A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Princess for a Day" is from the October 2007 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

My darling niece Alyssia was born to be a princess. At least that's what you would think if you could see her in the salon at Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

A fairy godmother-in-training named Marsha strides forward to transform the rambunctious 4-year-old into a fairy-tale princess. It's pink, pink, and predictably pink when Marsha inquires about lip gloss, glitter, and crown color.

I've seen this pint-size tot writhe like one possessed when her mother combs her curly mane, but she sits still as stone while Marsha tames her tresses and wrangles them into a Cinderella-style updo. The child doesn't move a muscle while her fairy godmother paints her nails and tastefully applies eye shadow and lip gloss. All around the room, more than a dozen royal beauties enjoy similar makeovers.

With her dark hair and skin, Alyssia is more Jasmine than Cinderella and opts for a spangled green costume and gold shoes. When she's fully dressed and sprinkled with fairy dust, she strolls the avenues of the Magic Kingdom as if she owns the place.

I love to indulge the little darling, because we all want to be treated like a princess every once in a while.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques: Locations--Downtown Disney and a newly opened one in Magic Kingdom. Castle Packages, which include a complete costume, start at $179.95. Less expensive packages are available. Reservations are recommended. Call (407) 939-7895.