What age is too old to wear princess dresses?

[lenshanem]

Last spring break my DD7 got really embarrassed when she went to CRT dressed up as Sleeping Beauty. I had gotten her a costume, too cause her younger sister had dressed up as Snow White and I didn't want her to feel left out. Instead I felt bad having her wear it cause I think she thought she was too old for it. She changed into her clothes immediately after breakfast.

We're surprising the girls at Christmas with a Disney cruise and I'm wrapping up a Cinderella costume for my youngest to wear to dinner one night. I don't know if I should for my oldest.

I was curious as to what age any of your daughters gave up the princess costumes, etc.?

Thanks!

[krismom]

My 7 year old was very self concious wearing her dress to 1900 Park faire last trip. Like you, I felt weird telling her to "just wear it" when she really didn't want to. I regret it since the pictures clearly show her not happy. She changed right after and I wouldn't make her again. Oddly enough, she loves halloween and wears her costume to school! Just a side note, we did see one "kid" wearing full cinderella regalia and she was at least 13 or 14 in Fantasyland walking around. I thought it was a bit much, since she almost looked like a face character waiting for autographs!

Have Fun!
:cool1:

[Superman]

your never too old to be a princess!!!!!!

[robertchance]

i think you should ask your daughter her opinion on this. maybe the best way to handle it would be to put regular clothes and the princess dress on the bed on that day, and tell her to wear what she wants. at that point you will get your real answer.

[janine]

I too would agree that you're never too old, but going off my Daughter she is almost 8, and she felt a little old last year on her 7th birthday at Disney wearing a cinderella dress and won't wear them now, so I would say around 8 would be the average age.
Shame isn't it, they look so pretty in them.

[pixiepower1971]

I would say somewhere between 6 and 7 the costume wearing in public other then Halloween ends. My youngest is 7 and would never wear a princess costume to the parks. If I even suggested the idea to my 9 year old she would think I had lost my mind! They do love to wear ears, tiaras, etc in the park.
For the OP- maybe buy a pretty dress for your older one for the dinner with a pretty small tiara- they are all over the place and all the girls love them.

[spectromagicmom]

I would say somewhere between 6 and 7 the costume wearing in public other then Halloween ends. My youngest is 7 and would never wear a princess costume to the parks. If I even suggested the idea to my 9 year old she would think I had lost my mind! They do love to wear ears, tiaras, etc in the park.
For the OP- maybe buy a pretty dress for your older one for the dinner with a pretty small tiara- they are all over the place and all the girls love them.

:rotfl2: My 10 year old is very tall,beautiful,and in tears because her princess costumes are too small. They are only made up to size 10-12. Disney direct has a few adult but they are not the real ones.(so she says) She is having her 11th bd celebration at CRT and she wants to dress up. When I saw the post about 1 little girl being chosen as princess of the day for the month of Oct. I knew she would love to be chosen... princess: She is probbably taller than the "real"Cinderella! She wants to wear a princess dress in the park...She would wear it to school if I would let her...She will always be a princess!

Now that is a great idea a party dress with tiara. :goodvibes

[mrsboz]

Last time we went to the Princess Breakfast with my daughters age 9 and 4, the 9 year old didn't want to wear her dress. I knew that it was killing her. She wears them around the house all the time and plays dress up with her friends. We brought it and let her decide. She decided she didn't want to so I let it go. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable. The only unfortunate thing for her was that they all made so much of my little one I felt she was left out a little. Not intentional but I knew she really wanted to wear it but was afraid of feeling funny. I think that it is up to how the child feels. If they want to wear it - great, if not - great. It's all about feeling comfortable because after all we know that they are all Princesses just like their mommies! :teeth:

[snowmouse]

I found a beautiful Cinderella gown at Costco a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, I pulled it out to have my dd9 try it on as we leave next week. She thought I had lost my mind. She does still dress up alot at home, but there is NO WAY she is going to wear this to Cindy's. Boy, am I bummed!!

[aubriee]

My then 8 y/o GD's Christmas present from me last year was a trip to WDW Jan 9th-15th. She is being raised by her dad and is 100% tomboy. Because it was a surprise, I couldn't ask her if she wanted to wear a Princess dress to CRT. Just before Halloween I took her to the local Disney Store and I started looking at the Princess dresses. She came over, put both hands on her hips, and said "I do hope you're kidding, I wouldn't be caught dead in one of those prissy things". I told her that if she ever ate breakfast in Cinderella's castle that she would. She started laughing and said 'wanna make a bet?'. Anyway I went back later and just bought her a t-shirt with all the Princesses on it. In January while we were at CRT, I asked her if she didn't wish we had bought a Princess dress and she quickly told me no, that she was comfortable, while those other girls looked ridiculous in their itchy, frilly, costumes. She was not the least bit uncomfortable in her shorts and t-shirt. I'd leave it up to your daughter to know what she is comfortable in.

