Costume Guideline Questions for MNSSHP

[brad813]

Being less interested in horror than I am in fantasy, I chose MNSSHP over HHN(though I could end up doing both if the theming for HHN is to my liking). I have a few costume ideas but do need some input from people that went since they instituted new rules last year. I understand why they do have the rules though.

1. Is full face makeup permitted? All of my ideas involve makeup, and I am crazy enough to actually want to wear makeup then(I am an actor, so that explains the insanity).

2. How strict is the layers policy? Two of my ideas require light layering(one a waist length sleveless tunic, the other is more graeco-roman(the character is a bit blue, if that gives a clue).

3. Do the nicer lightsaber props get a pass?

 

[Willlyb]

I went as Hades a few years ago (with full make-up and layers)...nobody said anything to me about it not being appropriate, so I would assume you are safe.

I have an awesome homemade Bing Bong costume that I used for a Trunk-or-Treat that I would love to wear, but it includes a mask, so I'm 100% sure I would get turned away.

 

[mom2rtk]

I went as Hades a few years ago (with full make-up and layers)...nobody said anything to me about it not being appropriate, so I would assume you are safe.

I have an awesome homemade Bing Bong costume that I used for a Trunk-or-Treat that I would love to wear, but it includes a mask, so I'm 100% sure I would get turned away.

Costume guidelines (including the one about layers) were updated last year so experiences from a few years ago really aren't an indication of what the OP will encounter.

OP, I think they were pretty lax about actually enforcing the guidelines they set. That said, if you don't follow the letter of the policy, you have to know you might encounter the one CM who is being strict. I would be careful not to let anything touch the ground, and be prepared to remove the second layer if needed.

Not sure on the light saber.

 

[brad813]

I went as Hades a few years ago (with full make-up and layers)...nobody said anything to me about it not being appropriate, so I would assume you are safe.

I have an awesome homemade Bing Bong costume that I used for a Trunk-or-Treat that I would love to wear, but it includes a mask, so I'm 100% sure I would get turned away.

One of my ideas would include a light prosthetic appliance, but there is a way to do that without. Star Wars inspired idea. I have long hair, so I can do some of the wackier ideas without wearing a wig. Was thinking of using pro level makeup(that doesn't fail under intense heat).

 

[brad813]

Costume guidelines (including the one about layers) were updated last year so experiences from a few years ago really aren't an indication of what the OP will encounter.

OP, I think they were pretty lax about actually enforcing the guidelines they set. That said, if you don't follow the letter of the policy, you have to know you might encounter the one CM who is being strict. I would be careful not to let anything touch the ground, and be prepared to remove the second layer if needed.

Not sure on the light saber.

The second layer could be attached to the base, by sewing or adhesive(fabric glue), if necessary. I have a few workarounds in mind should any one part need fixed prior to leaving. My mother is a seamstress, so I know most of the options. Helps with costume design.

 

[TheyCallMeStacey]

I have an awesome homemade Bing Bong costume

ok - that bing bong costume is AWESOME!

 

[wilkeliza]

Too many layers equals extra search. I had layers on my rey costume (wrap over the tunic) and hsd no problems. I did bring mine in pieces though and change later.

Same for my friend. He broight his in a backpack and changed later. CMs let him havr his fun and only stopped him when people started crowding for photos. They are still pretty relaxed as long as you don't cause a crowd.

 

[AngiTN]

Make up is fine. I've seen lots made up as Inside Out characters, for instance, with yellow faces for Joy. Masks are 100% out, as I understand it

That Bing Bong is great. If you could alter it so you used makeup for a pink face and red lips, had a trunk attached with a string, and ears/hat on a headband you could make it work for Disney

 

[brad813]

Too many layers equals extra search. I had layers on my rey costume (wrap over the tunic) and hsd no problems. I did bring mine in pieces though and change later.

Same for my friend. He broight his in a backpack and changed later. CMs let him havr his fun and only stopped him when people started crowding for photos. They are still pretty relaxed as long as you don't cause a crowd.

In my case, two possible costumes have layers. Hades would have a layer underneath the longer piece(which I would keep to mid-calf to stay in guidelines), and the Star Wars inspired one (probably a Cathar(a cat-like race) Rogue Jedi(can you tell I am a fan?).....the makeup wouldn't be difficult, and I can use my hair(shoulder length thick wavy hair) as a mane with spray on dye) would use a sort of tunic over a main shirt.

 

[brad813]

Make up is fine. I've seen lots made up as Inside Out characters, for instance, with yellow faces for Joy. Masks are 100% out, as I understand it

I get that, and masks are generally a pain anyway. You can't breath. Nothing can cover the eyes either. I wonder if prosthetic appliances count as makeup or a mask in their eyes. Not full face mind you, but I was considering adding a couple pieces of latex to one of the options.

 

[wilkeliza]

In my case, two possible costumes have layers. Hades would have a layer underneath the longer piece(which I would keep to mid-calf to stay in guidelines), and the Star Wars inspired one (probably a Cather(a cat-like race) Rogue Jedi(can you tell I am a fan?).....the makeup wouldn't be difficult, and I can use my hair(shoulder length thick wavy hair) as a mane with spray on dye) would use a sort of tunic over a main shirt.

I think you would be fine. I know with Jedi cloaks there was the rules and then the unspoken. Again I saw lots of Jedis and usually if you can remove the robe for security or a wand can get between the layers you'll be fine. Heck like I said I know a ton of people who keep the top layer in a backpack let security check it that way and then toss it on when they are past security. They only discourage multiple layers because they don't want people to use it to hide bad stuff. If you can prove you aren't hiding anything then you'll be fine.

