Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[shan23877]

If anyone is considering borrowing the BBB surprise idea, please do! I'd be honored! And, DH has offered to upload the actual invitation that he created in case anyone would like to use it. So, if anyone does please let me know and we'd be happy to share.

Goodness, she is adorable.

Thank you so much!

Your BBB invitation was such a great idea! I am taking my 4 and 6 year olds in September, but I could have never kept it a secret. I told them the plan even before I called 180 days out. I am taking them to a Justin Beiber concert in January, and I cannot stand waiting until Christmas to let them know. I am not good with long term secret surprises- anywhere over a month. I am not sure how you did it. I can't wait to read about your time there!

Thank you so much! Whether you've kept it a secret or not, you'll have an amazing time. What a cool mom! I don't know if I could handle a Beiber concert! The surprise aspect really came about because we were afraid that the trip might not happen. We didn't want to disappoint her as much as we wanted to surprise her.

BBB coming right up!

Aw! Maddie wants to be a princess when she grows up, does gymnastics and dance, we're totes the same person! Baha...but really, I am basically 6 years old. Adorable!

Of course she does! What else would she possibly be?

You're just a kid at heart, and that's amazing.

Hey Shannon! I'm good...thanks for asking and am enjoying the new TR!

Love the idea of the FG giving the BBB invitation to Maddie during the M&G...what a great idea!

Yay at having a great score at Buzz and I laughed at the Girl Space Rangers Rule song.

Haha after the review of Stitch's Great Escape I'm pleased it's one attraction I still haven't visited.

Aaw love the graduation pics and the must make you proud. I love what Maddie wants to be when she grows up...am sure she already is a princess

So glad that you're back Tanz, and happy to hear that things are going well for you.

Thank you! I was so glad that it worked out.

That song cracked me up. She's turned super competitive recently.

Thank you! I'm so proud of my little princess!

I'm joining in on this trip report...frankly, the title made me giggle! You are such a fun writer and I really enjoyed your previous trip report! Thanks for sharing!

Welcome! Thanks for joining in!

I appreciate the kind words, and I hope to keep entertaining!

I've been kinda skipping around and mostly reading backwords,,, I mean backwards,,,,and I'm out of time right now,, but I can't wait to get back on tomorrow and figure out why everyone is raving and can't wait to hear more about your experience with the Better Business Bureau.
But I know you are terrific as a writer,, so there must be something cool in it. Oh, and I also need to know why Frank Gorshin who played the Riddler is delivering invitations. Or should that have been Frank Gifford?

Nebo! You braved the heat of the confuser room for me? I'm blushing.

I don't want to spoil it, but I had to get the Better Business Bureau involved over the new FastPass return times policy. I was really angry when I missed my return time for Splash Mountain.

And it was Frank Gershwin, Ira's lesser known brother. He needed a day job, and Disney obliged. It's his job to issue "invitations" to Stitch's Great Escape. Gotta get people in there somehow!

Thanks for stopping by Nebo!

 

[shan23877]

I took 159 pictures during this hour of the trip. Who’s excited?!!?

We made our way into Fantasyland and realized that we wouldn’t have time to use our Peter Pan FPs before we checked in at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. One of us didn’t mind a bit.

Princess Packages
Guests ages 3 to 12 can choose from 3 hair styles—Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess—as well as nail color, make-up and a total package including Disney Princess costume, accessories and photographs. The boutique offers 4 unique packages:
• Coach Package includes choice of hairstyling, shimmering makeup, princess sash, face gem and princess cinch bag—$54.95 plus tax.
• Crown Package includes choice of hairstyling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, princess sash, face gem and princess cinch bag—$59.95 plus tax
• Courtyard Package includes exclusive Courtyard hairstyling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, face gem, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt, trendy tutu, princess sash and princess cinch bag—$89.95 plus tax.
• Castle Package includes the Crown Package components plus Imaging Package (one 6" x 8" and four 4" x 6" photos in a princess-themed photo holder) and complete Disney Princess costume with coordinating wand and tiara accessories—starting at $189.95 plus tax.
You can enhance any Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Package with the following optional extras, available at an additional cost:
• The Imaging Package, which includes one 6" x 8" and four 4" x 6" photos in a princess-themed photo holder
• A sparkling Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique parasol
The Knight Package
Guests ages 3 to 12 can also select The Knight Package, which includes hair styling as well as a mighty sword and shield for $15.95 plus




We walked into the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique to see that the waiting area was mobbed. I’m not sure if lots of people were hoping for walk-in appointments or what, but it was very, very crowded. Maddie and I approached the check-in desk and were given her official invitation (a brochure from which you choose the package and hairstyle you’d like). We again chose the Castle Package and the Fairytale Princess Hairstyle. Since we chose the deeeeeluxe package, we were directed to choose Maddie’s outfit.



