Planning a Princess-Themed Trip to Disney World
The word “princess” is almost synonymous with Disney, so it’s no surprise that many families make their first Disney trip when their toddler or preschooler enters the princess phase. After visiting Walt Disney World with my own daughter for her first birthday, all I’ve been able to think about is bringing her again in a few years to celebrate her princess obsession (it will happen–and I can’t wait until it does)!
Whether you’re bringing your princess-obsessed daughter, visiting for the Princess Half-Marathon, or going on an adult girls trip and want to feel like a Princess, we’ve got everything covered. From dining options, meet-and-greet locations for your favorite princesses, and accommodations and special experiences fit for any aspiring princess, this is your guide to the ultimate Disney princess vacation.
WHERE TO STAY
Art of Animation (Little Mermaid Standard Rooms; Value Resort)
Make a splash and enjoy a luxurious vacation under the sea in Art of Animation’s Little Mermaid rooms. These rooms are whimsical, colorful, and absolutely over-the-top—in the best possible way—making little ones (and you!) feel like they’ve stepped straight into their favorite princess movie.
Each room features two double beds and sleeps up to four, perfect for families who want that extra dose of Disney magic without the deluxe price tag. A quick note, though: these rooms are the furthest from the lobby and bus stop, so you’ll want to build in a few extra minutes when heading to the parks.
Port Orleans Riverside (Royal Rooms; Moderate Resort)
This is my favorite choice for a Princess vacation. The Magnolia Bend section of Port Orleans Riverside is so grand and beautiful. Some of the rooms in these Antebellum Style Mansions have a royal theme. These special touches like fiber-optic special effects, ornate decorations, custom drapery, and art all celebrate the Disney princess in a romantic and elegant way.
When a family tells me they want a true Princess vacation—something elegant, enchanting, and just a little bit swoon-worthy—Port Orleans Riverside always tops my list. Some of the rooms even have a royal theme, featuring fiber-optic special effects, ornate decorations, and custom drapery and art that are bound to make any princess feel like she’s just stepped into her own fairy tale.
Grand Floridian (Deluxe Resort)
The Grand Floridian doesn’t have rooms that are explicitly princess-themed, but the Victorian theming along with stained glass ceiling and chandeliers definitely make it feel like a place a princess would live. The location here is prime for a Princess trip, with a couple of the princess-themed events right in the hotel and on the monorail line, only one stop away from Magic Kingdom and the iconic Cinderella Castle.
Where to Eat
1900 Park Fare Dinner – Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner
Cinderella, Her Prince, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella
This is one of my favorite character meals at Walt Disney World. The food at the buffet is much better than other character locations, and the character interactions are incredible. The step-family adds levity and humor to the meal, making it much more enjoyable for more than just a princess fan—even dads and brothers may find themselves cracking a smile or two!
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora and Snow White
This is the holy grail of Disney princess dining; dining with Disney royalty inside Cinderella’s castle for an unforgettable experience for any princess lover. After all, where better to enjoy a meal with princesses than in Cinderella’s castle? Unfortunately, the meal requires reservations six months in advance (and requires two credits on the Disney dining plan) due to its popularity, but this fine dining experience can be worth every penny for the most determined of princesses.
Restaurant Akershus – Princess Storybook Dining
Belle, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, and Snow White
Tucked inside the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, Akershus is one of my favorite princess dining experiences for families because it blends the comfort of familiar American favorites with a taste of traditional Scandinavian dishes. The part-buffet, part-table-service setup is a lifesaver when you’re juggling little ones—you can grab a quick plate of cold foods without committing to endless trips back and forth, and then enjoy hot dishes brought right to your table, served family-style.
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno
Rapunzel, Flynn, Ariel, Eric
At the Trattoria del Forno (located on the Boardwalk), you get the rare opportunity to meet some princes with their leading ladies at the Bon Voyage Breakfast. Ariel, Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Ryder greet you at your table while you dine on themed breakfast foods. There’s nothing I love more than a themed meal, and they hit it on the head with items like “Tangled Eggs” and “Shipwreck al forno”—the tower of pancakes is my favorite!
