The American Girl Doll Store is located in The Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida. The store sells its signature dolls, books, and accessories but also has a hair salon (where you can watch your doll’s hair get styled) as well as a little bistro that will cater to not only your daughter but her doll as well.
On our visit, we found a Truly Me doll that looked like the kids. At first, my son wanted one, then he decided against it, which was kind of upsetting because I found one that looked just like him. If you are considering getting a custom one (which is around $200) I would highly recommend looking at the Truly Me line first because they offer a huge variety of options.
My daughter was so happy to find a doll that looked like her. She was using her birthday money to make the purchase. She debated on a few different dolls until we came across the Truly Me.
Aren’t They Expensive?
Many times people will complain about the expense of an American Girl Doll and yes, they have a point but at the same time you can justify just about anything. If this doll encourages her to read and play outside discovering things isn’t it better than spending $500 on a video game system? It’s all in your perspective on it.
In this instance, she had decided to spend her birthday money on it and I saw no issue with that. I’ve heard the complaint that you buy one and then you have to get clothes or playhouses for the doll, etc. All I can say to that is “Um, no.” I will not be buying the doll a wardrobe or it’s very own playhouse. I look at it as you can be happy you have the doll or you can not get it at all. Mean? I don’t think so but some might. Either way, it’s not happening at my house and that’s ok. If you’re down with it happening then no judging here on that end either. My point is- it’s your choice. It’s not a demand that comes along with the doll.
What’s The Difference In American Girl Doll vs a Target Doll?
The difference in the doll itself? Probably nothing. The difference in the experience? A whole lot. When you walk into the American Girl Doll Store, it’s very kid friendly and the associates are stopping to talk to the kids and answer any questions. When you buy the doll and they unbox it and hand it to your child there’s a whole moment of excitement and anticipation. That is really what you’re paying for in my opinion- the experience.
The Salon
The salon at the store does ear piercings and hair. I asked about getting the hair done and they said I’d need an appointment which I thought was crazy. Fortunetly, there was an appointment available then. We went over and looked at the hairstyles and decided which one would be best. We also went ahead and got the ear piercing as well. I considered making her wait and the next time we were down bringing the doll back, but it was a birthday weekend so we went with it.
Y0u can actually stay and watch as the doll’s hair gets done. They have mirrors positioned so that you can see the styling as it’s done.
Getting her hair styled
The Bistro
The bistro is simple, the fun part is the way that the doll is catered to as well. They get a placemat, cup & plate. We didn’t have reservations going in but thankfully, they did have some availability.
The napkins have a ribbon hair-tye that you can take home with you. It’s an adorable idea! Below are some images of the menu. They have kid-friendly foods (of course) and some good choices for adults as well.
We chose a club sandwich with fries that we split. The image below is half of the sandwich. It was definitely plenty!
The kids came with an adorable fruit skewer of grapes and an apple heart.
“Bella” the new doll got to eat with us and enjoyed her own little setting.
Our visit to the American Girl Doll Store in Orlando was a lot of fun. It is a great experience to have. Now that they also have boy dolls as well we did see quite a few little boys that came in with one looking for accessories (skateboards, etc) for it.
Oh! I can’t forget, my favorite set of dolls (and the cheaper ones at $65) are the Wellie Wishers. My daughter loves the Wellie Wisher line. They’ve got book series and an Amazon series as well that is fun. We had a fantastic Wellie Wisher Birthday Party last year!
Have you been to an American Girl Doll Store? What are your thoughts?
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A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Overview
Want to give your little one the royal treatment? Look no further than the Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique experience! This post will help you get a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique overview and be ready for your experience.
While visiting Walt Disney World we made an appointment at Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique. A few years ago we did the one at the Magic Kingdom park inside Cinderella’s Castle which was a great experience, although a little crowded.
What is Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience?
Remember the Fairy Godmothers three magic words that transformed Cinderella from maid to beautiful princess? This is the Disney real-life version. At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, your child gets their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training to give them a royal makeover. The Fairy Godmother doesn’t allow them to use scissors, so no worries there! Your child will choose a hairstyle, will get makeup, nail color and accessories. There is a location in Cinderella’s castle as well as one in Disney Springs. The Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is roomier than the Castle location and now that it has it’s own space (previously it was inside World Of Disney) it makes it magical.
