Today was the day of the girls’ Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo appointment. They have always loved visiting there on previous trips, but the hairstyles are very tight and both struggle with them, so I was actually glad to get an afternoon appointment on an early park close day as I knew otherwise, I’d end up redoing their hair in the toilets at some point during the day! We decided not to head into the park until our appointment time as the girls wanted a few hours in the pool before having their hair washed and dried, so we didn’t set off until lunch time. We thought we had plenty of time, but the monorail was held up for ages, so we were getting a bit twitchy. Luckily it started running just in time, and we arrived slightly early for our appointment.
For those who haven’t been before, you enter the first room and check in and then look at which package you’d like. The basic package includes hair, make-up (eyeshadow, blush, and lip gloss) and a t shirt. The next two include dresses as well (one the more expensive version than the other) but as we’d taken our own dresses (I couldn’t risk buying a dress there as the girls have sensory issues especially with ‘itchy’ fabric) we got the cheapest package.You then go into the room with all the dresses and wait to be called to the changing room. A fairy godmother hangs up your outfit regardless of whether you buy it there or bring from home, so the experience is identical. You then get called in where hair is checked to see if Pascal is hiding in there (!!), choose your hairstyle and a bit of magic happens before you get changed.
Polly’s past Fairy Godmother had been messaging me in the lead up to appointments becoming available and had promised to look out for us. As we left the changing room, she was waiting at the door to take us to the castle with another lovely apprentice, Libby. The girls were so happy. They had the best time getting made over, and never stopped chatting and giggling. Polly’s fairy godmother had told everyone they were coming and about their outfits, so they got lots of other fairy godmothers and godfathers coming up to them during the makeover too. They usually get a bit embarrassed with lots of attention but absolutely loved it today as it was done in such a friendly way. I’m so glad that although Polly is 11 now, she is still a little girl at heart who adores things like this. And the CMs make it so special.
We had a quick photo with our lovely fairies under the castle mural, then headed to watch Festival of Fantasy which was just starting.
We literally walked down through the castle and stood in front as there was lots of space. It was right in the sun, but we could see the parade already so weren’t waiting around, and we got an empty castle photo while we were there which was perfect. The parade still felt a bit empty, but the characters were great and really interactive, and the girls loved it.
We then headed to the photo studio in Sir Mickey’s to get a few pictures. The photographer was lovely and kept checking how they looked and asking if they wanted anything different. Some are always a bit 1980s high school yearbook which makes me giggle, but lots were lovely.
The girls then headed to the carousel while Steve went to sort out the dessert party than never happened. We were told it would automatically get refunded but realised that because we booked it on the night it wasn’t linked to anyone’s account, so it needed sorting manually. Luckily, there was no queue, and it was put on a gift card for us.
We met Cinderella (we usually avoid face characters as the girls find talking to them quite awkward but thought we’d do one) and Aurora before going on the carousel. They then spent time collecting statues on the Play Disney app now we’ve actually created them an account and linked to their bands! We were going to meet Anastasia and Drizella, but the sky turned a suspicious shade of black, so decided to head across to the Grand Floridian to see if they’d seat us early for tea. We just made the monorail before the downpour.
The girls had some more photos taken in the photo pass location as we entered the hotel before having a wander around the lobby. We then asked if there were any earlier times to eat (nothing showed on the app), and we were seated straight away. I had to loosen Winnie’s hair in the toilet as it was giving her a headache, but it had served it’s purpose and somehow, without a brush, I managed something that still looked ok! Tea was lovely and we walked back to the Polynesian along the walkway in the drizzle for an early night. The girls did some writing and drawing whilst Steve sorted some washing, and I packed some bits up.
Only a few days left. It really has flown by.
Doodle & Peg Do Disney 