BBB NOT for Teens

[lacrosse_lady72]

I just like getting my hair done, anywhere. And I think I would like to do this but I would really feel ridiculous being the only 21 year old doing this.

 

[mdoc]

On our last trip, my just-turned-9 year old D for the first time noticed the BBB hairdos on many of the little girls in the parks. I could just see the envy, even though most of these girls were little (maybe 3-6 year olds). There was no way I was taking her to BBB, but after she had pointed out the 98th BBB girl to me, I stopped into one of the shops, bought the fancy tiara comb, pulled her hair back, stuck the comb in and told her that but for the glitter she now looked exactly like all the girls coming from BBB. She was happy as a clam for the rest of the day, but she did acknowledge that every single BBB girl looked exactly the same, but for a few who had hair extensions. The little girls looked cute, but I can't imagine doing it with an older child. It's too bad they didn't tell you up front that your 16 yo would get the same 'do as the 4 year olds.

 

[Axel]

I'm 17 and I want it done!

I want just the simple bun style, though. Nothing with the extensions and whatnot. Just a simple bun and glitter, TYVM.

But then, I have a really high pain threshold. I don't get bothered by much at all. And even then, it's mind over matter and I can usually push it out of my thoughts.

Sorry it didn't work out for your DD, though.

 

[kadesha]

I'm 17 and I want it done!

I want just the simple bun style, though. Nothing with the extensions and whatnot. Just a simple bun and glitter, TYVM.

But then, I have a really high pain threshold. I don't get bothered by much at all. And even then, it's mind over matter and I can usually push it out of my thoughts.

Sorry it didn't work out for your DD, though.

Lol! I don't think you really have to have a high pain threshold to go to BBB! My girls have never had any problems and they are extremely tender headed! I guess it gets done too tightly sometimes, but certainly that can't be the norm. Look at all the little girls running around with those hairstyles--sometimes they even leave them in for days!!

 

[Caboosey]

Does anyone else think the ads in the Disney buses saying you can "turn your pumpkin into a princess" are kind of offensive? Like a girl is an ugly, ordinary plain Jane unless she has a $50 hairclip with multi-colored hair attached and glitter lip gloss???

I think you're misinterpreting the ad... I think they're using "pumpkin" as an affectionate nickname for a little girl (my dad called me his little pumpkin when I was growing up), not saying that they're plain and boring like a pumpkin...

 

[PiratePrincess99]

I am 18 and went to BBB four times when I was 17. I loved it, it so fun to be princess for a day. I even dressed up twice as Cinderella and Jasmine. I went for my 18th b-day and was jasmine and then went to mnsshp which was awesome. What do i say? I love Disney world and BBB. i want to do it agian but its expernsive.

 

[CarolA]

I still don't understand why the OP didn't complain THEN! Go back in and complain....

Seriously, complaints are much more effective IN PERSON and can be dealt with. All to often letters and such come across to Disney as "what's in it for me" EVEN if there is nothing wanted....

I don't get this place and am glad I don't have daughters because that money would NOT be being spent LOL! We told my niece that the only way she could do it was to PAY out her own pocket. Boy that shut her up, she didn't want to spend her money on it.

 

[luvthemouse71]

OP, sorry you were disappointed. I personally think while most little girls love BBB, I think they go overboard with the hairstyles and they charge WAY too much. They don't do anything that someone's mom/aunt etc couldn't do...my little niece brought a dress with her, I did her hair and makeup(makeup being some glitter and lip gloss..don't believe we should be doing a JonBenet look on little girls) and I took pictures(I like photography).

Didn't have to pay an arm and a leg either.

 

[jenseib]

I think you're misinterpreting the ad... I think they're using "pumpkin" as an affectionate nickname for a little girl (my dad called me his little pumpkin when I was growing up), not saying that they're plain and boring like a pumpkin...

Thats how I take it too.

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

That is the one area that bothers me about Disney - the knowlege of the CM's. A person should be able to call them
and get accurate information and that doesn't happen very often.

I agree that some CMs can have less than the desired levels of information -- and often, rather than admit that they don't know, they'll make something up in order to appear knowledgeable. It's unfortunate, but, IMHO, a very human trait that I've often seen in venues off-property.

