Updated August 22, 2023
Disneyland and California Adventure are seen differently from the eyes of a princess fan. The castle, the characters, the attractions and more all add up to a magical place for adoring eyes and I don’t want you to miss anything the parks have to offer.
Here, I’ll detail how to dress your little one, what you’ll need to bring, where to get a Disneyland makeover, which attractions you shouldn’t miss, where to meet and see princesses, and how to dine with one. Also included, some tips on photographing your daughter beyond the basics you already know.
Grab your wand, and let’s get busy!
The Dress
- Bitts and Pieces, on Etsy, has darling options that are made with t-shirt material on top. These dresses are soft and comfy, too, for an entire day in the park itch-free.
- Amazon, Target, Walmart and others sell princess dresses at a fraction of the cost for what you’ll buy in the parks. While the park versions are beautifully embellished, you won’t find a huge change in quality and you can achieve the same look for $20 (off-site) rather than $65+ (on-site).
- Consider resale shops. I’ve bought several dresses for as little as $5 each at places like Children’s Orchard, Once Upon a Child and others. When you shop resale, ask the store associate if they have costume dresses. Often, they’ll keep them in the back waiting for Halloween.
- If you buy a Disney dress, have your princess wear her dress OVER play clothes because at some point, the dress might get itchy and she’ll want to take it off.
The Dress Accessories
- Wands can be bought off-site for less. Walmart carries a large selection of ‘party favor’ items that work well for wands.
- Mardi gras beads and those similar in quality allow your little one to feel dressed up, but won’t stress you out if they lose or break a piece.
- Tiaras and crowns can be found off-site, too, at discount retailers. As with dresses, check Etsy for creative and one-of-a-kind options.
- Sparkly eye shadow and nail polish are fun additions for princesses that won’t easily wear off with sunblock or sweat throughout the day.
- If your princess insists on the plastic heel variety of shoes (like mine), bring along a pair of socks for when they start to hurt. Go ahead and re-stock band aids, too.
- Poms, bows, or gift wrap embellishments are a fun addition to regular shoes to coordinate with princess dresses.
Princess Essentials
- The autograph book is a must. She’ll need this for princess encounters and for other Disney characters, too. Buy them off site for less or grab one at just about any store or kiosk at the parks for just under $20.
- Make sure your princess has a pen for her autograph book because princesses don’t have pockets, of course! Clickable sharpies work best for most characters because they’re working with gloves and clunky costumes.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
I consider this one of the best values at the park and I wasn’t expecting to say that when I scheduled our session.
- Just beyond Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the boutique offers ‘princess makeovers’ with varying packages and rates to match. We have always chosen the Crown Package which includes hair styling, make up, princess accessories and nail polish. Our princess wears her own dress in, but there are options which include the dress.
- The BBB is open to children age 3-12.
- The experience includes the actual makeover and a sweet ‘first presentation’ which still makes me tear up each time I see it. When your daughter is ready, the fairy godmother styling your princess turns her around for a first look with lots of special attention. The curtains are pulled back so the princess can see her reflection in the magic mirror while stars appear in the glass.
- There are several packages available at the BBB with varying perks. Review all that Disney offers before you call to make your appointment.
- The Castle Package is most expensive and USED TO include front-of-the-line access to meet the princesses at Fantasy Faire after the makeover is finished. This is no longer officially part of this package or any other. There is a chance that you could be taken to the front of the line with this package, but it’s no longer an a guaranteed part of the experience.
- After your little one is dressed head-to-toe, you can continue the experience with the Capture the Magic option (for an additional fee). Photographs are taken in the back of the boutique by a PhotoPass photographer in a darling setting complete with carriage and woodland critters. If you purchase these prints (for $35), you will be given a code for the images so that you can add them to a PhotoPass package or to MaxPass. PhotoPass photographers are not out photographing the actual makeovers. Have your cell phone or camera ready for those.
- Knight packages are available to boys and girls and princess makeovers are the same. If your little boy wants to be a princess for the day, he’s more than welcome. (More on that below.)
- Your little one will leave with a bag filled with beauty products used during your session including the brush, make up, nail polish and more.
