Disney's policy on dressing like a princess?

[melsmom12]

OK, I'm 35 and wouldn't be caught dead dressing up unless it was for Halloween, so this question isn't for me personally! I'm just curious. I thought I had read somewhere that adults are not allowed to dress as princesses in the park, but of course we know that little girls are.

What's the real policy on this? Would a CM stop a grown woman (or man, I guess!) from entering the parks in costume? What's the cutoff then?

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Robo]

OK, I'm 35 and wouldn't be caught dead dressing up unless it was for Halloween, so this question isn't for me personally! I'm just curious. I thought I had read somewhere that adults are not allowed to dress as princesses in the park, but of course we know that little girls are.

What's the real policy on this? Would a CM stop a grown woman (or man, I guess!) from entering the parks in costume? What's the cutoff then?

Thanks for clarifying.

On and during regular park days-
Officially, the cut-off age is 10 (anyone using an "adult" ticket.)

http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/dress-code.htm

Examples of unacceptable attire includes:

~Clothing displaying offensive messages/language

~Adult costumes or clothing that can be viewed as a costume (children under age 10 are excluded)...

 

[Schmeck]

This is a cut/paste from the FAQs on the official WDW site:

Q. What is the best way to dress for a day at the Parks? Is there any clothing that isn't permissible?

A. The Parks are a casual, family-oriented environment. We suggest you dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for the Parks.
It is an important part of the Disney experience that the Parks are family-friendly. In that spirit, we ask you to use your discretion and common sense regarding your attire in the Parks. Attire that is not appropriate for the Theme Parks (and which may result in refusal of admittance) includes, but is not limited to:

Adult costumes or clothing that can be viewed as an actual character
Masks (unless you are dressing up for a particular event)
Easily visible obscene or objectionable language or graphics
Excessively torn clothing
Clothing with objectionable material
Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
Objectionable tattoos
An adult or older Guest is allowed into the Park if their hair and/or make-up has been done to resemble a Princess or character (e.g., after a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover) provided the Guest is not also wearing a costume or clothed to look like the character


----

The Dis has added the age 10 and up part that Robo posted. Don't know where that info came from - not from the WDW site that I found, anyways...

 

[Emmabean2000]

Going on 9 years ago, my wife and I were married at the Swan and Dolphin. We had called Disney several months in advance to arrange for pictures of my wife and I after the ceremony at the MK. All was good, and we were assured that this would not be a problem. Once we got there, it was a problem. In part because my wife looked so beautiful in her wedding dress, but we were told it would be a "distraction". Now, granted, it WAS a distraction, as we were getting quite a few compliments, and even applause after walking off the Ferry, but we WERE told that we could come in, many months ago. We went to guest assistance, and after much "conversation" by our photographer (and brother-in-law), we were permitted in with an escort. Got our pictures, and headed out. It was a moment I will never forget, but based on the CM reaction when we showed up, clearly they do not want anyone to be there who could cause a distraction. Some little girls were wondering if my wife was a Princess Me, they had no comments...

 

[goofy4tink]

For the Halloween Party, I wore my Malificient costume, and dd, 13, wore her Aurora dress. But, that was for the Halloween Party. I don't think anyone is allowed to wear costumes in the parks, for regular park hours unless they are kids.
There have even been instances where a gentleman was asked to leave because he had a very 'Santa' look to him....I think he may have really played it up though...red shirt, scarf, suspenders..that sort of thing. So when you added his natural physical attributes, long white beard, white hair, well..you can see the issue.

 

[Disney Fool]

Adults cannot dress up in costume in the parks--EXCEPT for special ticketed events, such as the Pirate & Princess Party, or the Hallowe'en Party, or some other special ticketed event.

 

[wilde_oscar]

OK, I'm 35 and wouldn't be caught dead dressing up unless it was for Halloween, so this question isn't for me personally! I'm just curious. I thought I had read somewhere that adults are not allowed to dress as princesses in the park, but of course we know that little girls are.

What's the real policy on this? Would a CM stop a grown woman (or man, I guess!) from entering the parks in costume? What's the cutoff then?

Thanks for clarifying.

would they stop you yes, do they ever stop me in my house dress and fuzzy slippers... sometimes. But then I scream, "I'm a princess" Really loud, over and over... and that tends to attract the knights in shinny badges.

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

Adults may not enter the parks in a costume of any kind unless it's the P&PP or MNSSHP.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The following is taken from the Theme Park FAQs on the Disney World Official public site: (If you want to go there directly, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQThemeParkPage, and go almost to the bottom of the page.)

Q. What is the best way to dress for a day at the Parks? Is there any clothing that isn't permissible?
A. The Parks are a casual, family-oriented environment. We suggest you dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for the Parks.

