BBB - DCL or Disney Springs?

[parkbr]

Hi,

I am thinking of doing BBB for our DD who will be turning 6 in January.
She is sort of out of the whole princess thing (just in the last month!), but she LOVES getting any make-over done - like manicure, etc.

We think we'd like to give a birthday gift of BBB and we're debating whether to do it at DCL (dream) or Disney Springs.
Is there any price difference? We plan to bring her own dress and get the most economical package possible.

If on DCL, what time should we get it? I thought early in the morning, so she can be in her 'best look' all day, but then I realized that she won't be if she wants to swim, etc.
If at DS, we will be our down day, so we don't really worry about having her to change to swim suite, etc.

Thank you!

 

[Keyser]

We faced a similar decision a few years ago. We went with Disney Springs for the reasons you mention: on the cruise, she would not be able to swim onboard, or at Castaway Cay, etc. At Disney Springs, we did it right before a Cirque du Soliel show (this was kind of a "do everything we can in one trip" thing...), and then she kept it that way for another day or maybe two (skipping swimming in the hotel pool that day, but it was OK). It just felt like we got more bang for our buck that way, and there was no need to make her really choose between key activities and keeping the makeover. If you do go with DCL, I'd probably recommend late enough on whatever day to let her do something in the morning, and then she can be all made up during show/dinner/etc. And, kind of the same for Disney Springs if you can - it seemed easier for her to not worry about it for a show/dinner that night, and then the next day at the parks she was less concerned about losing the style.

Of course, there might be other considerations, like a special day or whatever, that would override this.

 

[MrsInsG]

We did BBB at Disney Springs in August, and then did it (twice) on the Fantasy a couple of weeks ago. My daughter is 11 and will be 12 next month; this was a do it now, or never do it scenario. Her opinion was the Disney Springs BBB was much more focused on the child, while DCL was much more rushed. The Fairy Godmothers on the ship were friendly, but both of the ladies my daughter had had very strong accents making it difficult for dd to understand what was being said. My girl would often say, "I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Would you mind repeating that?" DD felt uncomfortable because she didn't want to seem rude, so she was so focused on trying to understand that she didn't relax into the experience, either. This, in addition to the shorter time span, made it less enjoyable. That said, she LOVED getting to get her makeover for formal night, and another for pirate night. I believe the prices were the same.

One other small detail... the dressing room experience is different on land than at sea. I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't done it yet, but the DS location has more space for a little more magic to happen.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The pools on the Dream are always so full I'm not sure swimming is a real concern.

 

[deliela999]

We haven't done it at DS but have done it in MK and on the Dream. We much preferred the Dream. At MK it was super crowded and loud. On the dream I think there were 2 other girls, sisters, so only one other set of parents. It was so much quieter and relaxing. Being first time cruisers our time options were limited but we did it early afternoon so we had both princess and frozen gatherings in the morning, then a little pool time, bath/wash hair, then BBB. We didn't get off the ship in Nassau and that's what we did instead.

 

[parkbr]

Thank you all.
I tried to call Disney Springs BBB today, but was told the wait was over 30 mins!
We also released BBB reservation as well on Dream, because it was at 9:45AM. It seemed too early for us.

We will see which one we can get with the time that's desirable.

We also do not plan to get off the ship (or just for an hour or two tops. Because we've been there), so we have some flexibility.

 

[Breezer4]

Hi,

I am thinking of doing BBB for our DD who will be turning 6 in January.
She is sort of out of the whole princess thing (just in the last month!), but she LOVES getting any make-over done - like manicure, etc.

We think we'd like to give a birthday gift of BBB and we're debating whether to do it at DCL (dream) or Disney Springs.
Is there any price difference? We plan to bring her own dress and get the most economical package possible.

If on DCL, what time should we get it? I thought early in the morning, so she can be in her 'best look' all day, but then I realized that she won't be if she wants to swim, etc.
If at DS, we will be our down day, so we don't really worry about having her to change to swim suite, etc.

Thank you!

We’ve done BBB at MK and on Dream. There seemed to be less options on the ship, but my daughter loved both!