What to wear to Walt Disney World or Disneyland is a common question among first-timers. In this post we cover tips for stylish and practical outfits to wear during an active day on a Disney vacation. (I say “we,” but most of these tips are relayed to me from my wife, Sarah Bricker. I’m pretty clueless.)
This includes where Sarah buys her Disney and non-Disney outfits, how to handle the heat and humidity, and how to look great for family portraits. This last one is a big deal for many people who want to look nice for their vacation photos, which will be framed and hung in the house or put online for all of the world to see…so workout attire or sweats aren’t exactly ideal.
Along with our Unique Disney Packing List guide–which covers practical items that will help improve your vacation–this post covers the other half of what you should put in your suitcase for your trip: clothing. We receive a lot of questions about where Sarah buys her “cute clothing” that she wears to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and just how functional some of those outfits are for the parks.
In this post, Sarah answers some of those questions as to general types of outfits work best. We also share some of the places where she buys her clothes, and how you can put together outfits for the Disney Parks that have a fun Disney motif.
Ready? Let’s take a look at some ways to dress for the parks that anyone can apply to their wardrobe. These ideas are practical, first and foremost, and for the everyday Disney vacationer!
What to Wear?
Sarah prefers to wear dresses, comfortable sandals, and hats to the Disney theme parks. This is because the parks are typically hot and involve a lot of activity in the sun. Dresses can make getting into and out of low-sitting attractions a little more difficult, but they are so much cooler, especially when you have long hair. These dresses are typically sundresses that are better suited to wearing to the parks, rather than thicker or fancier ones.
These work well with Sarah’s general philosophy of finding a good balance between clothing that will look nice and is “utilitarian” for the purpose of visiting the parks (that means no heels or other clothing likely to slow her down or make her uncomfortable!) The dresses Sarah purchases are typically inexpensive (relative to dresses), which is mainly due to her knowing where to shop.
Sarah also likes to infuse little “touches of Disney” in her park attire. Rather than wearing Disney t-shirts or other over-the-top tourist wear, she likes to keep it low-key in some outfits, and go for cute character driven-stuff in other cases.
When it comes to the normal, low-key outfits, the best strategy is to accessorize with Disney items. You can read more on this in her Tips for Accessorizing at the Disney Parks post.
She has a Mickey Mouse watch, necklaces, and baseball hats from the parks that she wears when she’s not wearing her large brim SPF sun hats. She likes to wear hats from one coast on the other coast for “street cred” (her words). For outfits that are strongly inspired by Disney, but don’t scream Disney, check out the incredibly awesome Disneybound Tumblr.
Sarah carries a variety of Disney LeSportsac bags, most of which subtly use Disney designs (such as Mary Blair art) rather than over the top stuff. The upside to these bags, unlike the popular Dooney & Bourke bags, is that they are durable and suited for the wear and tear of park activity, rather than a night out. They’re also significantly cheaper!
Comfortable footwear is also a must, and Sarah’s go-to choice for that is the OluKai Ohana sandal. She has a few different colors, and coordinates with her outfit. Mickey Crocs and tennis shoes are other options, but both look a bit clunky with dresses.
Where to Shop for Disney?
In the last few years, Disney has expanded its lines of trendy theme park merchandise, most of which can be found at the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. This is a concept store with niche products and retail concepts being tested.
Specifically, Twenty Eight & Main features “classic Disney elements of yesteryear in this exclusive collection for discerning gentlemen” and Cherry Tree Lane is a “must-stop, must-shop experience for sophisticated women who know how to accessorize.”
The highlight of Cherry Tree Lane is its dress shop, which features flattering designs inspired by the Walt Disney World attractions and characters.
Popular designs have featured Orange Bird, Spaceship Earth, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, and more.
Due to the ‘testing grounds’ nature of these concept stores, a lot of the products at the Marketplace Co-Op never see a wider release, which is unfortunate.
The upside is that a lot of items end up deeply discounted at the two outlet locations near Walt Disney World. We cover where these are (they’re not normal “Disney Store” outlets), how to score deals in our How to Save Money at the Walt Disney World Outlets post.
In addition to selling more trendy items at the theme parks, Disney has started doing more collaborations with third party clothing companies, with stylish results.