It is an important part of the Disney experience that the Parks are family-friendly. In that spirit, we ask you to use your discretion and common sense regarding your attire in the Parks. Attire that is not appropriate for the Theme Parks (and which may result in refusal of admittance) includes, but is not limited to:

* Adult costumes or clothing that can be viewed as an actual character
* Masks (unless you are dressing up for a particular event)
* Easily visible obscene or objectionable language or graphics
* Excessively torn clothing
* Clothing with objectionable material
* Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
* Objectionable tattoos
* An adult or older Guest is allowed into the Park if their hair and/or make-up has been done to resemble a Princess or character (e.g., after a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover) provided the Guest is not also wearing a costume or clothed to look like the character

 

[aribelle]

My daughter is 11 and wore her princess costume after her BBB appointment, but I had asked at Guest Services ahead of time with daughter there if this would be a problem. The answer I got was that they simply didn't want guests to mistake the dressed up person as a character. Since my daughter looks her 11 years and not any older, it wasn't going to be a problem.

A 35 year old....yeah, I'd guess that would be a problem. I'd venture to guess that much past teenage and they're going to start stopping you.


If you're wanting to feel like a princess, than may I heartily suggest you have a hair style done at BBB....wear a pretty blouse or even a dress (non costume) and you'll still look and feel great. I saw many "middle age" women with their hair done up, some in jeans and a t-shirt, some in a much nicer blouse or a simple dress that looked wonderful. In fact, I still recall the lady who had on a rather ugly pair of jeans and a "not new" shirt and yet the smile on her face at the attention she was getting with her hair style made her quite stunning.

 

[jetprincess]

would they stop you yes, do they ever stop me in my house dress and fuzzy slippers... sometimes. But then I scream, "I'm a princess" Really loud, over and over... and that tends to attract the knights in shinny badges.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the giggle!!

 

[collcass]

I completely understand an adult not dressing up. I even get the teenage thing. I do not, however, understand how a CHILD (10 yrs old) could be considered an adult and turned away.

Seems rather odd (and greedy) that a company that professes finding your inner child and experiencing the magic (so to speak), turns around and says a 10 year old is an adult nad is too old to dress up.

 

[Sysyphus]

At the PPP last Saturday we saw lots of costumed adults, including princesses... a couple of them were good enough to have crowds gathering round them!!

 

[aribelle]

At the PPP last Saturday we saw lots of costumed adults, including princesses... a couple of them were good enough to have crowds gathering round them!!

The PP&P, MNSSHP and MVMCP are the exceptions to the adult rule. Adults are encouraged and allowed to dress up for these events.

And actually your comment about a couple of them being good enough to attract crowds is the reason for the rule the rest of the days.

For the person upset about the 10 year old......I would imagine that they officially cut it off there because that is the age that your admission ticket is considered "adult". No way would I consider my 11 year old an adult, but I have to pay for her as an adult both admission and food. But as I said in my other post, she dressed up as Belle (winter dress) and paraded around MK all day long and although lots of people took her picture, and one very young girl, maybe 4-5 asked if she was a real princess, there was no way that someone could actually think she was Belle. I can imagine, however, another couple of years and that not being the case, ...she's actually talking now about wanting to work at Disney maybe as Belle (gonna be hard since she'd blonde).

If you have a 10 - 12 year old, or even a young looking teenager, I'd would suggest that you talk to them about the official rule. Let them know that they are welcome to wear their costume but that if a CM requires it, they'll have to pretend it's midnight and change back into their real clothes. They're old enough to understand, and even if disappointed, hopefully won't have a meltdown because of it. Rent a locker to put regular clothes in and switch if required. I think the tragedy here could be not informing the pre-teen beforehand and having them refused.....that could lead to some unhappy times.

And for those that feel it necessary to flame about "a rule is a rule"...go ahead....I have my flame proof undies on.

 

[Robbnva]

Think it would be funny to see a guy dressed in a princess costume at Disney World just to see the reaction from people

 

[Metro West]

Think it would be funny to see a guy dressed in a princess costume at Disney World just to see the reaction from people

It would be funny to see a princess with a five o'clock shadow!

 

[harmonium]

I completely understand an adult not dressing up. I even get the teenage thing. I do not, however, understand how a CHILD (10 yrs old) could be considered an adult and turned away.

Seems rather odd (and greedy) that a company that professes finding your inner child and experiencing the magic (so to speak), turns around and says a 10 year old is an adult nad is too old to dress up.

I don't think that it is a Disney policy to discriminate children based on age. The age of 10 was noted, but I do not think it was backed with facts. Other people on this thread posted the WDW policy on attire and the restriction to age is not there. No worries. 10 is the age of adult ticketing in WDW and not the limit to fun-to-be-had, just more money spent by mom and dad.

