Spin off poll -- how do you feel about Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique

[bubbaray]

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/shopping/detail?name=BibbidiBobbidiBoutiqueShoppingPage

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

Just wondering what people here think about this.

Full disclosure -- DD#1 had a Bibbidy Bobbidy makeover at DL 2 weeks ago. The makeup was FAR less than she wore for her dance photos and will wear for her dance performance. It was light pink, sparkly and she loved it. She has NOT asked for it since (they give you the makeup to keep).

[JTsMom]

Disclaimer- I have no DD's, so my perspective may be off. It's a lot of money to play dress up, so I wouldn't push the idea, but if my DD (or DS for that matter) was really into that sort of thing, and really wanted to do it, I wouldn't have a problem with it. I've seen lots of little girls, and I agree the make-up is very little-girlish- light and sparkly. Would I go for that every day? Uh, no, not gonna happen. For a special day at Disney, I have no issues with it.

I was a very girly girl, and I would have loooooved it.

[infomama]

We went there last year at WDW and DD1 had a great time. She wasn't too keen on getting her hair pulled back so tightly (we chose the classic look..like a ballerina with a high bun) and we ended up taking her hair down a few hours later because it got a bit uncomfortable for her. She loved the fake nails and makeup (it was light, IMO and I don't really wear makeup). We brought our own dress. She has good memories from the experience so I wouldn't hesitate to offer it to her again (when we go back in 2012). She really looked adorable...

[Corie]

I have absolutely no problem with it. My daughter did it back
in Dec. '07 when we went to WDW. She LOVED it! I brought
her own dress and we did the cheaper package.

She definitely wants to do it again when we go in Dec.

[specialp]

I, too, don't have a DD, but when I was in WDW recently I saw all the little girls done up and looking so "proud" of themselves. It looked very light and sparkling . . . not overdone at all. It's a lot of money, but so is the whole WDW/WDL experience. I'd do it if the child wanted it.

I have more of a problem with the polyester dress-up gowns in the dead of summer. :wink2: They can look so miserable.

[Momof3Labs]

When we were at WDW, the BBB hair bothered me the most - all a simple, tight bun on top of the head with some glitter, and some with fake hair added. No variation. Blah. The make-up didn't bother me as it was quite light.

But the real reason I hope to never do it is that we'll have to do it x2 - and it already costs a small fortune for one kid. Think we'll stick with Main Street Barber Shop and the under $20 cut and glitter.

[jse107]

Well now that we have a DD it might be something we do in the future--but only if she requests it.

I'm not a girly-girl, and I'm trying not to promote the "princess/fairy-tale/rescue me" storyline. Maybe the new Disney Princess due out in the fall will fit the bill (Tiana?)

That said, I wouldn't prevent my daughter from having some fun and feeling pretty on a special trip. I would definitely avoid the fake nails and I think we'd bring our own dress.

Really what I find horrid is the cost!!! ;)

[bubbaray]

There were no fake nails at the DL boutique. They applied nailpolish, which was lighter than I use on her at home (when she requests it, usually as a reward for not biting her nails).

[Wife_and_mommy]

We've been to Disney several times since having kids. DD would love it but I can't swallow the price of it. She doesn't know it exists yet so I haven't told her. ;)

I have told myself I need to plan to do my own BBB one time when we go. Target sells the same tiara for $3 and Bath Body/works sells hair glitter for $4 a bottle. I'm the queen of buns so $7 and we can have our own BBB in our hotel room. ;)

Now, I just have to remember to do it. As I said, DD doesn't know about it so it'd be a huge surprise. Right now, being at WDW is enough excitement for her. I kind of like that when I finally do it she'll be old enough to remember it. She's a young 5 right now and we won't be back before December 2009.

ETA: Another thing I thought of was *how cool* I will be in DD's eyes for being the stylist instead of the WDW gal. Just another bonus. :)

[egoldber]

Sorry for those who have done it and enjoyed it, but to me it makes the girls look far too grown up and adult. I don't have an issue with stage make-up in the context of a performance. We've only done one dance recital with make-up but the BBB used WAY more make-up than they did at our studio.

