A new makeover option coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Jim Hill published a rumor yesterday on his website concerning something new coming to Walt Disney World. I am curious what guests think of this possibility…
Yep, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going to put a decidedly show-bizzy slant on its version of the “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.” And just like its Disney Princess-themed predecessors, this beauty shop will offer several different types of makeovers. With price points ranging from $50.00 (for a Hannah Montana-style wig and a quick make-up touch-up) to just shy of $250 (For an over-the-top Sharpay-style makeover. Complete with a tiny plush dog to place in your purse. Which will — of course — perfectly coordinate with your new outfit).
You are going to have to help me with this one. I do not have any children and am admittedly ignorant to what tweenie girls are watching these days. Are these two franchises really popular enough to bring the type of response that the Princesses did for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? The Princesses span decades of films and an amazing array of ideas while this is just two concepts. Doesn’t that seem a bit…over-targeted?
If nothing else, they can at least theme this as a famous Hollywood salon. That would be a nice thematic addition to the newly renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As we all know, this park has suffered a bit in the area of theme and consistency. Perhaps the name change is signaling a change in that trend back to the kind of cohesive ideas that were so strong in Imagineering’s glory days.
Jon said,
February 5, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
We’re living in an era where people buy clothing for dogs. Do you really need to question this? Of course this will sell! The Hannah Montana film has made $29 million (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/05/arts/05arts-ANEXTENDEDRU_BRF.html?ref=arts). High School Musical is slated for a theatrical release (http://www.comicbookbin.com/waltdisneynews002.html). Collectively I’d say we’re in the billions. Why wouldn’t Disney do this?
Disney is a company that is bending over backwards to capture the girls market. I don’t even think its that important that they’re offering just these two concepts either. They could have easily made a “Hollywood Make-over Boutique” that functions like a typical salon and it would have done well. They’re using those characters because they are popular within the demographic they’re aiming for.
I think your confusion comes from the fact that you think Princesses apply to all girls. The fact is that most girls out-grow the Princess franchise around the same time they stop playing with Barbie dolls. It becomes less about the fantastic escapism and more about the emulation of reality and role playing (becoming a singer, going to high school, dances) that plays best with girls age 10 and over. This is the reason Mattel had to give Barbie “jobs” (i.e Doctor Barbie, Rock Star Barbie) rather than just pretty dresses….so the toy would grow with the girl. Its also the reason MGA has made their Bratz dolls into fashion designers and singing divas.
Princesses are a hard sell to a girl that is trying to grow up fast.
Mike said,
February 6, 2008 @ 2:45 am
This is a sure fire money maker for Disney in the short term. Hannah Montana and HSM have a huge fan base. But at some point it will fizzle. The question will then be will Disney have replacments. Obviously, this salon will be able to adapt to that. For the next few years though, they will be printing money
Beau said,
April 11, 2008 @ 6:43 am
I think that people should communicate, no matter where they do it – in real life or in Internet.