Disclosure: I was invited to experience this offering.
If you ever wished you could visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique but exceeded the, um, 12 year old age limit, now is your time to shine. Character Couture experiences are makeovers for adults at Walt Disney World inspired by Disney characters. They can include hair, makeup and nails or any combo of the three. I highly recommend this magical extra for your next trip to Walt Disney World.
Character Couture Pictures
These pictures are from my first Character Couture makeover experience. I chose to be inspired by Ursula before I went to a Villains After Hours party at Magic Kingdom. Ursula’s blue eyeshadow is a little much for me so I asked to have her level of glamour but look more like Marilyn Monroe. I wanted to feel a bit more pretty and a little less charactery. Have you ever realized Ursula and Marilyn both had beauty marks on their face? I thought that made it the perfect mashup. I asked for a big updo hairstyle inspired by Ursula’s tall wavy hair. Here’s how it turned out.
Character Couture pictures (Stills from my Instagram Story at Magic Kingdom)
Character Couture Prices
Prices for this experience are a la carte meaning you pick which service(s) you’d like to have done individually. For hair, makeup and nails the price is $145 plus tax and gratuity. All three services can take up to 2 hours depending on your look. For a Character Couture hairstyle alone it’s $75 plus tax and gratuity and can take up to an hour. Just the makeup is $50 plus tax and gratuity and can take up to 30 minutes. Nails alone are $20 plus tax and gratuity and can take up to 30 minutes. Gratuity for good service is the typical 20%.
Character Couture Review
Is this Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Adults?
Basically just minus the themed setting. Makeovers are like grown up magic and this experience is everything I want it to be. There is no age limit for Character Couture makeovers making it fun for families to experience together. My stylist made it fun and exciting with her good energy and genuine enthusiasm for all the look choices I made. It truly felt like the ultimate girly experience. It was an all around great experience.
Ojemah did my hair and nails. Taylor did my makeup. Typically you’ll have one artist.
Disney Character Couture Video
Disney Character Couture Locations
There are quite a few places around Walt Disney World to get your hair and makeup done. However, you can only get a Character Couture makeover at a few different Disney venues.
Character Couture locations include:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the Senses Spa salon near Disney’s Wedding Pavilion
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at La Vida Salon near the fitness center
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort at Ship Shape salon near the Beaches n Cream restaurant
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Salon by the Springs near the pool
- In room services are available for an additional rate of $30 (must book at least 24 hours out)
Disney Character Couture Ideas
For starters, there aren’t sample photos to choose from for Character Couture makeovers so it’s good to have an idea of what you want. I recommend at least knowing what character you want your look inspired by before you go. If you’re into glam this is probably easy and fun. I used Pinterest to get ideas and because I wanted to look glamorous I brought a digital collage on my phone that included bridal makeup and pretty, loose curl updos. If you want something particular I think it’s important to say exactly what you like about a makeup look you bring as an example.
If you haven’t really had your hair and makeup done it might seem overwhelming. I think it’s fine to tell them who you want to look like and ask to be surprised. Beauticians are artists after all! There’s really nothing to worry about.
The most popular looks are Belle and Rapunzel. Belle has that classic signature half up, half down hairstyle with the bun and curls. It really is a pretty style on everyone! Rapunzel’s big braid with flowers is an icon on its own. If you’re going for Punzie, bring your own flowers just in case.
If you want something simple but princessy go for a big, elegant bun! It looks great with a tiara, your hair will stay out of your face and these styles have major staying power.
Character Couture Tips
Part of the Disney makeover fun is really seeing a difference in your before and after to feel like you’ve transformed. I think including techniques you don’t in your everyday makeup can help with that. For that extra magic try one of these:
- glitter lips
- glittery eye makeup
- glitter in your hair
- glitter anywhere really
- false lashes
- adding a little temporary hair color (washes right out)
- getting your hair curled or teased (hello, volume!)
Also note that any time you’re going to get your hair styled you should arrive with clean, dry hair. You don’t want your appointment time taken up by blow drying. On the same note, I’d go fresh faced sans makeup. Applying makeup over makeup remover residue compromises the quality and lastingness of a look.
If you’re going princess, they do sell tiaras at three different price points: $5, $10 and $50. I heard the $50 one is huge and I’ll need to see it at some point.
Lastly, you can bring special items you’d like included in your look like your own tiara or headpiece, special eye lashes, glitter, etc. I was pleasantly surprised at how many fun, colorful supplies they had but if you want a certain something it’s best to bring it.
Can Guys Get a Character Couture Makeovers?
Yes, guys can! My friend Tim was transformed into Scar. I wasn’t sure what they would be able to do for a guy makeover. Men often have shorter hair, limiting styling possibilities. The final product was very surprising! In the end, his hair and makeup were really fun and there was a big difference in the before and after. I definitely think he looked inspired by Scar. It took him much less time to transform than me.
How to Book Character Couture
For more information, visit DisneyCharacterCouture.com. (The site has been down recently..) I think you can only actually book by calling and 407-WDW-SPAS can put you through to salon booking.You may also be able to book by visiting a salon directly. If you’re interested in getting your makeup and or hair done at Disney World, you might want to see my bridal hair and makeup done at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for my wedding.
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