Unleash Your Disney Magic: A Guide to Disneybounding

February 8, 2023 Madrid

Get the Disney look without being in costume by Disneybounding.

— Everything you want to know about Disneybounding—the trend that lets you dress up at Walt Disney World.

For theme park goers, comfort is key. Especially during the spring and summer seasons, spending hours outside in the blistering heat without any UPF clothing or summer fabrics is no fun. After all, nobody wants to suffer a sunburn while waiting in line to get the coveted Figment popcorn bucket.

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But when it comes to dressing for style at Walt Disney World, there’s a whole new world of creative opportunity. No, I’m not talking about wearing princess dresses or high heels around the parks—that’s unrealistic and frankly, not allowed. What I’m referring to is Disneybounding, which allows adult guests to dress in ways that resemble their favorite Disney characters while not wearing a costume. Whether you’re a Disney parks first-timer, headed to EPCOT for one of its wildly popular festivals, or preparing for your hundredth character dinner, we’re here to break down the basics on how you can achieve these magical looks.

What Is Disneybounding?

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A post shared by Jeremy 🫖✨ (@jeremythetea)

Disneybounding is a method of styling that takes inspiration from a specific Disney character. It’s cosplay without the costume. Disneybounding uses everyday pieces like dresses, shirts, hats, and pants, in different colors and patterns to resemble characters like Mickey Mouse, Bo Peep, and Stitch. Most folks who Disneybound do so specifically for trips to Disney World or Disneyland, but the more subtle the references are in an outfit, the more likely they can be inconspicuous out in public.

The term “Disneybounding” was first coined in 2011 by Leslie Kay with her Tumblr blog called Disneybound, where she used to share visual boards of outfits that she wore when she was, well, bound for Disney. The outfits often represented Disney characters in subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways, and a cultural touchstone was born. Plenty of inspo and examples of the phenomenon can be found on Kay’s official Instagram.

For Disneybound newbies, it’s important to understand that this is an alternative to wearing a costume to the parks. Disney Parks has strict rules about guests over the age of 14 wearing costumes at its theme parks—if you show up to the front gate in one, you’ll be turned away. However, Disneybounding is a workaround to the rules, and characters love to see outfits inspired by their classic costumes and films.

How to Disneybound

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As a Disneybounder myself, my best advice is to have fun with it. That might sound cliché, but it’s true. Don’t stress about not looking like a carbon copy of your favorite character or princess. Instead, focus on bringing the character to life in a new and exciting way. I started Disneybounding back in high school because I loved the concept and the excuse to dress up constantly, but my Disneybounding ability has definitely evolved alongside my own personal style. I love using color to tell the story rather than having identical pieces to the characters, as you can see on my Disneybounding Instagram account.

The same advice comes from content creator and TikTok star Jeremy Singh, also known online as ‘Jeremy The Tea.’ Singh has garnered over 962k followers on TikTok after his “How Characters At Walt Disney World React To My Peter Pan Outfit” video went viral.

“When starting out Disneybounding, I find that color palettes are your key to success,” Singh says. “Finding solid-colored pieces that match the color schemes of the characters you aspire to bound as is a great way to begin your Disneybounding journey.”

Singh also suggests working on incorporating accessories into your Disneybounds as much as you can to bring them to life.

“When coming up with new design ideas and Disneybounds, I try to go beyond the basic color palettes and play with a lot of accessories. From various headpieces, corsets, bows, bowties, sunglasses, capelets and gloves, I’ve amassed quite the collection of Disneybounding accessories.”

Want to try Disneybounding yourself? We’ve gathered 10 shoppable Disneybound outfits inspired by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Aladdin, Russell, Winnie the Pooh and more, that will add a bit of pixie dust to your closet and vacation ensemble.

1. Bo Peep

Round up all the sheep and your best toy friends with a Bo Peep-influenced look.

Take your wardrobe to infinity and beyond with this Toy Story-inspired Disneybound. In the movie series, Bo Peep wears a light blue jumpsuit and a pink belt, which is simple to replicate in real life. This blue Sleeveless Jumpsuit from Knox Rose and hot pink 1950s Style 3” Wide Elastic Cinch Belt pairs with the Knotted Bow Headband in Light Rose from Claire’s to create the ideal Bo Peep Disneybound to wear at Hollywood Studios or around the parks.

