A visit to a Disney park will always be a memory your child cherishes for years to come, but there are a number of ways to make your trip special—especially if your little one loves getting the royal treatment. From meeting all her favorite princesses to pampering herself and donning her own tiara through the park, here’s your guide to planning the best vacation for your own princess.

Making Arrangements

Most Disney princesses stroll through the parks from opening hours until the early evening—around 5 or 6 p.m., when it starts to get dark—so be sure to arrive early with your little ones. You also may see these royal beauties at night, but they’ll usually be involved in a special show or parade, and not available for hugs and autographs. Plan on getting to the park early, and bringing an autograph book. Don’t have one? Don’t worry! Many of the shops near the entrance sell them—some even feature Disney princess themes. When it comes to spending the night, many hotels at Disney resorts offer a princess-themed room, package or dining experience; be sure to call ahead before booking to learn what options are available.

Donning Royal Garb

If you’ve forgotten your ball gowns at home, be sure to stop by some of the official Disney shops—many of them will offer princess attire, especially the store Fairy Tale Treasures in Fantasyland. If you’re an annual passholder, you’ll most likely find a discount. If you want a head-to-toe makeover, make a reservation in advance for the Bibbidi Bobbidy Boutique in both Disney World and Disneyland for hair, shimmery makeup, princess sashes and more. Prices vary depend on the packages, but you’re guaranteed to get the royal treatment, no matter which you pick.

Finding the Princesses at Disneyland

Looking for your favorite Disney royalty in The Happiest Place on Earth? Your best bet is making a beeline for Fantasyland, home to nearly all of Disney’s princesses and princes. Once you’re there, the first place to visit should always be the Royal Hall, where as many as three princesses will be there waiting for you. This regal room is full of gold and fancy flourishes, and it’s also handicap-accessible—so princesses and princes of every mobility can meet Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and more. Of course, most of Disney’s princesses are full of spunk and spirit, and don’t stay confined to their castles. Expect some to wander beyond Fantasyland—you can often find Jasmine in Adventureland, while Princess Tiana is often near New Orleans Square.

Finding the Princesses at Disney World

Though Disney World is much larger than the Disneyland Resort, finding your favorite princess doesn’t take much more work—and there are even more princess play options for you and your little ones. Many will be in Fantasyland. If you’re looking for Ariel with a fin, she’s almost exclusively found in her grotto, while Cinderella and Elena often wait in Fairytale Princess Hall. But venture beyond, because here, Tiana is often at Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, while Jasmine and Aladdin can often be found in Morocco, and Mulan in China. Outside the park, you can occasionally find a princess or two leading princess-themed activities in a very special princess-themed room at the World of Disney Store in Disney Springs. Call ahead to inquire about schedules and appearances.

A Feast Fit for a Princess

At Disney World especially, you can also dine with the princesses. At Cinderella’s Royal Table, enter through the Grand Hall and ascend to the dining room where you’ll enjoy a fabulous meal surrounded by golden accents, stone archways and colorful flags—you can even add a tiara to the experience, which is sure to give your princess the perfect royal flare. And don’t be surprised to see multiple princesses at a time when you eat at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot—they’ll even read you stories while you dine! Because dining with the princesses is so popular, it’s best to make a reservation. With a little planning, you’ll be having a royal adventure in no time.

Rod Welch is the President of HotelGuides.com, a website that helps travelers find places
to stay near all sorts of US and Canada attractions. He has been a travel agent since
2002 and loves traveling to new destinations.