I understand that you can tell them very light make-up, but it still bothers me.

[ha98ed14]

We've been to Disney several times since having kids. DD would love it but I can't swallow the price of it.

I agree with this. I have a DD and I live in OC, so we go to or see people going to and from DL and Downtown Disney regularly. Personally, I think they use too much make-up, but that is a personal preference. What kills me is the price of it. WHY should something that is going to last a max of 8 hours cost $189 dollars for the full treatment? Even the "coach" version is $60. For that reason alone, I would not do it. I would do what Wife and Mommy said and go buy my own sparkle stuff and do it myself.

[Wife_and_mommy]

Sorry for those who have done it and enjoyed it, but to me it makes the girls look far too grown up and adult. I don't have an issue with stage make-up in the context of a performance. We've only done one dance recital with make-up but the BBB used WAY more make-up than they did at our studio.

I understand that you can tell them very light make-up, but it still bothers me.


I don't remember seeing little girls with heavy make up. Is that standard? I was under the impression it was a hairdo with crown/hair glitter. I saw the BBB the first time a few years ago and haven't since so obviously I'm not remembering how involved it is/can be.

I don't mind reasonably-colored polish or clear lip balm but we wouldn't do anything more than that. Until she's 12. :wink2:

[egoldber]

Most of the girls I have seen have had on what *I* consider heavy make-up. Others may disagree.

[Wife_and_mommy]

So I found the link for it: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

I guess the parent tells the stylist how much/little to put on the girl. We all know there are girls with parents who don't mind full on makeup at such young ages.

The linked picture shows the girl getting a glitter design on her face instead of "grown up" make up. I wouldn't mind one of those. It reminds me of a face painting.

[Octobermommy]

what I truly dislike about the bbb is the hair. It really looked weird on the girls I saw. I gave my dd the choice between the bbb and getting her hair cut at the magic kingdom and she chose the haircut. I was happy she made that choice but next time she might want to do the bbb and I would let her.

[bubbaray]

None of the girls we saw at DL that were obviously BBB makeovers had heavy makeup at all. With many, you couldn't see color, just glitter/sparkle. The main noticeable thing is the hair, which can be either in a ballet bun with a tiara, in a punk style with multicolored hair piece, or a princess style, with a long hairpiece that is either natural-colored or pink.

The makeup at the DL location was BY FAR less than performance ballet makeup.

We didn't ask for light makeup or anything. We just let the BBB person do her thing, based on DD's choices.

[JTsMom]

Here's some pics:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/105/266224565_34d5ea612c.jpg%3Fv%3D0&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/edrussell/266224565/&usg=__xVoRpwOyYkvgjQENOLbqx16CUso=&h=500&w=333&sz=100&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=hoPhTuZJivUKYM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=87&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbibbidy%2Bbobidy%2Bboutique%2Bphotos% 26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

This was pretty typical of what I saw.

Shoot, that wasn't the exact link I wanted- just search for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I have found a couple of pics of girls with heavier makeup- don't care for that.

[bubbaray]

The glittery thing on that girl's cheek is "body art" stickers they get.

There is a separate face painting experience (which is VERY odd IMO) at the Princess Fantasy Faire at DL. It is completely separate from BBB.

Also, there is no haircutting location at DL -- on at WDW.

[infomama]

I didn't care for the punk rock hair option but I can't imagine that someone would think that a little girl with her hair up, tiara and glitter would be "blah". Dd looked like a princess, a beautiful little girl dressed up like a princess, not an adult in any way shape or form. Guess this one is hitting a nerve..

[MelissaTC]

My BFF's DDs had it done last month and the pics were precious. They had very little makeup on (they have worn more for dance recitals) and their hair was worn in a bun with the little crown. They both looked so stinkin' cute and had the best time. I have no objections to it.

[bubbaray]

The "Crown" version (the middle package) is $50US. The Coach is around $35 or so.

