Let us give a little back story on Disneybounding, the dress up trend creative Disney fans are obsessed with. Instead of wearing full on costumes as cosplayers do, Disneybounders dress up in stylish, everyday outfits (known as Disneybounds) that are simply inspired by a particular character. It is a way to express your love for Disney through fashion. It began because Disney does not allow adult guests to wear costumes in the Parks. DisneyBound was a tumblr account created by Leslie Kay to showcase outfits for her upcoming Disney vacations. Literally, she was “Disney-bound”. She would put together clothing and accessories that made up the look of popular Disney Characters. This was back in the days of Polyvore, a platform that is no longer available. Kay has tagged the phrase “Where fashion geeks and Disney nerds collide”. Just another obsession born from being a Disney fanatic? We think not!
Again, Disneybounding is not cosplay. The goal is to take a character idea and express it subtly, using items of clothing and accessories that represent that character. Throughout this post, we have included some of our Disneybounds made from our own items. A simple black polka dot dress with yellow flats and the right add ons, you’re off to the park as everyones pal, Mickey Mouse. You could wear a yellow skirt, blue top and red bow with apple accessories, such as a bag or necklace, and you have a Snow White Disneybound. The trend has expanded beyond character bounds. Now it is common to see outfits styled after rides and attractions. Guests have even been known to Disneybound as park snacks, such as a dole whip (wink, wink). A favorite pastime of many bounders is to meet a character dressed as that character.
Maybe you’re not really into bounding in the parks on a regular basis. Dapper Day is a twice a year event at Disney Parks around the world, encouraging guests to step out in their most stylish attire. Dapper Day is perfect for that occasional opportunity to take it to the next level, combining vintage attire with your character inspired ideas. This is a day to be a little fancy. The day is even more fun when done as a pair or in a group. On Dapper Day, you may see Peter Pan, Wendy, and the rest of the crew walking around. Rapunzel & Flynn Rider or other Disney couples have been known to make an appearance on this day as well.
Despite the popularity of Dapper Day, Disneybounding itself is somewhat of a “secret society”. To most guests, the outfits are not remarkable at all. But to fellow “bounders” who get the subtle references to characters, it is like an inside joke. It is a great way to let your imagination and creativity run wild. You can wear clothes in Disney Parks that you might not wear in everyday life. Creating our Disneybound outfits has become a favorite part of planning for our upcoming trips. As Walt Disney said, “Adults are only kids grown up, anyway”. It’s only natural to want to play dress up every now and again.