Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s Dress Code

It’s a bright sunny day, and you’re about to embark on a magical visit to a Disney Park. You know that temperature ranges at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Park in California can rise to pretty high levels throughout the day. What you do not know, however, is whether or not that lightweight, teeny tiny tank-top you’re considering wearing will be suitable for the Disney environment.

That’s right, the Walt Disney Company does indeed have a dress code in place, which covers many different grounds. The policy is designed to maintain a wholesome, family-friendly environment that’s mutually respectful to Guests of all ages. It also helps to keep visitors safe by averting potential hazards that can directly result from unsuitable wear.

Perhaps you are still a little unclear about what exactly is permitted in regards to Disney theme park attire versus what is prohibited. To help you out, we’re breaking things down in a comprehensive, concise way, telling you everything you need to know about the Disney dress code.

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Nothing Obscene or Offensive

This should be a no-brainer. As a Guest visiting a wholesome, family-friendly Disney Park, common sense should tell you that wearing any shirt or other form of wardrobe displaying profane or offensive language is absolutely prohibited. Likewise, any items that contain inappropriate graphics references to drugs or threatening and controversial messages are also not permitted. Offensive tattoos that are unhindered and in perfect view of public eyes are also enough to disqualify you from being admitted in. Be sure such are well-covered before trying to gain entry.

Related: Disney’s Dress Code Debate Continues Over “Foul” Shirt

No Breeches in Modesty

It is essential that Guests avoid wearing any attire that allows overt exposure that can be considered inappropriate. From low-cut tops to outfits that are too transparent, not to mention threadlike straps that are barely holding an outfit together, all these examples are far too immodest and should never even be considered viable garments to don for a family-friendly Park. With ill-fitting clothing, there’s just far too much that can go wrong.

While the wearing of bathing suits is fine when in the context of swimming at a Resort or attending one of the water parks, you should practice discretion in what you wear in such instances. Also, note that bathing suits may be worn to the Parks when accompanied by appropriate coverage, like shorts and shirts.

(Bathing suit Credit Disney Fashionista)

Related: Guest Yells at Cast Member and Challenges Disney Dress Code

Avoiding Unsafe Attire

 Disney also states that the wearing of excessively torn clothing is also prohibited. Depending on the item in question, such options can be both overly exposing and as well as hazardous. Any clothing that is hanging, dragging, or touching the ground can create an unsafe condition for those wearing them as well as other Park Guests.

It also goes without saying that Guests must at all times be wearing shoes when walking around the Parks. Going about barefoot can be potentially dangerous for several reasons and just isn’t allowed.

Guests should also take note that wearing any form of clothing that contain multiple layers may get you a thorough searching at security upon Park entry. This is an understandable protocol to stop any suspicious Guest activity and to discourage the sneaking in of any potentially dangerous items.

Related: Meet the Secret Police Who Patrol Disney Parks

Controversies of Costumes 

As a general rule, Disney largely prohibits any Guests aged 14 years and older from entering the Parks in costumes. While younger Guests are permitted to dress up, Disney has a much stricter policy in place where older folks are concerned. This rule discourages the wearing of any costumes resembling Disney Characters as well as those not necessarily Disney-related at all. Even some Star Wars-inspired “outfits” are too much like full-bodied costumes and must be assessed for approval. Themed clothing is fine, though, so long as it does not straddle the line in what is considered a costume.

There are a couple of in-Park happenings that do make special allowances for older Guests to dress up. These primarily include both Disney World and Disneyland Halloween Party ticketed events, as well as runDisney marathons. Even so, there are always special guidelines in place for anyone, at any age, who visits Disney Parks in costume:

• Costumes that include eye masks as part of the ensemble must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.
• Full head obscuring masks of any kind are prohibited.
• All Guests who dress as their favorite character are prohibited from posing for pictures or signing 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. Full-length Princess dresses and capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
• Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.

Note, Guests who do not adhere to the guidelines listed above may be refused entry into the Parks or removed unless a costume can be modified to meet the standards in place.

Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable, as well as the following accessories: transparent wings, tutus, plastic light sabers, and toy swords.

Related: Disney Guest Violates Dress Code: Happily Shares Success on Social Media

Standards for Signature Dining 

While the majority of Disney dining establishments are perfectly fine with allowing Guests garbed in casual attire that fits within the protocol of propriety, there are a couple of signature establishments to take note of that do have stricter standards in place. In most instances, however, signature restaurants at Disney are still fairly relaxed about what they consider “dressing up” and are perfectly fine with what is considered business casual. To clarify the minimums on what is considered business casual, Disney requests that men adhere to wearing dress slacks, khakis, or even dress shorts. Collared shirts are also suggested. Women should keep dressing pants or capris, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. As long as they are in good condition, in most cases, a nice pair of jeans is also permitted. Tank tops, flip-flops, casual ball caps, muscle shirts, and t-shirts should be avoided. In short, if it isn’t something you’d wear to the office, do not wear it to a signature dining establishment at Disney.

While business casual fits the bill in most instances, there are a couple of very refined dining establishments at Disney that do request a bit more from prospective diners. One such venue, known for the strictest standards by far, is Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. They do request that their diners come attired in their best, with men wearing dinner jackets, nice pants, and shoes, as well as the optional tie. Women should wear cocktail dresses, a skirt, and blouse, or a dressy pantsuit.

Related: Victoria & Albert’s Gets Opening Date and Brand-New Luxuries

You can learn more about Disney’s dress code, any updates or allowances in lieu of special events, or answer any remaining questions you still have by visiting Disney’s official website and reading their dress code policy.

Visiting Disney is all about having fun that’s both suitable and appropriate for Guests of all ages. And to maintain a clean, safe, family-friendly environment for all, Disney has such dress code policies in place for the greater good and mutual respect of everyone. Disney asks that you kindly commit to doing your part in respectfully adhering to the policies in place without arguments or challenges. It’s all about common sense, and if you have any doubts or reservations at all about what clothing options may or may not be suitable, play it safe and opt for something unquestionably wholesome, respectful, and dignified. It’s a simple act of courtesy and goes a long way in making the Disney experience as magical as possible for all attending Guests.