Amelia (left) and Mia at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Volume 3, Issue 7
June 4, 2007
Note: This issue contains 16 photos. If your email program does not display the photos properly, place your cursor over the image placeholder, then “right click.” Most pull-down menus will provide the “Download Pictures” command, which you should select for optimal viewing.
In this issue:
Making Memories has undergone major changes since its 2006 edition--including a new lay-flat binding (as suggested by many readers), full-color photos, and a very innovative semi-annual update schedule. Find out more about the new Making Memories at the link directly below.
Aronda and her staff are very excited about the all-new Making Memories, and they want everyone to have the opportunity to get their hands on one! As a NewsPad subscriber, Aronda invites you to place your order now for Making Memories for the low price of just $16.95--that's 25% off the cover price of $22.95--and we'll ship it free to US addresses! In addition, if you place your order now through June 30, 2007, we'll include a free Pirates of the Caribbean Disney Dollar with your book! Follow this link to get in on the deal:
It was a truly
magical day! The two granddaughters,
ages 7 and 3, were being pampered and transformed into Princesses Mia and Amelia
at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at World of Disney at Downtown Disney.
It is the “Castle package” which includes “the works”:
hair, nails and makeup makeover plus the “princess” dress, tiara,
wand, shoes and accessories. Both
chose to be
With a scheduled
appointment at 1:00 pm, both girls and parents and grandma eagerly strolled to
the World of Disney a half-hour early to “feel the magic” from the beautiful
princess gowns on display and ready to be purchased.
We browsed the jewelry and other princess accessories before arriving at
the podium to check in. We were
warmly greeted by Marjorie who immediately gave each princess the personal
invitation for the transformation. The
invitation had their own name on it–which brought smiles and giggles from each
child as their names are not commonly found on personalized merchandise.
They were so pleased and excited.
As Marjorie explained
what would take place, their eyes got bigger and bigger.
First they had to choose what princess they wanted to become.
During the pre-planning stage of this occasion (at home and in the car),
each child had chosen to be a different princesses, yet when the REAL choice
came, each chose to be Aurora since both girls love pink–and Amelia, the
younger sister, looks up to her big sister and definitely wanted to be “the
same”. They were given a couple of
chances to change their mind, but each stuck to being
At this point, Mom
had to identify each girl’s dress and shoe size.
Then, she was given a beeper. Marjorie
explained that the boutique was currently doing a birthday party of girls and
asked if we would be so kind to wait patiently.
Of course, that was no problem as there is so much to see and dream about
in the World of Disney shop! The girls and parents continued shopping and
browsing–excitedly imagining what it would be like to become a Disney
princess!
It wasn’t long
before the beeper told us that the boutique was ready for Mia and Amelia.
A Fairy Godmother-in-Training escorted the whole entourage, girls first,
to a dressing room. Oh, what squeals
of delight came from the girls as they saw the beautiful
Finally, we were
ready to open the door and our Fairy Godmother-in-Training was ready for us.
She explained to Mom that the Castle package included an “imaging
package” and that photos would be taken by a Disney photographer to view later
on. Of course, Mom/Dad and Grandma
could take their own photos as well. And,
with two girls being transformed simultaneously, it was the BEST job a (real)
grandmother could ask for!!
With hairstyles
chosen, the transformation was getting serious!
No haircutting took place–simply amazing though, as the Fairy
Godmothers-in-Training worked the hair extensions into each child’s own hair
and made it appear as one beautiful princess hairdo.
Mom was instructed to bring each child’s own hairbrush for the occasion
so there were no health issues to deal with.
The Disney photographer dutifully recorded the magic–and, Mom/Dad and
Grandma kept ooh-ing and aw-ing over each change.
Since Mia had long hair, her styling took longer than Amelia’s.
Her long hair was carefully brushed and combed and placed on top in a bun
to hold the extensions.
Then, each princess
was shown a palette of eye shadows and given a choice of two colors for their
eyes. (Amelia chose pink, of course,
but Grandma prodded to get a blue as her second choice!)
The eye makeup was subtle yet enhanced their faces–no dark-colored
eyes–just a hint of color on an already-radiant face.
Then, lip gloss was similarly chosen and applied.
Next, each chose
their nail color and given their first “professional” manicure.
Amelia’s Fairy Godmother-in-Training showed her how to fold her fingers
over her other elbow so they could be polished without smearing.
Of course, the Disney
photographer had been recording every step and now it was time for the princess
to see the result. The pink
protective apron was removed and a pink sash was placed over the dress.
The tiara was put on her head so it would frame the hairdo, but not hide
it. Then, the princess was told to
close her eyes while the Fairy Godmother-in-Training turned her around to face
the wall mirror.
What a delight to
hear the happy squeals and see the amazed look on their faces as each one saw
their new look! The sisters
couldn’t help but stare at each other, then at the mirror, and then hug each
other as they realized they had magically become real princesses!!
What a magical moment for each of them–and for all the adults in their
entourage. This is truly the magic
of Disney!!
But, we weren’t
even close to being finished!! Each
princess was given a boutique bag that had the rest of the eye shadow palette,
lipstick and face decorations. It
also held the clothes and shoes worn into the Boutique.
Then, Mom was given
directions to the photo studio, next to Ghiradelli’s Chocolate, where the
photo imaging would take place! She
was also given the PhotoPass for the photos taken in the boutique on which the
other photos would be added.
Just walking out of
the Boutique and store was an “experience”.
Everyone stopped to compliment the girls and they beamed with pride.
They couldn’t keep their eyes off each other and kept touching their
new clothes, waving their wands and admiring their tiaras!
I believe they were truly on Cloud Nine!
At the photo studio,
the photographer treated each princess like royalty!