That would be your opinion which you are entitled to express but I'm not required to agree with you.

You aren't... but I can assure you that Disney doesn't take letters of complaint lightly. If you want to disagree, that's fine. I've seen plenty of evidence to the contrary.

And for a company renowned for it's customer service, their mistake is not acknowledging that the customer had a problem. Customers have no reason to believe that anything is done if a problem is not acknowledged or if they receive a vague "thanks for writing" letter.

It's great to have loyalty to Disney but I don't get your purpose in trying to browbeat those who have a difference of opinion into not posting. Sometimes folks just want to vent.

Venting is fine, and I'm a big fan. What I don't understand is when people -- like the OP -- have an issue and don't address it at the time it happens, then post about what an awful experience they had.

Frankly, how Disney chooses to handle a Guest Complaint is between the Guest and Disney. I know how I would have handled it (and for the record, I think the manager at the BBB should have been more diligent in making sure the OP -- and her daughter -- were happy considering they voiced a concern [a valid one, I might add] before the FGIT began. The BBB is considered by Disney a premium service).

And, for the record, I wasn't browbeating anyone. I made no personal attacks here.

Next time try one of the Spas or Beauty Salons at one of the Deluxe Hotels. There is a very nice one at the Grand Floridian.

An excellent suggestion.

Does anyone else think the ads in the Disney buses saying you can "turn your pumpkin into a princess" are kind of offensive? Like a girl is an ugly, ordinary plain Jane unless she has a $50 hairclip with multi-colored hair attached and glitter lip gloss???

No, I see it as a play on words. Many daddies call their little girls "pumpkin" as a term of endearment, and the transformation of a pumpkin (into a glittering coach) in the film Cinderella is an iconic Disney moment.

I still don't understand why the OP didn't complain THEN! Go back in and complain....

My point exactly.

I think Disney dropped the ball here on a few levels -- which is why I suggested the OP write Disney. Not to get anyone disciplined, but I believe people should learn from their mistakes -- and that includes Disney. If there's no complaint then Disney will think everything was hunky-dory.

I also think the OP should have returned to the BBB and explained to a manager what issues she -- and her daughter -- had. Many of those issues could have been fixed in moments (like priority attraction entrance passes to make up for wasted time).

I'd also like to add that while I work for the company, when I post here I do so as an independent commenter (who has some knowledge most folks don't have) and not as a representative of the company. That's why I include a disclaimer in each and every one of my posts here.

 

[budmonster]

My 12 year old said she would not be caught dead near the place! LOL.
We saw soooooo many of these girls when we were there a couple of weeks ago and some of the hair is way over the top. But, to a 5 year old they must feel pretty special and oh so pretty! But oh man - we had another name for the BBB - the bibbity boppity slutique!
That being said, I probably would have done it for my daughter when she was little and she probably would have been convinced she looked amazing. LOL.
I think its fun for the little ones, but much over age 9 and they want no part of it!

Seriously, I can't believe you wrote that, you're ok with calling little girls names. Then you go and contradict yourself about going there.

OP, sorry you were disappointed. I personally think while most little girls love BBB, I think they go overboard with the hairstyles and they charge WAY too much. They don't do anything that someone's mom/aunt etc couldn't do...my little niece brought a dress with her, I did her hair and makeup(makeup being some glitter and lip gloss..don't believe we should be doing a JonBenet look on little girls) and I took pictures(I like photography).

Didn't have to pay an arm and a leg either.

Because this in the only place that Disney overcharges?


I know that the BBB is a personal choice for each and every parent that walks through its door, kind of like choosing a hotel, places to eat or rides. You hear it's to expensive, to much makeup, don't like the hairstyles and so on and that's OK it's still your choice to go or not. What's NOT ok are these people who post comments, directly or indirectly, referring to CHILDREN in derogatory ways. Bottom line is if you don't like it, don't do it. IMHO

And to the OP I am so sorry that your did not have the magical experience that she should have had.

