Accessorizing for Disney
I recently got back from a trip to Walt Disney World, and had the idea for this post after I posted a couple of Instagram “selfies” (the pictures are in this post) and received a few comments and messages as a result. Since we already have a post that answers common questions regarding the dresses and other outfits I wear to Walt Disney World, etc., I’m just covering accessorizing for Disney in this post.
Disney’s big promotion this year is “Disney Side” and one of the ways people are supposed to show their Disney Side is through the outfits they wear to the Disney Parks. A lot of people like to go all out, dressed head to toe with Disney hats, shirts, pants, painted fingernails, hair bows, bags, and even painted shoes! Some people also like to put together outfits that are all individually non-Disney articles of clothing, but come together as a fashionable ensembles that evoke a certain character. The Disneybound blog and trend are a prime example of this.
My preference is to do something in between. I like putting together regular outfits that are park friendly, but fashionable. Comfortable footwear is obviously a must, my current go-to choice is the OluKai Ohana sandal. They perfectly combine comfort and cuteness. In the past, I’ve done Mickey Crocs and tennis shoes, but I think both look too clunky with the light summer dresses I normally wear.
Speaking of dresses, the dresses I wear come from a variety of places, from Target to Nordstrom to J.Crew, but all have one thing in common: lightweight comfort. However, I’ve already covered dresses, and this post is about accessorizing.
What I really like to do is pair my normal style of clothing with a flair of Disney. An example of this would be a pair of Minnie Mouse ears with a dress. I think this creates a good contrast, especially if you are dressed nicely. If you look back at old family photos or vintage photos, you see a lot of guests dressed nicely, but wearing mouse ears. This look is incongruous, but not in a bad way, and it makes the outfit fun. This style of dressed up guests with playful Disney hats is still common in Tokyo Disneyland, where guests actually take the idea to the extreme. Take a look below.
Maybe Tom is a bad example! This hat was very popular in Tokyo Disneyland this Christmas, with many guests pairing it with suits, dresses, or school uniforms. Simple and cute Minnie or Mickey Mouse ears work a lot better for this look.
Other accessories that I think work really well to give an outfit a dash of Disney are handbags, watches, necklaces, and bracelets. I generally don’t wear jewelry but do prefer jewelry that’s on the subtle side instead of the colorful stuff. This makes it more wearable in everyday settings when you might not want to broadcast that you’re a Disney fan.
I typically carry an It’s A Small World LeSportsac bag at the parks, and what I really like about this bag is that the pattern looks Disney-related to anyone familiar with Disney, but for normal people, it just looks like a stylized pattern. The bags I’ve carried have all been durable and I don’t mind if they get wet. If you’re not a fan of the LeSportsac bags, recent bags from Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley are popular and have interesting designs of their own.
These are just a few of the ways that I accessorize to give me outfit a fun Disney feel when we’re in the parks. I’d love to hear other ideas you have in the comments!
If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip, check out our planning resources! If you’re interested in learning more about other hotels, our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page is a good place to start. For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides”are great for determining what to do and when to do it.
For overviews of all of these topics and so much more, the best place to start is our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
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Your Thoughts
How do you like to accessorize for Disney? Have any questions about how I’ve accessorized here? Let me know if you have any questions!
I am 30 years old and have never been to Disney World! My three sisters, mother, and I are hoping to finally get the chance in the next year or so. I thought, if I’m going to finally make the milestone trip, I should dress up for it. I’m definitely more drawn to the “thematic” dress than normal clothes with Disney logos on them, but I would also enjoy a nice bag! 😀
Disney baseball cap and sunglasses; protects from the sun while looking like a Disney fan!
One of these bags would be perfect for my wife on our next Disney trip.
When my girlfriends and I go to Disney we usually all wear comfy]y light dresses so we look nice in photos but also are comfy. I usually add ears, or a Micky watch to that to show my Disney side (along with a Disney bag of course!)
I bought a small pair of silver Mickey Mouse silhouette earrings that I wear quite often. They aren’t so big to be obnoxious and enough that fellow fans notice. I especially like wearing them to work as I’m a pediatric nurse. The kids love my Disney accessories. I also wear a nurse Minnie pin and a few other pins. The kids feel more comfortable with someone who loves the same characters. 🙂
Love all of your styles! Haven’t been in 8 years but have a trip planned for this coming May so I can’t wait to accessorize!
I love capris and they are always in my luggage when traveling to disney! I do usually wear a disney shirt with a character I love, my fav disney hood from our 2010 trip and I don’t have one yet but someday I will have a Dooney & Burke disney bag! Love all the different ways to dress for disney!
thanks for hosting! i love the iasw lesportsac… and of course, your mouse ears!
I love the subtle references to Disney in your style! I don’t like fashion that screams Disney, but subtle bits of Disney are a fun reminder of past trips. I wear a Disney watch which we received as a gift from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings following our wedding this past year. It’s a beautiful watch with a subtle Disney reference (the Cinderella Castle is featured), and it reminds me of our wonderful wedding and honeymoon in Disney World!
I love my Disney accessories at home and at the parks! Now if I could only get away with mouse ears at the office…
I just bought a Sportsac Cleo bag to take with me on my first trip to the park! Can’t wait!
Because I tend to keep my park wear fairly simple (neutral tanks and shorts), my accessories come in the form of a brightly-colored bag, fun sneakers or sandals, and a great pair of oversized vintage sunglasses.
My Disney side is not nearly as chic as yours, Sarah! I usually wear a Disney Store purchased shirt and accessorize with a Mickey necklace or a pin lanyard. I have two Mickey ears headbands but I can’t stand to wear them. Does anyone else hate the feeling on the huge, thick headband behind your ears? Possibly just me. 🙂
Boyfriend and I are taking our first Disney trip together in a month, so your blog has been so helpful! I don’t plan to wear a lot of jewelry around the park because I hate the feeling of metal on sweat (I know, Disney doesn’t seem like a great plan, but I love it!), but I think I’m going to paint my nails with a Mickey and wear a Disney themed bag (hopefully this one, but I’m looking for others too). And since it’s our first time together, we definitely need ears.
I go for a disney inspire manicure
I even accessorised my mobility scooter when there last fall, I have a rare neurological condition which messes up my balance and coordination skills so it’s safer lol, as it was my own scooter I didn’t have lights and after dark people in crowds were literally falling over me, so on regular nights I had a Mike Wazowski face in the front lighting the way which caught everyone’s eye! Then on Halloween I put little pumpkin lights around, and on MVMCP goofys Christmas lights! I also use to leave our “Glow with the show” ears switched on in the basket in between uses, it definitely did the trick and brightened everyone’s night aswell as my own too 🙂
Ps. Just wanted to say I love your blogs!! I’m from the UK & found your blogs before our last trip and followed a lot of your tips! And they all worked! So thank you! And congratulations on your engagement you make a lovely Disney couple xx
I’ve just been thinking about this as we’re heading to WDW during a time that will coincide perfectly with the Rock Your Disney Side 24 hour party! Not sure whether to wear a costume or just a cute and accessorized outfit.
Love your Disney fashion style!
The only accessory I usually use is my camera bag and an I’m celebrating pin.
My family heirloom tiara and a Disney Princess shirt or dress 🙂 nice and cool on those days