Personally, *we* did it as part of DD#1's birthday. She didn't have a big party and this was part of the "compensation" for no party this year (we only had her GPs over and had cake). IMO, its an experience. The staff are really great -- they create a whole princess experience.

Here are some photos of DD#1 (and #2). I'll be deleting them later, but it gives you an idea: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22038215@N08/sets/72157617715863857/

DD#1 looks like she has a lot of makeup on immediately after, but she is super pale. Casper-like. And, within 30 minutes, it had faded completely. Out in daylight, honestly, she just looked healthy not deathly-ill white like she normally does.

[JTsMom]

Awww, they look adorable!!! That to me is perfectly age appropriate. Not something to do everyday, but just like you said- it's an experience.

Here's a better link than my first one- it shows the actual makeup they use too.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1893384&highlight=bibbidy

[KBecks]

Your DD1 loves the girlie stuff, and I don't see much harm in it.

That said, sitting in a chair to get pretty vs. going around the park -- as a parent I'd rather be going around the parks. I would probably not promote this to my child.

[ha98ed14]

The "Crown" version (the middle package) is $50US. The Coach is around $35 or so.

Personally, *we* did it as part of DD#1's birthday. She didn't have a big party and this was part of the "compensation" for no party this year (we only had her GPs over and had cake). IMO, its an experience. The staff are really great -- they create a whole princess experience.

Here are some photos of DD#1 (and #2). I'll be deleting them later, but it gives you an idea: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22038215@N08/sets/72157617715863857/

DD#1 looks like she has a lot of makeup on immediately after, but she is super pale. Casper-like. And, within 30 minutes, it had faded completely. Out in daylight, honestly, she just looked healthy not deathly-ill white like she normally does.

Melissa, I looked at your girls (very cute, btw and they look SO different from each other.) Anyway, I think DD1 loves lovely. Not too much makeup at all. I am confused tho, because the girls I have seen actually have their faces painted, so maybe I am confusing this with that...

ETA: I still think $50 is a ridiculous amount of money to make a bun, a sparkle tiara and apply some shimmer makeup.

[purpleeyes]

Since when does a child 'older then 3' (meaning 3 and up, right?) need ANY make-up, light or not?

I am totally against it. I think it is a perfect example of the sexualization of young girls, which has been documented as damaging to young women as they grow older.
A good book/website: http://www.sosexysosoon.com/

DD is 20 months old. I would consider nail polish at a certain point, but anything else is off limits until she is 9 or 10 at least.

FWIW, I *love* makeup, I started to sneak it when my parents wouldn't let me wear it! ;) We'll see if DD does the same!

[bubbaray]

I am confused tho, because the girls I have seen actually have their faces painted, so maybe I am confusing this with that...


The face painting (very garish, IMO) is just behind the Princess Fantasy Faire at DL. They also have a selection of princess costumes and "swag".

BBB is separate and just inside Sleeping Beauty's castle on the left. They do not do face painting there. BBB only opened at DL on April 17.

[lisams]

I'm shocked at the cost! About $50 for some glittery make-up and hairstyle? Am I reading this correctly? Good golly I can't imagine spending that much on a child's hair and make-up that will last a day or so.

[MaiseyDog]

DD1 visited BBB this past December when we took her to WDW. It and getting her face painted in toon town was by far her favorite part of the trip. For me personally, it was worth every penny to see the look on her face when they spun her around in the chair and she got to see herself all done up like a princess. The makeup they put on her was very light - pale pink eyeshadow and pale pink lipstick- and I was comfortable with it. I personally don't see it as trying to make her look more grownup -it's just part of the costume. This is her at the end of the appointment looking in the mirror and then a few hours later.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84/mpitcock/image074-1.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84/mpitcock/2008_1206033.jpg

[kransden]

We went to DL in Oct before the BBB was open. She did get her face painted though for like 7.00 by the Fairy exit. It looked ok to me, and she certainly got 7.00 of happiness out of it. While dd likes the idea of wearing a costume to DL, the reality isn't practical. So she usually skips it.
Here is her face painting http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb104/kransden/mics/Disneyland-Oct-2008-062a.jpg

[s7714]

My older DD wanted to have her hair done back when they did it near the DL Princess Faire, but said no way when I saw the prices! I didn't think she'd get enough enjoyment out of it to justify the price.