 

[AngieBelle]

Classof83, I know how you feel. Many people don't understand that a teen is still a child. They still like to play and dress up. Most of the time, the 4 to 6 year olds in the BBB don't even want to be there- it's their moms that want to be there!

While-yes- that is sometimes the case, the vast majority of the little girls at the BBB are happy to be there. I have seen many very excited princesses. I have seem them so excited that they scramble right onto the chairs before the cape is even moved out of the way. I have seen them shriek with delight and break into a huge grin upon seeing themselves. I have seen them literally bounce up and down with glee. And I've seen happy reactions from all ages.

I am saddened that the OP had such a negative experience- it isn't the norm.

 

[desparatelydisney]

But oh man - we had another name for the BBB - the bibbity boppity slutique!
That being said, I probably would have done it for my daughter when she was little and she probably would have been convinced she looked amazing. LOL.
I think its fun for the little ones, but much over age 9 and they want no part of it!

Sorry to the OP for continuing a bit off topic, and I don't want to continue a war, but my DD did BBB when she was 3 and loved it. She was Jasmine; which I have heard lots of complaints about. You say that you probably would have done BBB for your daughter when she was little. How would you have felt to hear someone say bippity boppity slutique when seeing your daughter? No one says that the grown Jasmine the character is a "slut" so I don't understand why people feel this way about little girls who have no knowledge of such things and just want to look like their favorite character.

To the OP: I am sorry you were disappointed in your appointment. I wish no one EVER had an upsetting moment at WDW. Hopefully you had other great experiences to outweigh the bad one(s).

 

[wdwmom0f3]

When I read the OP's first post I had a flash back to Sept 07 in Epcot when we walked by two teen age girls 16/17 dressed head to toe in Disney Princess. While they looked great, they acted miserable. I felt so sorry for them because they both looked like they were about to cry.

My two girls would never go for it now, but would have loved it when they were much younger. It's a cute idea.

 

[kristilew]

While-yes- that is sometimes the case, the vast majority of the little girls at the BBB are happy to be there. I have seen many very excited princesses. I have seem them so excited that they scramble right onto the chairs before the cape is even moved out of the way. I have seen them shriek with delight and break into a huge grin upon seeing themselves. I have seen them literally bounce up and down with glee. And I've seen happy reactions from all ages.

I am saddened that the OP had such a negative experience- it isn't the norm.

We are repeat BBB customers, and last time I went with two friends, and 4 girls between us. We ALL got our hair done and had a wonderful time with it. Everyone likes a little bit of magic, at least everyone in my crew!


However, when I was a sullen, self concious teenager, I would have been mortified to think everyone might be looking at me and judging me. It takes a lot of self confidence to be silly in a public way and it's a rare teenage girl that has gotten there. That's why 40 is so much more fun than 16!

OP, sorry for your bad experience. I know part of your disappointment must have included memories of past trips when it was so easy to supply a little magic to your princess. It's hard when they start growing up. Sounds like you handled it well with her though.

 

[Tiger926]

I'm confused too why OP or her daughter didn't say anything at the time? We stayed right by our DD5's side while the FIG did her thing. We gave her our opinion a few times about a few things, and gave her constant feedback so she would know that what she was doing was acceptable.

Just like with any haircut, you need to speak up at the time as they can then change it for you.

Not sure why OP kept the appointment either once she found out that they could only do the 3 styles - would they not have let her cancel? I know there is a 24 hour cancellation policy, right? But apparenly it seems that the OP was misinformed by a phone CM, so perhaps they would have worked with her? Once you go in and get your hair done, you are then consenting to that, and not much can be done after that.

I am known as a consumer advocate to friends/family - I contact tons of companies, both positive and negative and so it's imperative that you voice your opinion at the time of the incident, as much as possible.

Good luck to OP in getting some feedback from Disney, Tiger

 

[peytonsmomie]

However, when I was a sullen, self concious teenager, I would have been mortified to think everyone might be looking at me and judging me. It takes a lot of self confidence to be silly in a public way and it's a rare teenage girl that has gotten there. That's why 40 is so much more fun than 16!