Before you see the package prices, I want to mention something very important. You can do the base package (starts at $64.95) and bring your own princess dress. That’s what we did and there is absolutely no difference in the experience you receive. You still go to the dressing room and change as you would if you bought the dress. If this is a once in a lifetime trip you are creating I can understand wanting to do the max package. It’s a lot to put out though if it’s not a super special trip. You can even opt not to do a dress at all and just wear regular clothes. Let’s face it- It’s Florida…hot…and humid, so there’s no judging.
Don’t forget these Must Have Disney Items to take with you!
Packages Offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
The cost can vary for your visit. There are various packages offered that you can choose from that fall into every budget. Below are some of the information on the packages offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your Disney Princess
- The Crown Package($64.95 + tax) includes hairstyling, makeup with a face gem, nail polish, princess sash and cinch bag. Every package includes these items.
- The Courtyard Package($109.95 + tax) adds on a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt and tutu.
- The Castle Package(starting at $199.95 + tax) adds on a princess costume of your princess’ choosing and accessories (excluding shoes).
- The Deluxe Castle Package (starting at $229.95 plus tax) includes hairstyling, makeup with a face gem, princess necklace, sash, cinch sack and Deluxe Disney Princess gown of your choice (excluding shoes) … plus a coordinating boxed accessory set!
- The Princess Signature Dress Collection(starting at $450 + tax) features a princess gown made with heirloom-quality fabrics, a crystal tiara and organza garment bag.
- The Minnie Dot Package(starting at $124.95 plus tax) Unique Minnie Mouse hairstyling, Minnie dot dress and matching bow, Face gem, Princess cinch sack, Nail polish
- The Disney Frozen Crown Package(starting at 114.95 plus tax) Anna or Elsa hairstyling with braided hairpiece, sparkling snowflake hair accessories, shimmering makeup, face gem, Princess sash and cinch sash, nail polish, 12 Inch Olaf plush toy
- The Disney Frozen Package(starting at 164.95 plus tax) adds on Anna or Elsa dress to the Frozen Crown Package
For Boys:
- The Knight Package($19.95 + tax) includes hair styling with gel and mighty sword and shield
- The Deluxe Knight Package($79.95 + tax) Knight costume, hair styling with gel and mighty sword and shield
Our Experience at the Disney Springs Boutique
For our visit, I found this dress on Amazon, which worked perfectly for a “Belle” dress as well as the gold sparkly shoes. It worked out perfectly!!! Plus is was much cheaper than buying a dress there. I highly recommend a dress like this or bringing your own Disney Princess dress from home. My son didn’t change clothes, he doesn’t really care for ‘costumes’ so we did the base knight package. He loved his sword and shield. At first, he was cranky because he had gotten up super early to drive down but the Fairy Godmother-in-training was an absolute pro and talked him right through it. “Do you like frogs?” she asked. He gave a smile and a mumbled “yeah.” She explained, “Well we use frog slime to put in your hair so that the dragon scales stick and then you’ll fool dragons into thinking you are one of them!” That was it, he was hooked. She told him it was helpful if he had to fight a dragon or if he wanted to train one.
You actually go into the dressing room regardless if you’ll be changing or not so the Fairy Godmother-in-training can show your child what they’ll do with their hair and then there’s a special visit from the Fairy Godmother herself (via the mirror).
Why You Should Consider The Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbidi Location
While the Magic Kingdom location is definitely an experience that’s worth having, the Disney Springs location has much more room and since being renovated to have its own building it is equally as special as the Magic Kingdom location. Plus! You don’t need a theme park ticket. That means if you want to plan a fun day that is Disney involved you can do it without visiting the parks. There’s lots of shopping, things to look at, and even a movie theater on site at Disney Springs.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Boys
I want to point out that Bibbidy Bobbidi Boutique has some adorable packages for boys. My son thought he was going to hate it and initially tried to refuse doing it. Once he was in there and they started talking about dragons and dragon snot (hair gel) he was all in. It was one of his favorite experiences and we’d do it again. The shield and sword that he received was very sturdy and something that he still plays with.
