Wearing Costumes to the Park - Thoughts?

[Jenny1225]

We just told our 4 yr old daughter that we are heading to WDW this Sat and she is thrilled. We have an appt at the BBB so she will be getting a new princess dress there that she is planning to use for Halloween. However, she is currently packing up all of her other princess dresses and accessories to take with us to wear at the parks. She somehow remembers that "everyone wears their princess dresses there" from our trip 2 years ago. I personally do not see a problem with letting her wear her dresses during the day - it's Disney - where else can she prance around as a princess 24 hours a day. However, my husband thinks it is a terrible idea. He says it will be hot, itchy, and it's dangerous because she could trip on the dresses or they could get caught in a ride.

So - would all of you experts out there please share your thoughts about letting your little princesses where their dresses to the parks. Thanks!

 

[Lakeside Pirate]

Absolutely take the princess dresses and let her wear them each day. Take a back up set of clothes in case it gets uncomfortable. My DD would wear for part of the day and then want to change.

 

[Minniemama350]

I have boys but I've seentons of girls do this. My only thing is the shoes. I'd hate to wear the shoes all day. However, who says they have to be princess shoes and maybe your girl can stand the shoes? I'd bring a back-up for that part.

 

[MSSANDRA]

My rule would be as long as she does not complain she can wear the dresses. Take a change and let her know it is up to her when she wants to change. If she starts whining however, she has to change. Shoes, I would insisit on good walking shoes. Not only a comfort issue, but a safety one as well.

 

[AKADrea]

Definitely bring the dresses! We just got back and my DD4 wanted to dress up every day! (not all the accessories, just the dresses, and occasionally a crown/tiara). One day I didn't bring a dress for her to change into and she pouted all day

 

[bdiddy]

I remember most girls not being dressed up and the ones that were looking miserable because it was so hot. I would let your daughter wear them but definitely take extra clothes to change into. We were there late Sept last year and my 4 yr old DD wanted to wear her dress the day of the princess breakfast but the second the meal was over she said it was too hot and itchy and she didn't wear them the rest of the time. She just wore little skirts instead, her mickey ears, headband, etc.. to get in the spirit.

 

[CandyHead09]

Oh I remember the gorgeous dress my mom bought me when we went there i was five and it was the highlight of my trip (I was scared of everything cause I was a wimpy kid :/ ) it's actually a lot of fun to wear your dress around the park and no they arent a hassle but I would make sure that you go over all the dresses she wants to take and ask if they are itchy because wearing them for a few hours versus all day can get irritating and cause a rash.

My dad always wears a back pack and I dont know if you or your husband do that but if you do or you carry a big purse or totebag put a pair of shorts and a t-shirt in there for her just in case and then maybe go in the shops and ask for a bag to put her dress in. I'd pack an extra outfit dress or not since little people tend to spill things on themselves easy and having to go back to your hotel when your not ready to can be a pain.

 

[ireland_nicole]

We usually go the first or second week of September, and it doesn't really get hotter than that. When DD has wanted to wear a princess dress (which is most of the time) we always put a thin tshirt and bike shorts underneath. That way, she has a cotton layer to wick away moisture, and the dress isn't scratchy at all. Now that I sew, I just make princess inspired sundresses, and she loves those too.

 

[AntePrincess]

Is this the done thing now? I remember our last visit to WDW and wondering what on earth was going on with all the little girls in Tammy Faye makeup. Do the little girls avoid the water rides to preserve their hair and face? It doesn't seem very comfortable for all day out and about in the parks. And aren't the dresses and BBB itself expensive? Would you be worrying about them while the kids play in the fountains? I think we'll stick with some cheap sparkly things from Claire's or the dollar store if our daughter looks like she's going into a princess phase. (Although I'm tempted to ask her "paper bag or Mononoke?" if she says she wants to dress as a princess.)

 

[AKADrea]

Is this the done thing now? I remember our last visit to WDW and wondering what on earth was going on with all the little girls in Tammy Faye makeup. Do the little girls avoid the water rides to preserve their hair and face? It doesn't seem very comfortable for all day out and about in the parks. And aren't the dresses and BBB itself expensive? Would you be worrying about them while the kids play in the fountains? I think we'll stick with some cheap sparkly things from Claire's or the dollar store if our daughter looks like she's going into a princess phase. (Although I'm tempted to ask her "paper bag or Mononoke?" if she says she wants to dress as a princess.)

we don't do makeup or anything and I brought dresses for DD that I picked up at the Disney Outlet store and did her hair myself. She was able to do anything and everything, but if she wanted to get in a water fountain, I brought along a swim suit and/or change of clothes for her. She chose to wear the dresses, no one made her, and I had to bribe her to wear "normal" clothes. I never thought I'd promote the princess thing, but that's what makes her happy right now, so I'm just rolling with it! I mean, you're in Disney, the most magical place, what better place to dress up and pretend and be happy???

 

[Kcat1971]

I'm packing Buzz Lightyear Costumes for the boys! Last time my 5 year old boy wanted to know why he didn't have a costume to wear like the girls. My 15 month old wore a Mickey costume to meet Mickey and it just made the moment.

So I say bring the costumes but also bringing the change of clothes like everyone suggested is a good idea.

 

[snoopy5386]

since my DD wears her princess dresses every day for things like the store, the park, etc. you bet she will be wearing them in the parks. She always wears them over her clothes, but she can wear whatever she wants. My only rule is plastic high heels are for at home only.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

My dd twice. SO what I did was let her wear shorts and a tank top underneath just in case and she actually never needed them.

 

[AntePrincess]

I never thought I'd promote the princess thing, but that's what makes her happy right now, so I'm just rolling with it! I mean, you're in Disney, the most magical place, what better place to dress up and pretend and be happy???

Oh, definitely. Now that you mention it, I have seen a few little girls in princess costumes at the playground, library, and grocery store. Then again, in these parts, you see stranger things on the adults and students.

What I have to wonder is, if princess, pirate and Buzz Lightyear costumes are fair game, are pretty much any costumes fine? Assuming they aren't character costumes on adults, or licensed character costumes belonging to a Disney competitor, of course. Would it raise eyebrows if I put together a comfy, non-specific fairy costume for a child?

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Like most others - I say let her wear them.

BOTH of my kids (boy AND girl) dress up everyday. In fact, once they find out we have a trip planned THEY start deciding WHICH costume they want to wear to each park.

I agree with taking an easy change of clothes, though - I make the costumes for my kids, so they are softer, breathable fabrics (I like to think they are more comfortable than the Disney version) - but every once in a while one of them will ask to change, so be prepared.

Costumes will sometimes get them some extra-nice comments, too (like the bus drivers or ride attendants calling her Princess, etc.) Let her have fun, like others have said, where else can she dress like a princesss straight time? Have a great trip.

 

[Redheaded Sunshine]

I 100% agree with you letting her wear them. If they were really that dangerous, Disney absolutely would not let 100's of little girls wear them every day. But I also agree that you should bring a change of clothing and/or rent a little locker, otherwise, you might have to deal with some whining b/c she could get uncomfortable.

Maybe to avoid a fight over it, you could compromise with DH and DD and just let her wear them to the evening events, ie parades, fireworks?