Everything You Need to Know About Dressing Up For Halloween At Disney

Disclaimer: Mickey’s Halloween Party (Disneyland) or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Walt Disney World) has been canceled for 2020. This post contains everything you’ll need to know for 2021 planning as well as some great Disney costume ideas for adults.

If you were lucky enough to score tickets to either Mickey’s Halloween Party (Disneyland) or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Walt Disney World) you’ve likely been checking out all the costumed fun online in anticipation of your party date. It’s important to note, as a Disney “grow-up,” that this is the ONLY time you can dress up inside the parks – other than the lite Disneybounding.

However, if you are going to dress up and join the 999 happy haunts inside Disney, you’ll want to make sure that you avoid a less-than-magical experience by following the costume guidelines for guests age 14 and better. Luckily, you’ve got a seasoned pro here ready to dish out the details.

This is the only time of year (and one of a few select events) where adults can wander the park in a costume of their favorite character, but exercising good judgment around the rules will keep you from running into trouble – or worse – being denied entry into the party unless you change. Here’s the lowdown:

All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.

A lot of questions usually stem from this rule when it comes to photo-taking. What Disney means here is to have you avoid posing as a face character by taking up a queue and posing with Guests. Taking photos with someone who shares your fandom (ie: Elsa found an Olaf) is totally okay, however, taking up a line of people to get photos with you as Elsa and signing autograph books is not cool. Practice good judgment, it’s that simple.

Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.

This is Disney and a family environment, after all, so wearing that super sexy and revealing Minnie Mouse costume is a sure bet to get you denied access to the party. If you wouldn’t be okay with wearing it into a grade school, just don’t wear it. Costumes may not contain any weapons 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.

If you are going as a character that tends to carry weapons, just leave them at home. It doesn’t matter how fake or friendly they might look, it’s not something Disney will approve and your character choice alone will draw enough attention. Trust me here; even after passing the metal detectors and security check, I was still followed around by security in my weaponless Winter Soldier cosplay.

Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.

Don’t be surprised to be searched if you have multiple layers or prosthetics with your costume. It’s for the safety of you, other Guests and Cast Members. If you are asked to remove items for an additional search, don’t be a jerk about it and comply in a friendly manner. It is to keep everyone safe and happy!

Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses). Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.

If you didn’t learn enough from Edna (The Incredibles) this is for safety reasons. There are a lot of ways to get hung up or tangled so leave the long capes and gowns at home.

Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.

There are plenty of selections online (including some in the Disney Adulting shop) for this purpose. You can buy ahead of time, make your own, or buy them in the park. This is a safe option for those not feeling brave enough to go full-costume.

Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.

Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes. Hats and headpieces are totally fine as long as they don’t cover any part of your face. Masks, while approved for children, are not okay for adults to wear. Even a half-mask or goggles that cover a majority of your face will not be permitted.

Standard Disney Parks Rules Apply

While there are special event guidelines for the Halloween party events, remember that those are amendments to the initial rules and you should always reference them first with questions.

Walt Disney World (Park Rules & Regulations)
Disneyland (Park Rules & Regulations)

A Few FAVORITE Disney Grown-Ups in Costume

Here are a few of the best Disney grown-up costumes from Halloween events this year and previous – plenty of which to give you some inspiration for designing your own magical costume.