The Pirates League.

Y'all.

Out of all of the "extra" experiences we've done over the years, The Pirates League just might be my very favorite.

I didn't know much about what to expect when I made the reservation for my four-year-old son, Buddy, but I assumed that the experience would be right up my pirate-lover's alley.  I couldn't have been more right!

The Pirates League is located inside the Magic Kingdom, very near Pirates of the Caribbean over in Adventureland.  I was pleasantly surprised that all six of us were allowed in to witness Buddy's transformation!  Unlike Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, there is no limit to the number of guests allowed in with the pirate-to-be.

From the minute we walked in, we found the whole experience to be warm & welcoming, in a pirate sort of way. :)  We felt right at home with the easy conversation, gentle teasing, and jovial atmosphere that permeated the place.  Buddy spun a ship's wheel to determine his new "pirate" name (Frances Sailmonger) and was then escorted to his seat.

We LOVED Buddy's "Pirate Master!"  She was excellent at engaging our entire family in the experience, but went out of her way to make sure Buddy felt extra special.  Her quick wit had all of us laughing constantly, and the way in which she interacted with the other Pirate Masters and their Pirates-in-Training added such a fun group element.  It was as if everyone in the entire room was part of a big, fun family dinner.

There were a variety of pirate faces from which to choose, and Buddy quickly decided on the "Blackbeard" style.  Regardless of the make-up chosen, all pirate packages included a sword & sheath, a pirate bandana, an earring, an eye patch, a Pirates League pouch, a pirate coin necklace, a pirate's key, and a large, printed copy of the Pirate's Oath, personalized with each child's newly given pirate name (totally frame-worthy).

The transformation was amazing!  It was as if my Buddy was given a totally different persona.  He loved it!

With his transformation complete, Buddy was asked to recite the Pirate's Oath and was then greeted with a loud "Yo Ho!" from the room as he was officially given the title of "pirate."  (Actually, his Pirate Master stressed the fact the he was merely a "First Mate," which meant my husband & I outranked him--and thus Buddy would need to follow our orders throughout the day.)

Our experience ended with a trip through a "secret" door, which led to Captain Jack Sparrow's treasure room!

Once inside the treasure room, Buddy was able to "search" for his treasure (the pirate coin necklace) and sit in Jack Sparrow's chair for a few pictures.

It was such a great morning for our entire family!  We truly felt as if we'd been welcomed into a Pirates League, and Buddy was SO EXCITED to have a sword, sheath, and pirate key (and an earring!).  

Pirates League packages average about $50 (the most expensive is $100), and include Mermaid options as well!  In fact, after witnessing the mermaid transformations firsthand, both of our girls (ages 5 & 9) declared their desire to participate next year.  While the minimum participation age is three, there is no maximum age, and we saw quite a few adults working with Pirate Masters while we were there!

Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made 180 days in advance.  As always, I'd love to help your family book & plan a custom Disney trip!  Please don't hesitate to let me know how I can help! :)

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

On our most recent trip to Disney (just a couple of weeks ago), our 5-year-old daughter, Emmy, got to experience Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for the very first time.

Many guests with whom I have the pleasure of working often inquire about this "princess salon," and most choose to book packages for their own personal princesses.  While packages range in cost from approximately $65.00-$200.00, our personal experience has been that the Crown Package ($65) is the perfect fit for our family's budget and our daughters' dreams.  

Just as there are multiple packages from which to choose, there are also multiple locations: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be found inside Cinderella's Castle within Disney's Magic Kingdom (valid theme park admission is required to access this salon) as well as at Disney Springs, the outdoor mall area located on Disney property (no theme park tickets necessary!).

The pictures featured in this post are from our experience at the Disney Springs location, which we found to be quite spacious and fun!

All of the available salon packages include hairstyling, shimmering make-up & a princess gem, nail polish, and a princess sash & cinch sack.  The difference in the more expensive packages comes down to the addition of items such as t-shirts, tutus, and Disney princess gowns.  Princesses are allowed to bring their own gowns from home, however, and doing so is a great way to cut down on cost (and is exactly what we chose to do with Emmy!).

Two adults and all children in the party can accompany princesses into the salon, so our entire family was able to experience the Boutique with Emmy--and the experience was definitely entertaining enough for us all!  (If more than two adults are part of the group, the grown-ups can take turns visiting the salon throughout the experience.)

Before Emmy met her Fairy Godmother-in-training, she had the opportunity to change into her gown inside an enchanted dressing room (no pictures/spoilers here!).  Our whole family got to watch the magic come to life, which only heightened the excitement!

Emmy selected her own hairstyle from a picture menu of four choices and then sat back to let the transformation begin. 

Her Fairy Godmother-in-training was kind, personable, and age-appropriate, always keeping our family engaged in the process but going out of her way to make Emmy feel special.

Fingernails were polished and make-up was applied once the hairstyle was completed.

And of course there was pixie dust!  Lots and lots of pixie dust! :)  (Side note: all guests can stop by the front desk at any Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location to receive a little pixie dust of their own!)