The light blue romper comes in women’s sizes XS to 4X, while the pink waistband is elasticized and comes in size ranges XS to 4X.

2. Cinderella

You won’t need a fairy godmother to steal Cinderella’s iconic style.

You can’t take a trip to Disney World to see Cinderella’s Castle without dressing up like the classic princess herself (glass slippers optional).

The Exlura Women’s Lantern Sleeve Tie Back Dress is a #1 best-seller on Amazon with over 10,000 reviews. One 5-star shopper loves how flattering this dress is on her figure: “This dress is super flattering and I’m an absolute sucker for poofy sleeves. I’m also chubby and it’s just overall very flattering. Even the open back!” Pair the dress in light blue, with the Black Rhinestone Zig Zag Statement Choker Necklace, a Light Blue 1 Inch Plastic Hard Headband, and these Classic Pearl Stud Earrings.

The light blue dress comes in women’s sizes XS to XXL.

3. Mickey Mouse

Dressing up like the boss mouse doesn’t take much more than three carefully selected colors.

Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. Dress up like the boss mouse himself with black, yellow, and red—it’s that simple.

For a more masculine Disneybound, opt for red skinny jeans like the WT02 Men’s Long Basic Stretch Skinny Chino Pant, the Amazon Essentials Men’s Regular-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt in black, the Men’s Solid Formal Banded Bow Tie in yellow and the Men Athletic Shoes Mesh Blade Non Slip Sneakers from Mosha Belle in yellow. Make sure you take a picture with Mickey Mouse and don’t forget to say cheese!

With nearly 10,000 reviews, shoppers love these Mosha Belle sneakers for the price point compared to other name brands. “It has the normal “break in” period of about a week, but after that feels just as good as any name brand shoe,” one 5-star reviewer says. “I added custom insoles to mine and they are even better!”

The red skinny jeans come in men’s sizes 29-inch waist by 30 inches long to 42-inch waist by 32 inches long. The black shirt comes in men’s sizes XS to XXL. The sneakers are available in men’s sizes 7 to 13.

For a more feminine take on Mickey’s iconic look, pair a red skirt with black shirt and some ears.

For a more feminine take, pair the red Afibi Casual Mini Stretch Waist Flared Plain Pleated Skater Skirt with this black Made by Johnny Women’s Solid Short Sleeve Boat Neck V Neck Doman Top with Side Shirring and finish off the look with these yellow Lugz Women’s Clipper Sneakers. Be sure to snag a pair of mouse ears to top it off. The red skirt comes in women’s sizes XS to XXL. The black top comes in women’s sizes XS to 5X. The sneakers come in women’s sizes 5 to 12.

4. Minnie Mouse

Have all the fun with a polka dot dress that gives major Minnie vibes.

You can’t have Mickey without Minnie. Whether you hit up the parks with a significant other or a bestie, this classic Disneybound is sure to make a statement and get Minnie’s attention.

You can’t go wrong with this outfit because all you need is a red and white polka dot dress and a pair of yellow shoes, like the Women’s Foldable Portable Travel Ballet Flat Roll Up Slipper Shoes. Not only is this ensemble in style, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion—whether you have late night dinner reservations or are going to the parks during the day. Accessorize with this pair of Minnie Mouse Icon Earrings by Arribas, and you’ll be one dazzling Minnie.

This Bbonlinedress Women Short 1950s Retro Vintage Cocktail Party Swing Dress has over 20,000 reviews on Amazon and one shopper raves about its flattering fit: “The fit, the feel, everything is perfect. I’m 5’6″ and weigh 180lbs and I have a belly pouch. The XL fits me perfectly.” The polka-dot dress comes in women’s sizes XS to 5X. The yellow shoes come in women’s sizes 5 to 11.

5. Ariel

To be part of Ariel’s world, don a purple top and metallic green skirt.

Take a trip under the sea with Ariel and her friends with this fashion-forward Disneybound inspired by The Little Mermaid. You can’t walk around the park in a purple bra, but this purple Verdusa Women’s Casual Crisscross Sleeveless Form Fitting Tank Halter Top resembles Ariel’s signature seashells and paired with the metallic green Simplicity Women’s Metallic Skirt Ballet Dance Disco Pleather Skater Holographic Skirt, you’ll look just like a part of her world.