[Diabolicdesire]

My daughter was 7 last December and she loved dressing up for 1900 Park faire. We will be going to CRT in November, and she is now 8 and I did get her a Cinderella costume. She does not know we're going but I'm positive she'll dress up. I kinda tested the waters this morning after reading this post. I asked her if she wanted to dress up and walk around Disney in costume all day and she was all for it. So, it really does depend on the child. Mine loves being the center of attention, may have something to do with it.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/97684Fairy_godmother.jpg

[spectromagicmom]

I have noticed on some of your trip countdowns we will be in the World at the same time so if you see a 5'4 blonde walking around in a princess dress that is too short... say hello :teeth: my princess will be having the time of her life but I'm sure her day of being too cool is coming.

[psiprez]

NEVER! (I'm wearing mine right now...ok, just the tiara!)

princess:

[SandrA9810]

I say, go with a tiara or princess hat. And if they don't want to wear it, it can be taken off.
I'm 21 and bring my Mr. Bear in my bookbag and Mickey in my arms. Kari bought me a big mickey for Valentines day a couple years ago. And it always makes me smile when I hear a little kid point at Mickey and say something. (I was always jealous of kids runnign around with mickeys in thier arms, and I never got one) Of course I'll have on my sorceror hat or santa mickey hat on. But I think I'd be caught dead in a princess dress when it isn't Halloween.
Although I'm having a hard time deciding who I want to be this year. I'm really hoping to get a good enough paying job to afford to go for Halloween.

[mamaprincess]

:rotfl2: My 10 year old is very tall,beautiful,and in tears because her princess costumes are too small. They are only made up to size 10-12. Disney direct has a few adult but they are not the real ones.(so she says) She is having her 11th bd celebration at CRT and she wants to dress up. When I saw the post about 1 little girl being chosen as princess of the day for the month of Oct. I knew she would love to be chosen... princess: She is probbably taller than the "real"Cinderella! She wants to wear a princess dress in the park...She would wear it to school if I would let her...She will always be a princess!

Now that is a great idea a party dress with tiara. :goodvibesI have seen larger princess costumes on the net. Do a search for princess costumes and look everywhere they have them, you will find one her size especially around halloween. Also consider a small adult costume. The Adult cinderella and sleeping beauty costumes are very similar to the children, at least that I have seen. Just buy it and lay it on her bed, she'll be thrilled. Don't give up, you will find one.

[mamaprincess]

Spectromagicmom, I did a search and the largest costumes for kids I've seen is 12-14 so going for an adult princess costume and possibly having it altered at your local cleaners/tailor would work fine. She can still be a princess! princess: :love:

The ones by prestige are really beautiful, try those.

[jaysue]

Last spring break my DD7 got really embarrassed when she went to CRT dressed up as Sleeping Beauty. I had gotten her a costume, too cause her younger sister had dressed up as Snow White and I didn't want her to feel left out. Instead I felt bad having her wear it cause I think she thought she was too old for it. She changed into her clothes immediately after breakfast.

We're surprising the girls at Christmas with a Disney cruise and I'm wrapping up a Cinderella costume for my youngest to wear to dinner one night. I don't know if I should for my oldest.

I was curious as to what age any of your daughters gave up the princess costumes, etc.?

Thanks!

Geez Shan, they grow up fast - a very mature 7 yr old I would say!

Trust all is well

Cheers
jaysue

[mamaprincess]

spectromagicmom, I found a site, costumecraze.com that has really pretty adult costumes you could try there as well.

[spectromagicmom]

Thanks I 'm going to look now :goodvibes That is so kind of you. I hope to find one while she is in school TODAY! She will be so excited :Pinkbounc Thanks again!

[mamaprincess]

It's a pleasure to help a fellow M.O.P. (mom of princess) aka queen. I pm'd you with a little more info.

[lenshanem]

Hey Jason! :wave:

I just thought about you the other day and wondered if you were still on the boards!

I hope your family is doing well! :goodvibes

(And yes, my babies are growing up way too fast! :sad1: )

[christinadei]

I think that they are too old when they feel like they are too old. I wouldn't get her one though, since she didn't want to wear it last year. She probably won't want to wear it this year either.

[Fire14]

This Adult princess bought herself a minnie dress and has full intentions on wearing it at least 1 day while at WDW. If lil girls can be princesses why can't I.

