What Is Disney ‘Bounding’ – And Why Are Adults Doing It In Theme Parks?

by

What Is Disney 'Bounding' - And Why Are Adults Doing It In Theme Parks?

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the magic of these enchanting parks, I must say that the art of Disneybounding has become a cherished pastime for me and many others like me. It’s not just about dressing up; it’s about stepping into the shoes of our beloved characters, albeit subtly, and bringing their essence to life in a way that resonates with us adults.

Visiting a theme park as an adult might not seem like a fun day activity at first glance, since theme parks have been struggling for a long time to attract more adult visitors. However, Disney enthusiasts over the age of 18 have made Disneybounding more than just a pastime; it’s become a lifestyle for them.

“Disneybounding” refers to dressing up in outfits inspired by your favorite Disney characters when visiting a park. These outfits are tastefully put together and can make you look like Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” or Cinderella, without directly copying their dresses or infringing on intellectual property rights. The outfits are adorable and themed, but they take on a unique meaning within the park. You could easily create a Disneybound outfit by purchasing a brown skirt, a green top, and a green hat with a feather from one of Disneyland’s numerous kiosks, transforming yourself into the enigmatic Peter Pan.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve noticed some dedicated enthusiasts, whom we call Disneybounders, maintain social media accounts to share their exciting journeys. Notably, Instagram has become a go-to platform for this visually appealing pastime. However, there’s more to this creative fashion than meets the eye – you rarely see an adult donning a full Winnie the Pooh costume in Disneyworld unless they’re an employee. The reason? It’s about maintaining the immersive and magical experience that Disneyworld is known for.

Disney Parks have banned masks and costumes for adults

What Is Disney 'Bounding' - And Why Are Adults Doing It In Theme Parks?

If you’re planning to don your favorite Disney character’s outfit at a park, keep in mind that you can’t wear a complete costume, including wig, dress, and shoes, as it is forbidden. Only on special occasions are cosplaying Disney characters allowed. This rule applies to individuals aged 14 and above, meaning they cannot enter the park wearing masks or costumes that closely resemble their character’s signature styles.

The explanation is straightforward: They aim to prevent kids from mistaking regular park visitors for the costumed performers wandering around during the day. It makes sense – the company is concerned about their characters being misrepresented, and it’s also possible they don’t want adults to take responsibility for children not in their group. However, this rule has resulted in creative responses like Disneybounding and clever workarounds among adult fans.

If you ever wish to don a movie-precise, elegant costume in a Disney park once in your lifetime, know that the corporation organizes an annual event where adults can embody Maleficent and other characters. This event is called Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which takes place from August through early November. During this celebration, attendees of all ages are free to wear costumes inspired by their favorite characters whenever they please at various events.

Read More

2024-08-13 04:59