Maddie had been saying for months that if she ever got to go back to WDW and if she ever got to go back to the BBB she’d choose Jasmine for her makeover. (Aurora was out because of the long sleeves. Eva the Diva wouldn’t want to be hot.) And, she made good on her threat. She’d be walking around the Magic Kingdom with her whole stomach exposed. Her father handled it well. He’d been warned.

Though the lobby was very crowded, I was still able to look around a bit. My first impression of the space was WOW. The BBB at DTD is very nice, very pink and sparkly. It looks like a very nice salon that caters to little girls. The BBB at Cinderella Castle is a little girl’s dream come true. Everything is very ornate- lots of gold and gilt and girly touches. It truly looks like a place where Cinderella and the gang would go to touch up their lip gloss.

From the waiting area, the blue drapery marks the entrance to the actual salon

It was so crowded, this was the best photo I could get of the dress displays.
I hope the Johnson's enjoyed their trip!

Inside the salon

From the salon, looking toward the waiting room

If you can only get your appointment at the DTD location, don’t despair. It’s a very nice place and your DD will enjoy every minute of it. However, do your best to get into the Castle location -it’s spectacular.

Shortly after we checked in, Maddie and I were called back to change into her new outfit. (You tell them at the desk what the child has chosen and they’ll have everything waiting in the dressing room for her. They even include a bag for the clothes that they’re changing out of. Disney is so great at the details.) The changing rooms were where I noticed the biggest difference in the two locations. The DTD location’s dressing rooms aren’t even as nice as your average Kohl’s—the Castle location’s rooms are just as posh as the rest of the salon.

As Maddie changed into her new costume, I noticed that we hadn’t been given the coordinating shoes. I peeked my head out of the room, caught the attention of a nearby CM, and told her that we didn’t get our shoes. She told me that the Jasmine outfit doesn’t come with shoes so if we wanted them we’d have to pay extra. Knowing that my daughter would likely not be ok with wearing pink Crocs with her new princess ensemble, I told the lady to bring us the shoes. After Maddie was dressed, we went back to the waiting room until it was her turn for hair and makeup. I was pleased to see that the outfit didn’t show much of her belly at all, it was much more modest than we (her father) had feared.

The "Before"

​

After another brief wait, it was time for the transformation. Maddie was led to the chair by her Fairy Godmother In Training. The FGMIT we had last year was very pleasant and nice, but this FGMIT was amazing. From the moment Maddie sat down she kept up a constant stream of chatter that delighted and entertained Maddie for the duration. She told Maddie that it was her job to do all of the Princess’s hair each morning before park open, and that Rapunzel has to come in first thing in the morning before the other ladies because her hair wraps around the entire salon. When Maddie mentioned that she’d heard about the Beast’s hair getting tangled on Test Track, the FGMIT didn’t miss a beat. She explained that Belle makes him come in to get his fur cleaned and combed every morning and that he grumbles the whole time he’s there. She also leaned down and whispered confidentially that Flounder waits in the bathtub upstairs while Ariel gets groomed.

Getting ready to begin

Starting on the hair

​

While the outstanding Fairy Godmother In Training did Maddie’s hair, another young lady stopped by and began to work on Maddie’s makeup and nails. The girls choose two colors for eyeshadow, and also choose a lip gloss color. The eye color choices are pink, purple, blue, and teal, and the lip color choices are pink, light red, and a purplish color. If your daughter chooses the purple, don’t worry—it’ll wear off in minutes. Nail polish choices are pink, purple and blue. It's the kind that peels off, so if you're not comfortable with painted nails, that too will be gone shortly. After the makeover, the girls are given all of the makeup to take with them as well. Hours of fun! You’ll be told to bring your own hairbrush to the BBB, but the CM didn’t ask for ours on either of our visits. We did get the comb that they used as a souvenir as well though.

