I’ve been reading (and watching) plenty of stories about what’s proper attire in the Walt Disney World theme parks and what is a Disney dress code violation. From what you can wear to intentional dress code violations to score a free shirt (hint: that’s changed!), here’s everything you need to know about the Disney dress code violation.
Disney Dress Code Violation for Guests: The Official Disney Dress Code Policy
Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. The parks are a casual, family-oriented environment. Ensuring that the parks are family-friendly is an important part of the Disney experience. In that spirit, we ask you to use your discretion and common sense.
Inappropriate Attire for Walt Disney World
Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests. Attire that is not appropriate for the parks—and which may result in refusal of admittance—includes but is not limited to:
- Costumes and costume masks, which may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older.
Exceptions:
- Specific Halloween and Christmas events.
- Some outfits inspired by Star Wars.
- Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
- Excessively torn clothing
- Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
- Clothing that touches or drags on the ground
- Clothing with multiple layers is subject to search upon entry
- Objectionable tattoos
Disney Dress Code Violation – Wearing a Costume in the Theme Parks
During Halloween, Walt Disney World relaxes the costumer guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party during the actual Magic Kingdom hard ticket event. However, there still are rules that must be followed.
Via the Walt Disney World website:
Disney World Dress Code For Guests 14 Years of Age or Older:
Costumes may be worn according to these guidelines. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from Disney parks, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards:
- 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 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. (for example, full-length Princess dresses)
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Costume headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.
Please note the specific costume guidelines for these 2 events:
“While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. If you’re planning to attend these special events, take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations.”
As for children under 14 years old, they may wear Disney Princess dresses in the parks without worry any time of year, not just at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. For guests over 14, we can still have fun by Disney bounding. That means we can wear clothing inspired by our favorite characters and princesses.
Disney World Dress Code: Disney World Restaurants
The Disney World dress code for restaurants is basically the same as the theme parks, so keep that in mind when you book.
Having written that, there is an exception for the swankier restaurants that are on property. For example, Victoria & Albert’s, a AAA 5-diamond table service restaurant has the following dress code:
“Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.” So, think suits and dress shirts with a tie for the men and semi-formal dress for the ladies.
Can You Wear Crop Tops to Disney World?
Honestly, you can, but it’s at the discretion of the castmembers and Walt Disney World. There have been folks that wear crop tops in the parks successfully without any issue. Then, there have been guests that have been flagged for wearing the same style. So, it depends on the day and the castmembers you encounter.
Additionally, if a guest turns in or complains about another guest, it may be more likely that you’ll get flagged. All in all, it’s about modesty for a family-friendly theme park.
Disney Dress Code Violation: Free Shirt
There has been a ton of videos on TikTok about getting a free shirt for a Disney dress code violation. Most of the time, these guests will intentionally wear clothing that violates the dress code policy hoping they’ll get seen. And while Disney World wouldn’t send them away from the parks, a castmember did offer to give them a replacement shirt to wear.
These days, this is becoming less and less as castmembers are now requesting that guests with a dress code violation have been made to leave and come back wearing proper attire.
Either way, play it safe and stay within the dress code policy.