The big "reveal" (her chair was finally turned around to face the mirror) was definitely my favorite moment to watch.  I loved, loved, loved seeing Emmy's reaction to her transformation.  I also loved that PhotoPass photographers were on hand inside the salon, taking lots of pictures that became part of my Memory Maker package. :)

Emmy was given a sash and a precious pink cinch sack, which held all of her new trinkets: the make-up palette & "dinglehopper" (comb) that were used, the bottle of sparkly nail polish, the sheet of remaining face gems, a make-up remover cloth, and a bottle of shampoo.  I will say that, contrary to what has occurred in the past, large amounts of hair spray & gel are no longer used inside the boutiques.  Emmy's hair was held in place with lots of bobby pins, a small amount of spray, & a hair net placed over her bun. While the style definitely made it through the evening, it didn't have a chance of lasting on its own overnight.

She got to participate in a quick photo shoot with a PhotoPass photographer before leaving the salon (again, the pictures were included with our Memory Maker purchase), which she absolutely loved!

And, because we visited the Disney Springs location, we also had the opportunity to visit the new PhotoPass Studio there for a few more pictures.  In addition to having the pictures from the studio uploaded to our Memory Maker, our Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique package purchase included an immediate 5x7 print of our choice as well!

Our experience at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique did not disappoint in any way, and I know our little princess had the time of her life (and thoroughly enjoyed all of the attention she received as she sashayed her way through the shops & restaurants at Disney Springs!).

If you have questions related to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or would like help selecting the perfect magical addition for your little one, please don't hesitate to let me know!  I'd love to help your family plan an amazing Disney vacation, even if a trip to the Boutique isn't on your agenda. :)

Castle Couture.

It's no secret that Disney has mastered the art of the "gift shop."  There are beautifully decorated, wonderfully themed, merchandise-filled stores all across Disney property...and believe it or not, I have a favorite.  And y'all, I am not a shopper.

Moment of honesty:  I've never actually made a single purchase at Castle Couture, which is located right behind Cinderella's Castle in Magic Kingdom.  I do, however, stop by at least once every time I visit.

Castle Couture is, without a doubt, built for a princess.  Jewelry, dresses, and other accessories line the shelves, along with dolls, figurines, and various royal playsets.  If you're looking for Disney-themed earrings, you'll definitely find them here!

The main attractions for our family, however, can't be purchased.

We always stop by to take a quick peek at Aurora's birthday dress, which was, of course, lovingly made for her by Flora, Fauna, & Merryweather...and which does, of course, change from pink to blue accordingly! (If you haven't seen Sleeping Beauty yet, be sure to watch it to understand the reference.)  This is always a highlight for our kiddos--and my hubby & I love the fact that we can enjoy the air conditioning while our little ones marvel at the magic. :)

The second reason a visit to Castle Couture is always high on our priority list can be summed up in two words: PIXIE DUST.  While the Fairy Godmother herself does not work in the store, she does have quite a few apprentices who just so happen to carry vials of 'pixie dust and are at the ready to sprinkle princes & princesses (and kings & queens!) with the golden glitter while offering the opportunity to make magical wishes as well.  It's such a fun--and FREE--experience!  (And the pixie dust will stay in your hair for days!)

If you're looking for an exciting, easy, out-of-the-ordinary experience, be sure to swing by Castle Couture the next time you're at Magic Kingdom.  And remember: faith, trust, and pixie dust go quite a long way. :)

If you're looking for unique and/or free experiences when planning a Disney trip, be sure to let me know how I can help!  Booking a trip with me is completely free, so be sure to message and/or email with any questions.

New in 2017: Magic Kingdom "Rope Drop"

The Morning Welcome Show at Magic Kingdom, which currently begins about ten minutes before "rope drop" and the opening of the park, will no longer take place in front of the train station (and outside of the gates).

The show will instead be moved inside the park, to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.  As a result of this change, guests will be able to enter Magic Kingdom before the park's official opening time.  It is reported that many of the shops on Main Street (including Main Street Bakery, which serves Starbucks) will be open for breakfast, a warm drink, and/or browsing. What has not been publicized, yet, is how far in advance of the opening time guests will be allowed to enter.

The attractions and areas outside of Main Street, USA will not open until the conclusion of the new Welcome Show, which is set to begin at 8:55 am on January 9, 2017.  The new show will feature a Royal Herald, who will welcome familiar characters to the stage as well as deliver a proclamation to officially open the park.

While this change should decrease the uncomfortable crowding that sometimes occurs in front of the train station before park opening, it also eliminates a little of the "head start" obtained by many guests utilizing early morning dining reservations as a way to enter the park before the general public.

I'll be visiting Magic Kingdom in early February and can't wait to experience this change for myself! Until then, I'll refrain from forming an official opinion and/or making significant changes to the way in which I plan for Magic Kingdom mornings.

For better or worse, I do love that there is always something new to see and/or experience every time we visit!  No two Disney trips are ever the same. :)