 

[brad813]

I think you would be fine. I know with Jedi cloaks there was the rules and then the unspoken. Again I saw lots of Jedis and usually if you can remove the robe for security or a wand can get between the layers you'll be fine. Heck like I said I know a ton of people who keep the top layer in a backpack let security check it that way and then toss it on when they are past security. They only discourage multiple layers because they don't want people to use it to hide bad stuff. If you can prove you aren't hiding anything then you'll be fine.

Oh, I wouldn't be at all. I even thought about a hidden zipper on the back. I am wanting this character to be a disgraced Jedi, but not really a Sith. Something of an anti-hero in that universe. To me, the villains and antiheros are usually the most interesting characters(aside from Jack Skellington, who was really a flawed hero in Nightmare Before Christmas). My approach to the costume is to become the character while I am in costume. I tend to be very method. Go all out. I did send a message to Disney to clarify these matters though, just to play it safe.

 

[wilkeliza]

Oh, I wouldn't be at all. I even thought about a hidden zipper on the back. I am wanting this character to be a disgraced Jedi, but not really a Sith. Something of an anti-hero in that universe. To me, the villains and antiheros are usually the most interesting characters(aside from Jack Skellington, who was really a flawed hero in Nightmare Before Christmas). My approach to the costume is to become the character while I am in costume. I tend to be very method. Go all out. I did send a message to Disney to clarify these matters though, just to play it safe.

Yeah just be aware that "method" at Disney isn't cool. You can never present yourself as the character you are just a guy dressed as the character. They are big on that. Heck a guy use to walk around Epcot in a pretty exact Jack Sparrow costume. The only way he got around the rules was by never calling himself Jack SParrow (he called himself Captin Jake) and refusing to take pictures or sign autographs. He also had to make sure anyone he came in contact with knew he didn't work for Disney. This was before the costume guidelines were tightened up.

I get wanting to be the character but there is a thin line that Disney paints and once you are over it the options you are given is take the costume off or exit the park.

 

[brad813]

Yeah just be aware that "method" at Disney isn't cool. You can never present yourself as the character you are just a guy dressed as the character. They are big on that. Heck a guy use to walk around Epcot in a pretty exact Jack Sparrow costume. The only way he got around the rules was by never calling himself Jack SParrow (he called himself Captin Jake) and refusing to take pictures or sign autographs. He also had to make sure anyone he came in contact with knew he didn't work for Disney. This was before the costume guidelines were tightened up.

I get wanting to be the character but there is a thin line that Disney paints and once you are over it the options you are given is take the costume off or exit the park.

Oh, I understand that. I know how how to dial it down a bit. By method I mean using it to inform the creation. I know the difference between cosplay and a paid acting gig, and would never do anything to cause another actor issues doing their job. As an actor myself, I respect the people doing the job in the parks because it is an acting gig for many of them. Doesn't mean I can't use the character to inform the costume, and my twist on it. Besides, some of these characters would definitely be scary if you met them in real life, if they did exist in the form they are shown in. I basically was getting at using method acting before going to create the back story behind the costume. Can help make choices when making one from scratch. Ya follow?

 

[wilkeliza]

Oh, I understand that. I know how how to dial it down a bit. By method I mean using it to inform the creation. I know the difference between cosplay and a paid acting gig, and would never do anything to cause another actor issues doing their job. As an actor myself, I respect the people doing the job in the parks because it is an acting gig for many of them. Doesn't mean I can't use the character to inform the costume, and my twist on it. Besides, some of these characters would definitely be scary if you met them in real life, if they did exist in the form they are shown in. I basically was getting at using method acting before going to create the back story behind the costume. Can help make choices when making one from scratch. Ya follow?

Definitely follow and that makes total sense. I took method as the I'm going to live exactly like them in the hours I'm in costume type acting not just the creation part. I wish character design was something I could do. I can sew and make costumes based on other people's characters but could never come up with one on my own. I guess that's why I do the tech part haha. Now I can play with lights, electronics, and sound all day long and come up with some unique stuff but characters and you lose me haha.

 

[brad813]

Definitely follow and that makes total sense. I took method as the I'm going to live exactly like them in the hours I'm in costume type acting not just the creation part. I wish character design was something I could do. I can sew and make costumes based on other people's characters but could never come up with one on my own. I guess that's why I do the tech part haha. Now I can play with lights, electronics, and sound all day long and come up with some unique stuff but characters and you lose me haha.

I am an actor, writer, and musician. Not all method actors are extreme, and honestly, I am still finding my exact technique, but I know method is going to be part of it. I do know when to drop the character and be me though, especially since this is just for fun for me. Part of my character development process in writing screenplays and novels is actually to play act the character, whether male or female, when I hit a stumbling block. It's kind of a mental exercise in how would they act under a given set of circumstances. One of my character ideas, the Star Wars one, would be completely unique. I also have a version of Jack Skellington I call Juan Skellington....his cousin from Mexico(Sugar Skull head of course)....lol. It's kinda fun to come up with variations to some of the characters. I view fictional characters as real people, and simply figure out their personalities from their reactions(the ones I see in my head). I am probably going to end up doing something on the original side of things. I like the creativity of it.

 

[brad813]

Apparently, according to Disney, full face makeup is strongly discouraged now. Pretty much kills all of my ideas there.

 

[ShellieMimi]

Apparently, according to Disney, full face makeup is strongly discouraged now. Pretty much kills all of my ideas there.

According to who at Disney? A phone CM? They never know what they're talking about. Full makeup is fine.

 

[brad813]

According to who at Disney? A phone CM? They never know what they're talking about. Full makeup is fine.

Email. I don't call.

 

[brad813]

I think I have it worked out. Even without the full makeup, I should be able to design a character that works.