If you’ve ever stepped foot in a Disney Park, there’s no doubt you’ve witnessed many, if not, thousands of little girls dressed as pint-sized princesses throughout your stay. A trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is considered a rite of passage for most Disney Guests and their offspring; some even make it a must-do experience on every trip. Yes, there’s no denying that children love to dress up, and Disney has certainly covered their bases … for the most part.
It’s okay if you’ve never noticed – no judgment here! I honestly didn’t realize any of this until I had a small prince of my own. Despite his multiple trips to the Disney Parks, it wasn’t until he was around four years old that he brought it to my attention. We were getting ready for a last-minute mommy/son dinner reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table and he was so upset that Cinderella was going to see him in cargo shorts and a t-shirt. It would be his first time eating at Cinderella’s Royal Table and he didn’t think his wardrobe was suitable for meeting a real princess, so he asked me if we could go find a prince costume for him to wear. I assured him that Cinderella would love him regardless of what he was wearing, and while he agreed, he still had his heart set on being the smallest Prince Charming to ever step foot in Cinderella Castle.
After spending a few hours of our vacation desperately trying to fulfill his wish, I was unsuccessful. I explained to him that the Disney Parks do not have prince costumes available for Guests to purchase. From that point on, he made it his mission to express his concern regarding the lack of princely attire with the Cast Members at Sir Mickey’s, the Fairy Godmothers in Training at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and just about anyone that would take time to listen to him, including Cinderella. And honestly, who was I to stop him or to argue with pint-sized logic? After all, he made a good point. If girls have the option of dressing as their favorite Disney princesses, then why shouldn’t boys be offered the same experience?
As a mom, I appreciated his ability to be open with complete strangers about how this situation made him feel, especially at such a young age. I was proud that he took initiative, on his own free will, to inform people who he felt were able to help implement change and make his voice heard at a higher level. That night, I promised my son that I would do everything I could to find him a prince costume to wear on our next trip to Walt Disney World.
Less than a year later, I kept my promise and agreed to transform him into a tiny Flynn Rider. It’s truly amazing what a mother will go through to foster the imagination of her child. I’m a very creative person, capable of crafting just about anything, but sewing is my kryptonite. Despite numerous attempts to locate a costume to buy, I was left with no choice but to create it on my own. I was overwhelmed at first, but then I realized what a great experience this would be for both of us and how excited he would be knowing that he was part of it. I was able to bring his idea to life right before his eyes. He got to see the amount of work that goes into a project and the incredible things that can be accomplished if you believe they can be done. It is by absolute luck and a ridiculous amount of determination that my son’s Flynn Rider costume was successful, it certainly had no business being as adorable as it was, especially given my lack of sewing skills, but it was glorious–part of me is still convinced his vest was finished by woodland creatures.
It was the first of many prince costumes and it still remains my favorite, mainly because it reminds me that creativity is found in the most unlikely circumstances. And while it would definitely make my life easier if Disney were to start manufacturing prince costumes for little boys, I’m perfectly content cultivating a little part of my DisneySide through my son’s imagination. Allowing him to be unique and stay true to his one-of-a-kind personality is worth the extra time and the memories we’ve made together. I’ve learned that showing your DisneySide is a multifaceted beast of imagination with countless opportunities to express your inner magic. Did I ever think I would be skilled enough to create Disney prince costumes for my son? Not a chance. Has it happened? Absolutely. Why? Because it makes him happy, enhances his Disney experience, and it shows him that there’s no limit to his imagination. You don’t have to settle for being a pirate if you really want to be a prince–it just might take a little longer for you to become one.
DIStracted Tip: If you want lots of attention from the princesses and Cast Members, dress your son as a prince! People always go out of their way to comment on his princely attire because he stands out in the sea of princesses and pirates. Also, if you’re not up to the challenge of crafting tiny prince costumes, Magical DIStractions team member Christy has multiple options to choose from on Mom Approved Costumes!
Aw, what an adorable story! <3
Thank you! He had to try on his Flynn vest after I read it to him. Still fits!