When it comes to Halloween at Disney, one of the biggest questions I hear every year is the same: What can I actually wear? Disney’s famous Halloween after-hours events always look incredible, but planning your outfit to attend isn’t always so simple. The rules are surprisingly different depending on when and where you’re visiting, and nothing spoils the spooky fun faster than being stopped at the front gate and having to remove the key ingredient in your perfectly pixie-dusted costume recipe. The good news is that with a bit of planning, you can still lean into the festive spirit without running into trouble.
At Disneyland, guests ages 14 and over can’t wear full costumes during a regular park day, so Disneybounding is the way to go if you want to channel your favorite character. However, if you’ve snagged a ticket to Oogie Boogie Bash, you’re in luck, because costumes are allowed! Just remember the ground rules: no full-face masks, no items dragging on the ground, and leave the realistic props at home. It’s a chance to get creative, so think lightweight, breathable, and family-friendly. Here are the specifics for adults, as well as kids 14 and over:
For Guests Ages 13 and Under
- Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
For Guests Ages 14 and Older
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic Lightsabers, toy swords and tutus.
- Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes.
Over at Walt Disney World, the setup is nearly identical. Costumes are off-limits during standard park hours, but Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is your opportunity to go all out. Most of the same guidelines apply, which is understandable given the size of the event and the family-oriented crowds. The details for adults and kids are similar in Walt Disney World, though with a few more specific instructions to note in addition:
For Guests ages 13 and under:
- Costumes and some costume masks may be worn; masks must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.
For Guests 14 Years of Age or Older:
- All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
- Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.
If you’re a first-timer, here’s a trick: plan two versions of your outfit. A Disneybound look for the day, then add on a simple accessory or two at party time to level up into a full costume without needing a locker or midday hotel run. It’s a small hack, but it can save you time and keep you in the spirit from rope drop to the last piece of trick-or-treat candy. A quick trip back to the resort can be a simple solution in Disneyland; though, over at Walt Disney World, the sheer size of the property makes this an entirely different experience. That quick trip through Downtown Disney might take you 30 – 60 minutes to return in California. However, in Orlando, it can be a time-consuming plan as you hop across Disney transportation to get to and from your (possibly distant) resort, change, and then wait in a transport line to get back again, just as everyone else is making their way to the same party.
If you need more tips on how to make your Halloween Disney costume even better, check out our highlights here. Want to avoid mishaps? We’ve got you covered with four mistakes to avoid here.
Feature Image: Photo by Aiden Craver
