An EPCOT guest recently made waves on social media after claiming she was singled out by Walt Disney World Resort cast members due to her outfit, sparking a debate about the park’s dress code.
Nicole Arena (@arenalifts on TikTok) shared her experience online after being refused entry to an attraction at EPCOT, with cast members reportedly insisting that she buy a $45 shirt due to her attire. Arena was wearing only a sports bra, paired with leggings, which did not align with Disney’s official dress code.
@arenalifts Replying to @bakedpotayter I really didnt think anything of this tbh
“I really didn’t think anything of [the outfit],” Arena said in the video’s caption. Her posts quickly went viral, with many Disney Parks fans weighing in on whether the outfit was acceptable for a family-friendly destination.
Disney’s dress code policy, as stated on its official website, clearly requires that guests wear proper attire at all times, including shoes and shirts. Arena’s outfit, consisting only of a sports bra, was deemed inappropriate for the ride by cast members, who reportedly forced her to purchase a shirt before allowing her to enter the attraction.
Many commenters were quick to chastise Arena.
“It’s a sports bra. At a family-friendly amusement park,” @reallifechemist commented. “Wtf did you think was going to happen?”
“Just wearing a BRA out in public, esp at Disney and the being surprised is blowing my mind,” @crypticcuttlfish wrote. “You are in your underwear!”
“You forgot your shirt, ma’am,” @katejulka said. “I’m usually on the side of ‘Eh, who cares. Let her wear what she wants,’ but clothes are a fair thing to require.”
Despite the backlash, Arena defended her outfit. “There were many people at Disney wearing much less clothing than I was,” the Disney Park guest said. “I had nothing showing other than my stomach and my arms, but you guys are acting like I went out naked. Anyone who goes to the gym knows it’s totally fine to walk around with a sports bra and leggings on. I just went to Disney, how I would go to the gym.”
@arenalifts Replying to @RealLifeChemist first time i’ve ever been told my gym fit wasnt family friendly but hey first time for everything💀💀 keep your kids away from gyms at all costs #disney #dresscode
“I didn’t know that Disney has a dress code,” Arena continued. “That’s a whole different story. If I knew that, I would’ve thrown a t-shirt on top of it. But I didn’t know.”
While Arena’s defense of her outfit drew more backlash from some Disney Parks fans, some commenters defended her.
“It’s Florida, this outfit is beyond appropriate,” @rainbowsprimkle argued. “I’ve been in shorts, I’ve been in a crop top, and no one ever said a thing. feels like they targeted you.”
“Wait, if nothin inappropriate is showing, I don’t get the issue..a man can dress however, but a woman can’t??” @suezq617 agreed.
Despite the differing opinions, the Walt Disney World Resort dress code remains clear: shirts are required, though sports bras specifically aren’t banned. Disney cast members may not always interpret a sports bra as a suitable replacement for a shirt, so it’s always a good idea to have an extra layer handy to avoid any issues.
Should Walt Disney World Resort loosen or tighten its dress code rules? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
Lucky she wasn’t from the UK. Would have probably turned up in her PJs and dressing gown.
then go to the gym, it isn’t appropriate clothes to be out in public in a amusement park that has a clothing requirement. You are an adult, read the requirements.
I’ve heard stories from cast members who were around when Walt Disney was around, if you didn’t wear appropriate clothing Walt wouldn’t let you in the park. I think proper clothes should always be worn to a family environment and not gym clothes.
A sports bra. Fine if you’re headed to the gym, whatever. The Dress Code doesn’t say specifically a sports bra-by itself is against the rules, but WHY would they have to?? It’s a common sense thing… The Dress Code DOES say a shirt. That’s clear enough.
Men have to wear shirts too. Children have to wear shirts. Shirts are required.