Understanding Disney’s Dress Code Violations: What Not to Wear

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So you’ve booked your trip to a Disney park, but are not quite sure what to wear. 

Or,  maybe you’re worried about that short dress you packed without a spare! 

Understanding Disney park attire guidelines is essential if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland. 

In this article, we will cover:

• Some of the most commonly asked questions about what not to wear at Disney
• A few of the clothing choices you should think of making instead. 

Let’s get into it!

The Official Disney Dress Code Policy 

Disney theme parks have a general dress code policy in place to ensure a family-friendly and safe environment for everyone. 

This allows a diverse range of people to feel happy and safe, in the happiest place on Earth!

In general, Disney theme parks expect their guests to be appropriately dressed, without any offensive elements to their attire. 

Here are some examples from their dress code policies: 

• Guests are required to wear appropriate attire at all times. Clothing with offensive language or graphics is not allowed
• Adults are typically not allowed to wear costumes into the park, apart from on very certain occasions 
• Children aged 14 and under are usually allowed to wear costumes, but there are restrictions for certain events and locations. Their costumes should also allow them to see- i.e. they should not be covering their eyes
• Clothing must provide appropriate coverage and not be overly revealing-no bikinis, very short crop tops, or shorts allowed
• Accessories that could be considered weapons or that may otherwise detract from the experience of other guests are not allowed
• Visible tattoos and body art with offensive language or pictures may need to be covered.

Inappropriate Attire for Walt Disney World

Disney has the right to refuse entrance to people wearing inappropriate attire, so it is important to know what dress codes to follow and which ones to avoid:

Specific Types of Inappropriate Clothing 

• If you are over the age of 14, you cannot wear costumes or costume masks. There are some exceptions, including Halloween and Christmas events 
• Clothing with offensive material, such as obscene language or pictures
• Excessively torn clothing such as ripped-up jeans and tops – especially those that are revealing of private areas 
• Clothing that exposes skin which is inappropriate for a family environment such as bikinis, very short shorts, or see-through clothing 
• Clothing that touches or drags on the ground, such as very long dresses
• Objectionable tattoos depicting offensive material or violence.

Guidelines on Acceptable Footwear 

Footwear must be worn at all times in Disney theme parks. However, there are very few set rules for the type of footwear allowed. The only prohibited footwear are shoes with wheels. 

Although flip-flops and stilettos are allowed, impractical footwear is never recommended. 

You’ll be doing a lot of standing at Disney, so comfortable footwear is best! 

Additionally, some experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort will require you to wear closed-toed shoes. 

In short: All footwear without wheels is accepted, but comfortable closed-toed shoes are best. 

Accessory Restrictions and Considerations

Accessories depicting offensive material (or which could be used as weapons) are not allowed. 

Costume Policy in Disney Parks

Disney has specific requirements that mean that guests over the age of 14 cannot wear costumes apart from a few select events.

However, for children under the age of 13, costumes and masks which allow you unobstructed vision are permitted. 

Disney’s Costume Guidelines for Adults

Adults over the age of 14 can’t wear costumes unless they’re for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Disney Villains After Hours events. 

However, there are still some specific rules that apply at these events: 

• Guests can dress up as a character, but are not allowed to pose for pictures or sign autographs with 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 look like real weapons
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that could harm someone else 
• Layered costumes are discouraged as they may require additional security screening
• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground; for example, long capes and dresses 
• Capes may not go below the waist 
• Costume headwear should not cover your face, masks are not allowed. 

Dress Code for Disney World Restaurants 

Luckily, most Disney World restaurants are very casual, and for the most part, you can wear what you wore at Disney World parks. 

Like in the park, you should not wear offensive clothing, clothing that reveals inappropriate body parts such as a bikini, extremely ripped clothes, or clothing that drags on the ground. 

There are a few stricter dress codes required at higher-end Disney restaurants. 

The minimum dress code requirements for these restaurants include jeans in good condition, khakis, slacks, or dress shorts paired with a collared shirt. 

For ladies, capri pants, skirts, dresses, and jeans in good condition are required. This means that tank tops, flip-flops, and swimsuits are not allowed. 

Restaurants that have a stricter dress code include: 

• California Grill, Contemporary Resort
• Citricos, Grand Floridian Resort
• Flying Fish, Boardwalk Inn
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Jiko, Animal Kingdom Resort
• Narcoossee’s, Grand Floridian Resort
• Shula’s Steakhouse, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Todd English’s Bluezoo, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, Riviera Resort
• Yachtsman Steakhouse, Yacht Club Resort.

Navigating Gray Areas: Crop Tops and Other Attire

Can You Wear Crop Tops to Disney World? 

In general: yes, you can wear certain crop tops at Disney World. It is important to make sure it is not overly short. For example, if it resembles a sports bra, then it is too short.

Additionally, if you are unsure, then it is better to skip the crop top as it is not worth being turned away!

Handling Ambiguous Clothing Items

Ripped Jeans: Ripped jeans are a point of contention when it comes to Disney World dress codes. 

Disney’s dress code states that excessive ripping is not allowed. You’ll likely get away with small rips at the knees, but if it looks like your jeans have been through a shredder, you’re better off opting for a pair of shorts! 

Flip-flops: Flip-flops, jandals, thongs, and whatever else you want to call them are okay to wear to Disney parks. However, it is often not advised as you will be turned away from certain rides and restaurants, plus your feet will likely be complaining by the end of the day! It’s best to avoid them.

Final Words

Disney parks really are a magical experience, filled with laughter and joy and designed to bring out your inner child. 

In saying this, it is important to respect Disney’s dress codes to ensure you do to get pulled up by security or denied entrance!

The most important rules to keep in mind are allowing for a respectable level of modesty, not wearing offensive clothing or showing offensive tattoos, and staying clear of costumes if you’re over the age of 14. 

In general, try to dress for a school trip or as if you’re going to Disney with your grandma. Follow these rules, and you’ll be all good to go!