- Call ahead to make your reservation at (714) 781-STYLE (7895). Or, book online at this link. You can book these packages up to 60 days in advance.
- I recommend selecting a morning time so that your princess can enjoy the makeover’s results throughout the day and into the evening. 11:00am is ideal so that you don’t interfere with enjoying attractions early in the day.
- Check in for your appointment about 10 minutes early. Check in happens at The Enchanted Chamber, which is that cute little shop located across from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. If you’re looking at the castle archway and into the hub of Disneyland (from the back of the castle), the door to this shop is on your right.
Look for Options for Your Little Knight
*Book the following packages online here.
The Knight Package – Hair styling, sword and shield are available. (Photos of this experience are below.)
The Deluxe Knight Package – Prince costume, hair styling with gel, sword, shield and confetti are also available.
The knight shirt can be purchased independently from the packages.
The Knight Package takes about 20 minutes. The children get the same treatment as the princesses do. Fairy godmothers attend to the knights, style their hair and present them to the mirror just as the princesses experience. They get “knighted” and then are presented with their own personalized shield and sword.
Find more info on these options at the same link as the princess experiences.
Take a look at these photos from the Knight Package. Remember, the Knight Package includes hairstyling, the sword and shield. The shirt this child is wearing (pictured above) is sold separately.
Isn’t the the cutest?!
Here are the brochures you’ll find in the boutiques
(pricing has increased a bit, but the styles are current)
Princess Attractions
These attractions are perfect for your princess, with some specifically themed for princesses and others that simply fit with the genre.
- Alice in Wonderland
- Mad Tea Party (tea cups)
- Storybook Land Boats
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Tour (walk up and through the castle)
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish (used to be called Snow White’s Scary Adventures)
- Little Mermaid (at California Adventure)
Princess Encounters
- Fantasy Faire – This is the princess mecca and shouldn’t be missed. Royal Hall is a meet-n-greet for up to 3 princesses at a time and is perfect for photos and autographs. The Royal Theatre is located here, too, and has the Frozen Show and Tangled.
- Pixie Hollow – Tinker Bell and a friend can be found in this fairy sized hollow. Blades of grass and flowers tower above you making you feel like a tiny fairy. Wait in line in the cute little scene for your Tinker Bell encounter.
- Meet Elsa and Anna – From the super popular Frozen, Elsa and Anna are set for a meet-n-greet in California Adventure. See this post for everything you need to know.
Princess Dining
Ariel’s Grotto is now closed. Don’t fret! I have another suggestion for character dining. Check out this post for that and more.
Parades and Shows
Each of these options includes princesses in some way and would be a great addition to your princess-themed day. Check the daily entertainment schedule for times and dates. Not all on this list are scheduled everyday.
- Fantasmic! – Disneyland
- World of Color – California Adventure
You can find more info on parades and fireworks in a previous post.
Photographing your Princess
- Change your settings to black-and-white or use a similar filter when finishing your images. This adds a timeless, classic feel to your pictures.
- Take photos of candid moments in addition to the posed ones. These often turn out to be favorites because they tell the story of your visit.
- Have your camera ready for important encounters like seeing the castle for the first time or waving at a favorite princess during a parade.
- Position your princess in the middle of Main Street for a nice juxtaposition between busy, determined Disneyland guests and a sweet little princess taking it all in.
- Take photos from your daughter’s eye level or below for a perspective from your child’s point of view. Rather than looking down on your princess, crouch to street level for photos. This puts your child as the main focus with Disneyland as a back drop.
- Walk just to the right of the castle toward the Snow White Grotto for a less crowded photography spot. This area gives you more personal space and allows you to capture the water around the castle in your photos, too. Keep walking to the wishing well at the grotto for more fun photo ops.
To Go Directly to the Princesses
If you are completely focused on princesses and aren’t worried about the rest of my recommendations on how to start your mornings at Disneyland, this map will show you how to get directly to Fantasy Faire.
Final Tips
- Locker Storage is available for elaborate costumes (and anything else you bring in). Having bulky items stored nearby and off your back will decrease your stress for the day.
- Remember that being a princess is hard work and occasional melt downs are part of the gig.
- Embrace the princess years. They don’t last forever!