Things To Know Before You Go
Reserve Early – Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance. You can make them by phone or online.
Time Required- 30 to 60 minutes depending on the package
Hair- Arrive with clean and brushed hair
Cancellation- A valid accepted credit card is required when booking. A $10 cancellation fee is applied for no-shows or if the reservation is canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment.
Ages- 3 to 12
Want more Disney Fun? Check out the post below!
Taking Your Toddler to Disney
For more creative fun check out: Tie-Dye Mickey Shirts at the Grand Floridian
Staying at Walt Disney World? Learn more about The Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World, Florida
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a deluxe resort located near Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and Epcot. It shares its amenities with the Yacht Club Resort, which is a very similar hotel (and connected to the Beach Club). The resort has a New England theme to it with lots of cool, light/pastel blues and greens colors throughout. One of the best parts about the deluxe resorts, this one included is the space available inside the room. It is especially nice when you are traveling with small kidstraveling with small kids because it gives them room to spread out and gives room for all your stuff.
Inside The Room:
- Two queen beds
- Dresser with 4 small-size drawers
- Table with 2 chairs
- Couch with sofa bed
- Full-length mirror (on bath door)
- WiFi wireless Internet access
- Flat-panel TV
- Mini fridge (dorm style, under the counter)
- Coffee Maker
- Ironing board and iron
- Hair dryer
- Digital thermostat
- In-room safe
- Mini bottle of H2O-brand shampoo, and bar soap
You can walk to Epcot, The Boardwalk and even Hollywood Studios as well as get boat access to these locations. It’s a leisurely walk around to the resorts on either side, which is a nice option if you don’t want to wait on the boat.
The biggest draw of Disney’s Beach Club Resort is Storm-Along Bay, their pool. It is a sprawling pool complex that is 3 acres in size and has sand at the bottom (which is insanely cool). There is also a lazy river, incredible water slide and great places to hang out and relax. The sand at the bottom of the pools gives it a very beach life feel. There is another area of the pool that is shallower where kids can play in the water or up on the sand and build sandcastles.
One of the best parts of Disney’s Beach Club Resort is the sand, giving a literal beachy feel to your pool experience The wooden shoot on the right? That’s part of the water slide!!
The Pool- Stormalong Bay
The resort’s water slide is crazy! The only complaint that I have is that you have to leave the gated pool area to go across the way and then up the ladder to the slide. Disney or not, I’m not quite comfortable enough to just let them run out where I can’t see them. Needless to say, there was a lot of me walking my daughter over and watching her walk up the stairs until it was her turn to go. Even with that though, it’s the kind of pool that is relaxing and fun enough to spend the day at.
A Great Option For Epcot Resorts
While we’re very much Magic Kingdom people, the hotel gives great access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. That means easier access to events such as The Flower & Garden Festival and Toy Story Land. Soon, you’ll be able to add Star Wars land to that list. It’s also a great hotel if you’re a Florida Resident just looking for a “staycation” where you want to hang out at a nice resort.
Whether a Florida resident, an out of towner visiting Disney World or wanting somewhere fun to stay near Orlando, this resort is a lot of fun!
Looking for other Disney Resorts?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original hotels from when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. The exterior still has the same look and feel, which I think sometimes makes it seem older or outdated. I stayed there with my parents and siblings in the early 2000’s and remember that it was fun. It was the first Disney Resort we had ever stayed at so it was pretty awesome. For my son’s birthday he picked the Contemporary to stay because he loves the monorail and what could be cooler than the monorail running right through the hotel?
We are Florida residents and annual passholders so we’ve stayed at a lot of the Disney Resorts. From value to deluxe. I was a little nervous about the Contemporary because it had been so long since I had stayed there and I was afraid it would be out dated. The inside area where the gift shops and Chef Mickeys is doesn’t seem to have changed all that much.
I can let you know that the rooms are definitely not outdated. They have a nice amount of room in them and are very modern and up to date. My favorite part of this resort though is that in the elevator, a character announces what floor you are on when the door opens. I’m not sure why this is the only resort with that feature but I love it.