[sandiegosusie]

Just this morning my 5 year-old asked me help her take off her Cinderella dress after only wearing for less than five minutes. She said it was "itchy". I think that no matter how young or old your child is they should have the opportunity to voice their opinion. I really like the tiara or princess hat suggestions. Great idea! In my opinion there is nothing worse than a toddler in polyester costume with 90 degree heat and 100% humidity. The look on their faces makes me rethink the whole costume decision in the first place.

To all the princess out there...may we live happily ever after!!

[willis37862]

My Dh wants to buy me a princess dress for our trip in november . He says I act like one I should dress like one.
princess:

[NJOYURLIFE]

Just this morning my 5 year-old asked me help her take off her Cinderella dress after only wearing for less than five minutes. She said it was "itchy". I think that no matter how young or old your child is they should have the opportunity to voice their opinion. I really like the tiara or princess hat suggestions. Great idea! In my opinion there is nothing worse than a toddler in polyester costume with 90 degree heat and 100% humidity. The look on their faces makes me rethink the whole costume decision in the first place.

To all the princess out there...may we live happily ever after!!

I used to feel sorry for children, until our recent trip in August. My plan was to quickly change her into her Cinderella costume right when we got to CRT and then change out after. Well, her plans were that she was not leaving the room unless she was fully dressed. Since we fully beleive in picking our battles, and she was so thrilled, her way won. She also refused to change after the breakfast and enjoyed herself because everyone made such a fuss. After we went back to the room for our afternoon nap, we finally put our foot down before we went out again and she only wore her tiara that night, but she was disappointed.

[russtwinsmom]

If you're a kid and reading this, I say WEAR IT! Everybody loves to see kids in their costumes because we know you think that having BIG FUN! Now, wearing it to school is another story...

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

I guess it depends on the kid. My oldest is 9 and would wear her Ariel costume in a heartbeat - her favorite picture is from last year dressed as Ariel with Ariel.

Now that said, I have noticed almost all her friends are not even going princess or pretty for Halloween. They want to be "cool" - Dracula, Darth Vader, Dead Pizza Delivery Gal :confused3 , yes - these are all girls! (and not tomboy girls)

But I agree - let the child decide, although you can point out that at this time of year you will see more people around Disney in Costume, especially if it is on a day when there is a Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party on.

I am glad I still have a princess! (make that 2!)

Lee Ann princess: princess:

[Pea-n-Me]

Last spring break my DD7 got really embarrassed when she went to CRT dressed up as Sleeping Beauty. I had gotten her a costume, too cause her younger sister had dressed up as Snow White and I didn't want her to feel left out. Instead I felt bad having her wear it cause I think she thought she was too old for it. She changed into her clothes immediately after breakfast.

We're surprising the girls at Christmas with a Disney cruise and I'm wrapping up a Cinderella costume for my youngest to wear to dinner one night. I don't know if I should for my oldest.
On the cruise they have "Princess Meets" where several of the Princesses line up in the atrium for photos. Many girls of all ages (including those who are young at heart!) wear their costumes. We will be cruising in February and my DD8 has already informed me she plans to wear her costume (because last time she only had a princess tee shirt on and she felt kind of left out, LOL). I would bring the costume for your older DD too just in case, I doubt she will feel out of place. princess:

[beattyfamily]

I have 2 girls ages 6 and 9. My 9 year old is self concious about liking princess stuff and wearing princess clothes (like to school etc...) and having a princess room back home BUT for Halloween and Disney, she's back to her old self. She loves buying princess costumes and wearing them to meals.

I'm surprised your DD feels that way at WDW. I could understand back home but everyone at WDW acts like a kid and does things they normally might not do at home. I hope my girls continue to dress up at WDW for as long as they want to...maybe 10 or 11??

[Chrissi242]

your never too old to be a princess!!!!!!

I agree, whatever she feels comfortable with.

[sskem96]

My oldest was 8 when we were there in April. I had to make her a Cinderella dress in a size 14 because she was going through a chubby stage. It turned out pretty nice, and she wore it to CRT breakfast. She even wore it to church the Sunday after we got home. Each child is different, but my daughter feels that princesses are beautiful, not babyish. When we go back, they will be 7 and 10, and it wouldn't surprise me if they still want to dress up.

[PaulaSue]

Please say it isn't so at 7-8 yrs. old.

My oldest will be 7 when we go. I hope she doesn't get shy.

BTW, do kids actually wear them all day at the parks? I was thinking just for the character meals but if all day I know my girls would love it

P.S. any ideas to help make them less scratchy to the kids? I know some times the girls start complaining about after about 30 minutes.