I'll by no means go out of my way to make my DDs aware of the BBB, but if at some point in time they become aware of it and ask to have their hair and makeup done, I wouldn't have a problem doing it once (or twice) as a very special treat.

[kijip]

I am not wild about make-up in general, especially not on little girls BUT I think if a girl wants it and the parents are ok with it, it is fine.

Regarding the price: theme parks are not bargain destinations. I am one of the thriftiest people I know but if I go to a theme park I would expect that maybe some of the activities my child would want to do would cost more than I could do them for at home. I may or may not opt to spend the money but I don't think it is outrageously priced for the experience, especially for a kid that is really into that. We spent $80 at legoland on a caricature of the whole family as legos. Not cheap, but something T really wanted to have/do. It goes with the theme park vacation thing. (of course my thrifty self fed the whole family dinner all week in the hotel room with supplies from Costco and the grocery store, LOL).

[egoldber]

That said, sitting in a chair to get pretty vs. going around the park -- as a parent I'd rather be going around the parks. I would probably not promote this to my child.

I admit this is part of my issue. I can't imagine going to a WDW park, spending all of that money for admission, and then paying MORE money to sit in a salon for an hour.

OTOH, Sarah adores face paint. :ROTFLMAO: But it's $10-$15 and only takes about 10 minutes so I find that less of a bitter pill to swallow.

[maestramommy]

That looks very pretty (not adult at all imo), but I somehow can't swallow the $50 it would cost for just the base package. I'd probably go for the face painting. Dora loves tattoos and she might go for that. I'd wait for her to notice and ask though.

[wellyes]

It's really hard to be honest in this poll with all the cute pictures! But - I do think it's absurd for girls that young to wear make-up. And the widespread commercialized princess fantasy just makes me sad. I can't think of anything positive about it - I just see the 'getting older younger' phenomenon at work.

Having said that...... my DD is just 13 months. So I haven't had any personal experience with this. Plus I've done so many things that I never, ever expected pre-baby, including Mommy Tracking myself at work by going PT. My life & goals are so different now. So I'm not going to pretend I know what I'll feel or do when she's old enough to want to wear a tiara.

Having said that, Disney and make-up and princess play are all things I hope dearly to avoid.

[KrisM]

DD is very into the princess thing. I don't think we'd do it because of the price. But, I don't think we'll go to WDW anytime soon, because of the price. I'm not sure that if we do get to the park, if I'd be up for those more expensive things as part of the experience or not.

[egoldber]

I'm not sure that if we do get to the park, if I'd be up for those more expensive things as part of the experience or not.

FWIW, while we have done more expensive things as part of the overall experience it is not at ALL necessary to enjoy yourself and have fun. There is no way to even see and and do all the things there are to enjoy for "free" (after the cost of admission) at WDW in a week vacation. We have been to WDW over a dozen times and still not seen it "all".

[Ceepa]

If we were ever to take DC to WDW I doubt we would feel comfortable paying $50 for some glitter blush and a hairpiece. But people can choose to spend their money and time the way they want.

[KrisM]

FWIW, while we have done more expensive things as part of the overall experience it is not at ALL necessary to enjoy yourself and have fun. There is no way to even see and and do all the things there are to enjoy for "free" (after the cost of admission) at WDW in a week vacation. We have been to WDW over a dozen times and still not seen it "all".

I had figured, and it's good to know.

It's a 24 hour drive and I can't imagine that with 3 kids in a Malibu :). And, 5 plane tickets is so much.

[buddyleebaby]

Princesses don't wear make-up! :wink2:

[fivi2]

It's really hard to be honest in this poll with all the cute pictures! But - I do think it's absurd for girls that young to wear make-up. And the widespread commercialized princess fantasy just makes me sad. I can't think of anything positive about it - I just see the 'getting older younger' phenomenon at work.