Who wouldn't enjoy this kind of pampering?

Almost there!

​

The Photopass Photographer that we’d seen at the DTD location last year was very good, but once again the one at the Castle location was much better. He took tons of photos at great angles, and I noticed that right before the final touches were applied, the FGMIT raised her hand briefly to catch his attention so that he could be there to capture the final moments of the make over.


While we watched another CM discretely came to collect our payment so that we could leave immediately after we’d finished. I thought that was a really excellent touch.

Hair and makeup complete, Maddie chose the color of the tiara and Mickey barrette that she wanted. Once those were applied, it was time for the pixie dust and big reveal.

It's time for the sparkle

Getting ready to turn around

And what did she think?

Give the girl a mirror and she'll be happy for hours

​

You may have noticed that I haven’t mentioned MiL at all in this installment. The only rough patch that we had was when instead of enjoying her granddaughter’s special day, she insisted on counting the money that Disney was making.

“$200, $400, $600, $800, and that’s just on this side of the room!”

“There’s another $400 from that family alone!”

I know that the BBB is very expensive, but I’m pretty sure that Maddie won’t want to do this forever, and I intend to enjoy it while it lasts.

I ignored her.

This experience at the BBB was actually $40 cheaper than our last. I was pleasantly surprised at that since we’d had to pay extra for the shoes. The total including a tip that we left voluntarily was $180.

Our experience at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique was even more magical than the last. To me the $200 is a small price to pay to watch your little girl transform into a real Disney Princess for the day. I've never seen my (already pretty confident) little girl feel as good about herself as she does after a trip to the BBB. It's an incredibly special experience for any princess loving little girl, and it's worth every penny.

And P.S.? If $200 isn't in your budget, don't feel like you have to skip it. Bring a dress from home and have the hair and make up done. The FGMITs and CMs will treat your little princess just as wonderfully as they do those who's parents are dumping loads of cash in there.

Once Maddie had been liberally sprinkled, we bid adieu to our lovely FGMIT and left the beautiful salon. We headed straight to Castle Couture for our photo shoot. The PP CMs that work there were just as fantastic as those that we’d encountered at the BBB. They began to make a fuss over DD from the moment we walked in. One of them took it upon herself to make Maddie’s costume and sash fit her perfectly, and with one swift movement, 6 inches of my daughter’s abdomen was on display. To his credit, her father only winced slightly as he watched.

Despite the photographer’s best efforts, Maddie could not be coaxed into a natural smile. Luckily the PP CMs let us choose from the candid shots that had been taken as well when we picked the photos for the package that we’d be getting. If she hadn’t we’d have lots of prints of Maddie baring her teeth in strange poses. All of the pictures can be added to the PhotoPass CD, so here are some of the highlights!

​

We killed time browsing in Castle Couture while we waited for the photos to be ready. Maddie decided to spend some more of her money on the Jasmine “little princess” set to commemorate her makeover. While we were there, we noticed that one of Maddie's earring backs had been lost. We asked the CMs working there if they had any pencils that could do without their erasers so that we could use it as a temporary solution. The CM disappeared into the back and then came out and handed us an actual earring back. I suspect that there's a pair of earrings at Castle Couture that can no longer be sold, and we really appreciated the gesture.

Photos in hand we left Fantasyland in search of lunch. Being turned into a princess will really work up an appetite.

 

[tralin]

Yay! I see Maddie got to keep her bangs this time! Again, thanks to your last TR I prepped DH for the Cost of the Castle package. I can't wait and seeing your pictures this time have me jumping out of my skin with excitment. That costume is way cuter than I imagined. I can't wait to see how the rest of Maddie's day turns out.

 

[kmedina]

Love it. Maddie looks so beautiful and happy. The Jasmine costume is so cute. It is probably the perfect one for the summer even though the belly is exposed. Xander has a very fake smile too, so we often get our best shots of him from candid photos. Some day, I want to have a daughter and take her there. My sister brought her girls there with their Halloween costumes from the previous year. They loved it there so much. Sorry your MIL was concerned more with what everyone was spending rather than how much Maddie was enjoying herself. I agree that it is worth every penny. They are only small once and it's not everyday they get to do things like the bippity boppity boutique.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Maddie's BBB makeover looks beautiful!!! She looks so excited!!