TIA

[lenshanem]

PaulaSue, we took a change of clothes for after our character meal and I'm glad we did! My daughter was barely out the door before she had it off!

Depending on when you go if it is cool enough, maybe a leotard and tights to keep from feeling itchy?

[tinkamom]

My DD12 may be the exception but she just dressed up as belle on our last trip!

[Cinderella94]

I'd say never.......you can be a princess whenever you want!!

[SqueakyMouse]

Last week, I saw some 12+ yo girls sporting dresses. I have to admit I thought it was a little odd.

[mamaprincess]

you're never to old. princess:

[java]

Yes I was one of those foolish Mom's that forgot the princess dress- I thought my 7 year old wouldn't care. Well wrong! When she found out Belle would be at the PSB she wanted the Belle dress. So I bought it at Disney! She was in heaven and even had 2 people(one teenage girl and an older woman) ask if they could take her picture because she looked just like Belle. You can imagine how special that made her feel and she LOVED the attention but that is her personality. I am tempted to buy a dress for myself sometimes! so I say never too old princess:

[Pea-n-Me]

Just back from WDW and wanted to report that I thought of this thread when I saw girls of all ages, including many grown women (and even one man :rotfl: ), dressed in princess costumes at MNSSHP!! princess: All were having a really fun time!!

I was happy to see it, actually, because I was wondering the same thing myself about girls not wanting to dress up after the age of 8 or so. :confused3

Apparently not true. :goodvibes

That's the fun thing about WDW - you can have fun no matter what age you are, and if you want to dress in a princess costume then more power to you, no matter what your age!! :cheer2:

[spectromagicmom]

Just got back and my 11 year old wore a princess dress to breakfast... in the park... at the halloween party... to EPCOT! She is not one to feel pressure to be cool, act or dress a certain way, or need validation for her decisions,She wanted to be a princess in Disney World that is what she wanted to do...now my sisters little girl who is 6 she was no way -no howwas she going to to wear an itchy frou frou thing just give her some jean shorts and a tee-shirt and off we go. Once she found out her cousin was having fun she wanted to wear one ...and she did!
It is what ever the child is comfortable with! It does sadden me at how fast some little girls are growing up and thinking so many things are babyfied. Just let your child decide :goodvibes take extra clothes or a princess dress to the park and rent a locker it is not much trouble.
Encourage them to wear it if they want to, don't wory if any other children over the age of 5 are or not!

[ellyn2000]

I think if you want to dress as a princess @WDW you should go for it. If my child was uncomfortable wearing a costume dress, I certainly wouldn't force the issue. But if my 17 yr old DD wanted to wear a princess costume I would think it would be fun. Heck, I may even wear one on our next trip....and I'm thirty-twelve.

[tommygirl79]

Don't want to bust any bubbles, but last I heard, only children (don't know specific ages) were allowed to dress in costume at the parks on "normal" days. I have heard of adults wearing Minnie, Cindy, etc costumes and being required to remove them (wear other clothing of course) before being allowed in the parks. This, of course, is not including MNSSHP nights when of course everyone is in costume. If I'm wrong about this I'm sure someone else will tell you, but I'm pretty sure this is the policy.

[jmminarik]

being required to remove them (wear other clothing of course)

So much for being comfortable and not caring how soaked you get on Kali River Rapids. pirate:

-Joe

[luvtoall]

I think she did it for ME!!!! We did have a dress made for her so it did not look like a "costume".. She could have been the one someone said looked odd. She really looked like cindy!!!! We had sooo much fun. She even let my show the pics to frinds at home. :cool1: :)

[MiknMinMouse]

My almost 8 year old daughter informed me that she will be wearing her Snow White dress while at WDW. I asked her where and she said probably when we have dinner at the castle (even though it's not a character dinner). She said that if she's going to eat in the castle she's going to dress like a princess.

[LisaMaz]

I have a very tall 9 year old could be mistaken for 12 as a matter of fact I'm afraid the CMS may give me a hard time thinking she should have an adult ticket but anyway my point is she wants to dress up and I'm glad. I too am sad that little girls think they need to grow up too fast. Let them enjoy it while they can. I also think its horrible that a grown up would think it's odd to see an older girl in a princess dress. Would they rather see a 13 year old with a belly shirt and bellybutton ring? I think it is very sweet and I hope that people would not make them feel odd for dressing up! princess:

[missdramaqueen]

Hi I'm 13 (just turned 13) I would wear a crown around and defiantly mickey ears in the park...I think 8 or 9 is the oldest in public....i went to disney with another family when I was 8...we went to princess/prince char. breakfast...my 8 yo friend and i both wore dresses and her 4 yo sister did also...no offence but 8 are still "cool" if they wear princess dresses in the park..now i would not walk around dressed as cinderella but thats another story :thumbsup2