Do you happen to know what time Fantasy Faire opens in the mornings? We’re planning on doing EMH and I’m wondering what time I should head towards FF, since it’s not open for EMH.
Thanks!
It opens at official park opening! Have fun.
Hi casey,
your information was very very useful, this Oct is going to be my first time in Disney CA and I´m taking my 8 m old boy and 3 Y old girl.
im going 2 days, what things are a MUST to do with my kids, that they will enjoy the most. I´m going to make an appointment for the BBB but I have nothing else planned.
thank you very much.
Hi, Lucia! That’s hard to say since kids like different things. Definitely take advantage of all the Princess fun in the parks as detailed in this post.
Review my first timers guide, too, for LOTS of helpful info and suggestions:
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-first-timers-guide-to-disneyland/
Have the best time ever!
Hi! I have park hopper tickets and EMH. I’m going on Wednesday and Thursday next week. My daughter is 4. What time do you suggest we do BBB? She does love rides, but Princesses are her jam! It’s also going to be high 80s and I imagine she will want to wear her dress for the entire time. Thank you!
11:00am is ideal so you don’t interfere with low lines for attractions in the morning.
I go into more detail here:
https://disneylanddaily.com/disneyland-for-princesses-how-to-do-and-see-it-all/#The_Bibbidi_Bobbidi_Boutique
Have so much fun!
Hi! Thank you for all your wonderful posts! I have a princess vs magic hour predicament – wondering what you would do: We are going in May and will be there on a Tues/Wed/Thurs. We will have Early Magic Hour. I was able to get a BBB appt for my almost 5yo princess-loving daughter on Wednesday morning before 11am. However, this is DCA’s EMH day. I also have a BBB time for Thursday between 2-3pm. Thursday is a Disney EMH day, however it’s our last day on our Disney trip and also quite late in the afternoon. Would you forego 2 mornings of magic hour (DCA on Tues, DL on Wed and Thurs) so we can do the morning Wed BBB appt? or is magic hour so important that you’d do the Thurs afternoon time? Thank you!
If you don’t have park hoppers, I would go on Thursday. Don’t miss your EMH privileges. You can get so much done during that time.
Hi Casey!
Heading to DLR July 2019 ?
Do you know where could I see the current dresses at BBB?
Thx!
Hi Casey!
Heading to DLR July 2019 ?
Do you know where could I see the current dresses at BBB?
Thx!
Hi Casey,
I would like to do the bbb but I’m in my 20s.
I’m so sorry. Disneyland won’t allow adults to participate. I wish we could!
Dou you know if the Tutu and shirt that come with courtyard package are the same that is on the brochure above or do you get to choose from several, or could it be a standard which might change before we go in November. Also if I get basic package do you know if I can still get a BBB shirt for later when my child decides to change.
I am not 100% sure if the BBB shirt is available a la carte, but I think it is. The tutu and shirt come in the color story in the photo only.
There is an Etsy shop called SimplySublime Baby that sells personalized knight shirts-so cute!
Would you suggest an appnt with BBB first thing in the morning? That’s what I’m planning and currently on hold with the Boutique on the phone lol.
I recommend making the appointment for morning time, but closer to 10:00am if possible. That way, you can get a lot done with attractions during those earlier hours with lower crowds.
Hi! Inwas wondering if you knew if the salon had different options than the knight shirt shown, different shirts or accessories for the boys?
Have only seen this shirt and collection of accessories. I’ll share as I see more.
Hello! I am taking my 5 yo princess in April/May. Do you know how long Ariel’s Grotto will be closed or any other princess dining options? Thanks so much! Also for only 2 days do you recommend both at DL or one at CA adventure?
Hi, Michelle.
No end date yet for Ariel’s Grotto. I’ll update this post as soon as I hear of a replacement:
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-complete-guide-to-character-meals-at-disneyland-resort/
Spend one day at each park.
This post has lots of basic planning info and tips:
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-first-timers-guide-to-disneyland/
Enjoy it all with your princess!
Hi Casey- I love your website! I’ve been following it for a year but just finally booked our first Disneyland trip for our girls 4 and 6. We’re going when Mickeys Halloween party will be on and have purchased tickets for that as well. Weee planning on 1 day at DCA, then 2 days at Disney.
