Disney Halloween Costumes: Traditional and “Woke”

in Cosplay, Merchandise, The Walt Disney Company

disney-halloween-festival-villains

Credit: Disney Parks

Disney Halloween costumes for the autumn holiday is a time-honored tradition for children and adults alike. This list includes the ideal Halloween costume for a Walt Disney World fan, with both “woke” and traditional options.

Mickey Mouse pumpkin on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park for Halloween
Credit: Disneyland

Disney Halloween Costumes: Mary Poppins to Hocus Pocus

From fans of adult Disney costumes to the kids’ classics, there is plenty of opportunity to bring a Disney movie to life. There are countless popular options, including:

  • Characters from Monsters Inc., Robin Hood, or the Goofy Movie.
  • Family costume setups from any Disney movie (like the teapot in Beauty and the Beast). 
  • Prince Charming, Prince Eric, Tinker Bell, or any other costume idea taken from a Disney character.
  • Star Wars costume ideas like Darth Vader.
  • Modern Disney character costumes like the new Snow White costume.
  • Options suited to youngsters who want to emulate their favorite Disney hero (or villain).
A sign for Spirit Halloween on the iconic spiral mountain from Nightmare Before Christmas
Credit: Inside the Magic

The best Disney Halloween costumes come from self-understanding and a desire for expression. One day a year, you can live as Jack Skellington, a Toy Story doll, or throw on a Mary Poppins costume and look perfectly normal with an umbrella as an accessory.

Yet the times are changing, and there’s no longer something as simple as a straightforward Disney Princess, not in the “woke” versus traditional wave of the world.

"Woke" hiring practices hurting trans community, scene from 'Ariel'
Credit: Disney

Why Disney Halloween Costume Ideas are Interesting in 2023

It wasn’t terribly long ago that when someone pitched a Halloween party, it was a sure thing to see some type of Peter Pan or Mickey Mouse costume in the crowd. Yet now it’s a decision about whether to go full Walt Disney adult or keep it conservative.

Sometimes, a costume is a fashion/personality statement, while in others, it’s trying to find something to keep a baby cozy inside a space suit. In 2023, choosing a Disney Halloween costume is a statement, especially with the focus on the latest Walt Disney “woke” news.

Rachel Zegler on a still of Snow White looking shocked
Credit: Inside the Magic

Best Disney Halloween Costumes for 2023

The best Disney Halloween costumes depend on what’s available and your taste. Accordingly, here are the top options for Disney costumes, whether you want to go “woke” or keep it traditional:

Spider-Man swinging on the poster for 'Spider-Man 2, Mirabel and her family on the poster for 'Encanto'
Credit: Sony/Marvel, Disney

1. Spiderman and Hero Costume Ideas

Kicking it off with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is everything from Spiderman to Peter Pan and Woody from Toy Story. Iron Man is up for grabs for any MCU fans. These costumes are less contentious (unless you come across a DC fan). While not totally traditional, Marvel has been with Disney long enough to count towards its plethora of costumes.

(Front) The Disney Princesses in Wreck-It-Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet (Back) Ghostbusters: Answer the Call Haunted Times Square poster
Credit: (Front) Disney (Back) Sony Pictures

2. Disney Princesses and Princes

This is where traditional versus woke gets really interesting. A Disney Halloween costume of Snow White classic to the edgier versions designed for adults to wear. This is where it’s always been up for debate. Do you go canon and bring a cartoon to life or adapt Prince Eric to the modern age along with Ariel? There are certainly costumes available for both.

Gina Carano poses on the red carpet in a yellow dress at the premiere of 'The Mandalorian.'
Credit: ABC

3. Modern Disney Characters and Interpretations

Star Wars is a popular franchise, and dressing as The Mandalorian is one way to embrace the forward movement of Walt Disney. Sure, there is the classic Tinker Bell and Aurora, but there are also options to welcome Moana or Encanto. Don’t worry, parents, Anna and Elsa are still available.

Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studio with a bunch of people wearing Halloween costumes.
Credit: Inside the Magic

4. Adult Disney Costumes

This is where it really gets interesting. See, Disney costumes for adults were always a bit edgier. Ahsoka Tano is one of the most popular, while Stitch can probably work as a onesie year-round. There are many villains like Ursula, and the costumes range from Pocahontas to Belle. While the themes remain the same, the design is meant for adults.

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Credit: Disney

5. Costumes and Accessories

When it comes to Halloween, there are plenty of options. It’s a day of magic, from handing out candy to walking the candy trail with a young one. That’s where accessories come into play. Sometimes, even a quick wand or branded ears will do the trick. Walt Disney has everything from costume jewelry to a Time Stick set from Loki.

Whether it’s the final touch on a costume or you prefer a DIY element, the accessories help make your future favorite Disney Halloween costume. When it comes to Día de Muertos, opportunities abound as the veil thins.

What are your Halloween plans? Share in the comments below!

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