It’s tricky having a blog about your kids and what they get up to when you’re married to a conspiracy theorist who calls Facebook the Evil Empire and wants to keep his children’s digital footprint to an absolute minimum. (Note to FB friends: Yes I do love my children) Anyway, here goes my attempt at reviewing the Harrods Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience that my just turned 4 year old was invited to try out the other week without showing her elated little, tiara framed face…

Having read all about the Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique before we made the trip up to the 4th floor at Harrods, I was bracing myself for a girly glitter fest and making mental notes of the gender neutral activities we would be pursuing for the next five years to counteract the avalanche of face paint and frou-frou. This was just a little make believe fun for M that I was prepared to sit through for her entertainment…

On arrival we were greeted by Fairy Godmother in Training Heather who got down to M’s level to introduce herself and welcome her to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. At this point I let out an involuntary sob and tears welled up in my eyes. It was just SO ADORABLE! I couldn’t help it! Her little upturned face! Heather in her costume! The castle door! Hook. Line. Sinker. Basically, the next hour entailed M meeting a real fairy godmother in a magic mirror, casting magic spells with a wand, putting on her pre-selected Cinderella dress (which magically appeared in a dressing room naturally) choosing her princess hairstyle from a book, her nail polish shade and what style of face paint she wanted while I cooed and clucked in the background like an ovulating hen. Heather, who I would like to nominate for an Oscar, primped and pampered away making jokes and giving tips on how to be a real princess which basically entails being good and kind and loyal and brave. All excellent qualities.

I have to say that Heather and the rest of the staff were incredible. They were all so warm, kind and funny and considering what a shy little girl M can be they totally set her at ease.

During and after the princess transformation a photographer takes pictures finishing off with a few posed shots on a fantastically kitsch throne and in front of a balcony with a trompe l'oeil view, which you can then of course buy on your way out. I bought loads. Resplendent in her Cinderella dress and real fake hair up-do we left the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with a spring in our crinoline for a tour of the toy department (which I think is a much better toyshop destination than Hamley’s these days) and then off to buy my dad his 65th birthday present (Yes dad, only the best for you!). On our royal tour there was much gasping from fellow shoppers but no one was quite as moved as one Japanese man who clutched his heart as he stumbled towards us and announced that my daughter was so beautiful that it was painful to him. M very obligingly curtsied before putting her head up my skirt.

I would definitely recommend this as a special treat for girly girls and their mums or even grandparents. It was such a sweet bonding experience and my little girl was in 7th heaven all the way through. She has since asked me several times when she is going back to princess school and her photos are proudly thrust into the faces of any new visitors…by me.

http://www.harrods.com/content/misc/boutiques/disney

At home refusing to take off costume and bossing big sister (who regretted declining to take up the BBB experience herself) around. Big sister was known as ‘Maid’ for the next 24 hours 

Back to normal Mexican Wrestling mode…

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• bibbidi bobbidi boutique
• childrens activities
• princess dress