 

[merbobear]

LOVE her makeover! Maddie is a real princess! My dd was turned into Sleeping Beauty this year and we paid for shoes as well (and a gloves/purse combo...and a tee shirt...she was a first timer, so we pulled out all the stops). Like you, I believe that every penny spent was well worth it. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, you could do a lot of other things with the money. But no, you can't replace that experience! I was thoroughly impressed with every second we spent at the BBB (we were at Cinderella's castle as well). To top it off, as we left BBB, we rounded the corner to go to CC for our photo shoot, and ran straight into the Fairy Godmother. It was a pixie dust filled magical moment!

 

[laura74]

I took 159 pictures during this hour of the trip. Who’s excited?!!?

I am!

We made our way into Fantasyland and realized that we wouldn’t have time to use our Peter Pan FPs before we checked in at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. One of us didn’t mind a bit.

That's a bummer. Are you going to wait in the 60 minute line later?

We walked into the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique to see that the waiting area was mobbed. I’m not sure if lots of people were hoping for walk-in appointments or what, but it was very, very crowded.

I think it's just too small for the amount of people that pack in there. It was the same when we were there.

Maddie and I approached the check-in desk and were given her official invitation (a brochure from which you choose the package and hairstyle you’d like). We again chose the Castle Package and the Fairytale Princess Hairstyle.

Lucky you that she chose that hairstyle. I tried to get my daughter to get that one but she opted for that awful Diva one with the blue hair extensions. She looked better going in the place than coming out. Oh well. She had fun.

As Maddie changed into her new costume, I noticed that we hadn’t been given the coordinating shoes. I peeked my head out of the room, caught the attention of a nearby CM, and told her that we didn’t get our shoes. She told me that the Jasmine outfit doesn’t come with shoes so if we wanted them we’d have to pay extra.

I wonder why they're extra with Jasmine's outfit?

Knowing that my daughter would likely not be ok with wearing pink Crocs with her new princess ensemble, I told the lady to bring us the shoes.

How long before her feet started hurting and the crocs went back on?

After another brief wait, it was time for the transformation. Maddie was led to the chair by her Fairy Godmother In Training. The FGMIT we had last year was very pleasant and nice, but this FGMIT was amazing. From the moment Maddie sat down she kept up a constant stream of chatter that delighted and entertained Maddie for the duration. She told Maddie that it was her job to do all of the Princess’s hair each morning before park open, and that Rapunzel has to come in first thing in the morning before the other ladies because her hair wraps around the entire salon. When Maddie mentioned that she’d heard about the Beast’s hair getting tangled on Test Track, the FGMIT didn’t miss a beat. She explained that Belle makes him come in to get his fur cleaned and combed every morning and that he grumbles the whole time he’s there. She also leaned down and whispered confidentially that Flounder waits in the bathtub upstairs while Ariel gets groomed.

That is so great when a cast member goes above and beyond to make a kid's day.

If your daughter chooses the purple, don’t worry—it’ll wear off in minutes. Nail polish choices are pink, purple and blue. It's the kind that peels off, so if you're not comfortable with painted nails, that too will be gone shortly.

Especially if she wants to go swimming like ours did.

Hair and makeup complete, Maddie chose the color of the tiara and Mickey barrette that she wanted. Once those were applied, it was time for the pixie dust and big reveal.

She looks adorable!

“$200, $400, $600, $800, and that’s just on this side of the room!”

“There’s another $400 from that family alone!”

Like you needed reminding!

I know that the BBB is very expensive, but I’m pretty sure that Maddie won’t want to do this forever, and I intend to enjoy it while it lasts.

My daughter only wanted to do it the one time.

And P.S.? If $200 isn't in your budget, don't feel like you have to skip it. Bring a dress from home and have the hair and make up done. The FGMITs and CMs will treat your little princess just as wonderfully as they do those who's parents are dumping loads of cash in there.

