Disney's Cinderella Come to Life

9/19/2012

Attractions: Storybook Land Canal Boats (Cinderella's Village: Castle, Lady Tremaine's Chateau and the Coach), Fantasyland (1956)
It's a Small World (Cinderella, Gus and Jaq appear in the France scene), Fantasyland (2008)

Eateries: none

Shops: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fantasyland (2009)

Ambiance: Royal Plaza (Princess Meet-and-Greet), Fantasy Faire, Fantasyland (2013)

Meetable Characters: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizilla, Suzy and Perla

Shows: World of Color, Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier (2010)

Since I was already in my late 20s when it was created, I have not had the pleasure to have received a makeover fit for a princess or a knight in the Cinderella themed Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Fantastic pun-work aside, I'm not sure how I feel about such a place existing in Disneyland. Sure, Cinderella was in dire need of more representation at the park, but all the little girls running around the park in their princess dresses, glitter in their hair and clownish makeup on their faces is kind of disturbing – not to mention the few young boys I've seen with crazy gelled/glittered up and multi-coloured hair from their own visit to the Boutique. It all just seems like such a colossal waste of time and money when there's so many other things to do at Disneyland. Also, it flies a little too close to the pageant/Honey Boo Boo culture for my liking. It's fine to wear your princess dresses, but skip the princess makeover.

Although it's not one of my favourites, I do understand the popularity and significance of Cinderella and I do think there should be more ways to make its presence known at Disneyland. Having a life-sized version Cinderella's Coach parked outside of Sleeping Beauty's Castle as a permanent fixture and photo-op (like Toady's motorcar in front of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride or a less interactive and practical Sword in the Stone) would go a long way in creating some ambiance. Why not remove one of the superfluous outdoor stores in front of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and have it there? Speaking of the Boutique, one thing I actually like about it is the clock on the face of its tower. That clock is such a big part of the movie I think it'd be cool if more attention was brought to it and it actually gonged every hour.

Amy Melissa's Counter Arguement

Don’t mind Uncle Scrooge! P.W. is just a practical man.

TOO practical sometimes.

I LOVE this shop! I had the rare opportunity to visit the boutique while it was still quiet and the large crowds hadn’t entered the park yet. Lucky really, because I probably wouldn’t have noticed the adorable little mice overlooking the shop from the rafters, Jaq and Gus Gus included. It’s a nice touch to the ambiance of what would be Cinderella’s sewing room/bedroom.

I’m contradicting P.W. so much that I’m going as far to say that the shop should be bigger! It’s no secret that this is the place to accessorize your young daughters (or sons!) into the princess they’ve always wanted to be. The crowds are there by lunchtime and rarely die down. There should be more room! Imagine how many more dresses and accessories you can fit in there…ah, it’s good being a girl.

A full day of walking around like royalty – yeah, I’d be sold in a minute. I wish this stuff was around when I was a kid! Not only are you primped and dressed as Belle, Cinderella, or Princess Aurora, but Disneyland cast members treat you like one! I appreciate the efforts that are made to bring a smile to children’s faces. Kids love these characters and want to be them. What’s so bad about a little dreaming?

Fun Facts!

From 1957 to 2002, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was the Tinkerbell Toy Shoppe. Still seen on the outside are carvings of Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and the Crocodile.