Storybook Dining at Artist Point
Snow White, the Queen, Dopey, Grumpy
Get ready to go on a magical adventure at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with this new character dining experience! Guests can now meet the beloved characters from Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” while enjoying a bountiful dinner at Artist Point.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Enter the Beast’s enchanted castle for a quick-service breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable sit-down dinner—bon appétit! Feast on French-inspired fare in one of our elaborately themed rooms—straight out of the beloved Disney classic.
A Princess-Themed Promenade: Fastpasses to-Make
Magic Kingdom Day One
- Princess Fairytale Hall (includes opportunities to meet Tiana and Rapunzel)
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid: Board a clamshell and become part of Ariel’s world on a musical adventure awash with scenes from the animated classic.
Magic Kingdom Day Two
- Seven Dwarves Mine Train: race through the diamond mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on a swaying family coaster ride.
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Princess Fairytale Hall (includes opportunities to meet Cinderella and Elena)
EPCOT
- Frozen Ever After
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage!
Special Experiences
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Magic Kingdom/Disney Springs)
When simply meeting their favorite Princess isn’t enough for your littles, the next step is obvious: to become a Princess! This uniquely-magical experience is available for any child between the ages of 3 – 12, with locations at both Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. There are lots of different packages available, starting with the Crown Package at $64.95 plus tax and includes hair, shimmery makeup, nails and sash. You can also upgrade to include a tutu, or even a full Princess dress!
Perfectly Princess Tea at Grand Floridian
Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, this is possibly the most extravagant experience available, including dancing, storytelling and more while having tea with a Disney Princess. This royal experience comes at a premium, with pricing starting at $333.64 for the first adult & child, and $234.08 for each additional child.
Mickey’s Friendship Faire
Mickey and friends—and some royal guests—perform live in an extravagant stage show at Cinderella Castle. Look for Tiana and friends from The Princess and the Frog and Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled. Mickey even recruits Olaf, Anna and Elsa from Frozen to join in!
Watch as classic and contemporary Disney Characters interact in a magical, musical extravaganza featuring lively dancing, dazzling effects, and music from the films.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Another GREAT way to see a lot of princesses at once without much waiting is to catch the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom. Festival of Fantasy is chock full of princesses! It features Belle, Cinderella, Tiana, Anna and Elsa, Rapunzel, Ariel, Merida, and Snow White.
The Royal Princess Promenade
On select afternoons, Cinderella and her Prince Charming lead a Princess Promenade of guest princesses around the upper floor of the Grand Floridian Lobby. The strolling group of smiling and sparkling ladies descend the grand staircase and make their way to the center of the lobby where guests of all ages are invited to join them in a Grand Waltz. See the activities guide for times.
SENSES Spa at the Grand Floridian
Fifteen lush treatment rooms offer pampering services to spa guests such as such as water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, warm stone massage, rejuvenating citrus facial, couples’ massages, and much more. If you’re looking to make the most of your down-time at Walt Disney World, this is the perfect place! In a world where everyone is always rushing to and fro it’s important to make time for some pampering, and Senses Spa is a great place to do it.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Take in rustic beauty as you travel along charming pathways and the banks of the Sassagoula River. You’ll board your horse-drawn carriage for a 25-minute ride at the Riverside Levee Marina at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Carriages fit up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 small children).
Character Meets
Magic Kingdom
Princess Fairytale Hall
Two separate lines exist for two separate meet and greets inside Princess Fairytale Hall. The character lineup frequently gets rearranged, but currently one side is Cinderella and Elena of Avalor. The other is Rapunzel and Princess Tiana.
Ariel at her Grotto
Merida
Jasmine
EPCOT
- Belle at the World Showcase France Pavilion
- Jasmine & Aladdin can be seen in the World Showcase Morocco Pavilion
- You can find Mulan at the World Showcase China Pavilion
- Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) can be seen in the World Showcase France Pavilion
- Snow White can be seen in the World Showcase Germany Pavilion
- Anna & Elsa meet in their Royal Sommerhus in the Norway Pavilion next door to the Frozen Ever After ride
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Pocahontas meets guests on the Discovery Island Trails
Check the Animal Kingdom Times Guide for the exact schedule. Her location is pretty tucked away, so if you manage to find her, the lines will be quite short.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Olaf
From unique meet-and-greets to magical makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney has everything you need to help your little princes and princesses live out their dreams. If you’re still looking for the perfect princess-themed itinerary, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for your dream Disney vacation or another destination, I’d love you to plan a trip fit for a princess.
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too!
She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, and Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
