If you're attending the Oogie Boogie Bash at the Disneyland Resort this year, then this is information you must be familiar with! Costumes are one of the most popular aspects since adults otherwise never get to wear them inside the parks, but there are guidelines you must follow. On top of all that, there are other things you need to consider before you plan out your costume so you don't get held up at security or stopped by a CM. In the end it's still super fun as long as you abide by the rules! |
General Rules
There are a few general rules that pertain to all guests. Quoting from Disneyland's website:
- 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 weapons 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 (e.g., full-length Princess dresses)
Make sure you adhere to the no-posing rule. If you dress as a Disney character and start posing for pictures you will be asked to stop and may be asked to leave (a friend learned this from experience). They take this very seriously.
Costumes for Guests Under 13
Guests 13 and under are much more free in their costume choices. For example, they are allowed to wear masks or costume pieces which cover the face but not the eyes. Really there are no other restrictions.
Costumes for Guests 14+
All other guests are not permitted to wear masks or costumes which cover the face at all. Also, for safety reasons, any capes associated with costumes must reach no lower than mid-way down the back so as not to get in the way of other guests or potentially be stepped on.
The wording Disneyland gives to costume guidelines for those over 14 are often misunderstood to mean that costumes are not allowed, but they merely continue to offer suggestions for guests which are less obtrusive and will not be questioned in any way during the party. Again - costumes are allowed for adults! Also, face make-up or paint is allowed as long as it meets the above guidelines. Costume Considerations & SuggestionsLARGE COSTUME PIECES Costumes involving large pieces, such as headpieces, are allowed but make sure you consider the height or width of walkways around the parks. For instance, I wore a large plastic Mad Hatter-style hat once that was completely acceptable, I just had to make sure I ducked or removed the hat in certain places so it didn't get caught or in the way. |
PROPS
As mentioned, props are okay but cannot resemble weapons or be too obtrusive. Large staffs, for instance, are not recommended but not completely forbidden. Disneyland specifically mentions some props, namely lightsabers, tutus, toy swords, or wings, but that is not a definitive list. They are merely offering suggestions. Dan has gone twice as TRON and brought an Identity Disk to hold and has never been questioned about it once.
As mentioned, props are okay but cannot resemble weapons or be too obtrusive. Large staffs, for instance, are not recommended but not completely forbidden. Disneyland specifically mentions some props, namely lightsabers, tutus, toy swords, or wings, but that is not a definitive list. They are merely offering suggestions. Dan has gone twice as TRON and brought an Identity Disk to hold and has never been questioned about it once.
FULL-LENGTH/BODY COSTUMES
If your costume is full-length or covers your entire body, that could be an issue. Costumes, as stated before, cannot touch or drag the ground at any time. Even if they don't, you need to be aware that you may be subject to additional screening at security checkpoints if the costume is too involved or has too many layers. They just need to be sure that everyone is safe.
If your costume is full-length or covers your entire body, that could be an issue. Costumes, as stated before, cannot touch or drag the ground at any time. Even if they don't, you need to be aware that you may be subject to additional screening at security checkpoints if the costume is too involved or has too many layers. They just need to be sure that everyone is safe.
DISNEYBOUNDING Disney suggests costume ideas akin to Disneybounding on their website, which actually can be really cost-effective and easy costumes to put together. For those who don't know, Disneybounding is wearing seemingly normal clothes and accessories to dress like or give the impression of a particular Disney character. This is also a form of costuming permitted in the parks every day but you can take it the extra mile at Mickey's Halloween Party. I once Disneybounded as Nick Wilde from Zootopia which was easy to do and very recognizable! If you don't want to spend a lot of money on your costume, or perhaps don't have a lot of time left to put something together, Disneybounding can be your best friend! |
SECURITY CHECKPOINTS
Speaking of security, make sure your costumes can get through the checkpoints okay! When we came as TRON and Flynn Rider, we had to adjust our plans a bit. Dan did not wear his costume through security, for instance, because there were lights all over the suit that would surely set off the metal detectors. Instead, he wore a small shirt and basketball shorts through the checkpoint and carried his costume in a drawstring bag. After he got through he slipped into the suit and there were no issues.
I, on the other hand, had far too many metal buckles on my vest so I did not put it on until after I went through security. Afterwards the vest and the two decorative belts came right on and we were good to go! Think about what you're planning to wear and determine if you need to make such plans to get through security quickly and easily.
Speaking of security, make sure your costumes can get through the checkpoints okay! When we came as TRON and Flynn Rider, we had to adjust our plans a bit. Dan did not wear his costume through security, for instance, because there were lights all over the suit that would surely set off the metal detectors. Instead, he wore a small shirt and basketball shorts through the checkpoint and carried his costume in a drawstring bag. After he got through he slipped into the suit and there were no issues.
I, on the other hand, had far too many metal buckles on my vest so I did not put it on until after I went through security. Afterwards the vest and the two decorative belts came right on and we were good to go! Think about what you're planning to wear and determine if you need to make such plans to get through security quickly and easily.