He carefully posed them and gave them hints on how to hold their hands,
move their heads, smile, etc. Since
we had two princesses, they each had their own photo session followed by a
session with the two together. Each
girl enjoyed the attention given to them during the session and they eagerly
modeled for their photographer.
Then, Mom (and
Grandma) headed to the counter to choose which photos to include in each package
that consisted of one 5x7 and four 4x6 photos for each princess – a total of
three poses. Because we had two
However, since there
were so many photos–including the photos taken during the makeover–Grandma
decided she had to have a photo disc of ALL the photos.
It was an additional charge ($124.95), but included three additional 5x7
prints! Wow–we decided to get
additional prints of the girls together to be given to their aunties.
Grandma got to keep the photo disc and Mom/Dad got the photo imaging
packages for each girl. (Of course,
the PhotoPass disc allows the buyer to have as many prints made of the images
without additional cost or copyright violation, so it was a “good deal” for
all!)
While Mom and Grandma
were making these choices, Dad and princesses were enjoying all the compliments
and attention of other guests. Dad
treated everyone to lunch (at the Rainforest Café) after the photos were
printed and images copied to the disc. More
attention followed, of course, and made for a very special meal.
It had been a very
adventurous day. Mia couldn't bear
to take her dress off before going to bed and couldn't wait to put it on the
next day. Surely the magic will diminish
a bit in time, but for two girls and their parents and grandma–this was a VERY
MAGICAL day. Memories are made of
such times and the girls will never be this age again–so the time was right!!
I would recommend
this package to anyone with little girls who dream and love princesses.
Although it may seem pricey, these memories and experiences are
priceless! I have spent MORE
on similar memories with grandsons with parasailing and fishing experiences at
Disney World, so this is certainly comparable in price, and every bit as
memorable.
Amelia (left) and Mia at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Amelia and Mia at their photo shoot. What beautiful Princesses!
A view through the entrance of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at
World of Disney
Amy
Bradley is a huge fan of Walt Disney World, visiting the Resort as often as
possible. She may be contacted by e-mail at logcabin81428@hotmail.com.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Coming Soon
to a Location Near You
(if you're Cinderella, that is!)
Walt Disney World guests can now make reservations for their little ones to be magically transformed into princesses and princes at a second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which opens in September.
Appropriately located inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World Resort will feature similar makeovers to those offered at the original location at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The only differences are in the surroundings.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom features a magical garden setting based on the scene in Disney's "Cinderella" where Cinderella's rags are turned into a glittering ball gown by the Fairy Godmother. Fairy Godmothers-in-Training (trained by The Fairy Godmother herself) run the shop and a Magical Mirror spotlights each princess at the end of her magical metamorphosis.
Aspiring princesses can choose from three makeover packages. All include hairstyle and shimmering makeup. Available options include nails, imaging packages and princess costume (gown, crown, wand and shoes). Within each makeover package, guests can choose from three different hairstyles: Disney Diva, Pop Princess or Fairytale Princess. Princesses must be at least three years old to participate.
The boutique also offers a service for boys called Cool Dudes that includes colorful hair gel and confetti.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom will transform space which is currently The King's Gallery shop.
For more information about both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations or to make reservations, call 407/WDW-STYLE.
Star Wars Weekends Begins at Disney-MGM Studios
Beginning last weekend, June 1-3, the Disney-MGM Studios began its annual Star Wars Weekends event. The annual sci-fi fan-fest invites Walt Disney World guests of all ages to grab their light sabers, oil their droids and embark on a Star Wars adventure like no other in a theme park not so far, far away.
Dozens of villains and heroes from the entire Star Wars saga--from Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Kit Fisto to Queen Amidala, R2-D2 and Greedo--roam the theme park and participate in autograph sessions, parades and photo opportunities. Celebrities from the films make appearances each weekend in Hollywood-style motorcades and star conversations.
Young Padawans have the chance to participate in Jedi Training Academy, where they train with a Jedi Master, learn to wield a light saber and test their skills in a climactic battle against the evil Siths.
Also featured: rides on the famous Star Tours attraction, presentations on the making of the Star Wars films, Star Wars trivia contests and a Hyperspace Hoopla party each evening. Guests are invited to wear Star Wars-inspired costumes to the event. This year, the Star Wars Weekends gift shop is open on Mickey Avenue in the Backstage Pass building where Mickey Mouse normally meets his fans for photos and autographs. Known as Jabba's Hutt, this shop has lots of Star Wars items, including many tee-shirts, plush, and toys, along with a collectibles wing filled with such items as special-edition pins, figurines, coins, and even some one-of-a-kind items offered by silent auction.
Star Wars Weekends occurs each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 24.
Star Wars Weekends billboard outside the front gate at
Disney-MGM Studios
The Post Office Dept. is on hand out in front of D-MGM
with their new Star Wars
commemorative stamps, first-day covers, and a stylized mail drop box
Jabba's Hutt gift shop on Mickey Avenue
Just a tiny sample of the merchandise available at Jabba's
Hutt
Star Wars characters posing with Guests--and with each
other!
Characters aren't limited to organized
"Meet-n-Greet"
areas--many are out and about in the streets
Wow! Is that "Aerial"!!?? She must get terrific
F-M reception!!
Kenny Baker, the actor who brought that beloved droid
R2-D2 to
life in all six Star Wars movies, was on hand for autographs
(with a properly obtained FastPass)
Yak & Yeti construction is coming right along
Yak & Yeti restaurant in Animal Kingdom's Asia area is speeding along toward completion--we don't expect it to be much longer before the yummy aromas of Asian food are wafting through the air around the building. The cement-block and steel construction is rising high into the landscape, with roofing starting to appear in some areas on the structure. Check out the photos below, taken on Saturday, June 2, 2007.
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Peace! Love! Mickey Mouse!
Aronda
