How to Dress Up at Walt Disney World

Maybe you were doing last minute research on your Disney vacation when you noticed it. Or perhaps you had just put the final touch on your Halloween costume when a well-meaning friend called and broke the news.

Either way, now you can’t ignore the truth: Adults aren’t allowed to wear costumes at Disney, outside a selection of particular events.

While this is the official Disney rule, there are a few exceptions, as well as some creative ways to dress up while still adhering to the Disney guidelines. Whether you are visiting Orlando now in the fall or planning a trip in the spring, you’ll have a chance to fulfill your lifelong dream of visiting Walt Disney World dressed up as your favorite Disney character. The most well-known event that allows costumes for all ages is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Costume Rules at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Much like Disney, the Halloween season is full of nostalgia and magic. Fortunately for us all, even grown-ups can indulge in the combined magic of Disney and Halloween because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of the times when adults are allowed to wear a costume at the theme park. No matter your age, if you have a ticket to Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party you are encouraged to dress up in your best Halloween costume, as long as you follow the official guidelines noted on Disney’s website.

Those guidelines include:

• Accessories such as plastic light sabers, tutus, and transparent wings are allowed
• Capes are permitted but they must not be longer than waist-length
• Guests dressed as Disney characters are not allowed to sign autographs or pose for pictures with other guests
• No full-length princess gowns or other costumes that drag on the ground
• No sharp objects
• No weapons (real or fake)
• No masks

Other Opportunities to Wear a Costume at Disney

In addition to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests over age 14 can wear costumes at these select, separately ticketed events:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Star Wars: Galactic Nights
• Disney Villains After Hours

Of course, anyone 13 years or younger can wear a costume any day of the year at Disney, as long as they follow the official Walt Disney World rules noted above.

Dressing Up vs. Costumes at Disney

While costumes are limited to these select official Disney events, dressing up is a whole other matter. Unlike a costume, which transforms you into someone else, dressing up is simply an elevation of your own personal style and is allowed anytime at the Walt Disney World parks.

Fan events, like Dapper Day, are a great opportunity to dress up at Disney. Dapper Day was inspired by the Disney theme parks’ mid-century beginnings and celebrates refined style from yesterday and today. The event isn’t limited to a particular dress period so feel free to let your imagination run while when creating an outfit. Although you won’t be masquerading as any particular Disney character, some guests choose to incorporate Disney-theme apparel or accessories into their outfits. The next 2019 Dapper Day event at Walt Disney World will be on November 16-17 at Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

If your Orlando vacation doesn’t overlap with Dapper Day or any of the select Disney events, you can still dress up any day of the year at the theme parks by Disneybounding. The term, coined by Leslie Kay, refers to outfits inspired by Disney characters and are meant to be created with the clothes you already have in your closet. Disneybounds are subtle enough to wear anywhere and are a great way to show off your personal style as well as your fandom. Some guests even combine events like Dapper Day with Disneybounding to create sophisticated outfits inspired by their favorite Disney characters. For outfit inspiration, visit Leslie’s popular Disneybounding blog.

Stay near Disney at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

Wearing a costume or dressing up will make your Disney vacation a little extra magical, and so will staying at a hotel that is near the theme parks. Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is the ideal choice for anyone looking to avoid a long commute to the parks while also staying within the vacation budget. Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is located 5 minutes from the Walt Disney World entrance and offers all the amenities you need for your family vacation in Orlando. Give us a call at 407-996-7343 or click on the red button at the top of the page to book your stay today.