Yes, our daughter didn't want a princess dress and they still treated her royally.

Despite the photographer’s best efforts, Maddie could not be coaxed into a natural smile.

I think they all go through that unnatural smiling thing at that age.

The CM disappeared into the back and then came out and handed us an actual earring back. I suspect that there's a pair of earrings at Castle Couture that can no longer be sold, and we really appreciated the gesture.

Aw... Disney.


Great update Shannon! Love the photos!

 

[afwdwfan]

I agree with your thoughts about doing BBB while she is into it. I'm sure it is well worth the money to give her the opportunity to be a princess for the day.

I'm glad that the FGIT was so great with her. Gotta love how Disney CM's are willing to go the extra mile.

 

[RachVH]

Love it! Maddie looks adorable. This has been my favorite update so far, I love hearing about the BBB!

 

[amandaw]

What a magical memory!

I agree with you - do these things while they're into it, at whatever level you can afford. Makes me feel like I maybe I should've booked Pirates League for Reid this year. Great! Thanks for making me feel guilty and like I'm the most horrible mother on Earth.

Her makeover was fantastic! I love all of the photos! I'm glad y'all had a great FGMIT!

As for MIL adding up the Disney dollars.... I'm glad you ignored her once again. Yes, Disney makes a lot of money. They also provide priceless experiences & memories. Get over it!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, gosh. I haven't booked BBB this year, and now I think I should try. You're right--they won't want to do it forever, and those crazy hairstyles don't last *that* long.

Maddie looks gorgeous in that costume! Was it hot? I mean, I do realize that her tummy is bare, but are the pants hot? We brought costumes from home last year, but I could be swayed into buying one...

 

[precious pixie]

What a great idea having the FGM invite Maddie to BBB!! It looked like such a fantastic experience!!

 

[hardingk]

LOVE IT!!!

Of course she had to have the shoes! Kathryn would have been the same way!

I have already given in and booked Kathryn the "Royal Sea Package" when we go on the Fantasy in a few weeks. She has been asking for all the different dresses, so I figured why not get the package with all the extra special touches!

 

[ShellyG]

Hi!

I have been lurking here a while and decided to take the plunge and actually register.... mainly because I started reading your TR and it is hilarious and I NEEDED to subscribe!!!

I am off to the World 31st March next year with my DH(27), DMil, DFiL and DSiL (25) not ideal but it is a free vacation so can't complain too much (just wait for my TR!!!)

 

[Caretames1]

LOVE IT! What little girl wouldn't come out of BBB being just the happiest ever!


Kadence is loving the Jasmine costume, it covers well. She said shoes have to go with the outfit.

Maddie look totally adorable and that IS what matters!


I can tell when Kadence has had enough with the phototaking, it all becomes teeth and strained eyes.

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Maddie looks wonderful! What special BBB experience for her

I would LOVE to be able to do BBB with a little princess, but seeing as I only have princes, Pirates League will have to do...

I am so glad that she enjoyed her makeover! I can't wait to read about the rest of your day!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

I love this update! The BBB always looks so magical!

I completely agree with you about doing the magical stuff like this when they're little! DH and I were just talking about that last night (in our case, in reference to going to Thomas the Train in a few weeks )

And on your MIL, grrr to her and the adding up $! If we had smashed her with the bread pudding at 'Ohana, she might have still been upset and skipped BBB!

 

[mirage0306]

Maddie is a beautiful princess!! I love that she chose Jasmine. The outfit is super adorable.

It was fun reading about your BBB experience! Having only boys, it hasn't really been on our radar. How fun--what a special day for Maddie.

 

[CatNipRules]

Those are some awesome pictures of Maddie! I love her choice of outfit. She is absolutely adorable.

I just have to laugh at your mother in law. Why some people can't just let the magic overtake them is beyond me. She's just like my mother in law though. Not really into Disney and thinks that it's too expensive and is a general downer. LOL!!

Love how your DH only winced a bit. LOL! Men are funny sometimes.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[marDgreen88]

Aww, I'm so glad yall had such a wonderful experience! You're right, she definitely won't be doing it forever, but if she's anything like me, she won't be over the princesses for quite some time.

I'm glad you chose to ignore the money comments, haha. The reveal pictures are so great!