I booked BBB for our last day at 5pm–the thinking behind this is the girls will be decked out for the Halloween party. Do you happen to know if the princesses will still be around for greeting after their transformation? Should I book earlier so we can meet them there?
I’m thinking we’ll head straight to FF on our first morning to get in line as that’s our main thing. (I’ll send hubby to her fast passes for rides while we wait in line).
Does this agenda make sense? I’m a first timer and don’t want to mess this up for my girls! Thank you!!
Hi, Sally.
The princesses are typically still out, but that timing makes me nervous. I would book the makeovers for just after lunch. (So no risk of spills.) Then, you’ll have plenty of time to see the princesses and take photos around the park pre-party. The parks start getting busy around 3pm or 4pm, depending on which dates you’re attending. So, waiting until 5pm to start feels too risky. I would aim for around 1 or 2pm instead.
Don’t forget about the “pre-party” that is typically held in Toontown an hour prior to official party start time. Cast members host trick-or-treating in Toontown as they work to “gently push” guests without a party ticket to the exit. So, they start in the back and work their way up. So, that could start as early as 5pm. There are also fun characters (sometimes rare ones) that show up then. I’ve seen Minnie in her PERFECTLY ADORABLE candy corn dress there!
All of this to stay……reschedule for earlier if you can. 🙂
Great idea to have your husband pull a FASTPASS while y’all go straight to Fantasy Faire.
This post has LOTS of beginner info. Take a look at it and let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help you!
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-first-timers-guide-to-disneyland/
One more thing! your girls are the perfect age for this trip. They will be in awe of the princesses and you’ll be crying. I’m excited for you!!!!!!
Thank you SO much Casey! I will call and change my reservation tomorrow!
Hi Casey,
I’m headed to Disneyland next month with my daughter. We definitely want to go to BB boutique and Ariel’s Grotto as this trip is all about princesses. What would you recommend for when I book these? The same day we arrive? Or I was thinking the boutique one day and the character dining the next.
Thanks for your help.
I just discovered your site and its helping me out a lot.
Much obliged,
Cathy
Hi, Cathy.
I recommend doing the BBB as soon as possible so that your princess can enjoy the makeover for as long as she wants. If you don’t mind tending to her hair with a bit of hair spray and a bobby pin or two, it could last for days. 🙂
Schedule Ariel’s for after the BBB – the same day or next one – so that the princesses can see her princessy, too. This post shares more on all of the character meals with a link to purchase vouchers that include tax and tip if you wish:
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-complete-guide-to-character-meals-at-disneyland-resort/
Enjoy your fun visit! My princess is nearly 10. Almost too old for all the fun you’re going to have. 🙁
I will be traveling solo this December. I want to do the character meal at Ariel’s grotto– will they accommodate parties of 1?
Hi I booked the castle package for my 5 year old. it’s her first time at Disney. I will have my 2 almost 3 year old as well. Do you suggest adding on the knight’s package for him? It seems like there a lot for my daughter to do, but my little guy may get bored. Just wondering if we should add him on to the experience or have hubs take him on rides, while my daughter does BBB. I think he’ll love the show afterwards and meeting the princesses, though. What do you suggest?
Include him. It’s a big deal to meet the princesses. The knight package is super inexpensive and it will feel good for him to part of something so special. Go for it!
Hey Casey! Is it true that you get to meet the Pricesses after you had the BBB experience? If so, I think it is worth it! Thanks!
So we really loved your post about registering for Jedi Training and we also want to do a princess makeover. We are staying at a DLR hotel and will be in the park on a Th, Fri, and Sat in late Sept. I can’t figure out what time to make the appointment at BBB if we want to go stand in line to register for the Jedi Training. Also, if we don’t get there soon enough on Thurs, then we were going to try again during the magic morning Fri. Not sure how to coordinate…any thoughts??? thank you!!! Also, its our first trip ever so we’re splurging on the castle package so she can get the VIP treatment. I’m guessing that all takes some time.
The Castle Package can take up to 2 hours, start to finish. It’s so magical!