If you don’t have naturally red hair, just try on the PU Thick Headband in red. As someone who owns a ton of Claire’s headbands, they are super comfy and don’t give you a headache after long wear like others!

The purple top comes in women’s sizes XS to XL. The green skirt is available in one size.

6. Winnie the Pooh

Dress the part when you search for hunny with this simple Winnie the Pooh-inspired outfit.

Feel like you’re in the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh and his friends with this simple yet classic Disney Bound. Pair the Hanes Men’s Essential-T Cotton T-Shirt in red with the yellow Baleaf Men’s 5″ Running Athletic Shorts and in seconds you’ll transform into this silly old bear.

The red t-shirt comes in men’s sizes S to 3X. The yellow shorts come in men’s sizes XS to XL.

7. Snow White

Be the fairest of them all while you’re at the Magic Kingdom.

Pay homage to Snow White—Disney’s first-ever princess—with this flowy yellow Dresstells Fall Pleated Midi Skirt, this blue Hanes Women’s X-Temp V-Neck T-Shirt, this red Grace Karin Women’s Stretchy Belt, and this red Knotted Bow Headband. Don’t forget to sprinkle some diamond dust on your arms and legs for extra sparkle.

The yellow skirt comes in women’s sizes XS to XXL. The blue tank top comes in women’s sizes S to 3X. The red belt comes in sizes S to 4X.

8. Russell

Whether you’re hopping from park to park or exploring the wilderness, this Russell-inspired look is fun and comfortable.

Explore new ways of fashion, and channel your inner wilderness scout with this Disney movie Up inspired Disneybound. Pair this bright yellow Lands’ End Women’s Relaxed Supima Cotton Short Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt with the beige Basic Solid Stretchy Cotton High Waist A-Line Flared Skater Mini Skirt. Finally, wrap this orange Ted & Jack – Solid Color Silk Blend Lightweight Accent Scarf around your neck. For extra brownie points, you can find yourself a brown sash.

If you decide to wear this Lands’ End yellow shirt to the theme parks, then expect to stay cool according to over 12,000 reviewers. “These are my favorite shirts based on the cool factor. They really do feel cooler than other shirts,” one elated five-star reviewer says. That’s due to the shirts’ cooling technology designed to help keep you comfortable during wear. Shop the style in women’s sizes XS to 3X. The beige skater skirt comes in women’s sizes M to XL.

9. Aladdin

There’s a whole new world of style waiting with an Aladdin Disneybound.

Take your wardrobe to a whole new world with this prince-themed Disneybound. Now, this look requires a bit of work since there are more colors, but thankfully nothing too complex. Start with the ToBeInStyle Women’s Stretch Layering Scoop Neck Camisole in beige, underneath this purple Women’s Cardigan Short Sleeve Summer Lightweight Sheer Open Front Drape Casual Blouse. To complete the ensemble, toss on the Afibi Casual Mini Stretch Waist Flared Plain Pleated Skater Skirt in white and accessorize with the red PU Thick Headband from Claire’s.

The beige camisole is available in women’s “one-size-fits-all” and plus versions. The purple cardigan comes in women’s sizes S to XL. The skater skirt comes in women’s sizes XS to XXL.

10. Goofy

Pull off a winning Goofy-inspired look as you venture out to see Powerline.

You can never go wrong wearing Goofy’s signature bright colors at a crowded theme park with one of my favorite Disney characters. Start with this bright orange Long Sleeve Comfort Underscrub Tee and layer the yellow Aamilife Women’s 3/4 Sleeve Cropped Cardigan on top. Once that’s all set, put on the DJT Fashion Women’s Casual Stretchy Flared Pleated Mini Skater Skirt with Shorts or keep it simple with the JD Apparel Men’s Skinny Fit Jeans. Top the look with a Neon Green 2 Inch Wide Leather Like Headband or this shockingly green Paladoo Slouchy Knitted Beanie. (If you want long ears like Goofy, you can opt to put your hair in pigtails too!)

The orange long sleeve shirt comes in women’s sizes XXS to 3X. The yellow cardigan comes in women’s sizes S to XXL. The navy blue jeans come in men’s sizes 28W X 30L to 42W X 32L.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story credits images to the author, but have since been updated to reflect photos by fellow Disneybound enthusiast, Jenna Clark.

Source: https://bit.ly/3x5JNiI

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