what you can buy at Walmart!

 

[shan23877]

Wow what a lovely update!

Maddie looks gorgeous before, during and after her makeover! She makes a lovely Ariel - we saw many princesses during our trip and loved watching them being treated like royalty.

Thank you so much. That's very sweet. It is so cute the way everyone treats the little princesses!

What a great update! Maddie looks so pretty all dressed up as a princess! I don't think I've ever read a review of the BBB where someone says that they wished they hadn't done it. What a great experience that is for little girls

Thank You! I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. It was so great for her. She's such a little diva, it was her dream come true! She actually said just last night that it was her favorite part of the whole trip!

It was really neat to see how much fun Maddie had at BBB. I don't see that as something we'll do simply because I can't picture spending that much extra money. The quality of costumes at Disney looks so much better than what you can buy at Walmart!

It was great for her. It is super expensive, we weren't sure we wanted to spend the money. It was worth it to us though. Probably won't be something we'd do every time though! The costumes were really good quality. They're nicer than the one's you can get through Disney's website too.

 

[Belle83]

I'm new to your TR but took no time getting caught up! What a wonderful first trip for your DD. The excitement in her face in a lot of your pics made me tear up a little. Can't wait to see more!

 

[shan23877]

I'm new to your TR but took no time getting caught up! What a wonderful first trip for your DD. The excitement in her face in a lot of your pics made me tear up a little. Can't wait to see more!

and thanks for joining in! It was a great first trip! (her second is currently in negotiations ) She was so excited, and we'll cherish those pictures. I hope to have more up soon! Thanks for reading!