Anna & Elsa’s Boutique vs BBB

[cinder-ellah]

My DGD's are 7 & 9 and want to go to one of these boutiques for hair & makeup.
They have not been to either one.
They are strongly considering A & E.
Are the hairstyles at A & E more elaborate than the basic bun at BBB ?
They are not wanting to get princess dresses, but will be getting new outfits such as Disney tshirts, skorts.
At A & E would it be okay if they don't dress in the theme of Anna or Elsa, but another Disney character (such as Belle or Ariel) ?
Are there PP Photographers at A & E ?

Any info you can share of recent experiences of either Boutique would be appreciated.

Pros / Cons

 

[Bud Ice]

Anna & Elsa is in DTD. More easily accessible and generally well thought of.
My understanding is prices are reasonable and staff are good to people.
Hairstyles are noticably different offerings by BBB. Caters to a wider
audience and dress is usually more free flowing which seems to be
what you're aiming for.

BBB has tradition and usually swamped with traffic and lot of activity (for good reason)

 

[cinder-ellah]

Anna & Elsa is in DTD. More easily accessible and generally well thought of.
My understanding is prices are reasonable and staff are good to people.
Hairstyles are noticably different offerings by BBB. Caters to a wider
audience and dress is usually more free flowing which seems to be
what you're aiming for.

BBB has tradition and usually swamped with traffic and lot of activity (for good reason)

Thank you. I appreciate your info.

 

[nicolispicoli]

I've only done A&E, but we loved it! The hairstyles are adorable and a little more elaborate than a basic (super tight) bun. It can get a little busy and crowded in there because both makeover areas are surrounded with merch, but since the hype has died down a little, I assume it's more manageable.

It just seemed like such a better value, especially since we already had a dress and didn't need the big package. They didn't do pictures when we went, but I took some in the store and the park and she just looks so cute.

You could definitely do any character at A&E, they have different color hair accessories that would work with any princess. Remember you can get a AP discount there, it helps.

 

[chaysmom]

We have done both. It's been awhile - I would say the atmosphere at E&A felt more rushed and traditional salon. It didn't "feel" majestic, if that that makes sense. (It felt more princess-like at BBB) But the hairstyles were much more unique and fun and my daughter LOVED it. Also, she was able to wear the E&A hairstyle longer then the BBB, LOL. She is 9 now - if she were to do it again, I would probably do E&A over BBB.

 

[cinder-ellah]

I've only done A&E, but we loved it! The hairstyles are adorable and a little more elaborate than a basic (super tight) bun. It can get a little busy and crowded in there because both makeover areas are surrounded with merch, but since the hype has died down a little, I assume it's more manageable.

It just seemed like such a better value, especially since we already had a dress and didn't need the big package. They didn't do pictures when we went, but I took some in the store and the park and she just looks so cute.

You could definitely do any character at A&E, they have different color hair accessories that would work with any princess. Remember you can get a AP discount there, it helps.

Terrific ! It looks like this will be the place to go !
I appreciate the information and thank you for the reminder about the AP discount.

 

[cinder-ellah]

We have done both. It's been awhile - I would say the atmosphere at E&A felt more rushed and traditional salon. It didn't "feel" majestic, if that that makes sense. (It felt more princess-like at BBB) But the hairstyles were much more unique and fun and my daughter LOVED it. Also, she was able to wear the E&A hairstyle longer then the BBB, LOL. She is 9 now - if she were to do it again, I would probably do E&A over BBB.

Great ! Thank you for response about your experiences.

 

[lcp9]

We haven't been to A&E for the makeover, but (possibly against my better judgment?) I chose BBB again for this next trip...not having to wait in line at the royal hall is a HUGE bonus for me. Just based on what I saw at A&E, BBB is more into the role playing with the fairy godmothers/magical transformation mirror/etc etc etc. That said, my daughter is barely 5 and is super into that and still thinks it's "real"...if she was older and still wanted to do it, I would probably look more seriously at A&E. Additionally, she wanted an Elena dress for Christmas anyway so I figured if I'm already buying the dress we might as well stay in park and go to BBB.

