Last year, a controversial TikTok trend went viral regarding the dress code at Walt Disney World. It all started with a video by TikTok user Amanda DiMeo, who uploaded a video to her over 800,000 followers explaining how to get “a free Disney shirt of your choice.”
In the video, which got picked up by FOX News, DiMeo wore a cropped shirt that didn’t comply with Walt Disney World’s dress code and was given a voucher by Cast Members to get a free shirt at a Disney merchandise location.
“Okay, guys, new Disney hack. If you’re wearing a shirt that shows a little underboob, they’ll write you a ticket when you first enter Magic Kingdom — I’m not sure about the other parks — but they’ll write you a ticket so you can get a free shirt at the nearest gift shop.”
Dress-Coded Incidents at Walt Disney World
While Disney doesn’t guarantee Guests a free shirt, many Guests who wore clothing that went against Disney’s code reported benefiting from a similar magical moment.
June 2021
A smaller TikTok account, @alyssaschueller, posted a video in a bikini-style top at EPCOT, where she was reportedly asked to change and escorted by a Cast Member to a gift shop to find a new tee shirt.
However, Schueller didn’t intend to get a freebie. She was at Animal Kingdom that morning in her crop top with no issues and wasn’t asked to change there. She even went back to Animal Kingdom later in the day in her bikini-style crop top and wasn’t asked to change.
December 2021
In another incident late last year, TikTok user @jordyngraime wore an open back top to Walt Disney World. She showed a receipt for a shirt that the Disney Park allegedly gave her for free.
User @emilywillbeyourfriend commented on Graime’s video, saying:
As a former Cast Member: anything that can be untied will get you dress coded. Do with that info that you will…
May 2022
The former Cast Member seemed to be correct. Though Walt Disney World’s dress code doesn’t directly mention ties on clothing, another Guest was dress-coded this year for wearing a tie-front crop top.
In a recent TikTok video, Nicole DeLosReyes (@nicole.delosreyes) showed herself walking away from the EPCOT entrance wearing a white tie-front sleeveless top. She says, “Guys, it happened. I got dress coded at Disney, and I was told to leave or get a shirt, so now we’re getting a shirt.”
In the comments, DeLosReyes clarifies that she wasn’t looking for a freebie and wasn’t even offered one. She wrote, “at entry i got stopped and was told they don’t allow tie front tops…wack. so i had to either leave and change or buy merch.” DeLosReyes later confirmed that she went back to her hotel, changed, and had a great time at EPCOT.
This appears to be a change from past instances where Walt Disney World would offer free shirts to those Guests barred from entering the Parks due to dress code violations so that the Guest would not have to go back to their home or hotel room to change.
Related: Full List of “Disney Look” Hairstyles, Nails, and Tattoos
Walt Disney World Resort has not issued a statement on the viral TikTok trend or announced a decision to stop giving away free shirts due to the increasing dress code issues.
Walt Disney World’s Dress Code
Walt Disney World’s dress code leaves room for interpretation. If you’re unsure if a certain item of clothing is inappropriate, it’s better to be safe and go with another options. Disney’s guidelines are:
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. See below.
- Some outfits inspired by Star Wars. Learn more
- 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
Costumes at Walt Disney World
Related: What Changes to the “Disney Look” Mean For Cast Members
Can you wear a princess dress to Walt Disney World?
Unfortunately for safety reasons, Guests can only dress like their favorite princess at Walt Disney World if they’re under the age of 14.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to dress blandly! There are options for adults who wish to dress up at Walt Disney World.
Disney Bounding
One option for everyday Guests at Walt Disney World is to Disney Bound. Disney Bounding is wearing everyday clothes inspired by Disney characters’ iconic outfits using color and accessories. This practice is encouraged by Disney!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World bends the rules and allows Guests of all ages to wear costumes at Magic Kingdom! However, they do have a specific dress code for the party. From Disney:
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:
For Guests ages 13 and under:
- Costumes and some costume masks may be worn; masks must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.
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.
If you’re headed to Walt Disney World, be sure to stay updated on dress code guidelines and use your best judgement. It’s a family-friendly Park and they reserve the right to refuse admission based on Walt Disney World dress code guidelines and other rules. We recommend breathable clothing and comfortable shoes to make the best of your magical Florida vacation!
Have you ever been dress-coded at Disney World? What do you think of the rules? Let us know in the comments below.