Mini-report,
MNSSHP & Magical Makeover (Character Couture) because
sherlockmiles asked for it.
I was asked to share more about my Magical Makeover experience, so here’s my report from last year’s MNSSHP. Before we begin you should know that Halloween is *
very* important to me, and in fact I was celebrating a special occasion:
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Our day started with a ‘afternoon tea’ at the Grand Floridian Garden View tearoom. I put afternoon in quotes because our reservation was at noon. The tea was amazing, and at the end we had a special cake brought out from the back. This was a huge event for us, as the baker, a special chef, and it felt like half the staff came out to make sure everything was right. It was. The cake will remain one of most treasured memories, and the cake topper (matching chocolate skulls) are enshrined in a glass cloche bell jar on my book shelf (just like the Beast’s Rose in Beauty and the Beast).
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I’d checked into the Ivy Trellis salon on our way to tea, and was reminded that I needed to come back 15 minutes before my appointment. Thus I was back in the salon at 1:30 (15 minutes before my appointment). And they told to wait. And wait some more. The salon is very small with about 3 chairs out front. There weren’t any look books or photos to review. It’s basically you staring into space. You are asked not to leave the salon. Sigh. Finally we started!
First up was hair. They do not wash your hair or condition. They do use a lot of hair spray so if you’re sensitive to smells be warned. Also, every package comes with a tiara which didn’t apply in my case, so I was handed the tiara in plastic wrap. There are bows and ribbons available, but I wasn’t offered any. (The 8 year old next to me was. I try not to be bitter about that.
)
I showed the designer vintage Haunted Mansion Beating Heart Bride (Emily, *
not* Constance) photos and explained that I wanted a half up, half down, with my veil in place. We chatted for a few minutes with him explaining his ideas. He suggested we pin up half my hair and then curl the remainder. I was wary of that taking too long, but he assured me not to worry about it.
You are given 90 minutes for the makeover. I’ve since been told that my stylist was bad about going over. Knowing my hair, I expected to go over and asked once in person and twice on the phone to get more time. Based on when the person who came after me arrived I don’t think I got it. I feel a bit guilty about that.
Hair took until 3:45, at which point I was starting to get anxious. First because we had a fast pass and dinner coming up. Second because it was pouring rain outside.
I had read online so I was prepared for the makeup not to include any “face” work. That means (in theory) no blush or contouring. I ended up getting that. They use regular make up kits, not the throw away one-per-person kits you see at pirates league. I brought my own lipstick because I wanted long wearing, and that wasn’t a problem.
I’m going to stop here to confess I have a problem with glitter. Well, not really a problem but an addiction. I asked for all the glitter. And boy, did I get it. After eye shadow, eye liner, fake eye lashes, lip liner, and lip stick we applied glitter. Everywhere. Glitter dust for my hair, my face, it was awesome.
It was also 4:30. My 90 minute appointment took 2.5 hours not including a 30 minute wait at the beginning. I was very glad my partner brought a snack for me.
My biggest surprise came at the end, when I learned there is no photo option. At BBB they have sets and photopass. Here they have nothing. I asked my stylist to take some photos of me just outside the doors but that was about it.
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Pictures took a bit and then waiting for the monorail, so we ended up at MNSSHP about an hour later than planned. While the rain had stopped the humidity steamed off the side walk. I blame that for the way my curls immediately straightened despite what felt like an entire can of hair spray and card of pins. Here’s us on main street, the very first thing we did after coming in from the GF.
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And much later in the night
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The makeup held, and my veil and up-do were fine for the whole evening. The curls were a waste of time and effort, but I suspected that would happen. Taking off the makeup was a bit of a trick, but that’s because I don’t usually wear any. You are expected to tip the hair stylist (and I did.) The makeover cost isn’t cheap - $105, but considering an up-do for long hair is $90, I was okay with that.
What questions can I answer?
And now with photos!
