Disney's Strict Rule About This Type Of Clothing Could Get You Kicked Out

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

When planning your next visit to Disney in a bid to enjoy some quality time, there's a chance you might want to dress up like your favorite character — say, a Jedi or a princess. Doing that makes you feel good, sure. But what you probably don't know is that you could likely be turned away for it. 

In fact, according to Walt Disney World's official website, the park has a very strict policy regarding dress code. Costumes, specifically, can be worn only during specific ticketed events. On other days, parkgoers are not allowed to wear full costumes, themed robes, or masks to portray Disney characters — except for kids under the age of 14.

So, as you start to plan the perfect date and outfit for that Disney visit, it's important that you keep this fact in mind. Oh, and it certainly doesn't matter if you think your costume feels innocent and playful. If you wear it to the park, it will lead to you being denied entry (or ejection, if you've managed to get in) if it doesn't conform to Disney's dress code and guidelines. Why this policy? Well, there are some understandable reasons behind it — including potential safety risks for other guests. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of alternative ways you can still rock your outfit in a fun way that lets you represent your favorite characters without stepping over the line.

While some fans may consider the prohibition of costumes for adults as one of the more shady aspects of Disney parks, the reason behind the restriction is actually for the benefit of parents and their children. Costumes worn by adults can create confusion, and even pose safety issues for kids hoping to meet real characters. In most cases, children won't be able to distinguish between guests dressed in costumes and staff dressed officially as characters. When kids aren't able to tell the difference between staff who are trained to mimic Disney characters and an average visitor, the entire experience is ruined.

The same rule applies to "Disney On Ice" shows. In early 2025, The Sun reported how a mother and her two daughters were denied entry due to her outfit. According to the report, Jennifer O'Rourke had dressed up as Anna from the movie "Frozen," not knowing that costumes weren't allowed. According to the publication, she was forced to remove her ginger wig, and wear her partner's jacket to cover her costume before she could be granted access. Describing how she felt, O'Rourke recounted how the staff explained nicely that the reason was that her costume "could confuse the kids as a real-life Anna."

The fact that you can't wear costumes to Disney doesn't mean you can't customize your outfit in a way that's both fun and stylish. Disneybounding, for example, has become a popular fashion trend that involves the use of everyday clothes to create Disney-character-inspired outfits. Often associated with Tumblr blogger Leslie Kay (now @lesliekay on Instagram), who is known for sharing outfit ideas via her blog Disneybound, this creative approach lets fans show their love without breaking park rules.

What does it entail? Well, rather than an actual cosplay (which can get you ejected), all you need is something that references your favorite character — think a combination of certain colors, a particular kind of accessory, or a specific design pattern. For instance, you could wear a red top with a yellow skirt to suggest you're channeling Winnie the Pooh. For anyone looking for more inspiration, there's even a book titled "Disneybound: Dress Disney and Make it Fashion" that'll help you put together a solid outfit and take the stress out of planning your next Disney vacation.

For full-costume enthusiasts, Disney also hosts a handful of official events during which specific costumes are allowed. These include Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney Jollywood Nights. Still, these come with some official guidelines. One of the rules, for example, highlights: "All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests." Other restrictions include the use of masks that fully cover the face, the use of accessories that resemble real weapons, any full-length dresses or capes that fall below the waist, and, generally, anything that poses harm or a potential misunderstanding.