DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
The 2022 D23 Expo is arguably the largest gathering of Disney Adults outside of a Disney Theme Park in the past three years, and if social media has shown us anything, it is that with every gathering of Disney Adults, there will be Disney Cosplaying afoot.
As the official Disney Fan Club, D23 gives fans the chance to show off their stuff in an official setting called the Mousequerade.
Credit: D23
D23 describes the event as the following:
A ghoulish delight or a Jedi knight, a princess fair or a Country Bear… D23 Expo presented by Visa will again feature the ever-popular Mousequerade costume contest. Fans are invited to design Disney-inspired costumes for this incomparable competition. Past entries have displayed unparalleled creativity and innovation. This year will be no exception, as dozens of finalists will show off their extraordinary designs before a panel of celebrity judges.
Judged this year by the famous American drag queen Nina West, along with Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, and Ally Maki, the judging process actually begins in months in advance, with submissions opening on February 28. The finalists took the stage at the Anaheim Convention Center tonight, and a fan favorite was crowned.
D23 announced the winner with a short clip, saying,
“Put your hands together for the #D23Expo Mousquerade Fan Favorite — Petticoats and Pachyderms (a working, wearable replica of Dumbo the Flying Elephant)!!”
See for yourselves:
Put your hands together for the #D23Expo Mousequerade Fan Favorite – Petticoats and Pachyderms (a working, wearable replica of Dumbo the Flying Elephant)!! pic.twitter.com/2RMRLpmSAX
— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 10, 2022
All of these costumes are homemade and unique to the wearer, and examples of the design–and sometimes mechanical–skills of the Disney Fanatics can be seen all across the spectrum by taking just one lap around the different shops and booths of the Expo.
This year, the costume contest had four different categories.
Credit: D23
Related: Kristen Bell Supports Bob Chapek — And Plans to Dress Like Him
According to D23, these categories included the following:
1. Off the Screen
From Never Land to Adventureland, Tatooine to Wakanda, and all the Disney places that have inspired us over the years, these costumes are the most detailed, the most stunning, and the most inspired representations of the characters we love. Single person entry only.
2. Imagine That!
A kaleidoscope of inspired designs that we didn’t think were possible, this category is for all the out-of-the box ideas! Single person entry only.
3. Magical Mash-Ups
For everyone who couldn’t just choose one thing, this category is for the Heroes AND Villains, and the most innovative mash-ups! 1-2 people per entry (1 minimum; 2 maximum).
4. Cast of Characters
Friends and family alike come together to create their favorite cast of characters from any of the Disney universes. Duo entries and group entries (up to eight (8) total members) may participate. 2-8 people per entry (2 minimum; 8 maximum).
Credit: D23
Related: A Fun List of Takeaways From the First Day of D23
It should be noted that Disney strictly prohibits any Guests over the age of 12 from dressing up like their favorite characters while visiting the Parks. So for many, this is their time to shine and show off their creativity and love of Disney.
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on 2022 D23 Expo news and stories throughout this weekend.