Having said that...... my DD is just 13 months. So I haven't had any personal experience with this. Plus I've done so many things that I never, ever expected pre-baby, including Mommy Tracking myself at work by going PT. My life & goals are so different now. So I'm not going to pretend I know what I'll feel or do when she's old enough to want to wear a tiara.

Having said that, Disney and make-up and princess play are all things I hope dearly to avoid.

I agree with this (except my girls are 3.5) It is a difficult issue for me and something I struggle with (not just BBB, but the whole princess, Barbie etc thing in general). On the one hand, kids love to play dress up and pretend to be something else, and that is fine. If BBB existed in a vacuum, I probably would be okay with it.

But in our culture of helpless princess stereotypes marketed to young girls, the barbie issue, Disney in particular marketing tween products and shows to young kids, the over-sexualization of young girls in our culture... In that context things like BBB start to lose their innocent appeal TO ME. I would probably have less of a problem with the face painting than with the whole sitting in a beauty salon thing at these young ages, but I don't know...

on the other hand, when the girls are watching me get ready, I will let them pretend to put blush on and they have clear chapstick to play with... So, that isn't exactly in line with my other thoughts... This is one of those areas where I keep having to reassess and redraw the line with what I am okay with as my girls age and start to express themselves.


All the pics on this thread are adorable, but I must admit seeing some pics elsewhere and some girls at wdw that I thought were way overdone.

So, my initial reaction is that I would not choose it and right now my girls aren't too interested in it. But if they really really wanted it... I honestly don't know what we would do.

[egoldber]

All the pics on this thread are adorable, but I must admit seeing some pics elsewhere and some girls at wdw that I thought were way overdone.

Yes, I do want to say that the pix I have seen here are adorable, but IMO are not representative of what I have seen IRL at WDW and in pix on other websites. Most of the girls I have seen have been VERY heavily made up. Maybe they were older girls (more Sarah's age) which is why I noticed them more in particular.

[bubbaray]

We went to DL in Oct before the BBB was open. She did get her face painted though for like 7.00 by the Fairy exit. It looked ok to me, and she certainly got 7.00 of happiness out of it. While dd likes the idea of wearing a costume to DL, the reality isn't practical. So she usually skips it.



THat is super cute! The face painting we saw a DL (Princess Faire was the only place they were doing it IIRC) was the entire face, though. Kinda like theatrical makeup. If I had known they did little stuff like that, DD#2 could have had it done while DD#1 had her BBB makeup

[bubbaray]

I guess I'm not understanding why its absurd for young girls to wear makeup for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even when we go to DL again, it won't be that same "in awe of the Princesses" experience for DD#1.

Its not like I put makeup on my child daily (which I agree is wrong and I'm hoping she won't wear it until age 13 at the earliest). Heck, I don't wear makeup myself every day.

I can see how if people are opposed to the stories behind the Princesses, obviously they will have issues with their children dressing like them. But, I just don't buy that by having my child get a makeover (which I can well afford), that I'm over-sexualizing her and scarring her for life. Her ballet performance makeup is FAR heavier and that costume is FAR skimpier.

[egoldber]

With face painting there is almost always a "menu" of choices. Some are just really simple little designs and some are full face paint. Sarah always prefers the full face job.

Here she is at Seaworld:

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u117/egoldber/DSCN0390.jpg

[egoldber]

I can see how if people are opposed to the stories behind the Princesses, obviously they will have issues with their children dressing like them. But, I just don't buy that by having my child get a makeover (which I can well afford), that I'm over-sexualizing her and scarring her for life. Her ballet performance makeup is FAR heavier and that costume is FAR skimpier.

I think that it's just what you are comfortable with. The full face paint doesn't bother me. A little glitter doesn't bother me. Many of the girls I have seen at WDW (and again I probably just noticed the more extreme examples closer to my DD's age) were VERY heavily made up in what seems to me a sexual way often with very skimpy costumes. The older girls tend to pick costumes like Jasmine and Ariel and those are often 2 piece, show a belly and are just more deliberately sexual in nature.