Have you considered doing the BBB the afternoon of Thursday and then registering for Jedi Training Friday morning? If you do the BBB in the afternoon, you will be able to touch up your princess’s hair for at least the next day if she’s OK sleeping on it. My daughter has done that many times. They will send you home with all your makeover goodies, so you can touch up hair and makeup after. Bring some hairspray for fly aways, but overall, the hair styles last. They put A LOT of product in the styles. 🙂
Hi, Casey,
We will he using all of your princess tips with my princess-obsessed 4 year old next month. I have a couple of questions about princess meets. Are the same 3 princesses at Royal Hall for an entire day, or do they change throughout the day?
Also the Disneyland app show some princess appearances for as little as 5 minutes (e.g. Aurora today at Snow White’s wishing well). Do they really meet for as little as 5 minutes? That’s going to be tough!
Thank you for all of this info!
Paula
Hi Casey!
I thought the castle package at BBB used to include special access to the princesses after the makeover. Do you know if this is still the case?
It does. The link I provided in the post shows all the details: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/shops/disneyland/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/
Do you know if the whole party is allowed to join the makeover princess for the special access to Royal Hall? There will be 3 of us in addition to my little princess.
Thanks!
Yes, you will be allowed to walk through and watch the princesses with your daughter after the makeover.
Thank you!
Hi. Thanks for all the info you’ve gathered – it’s really helpful – I hope you get some sweet discounts/perks for all the work you put in 😉 We’re going to be there from July 7-9 and have a BBB makeover booked for 8:40 am on the 8th for my 3.5 year old. Is there enough time to do Peter Pan before the appointment (as you seem to recommend doing this right away) – or would we be pushing it?
Hi there! I would be there an hour before open. You should be let in the gates by 7:30am. Since the 8th is a Friday and you won’t be dealing with an EMH, you should be ok with Peter Pan before your appt at the BBB. Just be sure to be at the parks super early. Sounds like a great plan. Enjoy every minute!
My daughter is very interested in meeting the princesses at Fantasy Faire. The Disneyland app doesn’t show wait times for characters, so I’m not sure how to plan it into our day. We’re going in July, so I know the parks will be crowded. Should we just head there right after opening for a short wait time? Or will the line likely still be reasonable a few hours into the day? I don’t want to waste precious morning time waiting in a line that is similar in length all day or something! 😉
PS I love the new website design!!
The lines build throughout the day. I recommend going there first if you want to see many princesses in one day. Find lots of character info here, too: https://disneylanddaily.com/all-about-characters-at-disneyland-and-california-adventure/
Thank you so much! Your site and Facebook posts have been so helpful to me as I plan. 🙂
All my daughter cares about is seeing Ariel. Any other princesses would just be a bonus. We can’t afford the meal option and planning to follow your itinerary for one day at Disneyland. With that said, is she easy to find in the afternoon on a Monday? Or what would be the best way to make sure we see her. She drew a picture and wrote her a letter and has to give it to her. 🙂 Thanks!
So cute! Check out this post and pay special attention to the free app I recommend. Ariel details are in there, too. https://disneylanddaily.com/all-about-characters-at-disneyland-and-california-adventure/
Thank you! Got the app and fingers crossed she out front when we get there.
We are taking our 4, 6 and 11 yr old next week for 3 days. It’s our youngest 2 first time. On our first day we are going to Bippity Boppity Boutique at 12 and having lunch at Ariel’s Grotto at 2. What if our fastpasses are during the time we are busy?
Typically, the FASTPASS attractions will allow you on the rides if you bring a receipt from your conflicting event or meal. But there is no guarantee. I would try to pull passes around the timing to be safe.
How frequent are Meet-and-greet opportunities with Belle in Disneyland as of lately? Went to the new Belle experience at WDW and was disappointed that there was no legit meeting opportunity in the show.
She’s mostly found in front of the park near the flower Mickey. The app can help you locate her and the character cast members are super helpful. Check out this post for more: https://disneylanddaily.com/all-about-characters-at-disneyland-and-california-adventure/
We have a reservation at the BBB on Thursday at 2:30. What are my chances of getting into meet the princess after that? We could go before but I’d rather wait until she’s all dressed up. Thanks!
You should be looking at about a 30 minute wait. Really not bad since the crowds are low this time of year. I’ll be there Thursday, too. Enjoy!