Our room overlooked Bay Lake and the pool which sort of looks like a hidden Mickey. Although it would have been awesome to have a view of the park and castle, our view was absolutely beautiful. Also, with this room, we had a great view of the Electrical Water Parade.
The pool area also has a hot tub and then a splash pad for kids. At night on the area to the left of the pool, there’s an area where they show movies at night. It was a little chilly outside with the wind but we got to enjoy Mulan. There’s something fun about being able to watch movies outside.
For transportation, you can use the boat, monorail, bus, or walk to the Magic Kingdom. You can also use the boat to go and visit Ft. Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge. Personal note, walking does take away from the magic a little but that’s just me. Now if you’re leaving the park of an evening and transportation is busy, then it can be much more convenient to just walk over. I’m a big fan of staying in the Magic Kingdom resort area because when you have small kids it makes it so much easier to hop on the monorail or a boat to get to the park. It saves a lot of time too rather than trying to get everyone in the car and then from the parking lot to the park.
The Verdict On The Contemporary Resort
We LOVED it!!! We all agreed we’d stay there again if the option was available. Our favorites are still the Polynesian and Wilderness but the Contemporary has a lot to offer as well!
Check out our stay at the Grand Floridian Resort.
Do you have a favorite Disney Resort?
Traveling with your little ones is a different ballgame than what you may be used to. That’s not to say it can’t be fun and memorable. It’s not a secret thought that even trying to plan it can feel overwhelming and cause anxiety to kick in. After all, there are so many questions (an often opinions) that come up even at the beginning.
Is There A Too Young?
I’d say definitely a new infant you want to be extra careful with and would probably want to hold off on traveling. Once they are a few months old, I’d say that traveling with kids doesn’t have an age requirement.
Is Traveling with Young Children a Waste of Time?
That is a question I often hear when people talk about whether they want to go somewhere out of town. Some feel that their little one isn’t going to remember the trip so why not wait and go when they are older and can understand. While I can understand the theory, sometimes you go because who knows if you’ll be able to in the future? We can’t predict how busy life will be or what financial situation we’ll be in, sometimes it is good to live in the present.
They Won’t Even Remember It
That’s a valid point. They may not remember it. However, YOU will. You will remember their reaction, their excitement, their experience which is just as valid and memorable. They don’t remember their first step or their first birthday, but we document these things because they’re important and they happened. When they are older and they look back, they’ll still know that they did have that experience. If you get to do it again when they are older, then that makes it even more awesome and you can have the experiences to compare.
Check out our Disney In Room Celebration Experience
When my daughter was a year old I had to go to a work conference in Colorado. We took her with us and while it was definitely an adjustment traveling with a little one but it was well worth it. We went back the next year as well and there are things that even now at age 7 she can recall from it. We went to New York when she was 3 and my son was one and then again a couple years later. They both recall the airplane ride as well as some of the sites we saw. New York is such a change of scenery it was fun to see their reaction to how busy it was and the lights and surroundings. They were amazed by the tall buildings and love to point out in movies when they see the Empire State Building or Central Park. There are things they don’t remember, but that we do, like my son’s reaction to Carnegie Deli Pickles or my daughter’s reaction to FAO Schwartz.
Accept the Difference in Traveling With Adults vs Kids
When traveling with kids we definitely can’t hit the ground running like we did before kids and push ourselves to keep going and take in as much as we can. It’s a different take on travel, but one that I equally love. I’ve realized that when we go out of town I am changing their routine and so I try and be sensitive to that. When they are cranky because it’s normally nap time, we may go back to the hotel mid-day or adjust our plans so that they can take a nap in the stroller. Typically we’re back at the hotel within an hour of their normal bedtime. We have experimented and tried going beyond this and the next day we paid big. The worst part was, I couldn’t even be mad at them because I knew. The experiences that they have and that I get to have with them outweigh the changes I have to make to the way I travel. Just like many other things that change as you get older, travel is one of them but it doesn’t make it any less exciting or fun.
One of my favorite blogs, The Chic Mamas has a great article, 5 Tips For Traveling With A Toddler. She has some GREAT tips in there, including this ending advice “If you find yourself stuck in a full on tantrum, remember breathe deep, know that this flight WILL end, you WILL exit the aircraft and most likely NEVER see any one of those people ever again!”