And FWIW, I don't have issues with the princess stories. But I don't wear make-up myself so that is probably part of my issue.

[bubbaray]

Nevermind -- you answered me before I posted! :)


Very cute, Beth. Just so I understand, though, you are OK with face painting and not OK with very light princessy makeup? Can I ask why? Because I am more uncomfortable with the face painting than I am with a little pink glitter....

[egoldber]

Because to *me* face paint is not adult-like make-up. It's more like a mask. She asked to be a "butterfly" not to be "beautiful".

Again, I can only refer to what *I* have personally seen, but the make-up (especially on the older girls) to me does not say dress-up, it says sexy.

And my reaction is probably also colored by the fact that we have those mall chain places like Libby Lu where they make up the girls in a similar way and have them sing things like "Shake My Bootie" at birthday parties for very young girls. Although I think that Libby Lu (thankfully) went out of business.

[fivi2]

Nevermind -- you answered me before I posted! :)


Very cute, Beth. Just so I understand, though, you are OK with face painting and not OK with very light princessy makeup? Can I ask why? Because I am more uncomfortable with the face painting than I am with a little pink glitter....

Not beth, but to me the face paint looks like a costume. (same with a dance recital or theatrical performance). Where sitting in a beauty salon getting adult make up applied fels different. This is just my gut reaction - not something I can explain! And, your dd may have only gotten a little pink glitter (which I would probably be fine with) but I saw many girls that were wearing full adult looking heavy makeup.

eta: I should have just agreed with what beth wrote!

[bubbaray]

She asked to be a "butterfly" not to be "beautiful".




I think this sums up my point though -- my DD#1 asked to be a Princess (specifically Sleeping Beauty), not to be beautiful. So, really, the makeup was a mask to her too.

[egoldber]

but I saw many girls that were wearing full adult looking heavy makeup.


Yes, this is what I have also seen and am reacting too.

When the BBB first opened, there was a thread on Disboards with pix of some of the girls that I frankly thought were just appalling. There were two very different schools of thought. Some people thought they were cute and some thought they were appalling and there seemed to be VERY little middle ground LOL!!!

[fivi2]

I guess I'm not understanding why its absurd for young girls to wear makeup for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even when we go to DL again, it won't be that same "in awe of the Princesses" experience for DD#1.

Its not like I put makeup on my child daily (which I agree is wrong and I'm hoping she won't wear it until age 13 at the earliest). Heck, I don't wear makeup myself every day.

I can see how if people are opposed to the stories behind the Princesses, obviously they will have issues with their children dressing like them. But, I just don't buy that by having my child get a makeover (which I can well afford), that I'm over-sexualizing her and scarring her for life. Her ballet performance makeup is FAR heavier and that costume is FAR skimpier.

Sorry if this is directed at what I wrote. I was not trying to imply that you were over-sexualizing your child. Simply that *I* am less comfortable with things like BBB set in a broader cultural context which over-sexualizes young girls. I am not really trying to split hairs here :) I really do see a difference. I am sure that no one is scarred for life by a fun trip to the BBB.

[Melbel]

Living in FL, we make it to WDW several times per year. We have not done BBB, but DD1 has had similar makeovers at Libby Lu and Sweet & Sassy for birthday parties. We are not opposed to BBB per se, other than the price perhaps. We have found, as have numerous marketing studies, that most girls abruptly drop the interest in princesses around age 5-6, so it is generally a 2-3 year phase. I thought it was adorable when DD1 would dress up in her princess costumes. In considerable experience at WDW, I have seen the girls dressed similar to Bubbaray's DD, not overly done. Likewise, I do not recall any of the girls dressing in a skimpy or sexualized manner.

[bubbaray]

Sorry if this is directed at what I wrote. I was not trying to imply that you were over-sexualizing your child. Simply that *I* am less comfortable with things like BBB set in a broader cultural context which over-sexualizes young girls. I am not really trying to split hairs here :) I really do see a difference. I am sure that no one is scarred for life by a fun trip to the BBB.


Sorry, no it was more to the link to sosexysosoon that another poster linked to.