Hi Teresa, We only have one day in Disneyland. I would love to get my little princess a make-over! Do you think she will get to meet some of the princess at the BBB or should I take her to fantasy faire too? Is there usually a long wait? We are going during the holidays so I’m guessing it will be very busy everywhere. Also do you know if PixieHollow is a popular spot? She would love to see them as well 🙂 My plan would be Peter Pan then some type of encounter before breakfast with Minnie and then BBB. Thanks so much for your tips!
Do you know where I can see Tiana?
Hi, Teresa. She’s typically in New Orleans Square or hanging around the Rivers of America. She’s also in the Mickey’s Soundsational Parade on a huge Princess and the Frog float.
Check this post, too, for lots more info on characters.
Is there anywhere do to a makeover or something special for a 2.5-year-old? I can see my younger daughter being upset if her older sister gets a makeover but she can’t and I had to make my older daughter skip it. Thanks!
Hi, Alexandra.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Anna and Elsa’s in Downtown Disney both have a requirement of being 3 years old. There is a Sephora in the Downtown Disney, so you might call them to see if they offer anything or if they’d be willing to do such since your daughter doesn’t qualify for the other makeovers. I’ve always been concerned about this……..little sister being left out or big sister having to do without due to little sister. Hope you find an option that works!
Will be there this Thursday and website says the fantasy faire opens at 10am. If we use magic morning early entry at 8am when can I pull fast pass for the frozen show? Then can we do a bunch the fantasyland rides before we get in line for the princesses? I have 2 littles under 3 so I’m not worried about getting the fast passes for the big rides(planning to see fantasmic on Sunday evening also as we have 5 days to park hop). Ps your site is amazing!!! Words can’t even describe!!
Thanks, Lauren!
I’d definitely do Peter Pan asap during your early entry. Not sure if the FASTPASS for Frozen Show will be available at that time (it varies), but it surely could be. Check by Fantasy Faire. The cart will be on the bridge between the castle and the faire. It’s easy to walk by and see.
Please let me know what other questions you have!
Casey,
Is there a frozen show both at Theatre Hall in DL and the Hyperion Theatre in DCA? Are they similar and both worth going to? Also, do you recommend going to the Princess Faire first or Tinker Bell first in the morning?
Thank you so much!
Frozen show is only at DCA now. I would go to the princesses first and then Tinker Bell. Some people don’t even know about Pixie Hollow and where to find her. 🙂
So excited to take my granddaughter to Disney for the first time! I have to admit, it’s “information overload” trying to navigate through all the ins and outs of knowing where to be when ! I have a question about Royal Hall. Is a ticket or reservation needed to meet the princesses? I understand if we get the Castle Package at BBB, we have priority to meet them. But if we don’t, are we waiting in line, or is there something else we should know? Thx so much! You’re website has been a tremendous help!
It is information overload! The BBB is tons of fun and can be done without the castle package. No need for tickets or such to see the princesses. I would schedule an early BBB and then go directly to the princesses. You shouldn’t have to wait too long. Enjoy it!
So, I’ve been looking back in your posts, LOVE THEM!!! and I’ve got a question…Do you need a Fast Pass for the Storytelling at Royal Theatre? Is it “connected” and are they only doing the Frozen show or are there others?
Thank you!!!
Hi, Sarah.
Yes, you have to have a FASTPASS or “return ticket” (same thing) to see the show. Find those passes at the hub, where the Mickey Walt statue is. It should not be connected, but confirm that when you pull them, just in case something changed.
Hi there, do you know how long the makeovers (basic version) at bibbidi bobbidi boutique generally take? Thanks?
I’d allow an hour, but they usually only take about 30 minutes. It’s such a fun experience. Enjoy!
Hi .LOVE! Your blog…….we are in Australia. Can you book bibbidi bobbidi makeover on line at all ??? I’ve been able to book the character dining etc that way which is awesome for international planning. Just trying to avoid time differences etc and working out when to call to book. If we wanted to undertake all the things you mentioned in this post with fast passes etc (although I am still a bit confused) what time would you recommend booking in for make over ? Ps: your posts have helped this obsessive compulsive organiser and planner immensely (although I am trying REALLY hard not to plan EVERYTHING) ! Thanks so much , Belinda xx
Hi, Belinda.
