As I soared through the twists and turns of Space Mountain, my wife took our middle daughter, Lily, to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique nestled near Cinderella’s Castle at Disneyland. I found myself alone on the ride, but when I returned to discover that Lily was undergoing an extravagant princess makeover, my heart sank a bit. The price tag loomed large in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d been set up, part of a diversion while my wife indulged our daughter.
At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, little girls get to choose their favorite princess for a day (Lily chose Belle), and they are transformed from head to toe into that character. This includes a stunning hairstyle, sparkling makeup, a tiara, and even a mini photo shoot, along with the joy of meeting a Disney princess and parents being dubbed “king” and “queen”—a sweet bonus. I won’t delve into the costs here, and trust me, you wouldn’t want to know. We’ll just say it was a joint gift from my in-laws and myself alongside my wife.
Initially, I was hesitant about Lily’s princess makeover, and it wasn’t solely about the expense. A few years back, I penned an article titled “My Daughter Is Not a Princess.” At the time, Lily was just starting to get enchanted by the world of princesses, and I worried about the implications of that obsession. I wanted her to grow into a strong, well-rounded woman who valued people for who they are, not what they possess. My hope was for her to love deeply, not just for the allure of royal titles or grand castles.
As I watched Lily transform, seated on a bench in the boutique next to my wife, I observed my 7-year-old in a barber’s chair, with one stylist attending to her nails and another perfecting her hair—both dressed as charming side characters. Dressed in a pink gown, her face lit up with joy, and I could see she was radiating happiness from her smile to her tiny pink shoes. When they adorned her with a crown and turned her to face the mirror, my heart nearly skipped a beat.
In that moment, Lily’s joy peaked, and I felt my heart swell with emotions I struggled to articulate. It was a blend of pride and love, a feeling that brought moisture to my eyes—almost tears. I found myself navigating uncharted emotional territory, understanding that this experience was not just for her; it was a revelation for me as well.
I realized that it can be challenging for a girl to feel truly special in today’s society, where self-worth is often tangled in external validation. As a father, I know Lily is unique—kind, determined, and brilliant. I want her to embrace her potential and pursue her dreams, yet sometimes it seems like she doesn’t see her own worth.
But at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, something profound occurred. The happiness reflected in her smile seemed to bridge the gap between how I perceive her and how she views herself. I can’t claim that the makeover single-handedly transformed her self-image, nor do I believe it means I can ease up on supporting her growth into a confident woman. Maybe we won’t return to the boutique again, but that day, my heart soared, and I could tell hers did too. In that fleeting moment, she caught a glimpse of her own beauty and worth—something I’ve known since the first moment I held her. For that experience alone, I have no regrets about investing in Lily’s (very costly) princess makeover.
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Summary
This article recounts a father’s experience as his daughter enjoys a lavish princess makeover at Disneyland. Initially skeptical about the cost and implications, he discovers the profound joy and self-worth the experience brings to his daughter, leading to a heartfelt realization about the importance of making her feel special.