A brief guide to Disneybounding

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Hey guys,

So I'm a member of a few online groups for people to ask questions and share tips and advice about their Disneyland Paris trips, and one thing that I see come up a lot is questions around Disney's costume rules. I thought this was something I'd like to try and address, and give people all the info they need in one handy place, so here we go.

So what is Disneybounding? Founded by Leslie Kay the idea is that you dress in day to day clothes but try to match the colours and accessories to imitate your favourite Disney characters. Not to be confused with Cosplay - the idea isn't to look like the character, but simply to create an outfit that's inspired by a character. Many Disneybound groups believe the key to keeping Disneybounding successful and widely accepted in the parks is to ensure it is kept separate from cosplay.



Image: @MitchellDisney - twitter

So how did Disneybounding come about and why does it need to be kept so separate from cosplay? Well to answer that we simply need to look at the parks dress code, in this case I have looked at the Disneyland Paris website, regarding dress up the rules are as follows;
We also reserve the right, at our own discretion and at any given time, to refuse a visitor the right to wear any type of costume, makeup or tattoo, especially if it is likely to offend, shock or scare children and a family-orientated public, that Euro Disney AssociƩs S.C.A. would consider as inappropriate or if it would impede the operation while posing as or portraying any character in costume. The same rule applies for accessories considered to breach security or be a danger in our attractions (capes, sticks, etc.).

Costumes and masks may not be worn by any visitors ages 12 or older (unless required for medical purposes). When worn by younger visitors, masks must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.
The non-respect of this dress code may prevent access to the Parks.
Private special events may have specific guidelines, which can be find in publicity or information materials relative to the event. Private special events may have specific guidelines, which can be find in publicity or information materials relative to the event.

So essentially the rules are quite clear, if you're 12 or over, you can't wear a costume into the park unless its for a special event where this has been specifically permitted, for example run Disney events and the Halloween Soiree. There are many reasons for this, but the over riding factor is guest safety and character integrity. If you're wearing a convincing character costume younger guests can become confused, and any of your actions while dressed int his way could reflect Disney in a poor light.



Image: @auroraschateau - twitter

But of course, children aren't the only ones who like to dress like their favourites, and that's where Disneybounding comes in, it's the best of both worlds, a way to represent your favourite characters while complying with the park clothing guidelines, and more importantly it's really fun!



Image: Jess - Disneybound UK

So how do you plan your Disneybound outfits? Well the first thing to do is pick your character, because you're not trying to look like an accurate representation of them this part is actually quite fun as you have free range of pretty much any character, your imagination is the only thing holding you back!



Image: @gracepainter - twitter

Once you've picked your character you need to work out what the characters key colours are, so Minnie Mouse wears a red polka dot dress, Goofy is known for his orange top and green hat, Belle is known for her Yellow (Golden) dress. You get the idea, once you have your key colours and accessories it's time to raid your wardrobe.



Image: Jess - Disneybound UK

That's the thing about Disneybounding, unlike cosplay it doesn't need you to spend a lot of money, find exact colours or styles, you can use the clothes and accessories you already have at home to build up your outfit to fit the theme/character you're aiming for. And if you do need to buy extras, places like Primark, H&M and the supermarkets can be a goldmine for you as you can buy lots of basics in a whole range of shades at really affordable prices to build up your options.

But it is all well and good hearing what I have to say, it is always best to hear from an expert. So I went to my friend Jess, shes an admin for the Disneybound UK group and she was happy to share her top 5 tips with me!

  1. Disneybounding is about using your own style to represent a character with their colour scheme, you don't need to go out of your comfort zone to Disneybound.

  2. It's about representation, not replication! A Disneybound is about being inspired by a character, you don't need to wear wigs or use props.

  3. Remember it's about keep it street style and not just something you would wear for Disneybounding, one thing I always say is if you wouldn't wear it out to the shops, to town, to the pub or on the school run then don't wear it as a Disneybound. For dapper day think wedding or a party.

  4. There are no rules for Disneybounding as long as you aren't breaking the Disney park rules! Just be yourself and have fun, make sure you know what the park rules are and that you aren't crossing over to a cosplay.

  5. Join the community! There are online groups on both Facebook and Instagram who are really supportive and great to find inspiration, ask for advice and share your bounds. Jess can be found on Disneybound UK and they have recently opened a new lounge on Facebook where they give advice. Disneybounders Unite is also a group run by Leslie Kay, founder of Disneybounding.

If you want to find out more from Jess or any of the Disneybound team, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!



Image: Jess - Disneybound UK

So that's the basics covered, have you tried Disneybounding before? Are you inspired to try now? Who's look would you most like to try? As always drop us a comment!

Hoodsie xx

8 comments:

  1. Thank you for using the photo of my Cinderella bound!
    I do really love to find perfect pieces for Disneybounds, though I do admit that I recently also really have been loving to wear and style Disney clothing items for my park outfits. :)

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  2. Loved this post! I always love looking at other people's Disneybounds and would love to put some together myself but I'm not that creative/good with fashion, will definitely keep my eye out for pieces I can use though!

    Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
    xx

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  3. I'm going to DLP this weekend and doing Minnie and Evil Queen bounds.My first time :) I already had all the main items in my wardrobe and got some new pins to tie it all together. Love those Nemo Disneybounds.

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  4. Jess and the guys did a great job with the Nemo ones! Sure your bounds will look amazing! Have an awesome trip! Xx

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  5. I didn't do this when I went to WDW last year, but it a fun concept and something I'd like to try for the next time I go! I'll have to try and find something for Mulan, Punzie, or Merida :) Tania Michele xx

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  6. I wish I was brave enough to try it. Hopefully will be doing a bound in June! Love to see how yours turn out! Thanks for reading! Hoodsie xx

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