 

[cinder-ellah]

We haven't been to A&E for the makeover, but (possibly against my better judgment?) I chose BBB again for this next trip...not having to wait in line at the royal hall is a HUGE bonus for me. Just based on what I saw at A&E, BBB is more into the role playing with the fairy godmothers/magical transformation mirror/etc etc etc. That said, my daughter is barely 5 and is super into that and still thinks it's "real"...if she was older and still wanted to do it, I would probably look more seriously at A&E. Additionally, she wanted an Elena dress for Christmas anyway so I figured if I'm already buying the dress we might as well stay in park and go to BBB.

Sounds like BBB will be fun and magical for your daughter. Have fun !

 

[cinder-ellah]

Looks like (as of today, anyway) that I'll be taking my Granddaughter's 7 yrs old to BBB and 9 yrs old to A&E. I gave them a choice and it will work out great as luckily there are other adults in our group and while I go to one boutique with one Granddaughter, the other can go out and about the parks and do something else. It will be fun for me as well. I'm looking forward to experiencing both.

I'd still love to hear of anyone else experiences at either place ..... pros & cons

 

[Cagirl767]

My 9 yo likes both, so she chooses depending on the hair style she wants. The photo op is more elaborate at BBB, but it'll cost extra. At A&E there are places that are free but just a backdrop. Either one is fine, I'd say choose based on the hairstyle and/or extras that they want. You can find the styles online.

 

[cinder-ellah]

My 9 yo likes both, so she chooses depending on the hair style she wants. The photo op is more elaborate at BBB, but it'll cost extra. At A&E there are places that are free but just a backdrop. Either one is fine, I'd say choose based on the hairstyle and/or extras that they want. You can find the styles online.

Great ! Thank you !

I do like the looks of A&E hairstyles.

 

[calilou]

We've done both a few times and found that A&E's is a better fit for the girls approaching the tween age. They have a few more hairstyle choices rather than just the princess bun, and do fun options like colored hair pieces, ice (glitter), etc. The last time we did it was two years ago when my girls were 7 and 8 1/2 so very close to your girls' age. A princess dress or Frozen outfit is definitely not required. That boutique and a couple other Downtown Disney stores have more outfit type dress up choices rather than the princess thing. My girls have done themed tutus (theirs happened to be Anna & Elsa) with solid tanks, leggings and converse that looked super cute with their hairdos.

 

[cinder-ellah]

We've done both a few times and found that A&E's is a better fit for the girls approaching the tween age. They have a few more hairstyle choices rather than just the princess bun, and do fun options like colored hair pieces, ice (glitter), etc. The last time we did it was two years ago when my girls were 7 and 8 1/2 so very close to your girls' age. A princess dress or Frozen outfit is definitely not required. That boutique and a couple other Downtown Disney stores have more outfit type dress up choices rather than the princess thing. My girls have done themed tutus (theirs happened to be Anna & Elsa) with solid tanks, leggings and converse that looked super cute with their hairdos.

As of today both girls are now signed up for A&E
I like your idea as to them wearing more "outfit" type clothes. The hairstyle choice was the deciding factor in them both choosing A&E. Thank you for your experience and ideas.

 

[marivigi]

Does anyone have th ephoen number to make reservations?

Do they open 60 days in advance?

Thanks!

 

[cinder-ellah]

Does anyone have th ephoen number to make reservations?

Do they open 60 days in advance?

Thanks!

• Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to 60 days prior to arrival by calling (714) 781-STYLE or (714) 781-7895). Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/shops/downtown-disney-district/anna-and-elsa-boutique/

 

[marivigi]

• Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to 60 days prior to arrival by calling (714) 781-STYLE or (714) 781-7895). Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/shops/downtown-disney-district/anna-and-elsa-boutique/

Thank you!