You shall go to the ball: how Disney adults game parks’ no-costume rules

The theme parks don’t allow costumes or masks for anyone 14 or older – but these grown-ups have found a stylish loophole in DisneyBounding, says Hannah Sampson

Leslie Kay, creator of DisneyBound, peruses her wardrobe of Disney fashion (Chloe Ellingson/The Washington Post)

For a subset of Disney superfans, preparing for a day at the theme parks means asking: “What would Snow White wear?”

Or maybe Donald Duck. Or Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. Or the iconic Haunted Mansion ride. Or even a theme park garbage can.

Welcome to the creative, colour-blocking, accessory-rich world of DisneyBounding, a practice that allows Disney adults to channel their favorite characters, experiences or objects without running afoul of the company’s no-costume rules for grown-ups. Outfits are inspired by characters but use everyday clothes.