Perfectly princess tea alternative for four year old

[Crl1817]

I'm planning our Christmas trip and have decided to try to book the Perfectly Princess tea for dd, age four, and me. That would be a non-park day for the two of us. Dh and ds would take that day to do whatever ds, age 11 by then, wants--we agree that he will LOVE getting day where he doesn't have to slow down for his little sister.

But since we are traveling at such a busy time and since it has very limited space, I'm worried we won't be able to book the tea party. So I'd like a plan b. Bibbity, bobbity boo at DTD is the first thing that comes to mind. She's not a huge fan of clips and the like in her short hair so I'm not sure how long she would keep any hairstye going. And she's not a dress up fan (she won't even wear a true Halloween costume, I have to figure out one from regular clothes; if we get the princess tea, I'll be dressing her in a regular dress that looks princess-y). She does love face painting though. So while I think she would like BBB, I don't think she would love it overall. I have also thought about a CRT ADR or Askerhaus. But somehow that doesn't feel quite the same. Partly because I'd like a more relaxed non-park day with her, and partly because I think we'd rather use our table service time for the family to eat together. And partly because we are doing other character meals and I think those might feel pretty much like just another character meal. (Not interested in BOG.)

Any suggestions for a plan b? It does not need to be princess-y. Dd likes the princess stuff okay, but isn't that obsessed and likes other stuff too. Something at DTD or a resort would be great.

Thank you!

 

[cindrelly4evr]

What about making an appointment at the ivy trellis at the grand Floridian for both of you to get your nails done together and if can't get in for the tea party they do have afternoon tea every day at the grand Floridian and if going during holidays the resort is really pretty! !!

 

[Bluegrrl]

Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian! It's tea, but no princesses. She can dress nicely, and still enjoy the lovely GF and little sandwiches and stuff. And if she feels left out b/c the Princess tea party gives dolls, just bring a doll of her own (like an American Girl or whatever). The clothes for the Disney princess dolls fit AG dolls mostly (they need a little tug here and there).

After tea, how about a monorail and/or car ride to check out all the gingerbread houses in the resorts? Or just a ride on the monorail (she may not want to ride all over creation). Boardwalk has a ginger carousel and the Polynesian has a village. Or how about a trip to AKL to look at the animals? They also have cookie decorating at the AKL. Maybe a trip to the GF salon for a "big girl" hairstyle or even a "big girl" mani/pedi with mom? I know she's four, but a little "big girl" pedi might be better than the BBB stuff. (And nice for you too!).

There are pony rides at Fort Wilderness as well, if she's a horsey girl that might be nice. If she's REAL adventurous, you could always go to the top of the Contemporary hotel. It's sort of gated - they do escort you to the top instead of just letting you wander up there now.

How about meeting all the different "Santas" at Epcot? Or meeting Santa at the Magic Kingdom?

That's all I can think of right now. Hope it helps!

 

[Crl1817]

Those are all awesome suggestions! So great. One of those will definitely work as plan b.

Thank you!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I agree the spa and tea at the GF would be idea. Sounds like BBB would not be such a great choice. You could take a bit of kid friendly make-up and let her wear that to the spa and tea if you want. Maybe a special girls shopping trip at DTD to finish out the day.

 

[Crl1817]

Thank you! I think dd would like the pony ride, but I think she'd also love the manicure and tea idea and I'd rather do that. Also we are planning to meet the boys at DTD for dinner so we could let both kids souvenir shop there. So that's my plan b.

I really appreciate all the great suggestions!

 

[ktlm]

I agree that it sounds like BBB will not be a great choice, plus DTD in the busy Christmas season might not be the most fun place to spend time. It is basically an outdoor shopping mall that anyone can go to without tickets, so it is crazy busy in the Christmas season like all other shopping places are that time of year. My DD has a pretty sensitive head and we have done BBB a few times. She loves the experience, but the time we did the bun, she was begging after an hour or two for me to get it down because it was hurting her head. We did the courtyard package hair and she kept in the hair a while but after about 4 or 5 hours she was begging me to get it out because it was too tight. The only one she has not minded and has kept in all day is the diva hairstyle. My DD is a dress up fan and loves the experience, so it is worth it for that, but if your DD doesn't like the hair, and doesn't really like the dressing up either, you are going to be spending a lot of money for something that she probably isn't even going to like much.

If you are going to do BBB, I would try for the one in the castle with CRT after.

Hopefully, you will get a reservation for the tea party, I have heard it is great.

You mentioned Akershus, you could do that and then take her to pick a pearl in Japan. DD absolutely loves the pick a pearl. They do a whole little ceremony for it. The settings range from cheap to really expensive, so you can do whatever price range you want. I think pearl pick itself is around $15.

I think Blugrrl's suggestions are all great too.