I *SO* agree! How can anyone complain about a teenager (or any girl in today's age) who would ecstatically spend $50+ to look like Cinderella rather than Britney Spears or Amy Winehouse?

I've got a major tomboy on my hands. She thinks just about everything 'uber-girl' (her word) is icky. While a part of me wishes she was even the tiniest bit into the princess schtick, the proud feminist mommy I am is generally thrilled that she's not twisted up in wanting to look like barbie or hannah montana.

For a teenager to be able to step outside herself and enjoy playacting like a wholesome character is something I can't bring myself to be anything but thrilled to see. When we go in April I'll be taking both my kiddos to the barbershop for some 'spiffying up' and fun. However, if I had a kiddo of any age who wanted to be a pretty princess for a day, bet I'd be bankrolling it gladly!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

...This is a discussion board to discuss the good and the bad of WDW. The OP has indeed accomplished something productive and constructive--she's let other mothers of teenage girls know that only the 3 hairstyles are available and that they should consider that before forking over the money. While writing WDW to complain is fine, there's nothing wrong with telling others about her experience...

Not directed solely at the PP who posted the "your post accomplishes NOTHING" comment, but to all who do it and other comments in the same spirit (and there are several!!)...

I've not had a thing to complain about, but it drives me NUTS when people make posts like that. She accomplished quite a bit, obviously. She got it off her chest, found people who've agreed and got an address if she chooses to write. Seriously, no need for posts that are prefaced with a remark.

I think you're misinterpreting the ad... I think they're using "pumpkin" as an affectionate nickname for a little girl (my dad called me his little pumpkin when I was growing up), not saying that they're plain and boring like a pumpkin...

So, my round, orange child can't go to BBB?

I'm confused too why OP or her daughter didn't say anything at the time? We stayed right by our DD5's side while the FIG did her thing. We gave her our opinion a few times about a few things, and gave her constant feedback so she would know that what she was doing was acceptable.

Just like with any haircut, you need to speak up at the time as they can then change it for you.

Not sure why OP kept the appointment either once she found out that they could only do the 3 styles - would they not have let her cancel? I know there is a 24 hour cancellation policy, right? But apparenly it seems that the OP was misinformed by a phone CM, so perhaps they would have worked with her? Once you go in and get your hair done, you are then consenting to that, and not much can be done after that.

I am known as a consumer advocate to friends/family - I contact tons of companies, both positive and negative and so it's imperative that you voice your opinion at the time of the incident, as much as possible.

Good luck to OP in getting some feedback from Disney, Tiger

She mentioned several times that once she found out about the three styles, they assured her they could try something more to her daughter's liking. She also addressed the issue of not complaining then and there.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

OP - I am sorry that you had a bad experience at BBB. My dd 7 has done it several times. She always chooses the bun because she does not like the other dos - too wild for her.

As for the posters asking why didn't the op and her dd complain right away - well some people just don't have the nerve. It seems like mom and dd were upset and needed to deal with that first. Yes, maybe something would have been done to correct the problem had they gone right back in - but it takes a lot of nerve to do that and some people just don't like to do that.

My own sister would never say anything whereas I would.

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

Not directed solely at the PP who posted the "your post accomplishes NOTHING" comment, but to all who do it and other comments in the same spirit (and there are several!!)...

I've not had a thing to complain about, but it drives me NUTS when people make posts like that. She accomplished quite a bit, obviously. She got it off her chest, found people who've agreed and got an address if she chooses to write. Seriously, no need for posts that are prefaced with a remark.

Well, you're quoting me out of context, so I'm going to address your post.

What I said specifically was "Complaints on the DISboards accomplish nothing productive or constructive".

Obviously, I should have been more specific; what some here have misinterpreted as an attempt to squelch discussion was instead meant to be a reminder that merely voicing a complaint in this forum is no substitute for contacting Disney with those complaints. Disney takes complaints posted on public internet forums a lot less seriously than they do when they are contacted directly by a Guest. Consequently, I provided the OP with the address for Guest Communications. I apologize for any misunderstanding.

To the OP: I am genuinely and sincerely sorry you and your DD had that experience and I hope that you bring it to Disney's attention.