Princess Power

You may think this is a horrible reinforcement of gender-specific stereotypes. You may think this is a horrible waste of money. You may think it’s great. I’m not saying that we’re flying our four-year-old princess-crazed daughter across the country to do this stuff, but I am fascinated by the entire enterprise. From the Princess Propaganda blog:

“At the Bibbidi Bobbibi Boutique, Disney takes dress-up to a new level, giving each girl her own station in the salon and her very own “Fairy Godmother-in-training” whose job is to pamper her with every accessory and service a Princess could possibly want. Parents can choose from three packages at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: the “Coach Package” which includes a hair style and shimmering make-up (for $35), the “Crown Package” which includes hair style, shimmering make-up and nails (for $45), or the ultimate “Castle Package” which includes the Crown Package plus a Princess photo shoot and a complete Disney Princess costume of her choice with accessories (starting at $175). After her makeover, each girl is given a pink sash that says “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique” — so everyone who sees her knows that she’s an official Disney Princess.”

The main thing I find amazing is the the experience itself. It may be indulgent but isn’t that the idea of fantasy? This Disney creation borders on Fantasy Island for four-year-olds. And if it’s not appropriate to indulge a four-year-old then what about a 34-year old? 64? At what point in our lives is it appropriate to indulge in some fantasy?