Disney Just Addressed the Issue Parents Have Been Complaining About for Years
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom has been transforming kids into Disney princesses and knights for years, but the experience just received several meaningful updates that address longtime complaints while adding new magical touches. The boutique located inside Cinderella Castle offers royal makeovers for children ages 3 to 12, and recent changes make the process smoother and more inclusive for families.
The updates range from switching to modern tablet technology to clearly marking which costumes come in adaptive and extended sizes, preventing the heartbreak that happened when kids chose gowns only to discover they weren’t available in their size.
Moving to Tablets
The boutique previously used plastic cards to show hairstyle options and package prices. Disney has now switched to tablets with expanded descriptions for each offering including hair, packages, and dress options. This makes the selection process more interactive and informative.
Families can scroll through choices at their own pace, seeing detailed information about what each option includes before making decisions. The tablet interface displays various hairstyle options with clear images showing exactly what each style looks like once completed.
The Size and Adaptive Problem Gets Fixed
The most important practical improvement addresses an issue that caused disappointment for some families. Previously, when selecting gowns, guests were escorted into the salon area where all dresses and outfits were displayed. Kids would sometimes choose costumes only to discover the boutique didn’t carry their size or couldn’t accommodate specific physical needs.
Disney now shows “Adaptive Offerings and Extended Sizes” icons on dress pages during the tablet check-in process. These icons clearly indicate which costumes are available in extended sizes or have adaptive features before children make selections, eliminating disappointment.
During a recent visit, only Cinderella and Aurora gowns offered both adaptive and extended size options, though availability may change. The remaining costume choices showed standard sizing information, letting families make informed decisions upfront rather than discovering limitations later.
Mirabel and Isabela’s gowns from Encanto are currently available for $69.99 each, plus tax, as “extra” outfits that can be added to packages.
Fairy Godmother Appears at Disney
The most magical new addition is Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother interacting with children during their transformations. Disney’s website says she “may” stop by and isn’t guaranteed, but during recent visits she was present and actively engaged with participating children.
The Fairy Godmother appears beautifully costumed and spends time with each child, adding character interaction that elevates the experience beyond just hairstyling and costume changes. For kids who believe in Disney magic, having the actual Fairy Godmother present during their transformation creates genuinely special moments.
Jennie Park mydisneyadventures, Flickr
She appears during the primp and polish phase inside the boutique at the base of Cinderella Castle, interacting with children as they receive their royal makeovers.
How the Disney Experience Works
The basics remain unchanged. Kids ages 3 through 12 can participate. On-site costumes range in size from 3 to 14, with select styles in extended sizes from 5/6P to 16/18P. Each child can be accompanied by up to two guests to observe, but minor children don’t count toward this limit.
A credit card is required for reservations, but you’re not charged until you’re at the boutique and have made package selections. There’s a $10 cancellation fee for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours. The entire experience can take up to 90 minutes.
PhotoPass photographers are present inside the boutique. The location is in Fantasyland between Cinderella Castle and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, with stroller parking just outside the check-in area.
The Magic Mirror Stays the Same
The magic mirror portion remains unchanged. This happens after children have chosen packages, hairstyles, outfits, and accessories. The Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice subtly checks each child’s head for skin or scalp conditions, handling this practical necessity discreetly.
Families are then ushered into a royal changing room where they can record their child’s visit from the Fairy Godmother. Once children are in fitted outfits, they receive royal escorts to the actual boutique for transformations.
Disney Booking Tips
Families with early appointments like 8:00 a.m. tap into the main gate with other early entry guests and head to Adventureland, where a cast member with a lollipop sign directs you to the correct castle path. Check-in opens 5 minutes before your reservation.
On slower days, walk-up reservations may be available, though this shouldn’t be relied upon during peak seasons when the boutique typically fills completely with advance reservations.
The Disney Value Question
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique adds a significant expense to Disney World vacations, but updates such as tablet technology, adaptive options, and Fairy Godmother interactions enhance the experience. It creates lasting memories for families with Disney princess fans and clarifies expectations before committing, helping with budget decisions.
The 90-minute appointments require planning around them, so early morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and maximize the day in Magic Kingdom while children enjoy their costumes.
