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How to Go Disneybounding at the Disney Parks

Have you ever seen someone while you’re at Disneyland or Disney World and thought that they look familiar to you, or that they remind you of someone you know? In some cases, they might remind you of someone you went to high school with, or maybe one of your relatives. But in other cases, they may remind you of a Disney character, particularly because their outfit looks somewhat similar to that of a specific character.

This clothing style is known as Disneybounding, a popular trend found at the Disney Parks.

villain DisneyBound
Credit: @dislifeofaya

Disneybounding Overview

Disneybounding is when you wear clothing that is inspired by Disney characters using everyday clothing and accessories found in your closet. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “Isn’t that just cosplay?” But the answer is no- there is a difference between Disneybounding and cosplay.

Cosplay involves dressing up in an actual, more elaborate costume, which is against Disney Dress Code policy, except for at Halloween (more on that later). Additionally, cosplay is more expensive and can involve a lot of DIY activities, which can be time-consuming and draining on your bank account.

Briar Rose Disneybound
Credit: DisneyBound blog

Related: The Inventor of Disneybounding Gives Her Top Tips for Dressing Disney

What is not as time-consuming, however, is Disneybounding, which is the opposite of cosplay. Disneybounding takes inspiration from the particular character, such as color palette and the type of look, but it ultimately reflects the style of the outfit wearer. In addition, Disneybounding is not as expensive, as you can usually create great character-inspired outfits using clothing and accessories you might already have (especially if you’re a die-hard Disney fan).

But how did this trend start? Well, Leslie Kay, an influencer and author, is the one responsible for starting this trend with her blog DisneyBound, which has blown into a huge web presence. Leslie is also the author of the book DisneyBound: Dress Disney and Make It FashionBoth the site and book are major inspirations for anyone who wants to go Disneybounding.

disney bound
Credit: Instagram user @thedisneybound

Related: Disney’s Dress Code Continues to Be Violated, Fans’ Outfit Planning Service Can Help

Disneybounding is a great way to express your love for a Disney movie, character, or franchise while being comfortable in your own clothing at the Parks. However, this doesn’t have to just be a Park activity. You can still be in your happy place and dressed as your favorite character, whether you’re at home, out in your neighborhood, or even hanging out with friends!

Disneybounding Outfit Ideas

You might be wondering, “Where can I look for Disneybounding outfit ideas?” The good news is that there is no lack of content about Disneybounding on the internet. A great way to start looking for Disneybounding ideas is through Pinterest and even Instagram, using the hashtag #Disneybound or #Disneybounding.

For example, if you wanted to dress similar to Ariel from The Little Mermaid, you could build off the two main colors in her mermaid attire, purple and green, to build an outfit such as a purple top and green shorts or a skirt, along with some seashell earrings or necklace.

Tiana Disneybound
Credit: DisneyBound blog

Another example is Marie from the Aristocats. You could wear an all-white dress with pink accents, whether it’s a necklace, earrings, or a hairbow.

You could even go as Goofy, with an orange shirt, some blue pants or denim, and a green hat.

These are just some of the several inspirations found on the Disneybound website, but they are great starting points to give you a vision of how to build on an outfit idea and make something that is truly special and meaningful to you.

Basically, you would think of a character you would like to dress up as, and use the colors, patterns, or shapes that are in their outfits to inspire yours. You might go as a solo character, pair up with friends to portray a famous Disney duo or group of friends, dress up as a family, or do a cute inspired Disney couple outfit! The possibilities really are endless.

Maleficent Disneybound
Credit: DisneyBound blog

But now that you’ve got the outfit and you’re in the Park, you might want to capture the “aesthetic” of your outfit with photos for your social media accounts or just to remember the trip. If you’re dressed as a character who can be found in the Park, look on the Disneyland or My Disney Experience app to see if they’re available that day for pictures, and take a picture with them! Who doesn’t love a twin moment?

You can also try going to the location where that character’s story is told. For example, if you’re dressed as Alice from Alice in Wonderland, you can take pictures by the Mad Hatter Teacups or Alice in Wonderland attraction at Disneyland. Or if you’re Disneybounding as BB-8 and R2-D2 from Star Wars, you can snap some photos near Galaxy’s Edge.

Chip and Dale Disneybound
Credit: DisneyBound blog

Another route you could take is to find the paths less traveled at the Disney Parks and take some photos away from the crowd. Some of the less-crowded areas in Disneyland might be the fountain in New Orleans Square near Haunted Mansion, Snow White’s wishing well near Sleeping Beauty Castle, the patterned wall near “it’s a small world,” and even some of the props or ride cars outside some of the attractions.

At Disney World, specifically Magic Kingdom, you can also find some beautiful photo spots, including Cinderella’s wishing well, the Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast mosaics, Gaston’s fountain, and the Purple Wall in Tomorrowland.

Disney Dress Code

Though we’ve just listed some inspiration for these outfits, there are a few parameters to keep in mind as you’re putting together your outfit, since the Disney Dress code is very strict about costumes or anything resembling a character costume. This helps to prevent any character confusion and keep the magic of the Parks and characters intact, especially for kids.

Moana Disneybound
Credit: DisneyBound blog

The Disneyland Resort warns against inappropriate attire, which might end in being removed from the Park or not being admitted altogether. Per Disney,

  • Costumes may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older
  • Masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older (unless they are for medical purposes)
  • Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
  • Excessively torn clothing or loose fitting clothing which may drag on the ground and create a potential trip hazard
  • Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
  • Clothing with multiple layers are subject to search upon entry
  • Visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or designs
  • Bare feet
DisneyBound villains
Credit: @dislifeofaya

However, it is important to know that these rules are different for various special events, such as Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

For example, the following is a list of guidelines for costumes at special events at Disney World:

For Guests ages 13 and under:

  • Costumes and some costume masks may be worn; masks must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.
For Guests 14 Years of Age or Older:
  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
  • Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses) 
  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist. 
  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
  • Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face. 
  • Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

When selecting your Disneybound outfit, just run it through the Disney dress code checklist to make sure it passes the test. Exercising good judgment is key. Some Guests, however, recently chose to neglect these rules or test the system, such as a Guest who Disneybounded too well as Dolores from Encantoor another Guest who wanted to sneak into EPCOT as Marvel’s Valkyrie.

Disneybounding is a fantastic way to get creative in your outfit choices while showcasing your love for Disney and celebrating with friends and family in a way that is unique and special to you. Next time you’re at the Disney Parks, try Disneybounding and see how much more meaningful the trip is for you!

Have you ever Disneybounded before? Which character did you use as inspiration?

This post originally appeared on Inside the Magic

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