Welcome! The BBB has to be done over the phone. I wish it were not that way, but it is for now.
Check my post on FASTPASSES to see if that helps: https://disneylanddaily.com/a-fastpass-guide-for-disneyland-and-california-adventure/
The BBB should be done in the early morning in my opinion so that you can get maximum use out of the makeover. And, if your daughter sleeps with her hair as is, you can usually touch it up the next morning for another day (or two) use. Just bring hair spray. The product they use is incredibly effective.
Please let me know what other planning questions come up!
Thanks so much. B
Hello- love your blog! How many fast passes can you get at once? If we go to Peter Pan first- where and how do we get Fast Pass for Frozen show and cars ride? Do we need a fast pass for Dumbo (Two boys 12 & 9 and one princess 2). Thanks in advance!
Hi, April.
Peter Pan does not have a FASTPASS. Grab the Frozen show pass en route. You can get those in the “hub” next to the statue of Walt and Mickey. FASTPASSES don’t exist for Dumbo. Check this post for more:
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-fastpass-guide-for-disneyland-and-california-adventure/
Enjoy!
We head to Disney next week with our 3.5 yo. We are the more princess-focused as you mentioned but want to do Peter Pan too. Should we do Peter Pan first then head over to the show and meet and greet?
Thanks
Yes. Go straight to Peter Pan and then see princesses. Grab your FASTPASS for the Frozen Show before getting in line for princesses. All in the same area. The Frozen Show FASTPASS distribution machine is in the hub near the “Partners’ statue” (Mickey and Walt).
Hello!
Your blog was very helpful but I have another question, my 15 year old daughter dressed up as Princess Anna last Halloween and our annual trip to Disneyland is coming up and she wants to wear her costume again. Is it allowed/appropiate for her to wear it? I’ve heard that people older than 10 aren’t allowed to dress up. I’m wondering about this and I’m trying to find this out. Thank you for your help!
I wouldn’t have her dress up due to her age. Here is Disney’s official policy:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/
I’m so excited! My husband and I are taking our 3.5 and 7 year old daughters to Disneyland in Aug for the first time for all of us. I know they will want to do all of the princess and fairy things you mentioned because they are super into princesses and are a bit timid when it comes to rides, etc. We only have one day there (although I think we’ll go the following morning to Downtown Disney to do the Anna & Elsa Boutique experience you mentioned.) in your opinion, what is the best use of our time to see as much princess / fairy stuff and still do the more mild rides (Peter Pan, Dumbo)? We won’t be going to CA Adventure if that helps your answer and what rides would you recommend for younger / more timid children? I just found your blog and I’m trying to soak it all up without get overwhelmed. It’s a bit scary!
Hi, Jennifer.
There is so much to know!
I would start with Peter Pan and then go to the princesses directly. You can find a map for where to find everything in this post. Are you arriving the night before the day you spend in the park? If so, I recommend doing the Anna/Elsa makeover then, walking through downtown Disney so the girls can show off their new looks and then early to bed for the early rise the next day. Your makeovers (hair) will stay in place and then you can touch up everything in the morning with hairspray and the makeup you leave with from your experience at the boutique. This will allow your girls to walk the park in their dresses with hair done. The boutique is super cute and inexpensive and my daughter LOVES it. Find more on that in this post:
https://disneylanddaily.com/a-complete-review-of-anna-and-elsas-boutique-and-how-it-compares-to-the-bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/
Please let me know if you have any questions!
your blog is a life saver! I used to go to Disneyland once a year since I was about 5years old till i was 16. I dont know how my mom did it with 6 kids and only my aunt to help! Now its my turn to take my baby girls (22 months and 4 years old) and I want it to be as smooth as possible, (they are drama queens!) I cant wait to see the magic in thier beautiful eyes as we enjoy all the attractions and meet the characters. And with the help of your blog I will be able to breathe easier and enjoy myself much more with a plan incorperating many of your recommendations. Thank you so much!
Hi, Amber.
Happy to help! Please let me know what questions you have. Disneyland with little ones is the best!