 

[collcass]

The PP&P, MNSSHP and MVMCP are the exceptions to the adult rule. Adults are encouraged and allowed to dress up for these events.

And actually your comment about a couple of them being good enough to attract crowds is the reason for the rule the rest of the days.

For the person upset about the 10 year old......I would imagine that they officially cut it off there because that is the age that your admission ticket is considered "adult". No way would I consider my 11 year old an adult, but I have to pay for her as an adult both admission and food. But as I said in my other post, she dressed up as Belle (winter dress) and paraded around MK all day long and although lots of people took her picture, and one very young girl, maybe 4-5 asked if she was a real princess, there was no way that someone could actually think she was Belle. I can imagine, however, another couple of years and that not being the case, ...she's actually talking now about wanting to work at Disney maybe as Belle (gonna be hard since she'd blonde).

If you have a 10 - 12 year old, or even a young looking teenager, I'd would suggest that you talk to them about the official rule. Let them know that they are welcome to wear their costume but that if a CM requires it, they'll have to pretend it's midnight and change back into their real clothes. They're old enough to understand, and even if disappointed, hopefully won't have a meltdown because of it. Rent a locker to put regular clothes in and switch if required. I think the tragedy here could be not informing the pre-teen beforehand and having them refused.....that could lead to some unhappy times.

And for those that feel it necessary to flame about "a rule is a rule"...go ahead....I have my flame proof undies on.

(Again, I completely get that they don't want smaller children to think an adult in a costume is a CM)

But there is absolutely no way anyone will lead me to believe a 10 year old is an adult. Heck, a 10 year old isn't even pre teen in my book. I guess I think of a teenager as a kid in highschool. A pre-teen as a middle schooler. My elementary school daughter is not an adult, but, alas, the rulemakers of Disney apparently believes a 10 year old is an adult.

My 10 yr old wouldn't dress up anyhow, except perhaps as Jasmine, but the whole thing just seems hipocritical to me....we'll take your $200 for BBB but please remove the clothing prior to leaving the castle.

But again, a rule is a rule so we won't do BBB and avoid it. We actually just told her it was for little girls and she was fine with that. If they offered the HSM....well, then we'd have an issue

10 is the age of adult ticketing in WDW and not the limit to fun-to-be-had, just more money spent by mom and dad.

exactly....more money to be spent :O) My 10 yr old will have fun regardless...just at an adult price along with everyone else's 10+ kid :O)

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

Going on 9 years ago, my wife and I were married at the Swan and Dolphin. We had called Disney several months in advance to arrange for pictures of my wife and I after the ceremony at the MK. All was good, and we were assured that this would not be a problem. Once we got there, it was a problem. In part because my wife looked so beautiful in her wedding dress, but we were told it would be a "distraction". Now, granted, it WAS a distraction, as we were getting quite a few compliments, and even applause after walking off the Ferry, but we WERE told that we could come in, many months ago. We went to guest assistance, and after much "conversation" by our photographer (and brother-in-law), we were permitted in with an escort. Got our pictures, and headed out. It was a moment I will never forget, but based on the CM reaction when we showed up, clearly they do not want anyone to be there who could cause a distraction. Some little girls were wondering if my wife was a Princess Me, they had no comments...

You made me remember we talked to Disney about this as well. We were married (in Indiana) almost 9 years ago. I was wanting to book the Disney Honeymoon Photo's in the park package. They were VERY adamant about that fact that I could not wear my wedding dress or any other white dress that might be considered a gown. LOL I didn't have any plans on dragging that heavy gown on my honeymoon anyway, but I didn't understand why this was an issue for them.

 

[bumbershoot]

On and during regular park days-
Officially, the cut-off age is 10 (anyone using an "adult" ticket.)

http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/dress-code.htm

Examples of unacceptable attire includes:

~Clothing displaying offensive messages/language

~Adult costumes or clothing that can be viewed as a costume (children under age 10 are excluded)...

You are my hero.

I've mentioned that before (ages ago) without a link (even though it's not official) and no one believed me.

Although some/many 10 year olds might not look like adults, many of them are developing, if you're tall (like my half sister) you look older, etc etc. There are some "children" that look like adults out there!

Therefore, I would bet that somewhere in their guidebook for who not to allow, there's an easy out for a minor who is adult in appearance, so they can just say that their guideline is if you're on an Adult ticket, you have to abide by Adult rules.

My brother might not have looked like an adult around then, but I was starting to, and if I could get my weight under control now, my body size would be NO different than it was from when I was around 13, therefore from the back (or front, if you didn't see my face) I could have looked then like I might now (again the weight issue, however), and I could completely understand why they might not have wanted me to wear a princess costume.