If you’re anything like me, planning what to wear to Disneyland is almost as fun as planning which ride to hit first. Princess gowns, dapper outfits, Disneybounding, matching family shirts—there are so many fun ways to dress for the day.
But Disneyland also has some clear rules about costumes and outfits, and it’s important to know them before you start filling that suitcase with tulle and tiaras.
Here’s a friendly breakdown of what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to have fun with dress-up while still following the guidelines.
The Big Picture: Disneyland’s Costume & Outfit Rules
Disneyland wants guests to feel magical and safe. So they have a few basic rules about what you can wear into the parks. In general:
- Kids can wear costumes.
- Adults (13 and up) usually cannot wear “real” costumes, except for certain special events (like Halloween parties).
- Everyone’s clothing should be family-friendly, not offensive, and safe (no super-long trailing skirts that people can trip on, etc.).
Disney also reserves the right to ask a guest to change or cover up if an outfit doesn’t meet guidelines or is too close to looking like an actual Cast Member or character.
Kids in Costumes: Let the Magic Happen ✨
Good news if you’ve got little ones:
Guests 13 and under are allowed to wear costumes into the parks during normal operating days.
That means:
- Princess dresses
- Pirate outfits
- Tiny Jedi
- Little Buzz Lightyears
- Spinning capes and glitter everywhere
A few things to keep in mind for kid costumes:
- Comfort > perfection. Make sure they can walk, sit, use the restroom, and handle the weather. Sometimes a soft cotton dress or breathable “everyday” version of the costume is better than the scratchy, layered one.
- Safe length. Nothing so long they’re going to trip over it while running to Peter Pan.
- Face paint is usually okay for kids, as long as they’re still recognizable.
- Masks:
- Young kids may wear masks as long as they don’t cover the entire face and they can still see clearly.
- Full face-covering masks are generally not allowed.
Adults & Costumes: Where the Line Is
For guests 14 and older, Disneyland gets stricter about traditional costumes. In general park days (non-special events):
- No full costumes for adults.
- No clothing that makes you look like an official Disney character or Cast Member.
- No full-length character gowns, no armor-style costumes, no “I could be working here” outfits.
Why?
Disney wants children to have a clear line between official characters and other guests. If a child thinks you are Cinderella, that can cause confusion (and a lot of awkward moments).
Adults also cannot:
- Wear full-face masks or anything that hides their identity.
- Bring weapons or weapon-like props, even fake ones.
- Wear clothing with offensive language, graphics, or overly revealing cuts.
If you’re going to a special-ticket event (like Oogie Boogie Bash), the rules relax a bit for adults, but there are still guidelines, so always double-check that event’s costume policy.
Disneybounding vs. Costumes: What’s the Difference?
This is where the fun really starts—especially for adults.
What is Disneybounding?
Disneybounding is dressing in regular, everyday clothes that are inspired by a character, ride, or theme—but not a literal costume.
Think:
- A yellow skirt, blue top, and red bow for a Snow White vibe
- Purple and green outfit with shell jewelry hinting at Ariel
- Green dress, orange accents, and a little clock necklace for a subtle Peter Pan nod
You’re not wearing a full Cinderella ball gown—you’re wearing an outfit that winks at Cinderella.
Disneybounding works so well because:
- It follows adult costume rules.
- It’s comfortable to wear all day.
- It still lets you feel themed and magical in your photos.
What counts as a costume?
A costume looks like you stepped right out of the movie:
- Exact princess dresses
- Character-specific uniforms or armor
- Clothing that makes other guests think you are that character
If you look like you could be on the official meet-and-greet schedule… that’s a no-go for adults on regular days.
Disneybounding, on the other hand, looks more like cute, themed fashion.
Outfit Tips for a Magical (and Rule-Friendly) Day
Whether you’re Disneybounding or just trying to look cute without regretting your shoe choices by noon, here are some practical tips:
1. Start with shoes
Disney days are walking marathons, not fashion shows.
- Choose comfy, broken-in sneakers or supportive sandals.
- Coordinate your outfit around your shoes, not the other way around.
2. Layers are your best friend
Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings breezy.
- Light cardigan, denim jacket, or spirit jersey over your Disneybound = perfection.
- Tie it around your waist or stroller when you’re not using it.
3. Accessories make the look
For Disneybounding or subtle themed outfits:
- Minnie ears
- Themed earrings or necklaces
- Character-inspired backpacks or Loungefly bags
- Color-coordinated magic bands or lanyards
All of these are allowed and add instant “Disney” to a regular outfit.
4. Keep it family-friendly
Even if you’re not wearing a costume, Disneyland can still ask you to change or cover up if clothing is too revealing or has inappropriate language/images. When in doubt, imagine standing in line in front of a group of kindergarteners—that’s usually a good filter.
Matching Family Outfits & Group Looks
If you love a group theme, Disneyland is the place to rock it. Some fun ideas:
- Matching “first visit” or “family trip” shirts
- Color-themed families (all in shades of blue, all in Pixar colors, etc.)
- Coordinated Disneybounds—each person as a different member of a character group (the Fab Five, the Incredibles, classic princesses, etc.)
These are all allowed as long as they follow the same general rules: no adult full costumes, no weapons, and family-friendly designs.
Quick Do & Don’t Recap
Kids (13 & under)
✅ Can wear costumes
✅ Can have face paint (as long as they’re recognizable)
🚫 No full face-covering masks
Adults (14 & up)
✅ Disneybounding with themed outfits
✅ Matching shirts and fun accessories
🚫 No full character costumes or gowns
🚫 No masks that cover the face
🚫 No outfits that could make people think you’re official Disney staff
Everyone
✅ Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
✅ Secure shoes you can walk all day in
🚫 Offensive, unsafe, or overly revealing clothing
Final Thoughts
Costumes and outfits are such a fun part of the Disneyland experience—whether it’s your toddler twirling in a princess dress, your teen in a full Jedi vibe, or you rocking the perfect Disneybound that makes your photos pop.
Know the rules, lean into comfort, and use Disneybounding as your secret weapon for adults. That way, you get all the magic of “dressing up Disney” without any hassle at the gate—just compliments, cute photos, and maybe a Cast Member or two who says, “I love your outfit!”