Dressing up is something I love to do. Halloween, costume parties, anything that feels like I can get away with a costume, and I am there having a blast. Dressing up as my favorite characters and taking pictures is so fun and brings me great joy. At the Disney parks adults are not permitted to wear costumes outside of certain ticketed events. This is for their safety and others. BUT! You can still take part in the fun and magic through the power of- Disneybounding.
What the heck is Disneybounding?
Disneybounding is when you take normal clothing from your closet and say, “How can I make myself look like my favorite character?” Something as simple as wearing your favorite pink leggings with a pink shirt then putting on themed ears, pins, or even a cute headband can turn you into Piglet, Anastasia, or a pink dress Cinderella! It’s about using your clothing and accessories to evoke the memory of a character. It’s easy and fun even for those who don’t like to dress up. By putting certain colors together as a whole family you can even replicate the feeling of a whole movie.
Here’s the plan…
Planning your Disneybounds ahead of time is key. When you pack you need to think about what is comfortable for you to wear in the relevant weather, if its something that is easy to follow through your plans with, and if it fits the places you are going. No one wants to turn up at Victoria and Albert’s with running shoes, leggings, and a tank top. Look at your plans for the days you will be there, pick clothing you think would match your day. If you are going to spend the day at Animal Kingdom and end the day with Tiffin’s or Jiko- maybe pick a nicer outfit with a bit of a safari touch. Or something blue to go with the Pandora theming. If you are going to spend your day running around Epcot trying food from all the festival booths, try wearing supportive shoes and athletic wear that makes you think of Anna and Elsa.
There’s lots of options for planning your outfit and it really comes down to how you play in the parks and what your party is going to wear. If all of your friends want to go as Grim Grinning Ghosts in business wear and you show up in sneakers and a pink spirit jersey, you may feel out of place when taking pictures. Plan ahead and talk out your ideas. This builds the excitement for your trip and makes PhotoPass that much more fun.
Put on your Sunday clothes!
Twice a year on very special days, you may notice everyone in the park looks a little more like they just walked off of Main Street. The smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and hotdogs seems a little more nostalgic as you listen to the Dapper Dans and all of their friends. Dapper Days are upon us and everyone is out and dressed to impress. Elegant styles of the past are on parade as people celebrate Walt Disney and the way dressing up makes us feel.
You will see dapper folks at Disney Parks throughout the year but Dapper Days are special in that so many people are dolled up and feeling their best. These clothes often fit the ticket of being a Disneybound. If you would like to know when Dapper Days are, or even shop for ideas of what to wear you can visit http://dapperday.com/ for more details.
Hakuna Matata
Disneybounding is a great way to add another dimension to your trip. Dressing as your favorite characters, being the Jaq and Gus Gus to your little Cinderella, a family of Storm Troopers, a girls trip of pajama princesses, or you and your sweetheart dressing like you are going to sit at the bar of the soda shop and share a shake. It’s all about having fun and making memories. So don’t worry about it being perfect and let your imagination soar!
A two time Disney College Program participant Leah loves Disney and helping others find the magic inside of them. She loves to cook, dance, and explore new places. She may always be on the go but her family is her top priority.