[missdramaqueen]

Hi I'm 13 (just turned 13) I would wear a crown around and defiantly mickey ears in the park...I think 8 or 9 is the oldest in public....i went to disney with another family when I was 8...we went to princess/prince char. breakfast...my 8 yo friend and i both wore dresses and her 4 yo sister did also...no offence but 8 are still "cool" if they wear princess dresses in the park..now i would not walk around dressed as cinderella but thats another story :thumbsup2 i do love "little kids" activies like when we go to the AKL i'm decorating cookies...another thing that bugs me is dresses...i like dresses and my mom bought us this matching oufit set...my mom and I dresses, and bro and dad-shirts. My friend made the comment "why would I wear that baby thing" well she's not my friend anymore...if a kid my age would dress up i wouldn't humilate them...i think thats cool its their choice okay thats my imput

[RoxyJ]

You could always take her on a "princess" shopping trip and have her pick out her own dress and let her choose whether she wants a Disney pricess costume or a more grown-up party dress. That way she won't feel childish, and she could be "her own" princess rather than playing dress up as a Disney princess if she wants. Though I would probably still pack a tiarra in my purse just in case. princess:

[Vannah]

I wish I had heard of the "buying a tiara and wearing a pretty dress" idea before I went to disney. When we went to disney, I was 11 and had no disney princess dress to wear for our princess breakfast. :guilty: Both of my sisters had beautiful costumes and were thrilled. DSis7 at the time was Bell and DSis3 at the time was Snow White. I was in a Flower shirt and shorts. You don't know how left out I felt!! :sad2: The Fairy God Mother in Cinderella's castle made a big deal out of me anyway, but I still wanted to be a princess. Next time we go, I'll be sure to be a princess anyway.

princess: princess: princess: To those of us who are still princesses on the inside!! princess: princess: princess:

Love those pincesses!

--Savannah

[SuperSteelerFan]

My DD's 5 and 10 at the time both wore princess gowns to CRT last Sept. The oldest felt a little funny at first until we talked about how the princesses are adults and wear gowns in the parks and her friends thought it was pretty cool to dress like a princess and eat in a castle so she didn't feel weird about it anymore. This year, she has decided that she is too old so I'm not pushing the issue - it's her decision. The soon-to-be 7 yo is wearing her princess costume for her birthday dinner at 1900 PF and again later in the week at the Princess Breakfast when we go in 2 weeks.

[lori1043]

I just asked my DD8, but 9 on 12/1, if she would dress up for CRT or a princess meal-she says no, maybe a princess shirt/sweatshirt-or at the least she would wear Jasmine's costume(I suppose b/c it's pants and not a big dress). If it was MNNSHP(we went to that in 2003) she would defintely be Jasmine-she says she is getting "past the big -dress-age". She DID dress up as AG Felicity this year for Halloween, so maybe she is on the fence about it-who knows! i say what THEY are comfy with! My DD7 would dress up to a tee! But she likes the attention and loves dressing up still!

[briar_rose_59]

Don't want to bust any bubbles, but last I heard, only children (don't know specific ages) were allowed to dress in costume at the parks on "normal" days. I have heard of adults wearing Minnie, Cindy, etc costumes and being required to remove them (wear other clothing of course) before being allowed in the parks. This, of course, is not including MNSSHP nights when of course everyone is in costume. If I'm wrong about this I'm sure someone else will tell you, but I'm pretty sure this is the policy.
I was also under the impression that this was the case. :confused3 Though I'm 17 and will be 18 the next time I go to DL and I'd totally wear a costume if it were allowed! :rotfl: :thumbsup2

[Desnik]

DD is 8 and would not wear a princess dress. She hasn't since she was about 6/7. We just came back from WDW and the girls we saw in costumes were mostly 5 and under. We did see one girl who really looked about 10 dressed in a princess costume. I tried to get DD to wear one and she said no way!!LOL

[makinorlando]

She was not the least bit uncomfortable in her shorts and t-shirt. I'd leave it up to your daughter to know what she is comfortable in.

Sounds just like my DD9 - she would not be caught in public in a princess dress. She likes to wear special T-shirts according to the character meal we go to - I have found some great designs on the Design board that included Alice, Mary Poppins & the Princesses - this was great for 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and Mary and Alice really appreciated seeing their pics on her shirt!

[alfredromero1975]

Never too old. Do what you want to do!

[bytheblood]

You are NEVER too old to wear a princess dress. Is she wants to wear it, let her wear it.