Some good options include Hot Topic’s Disney Department, UNIQLO’s Disney Collection, Urban Outfitters, and Neff. For a more comprehensive look at Disney’s collaborations with designers and fashion labels, check out this post on High Snobiety.
In addition to officially licensed stuff, there are approximately 35,282 small businesses on Etsy and elsewhere specializing in styles that evoke Disney without featuring the characters. Many of these are fan-run, and some feature incredible and creative designs. These clever designs (usually) stop short of copyright and trademark infringement–Racked did a fascinating piece about them a few years ago.
If you’re apprehensive about this merchandise being a bunch of poorly-designed “knock-offs” don’t be (although those do exist, too). The best independently operated fan shops are selling merchandise that’s arguably better, more unique, and innovative than what Disney is releasing. In fact, some of these small shops have done their own collaborations with Disney, and many more are deserving.
If you’re looking for non-Disney clothing, obviously your options aren’t going to be nearly as limited. Presumably you don’t need as much advice in this regard, either. One thing to note is that everyday outfits can be accessorized to evoke a Disney ‘look’ or to resemble a favorite character.
We love our Amazon Prime account, which makes Amazon Fashion: Casual Dress Shop a spot Sarah regularly checks for new styles and deals. There are a ton of different looks on here and some are cheaper than stores like Forever 21, with even lower prices! (Tip: some of the dresses here can be pricey, so sort by “Price: Low to High” for great styles at bargain prices.)
Another options is the discounted invite-only sites that sell trendy clothing in limited inventory sales that last a few days. The best of these is Gilt followed by Rue La La. The best deals here are most typically occur during their Sunday night sales any liquidation events. You need to make sure you check inventory right away when these sales start, as things sell out quickly.
In terms of regular, mainstream stores, Sarah also regularly frequents Express and Forever 21. Both stores have a lot of cheap (both in terms of how the clothes look and the prices) outfits, but the key is finding clothing that is low-priced but relatively high quality.
Other, more obvious choices are TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. Some people overlook these stores because they look down their noses at them, but these stores have some great, overstock styles at really low prices. Likewise, Sak’s Off 5th and Nordstrom’s Rack can be great when they get past-season items in from their mall-store counterparts, but you should be careful with both of these as they also receive a lot of lower quality items made specifically for the lower tier stores.
This is the same thing that happens with outlet malls, which has led us to almost entirely stop going to outlets. The “deals” offered at outlets are mostly illusions–nowadays almost everything at outlet stores is lower quality goods made specifically for the outlet store, and never sold at all at the “real” version of the store. Read more about the controversy here.
At the end of the day, you can find great outfits for Disney at a variety of different stores–not just the ones listed here. The key things to look for are lightweight, breathable fabrics that will be practical for a day in the parks. It gets hot, you’re moving around a lot, and need something that is fairly versatile, not just cute. It’s not too difficult to find stylish outfits that have both form and function!
Hopefully this helps you assemble a gorgeous and comfortable wardrobe for traveling to Disneyland or Walt Disney World at affordable prices! As for the rest of your packing for your trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, refer to our What to Pack for Disney Trips post. For additional planning resources, the best places to start are our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide and Disneyland Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
Your Thoughts
Have your own tips on places to shop while not breaking the bank? What to wear or what to wear? Favorite fan-run small shops selling ‘Disney Style’ items? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
My favorite thing to wear is just sneakers, shorts and a simple t-shirt. Nice and easy! And I always bring my small North Face backpack-just enough space for wallet/phone/water/long sleeve t!
Since we go at Christmas, some weeks it’s geeked out Disney shirts (c’mon, where else CAN you wear over the top Disney gear and not get a second glance?) and other times it’s been Mickey hoodies, jeans, and knit hats. (My Cookie Monster one did get quite a few comments in 2010, now that I think about it. So much for no second glancing.)
Hi!! I love all the dresses shown on this blog too!!! I also like to be comfortable. I like to wear sundresses also, or jeans and Disney t-shirts! I would also love to win that bag;) wink wink
We completely geek out with Disney tee shirts, sweatshirts, what ever we can wear that is Disney while we are in the theme parks. We love wearing our favorite characters and seeing their reactions when we take pictures with them.
My boyfriend’s favorite attire is a Muppet winter beany hat with Animal, great to rock in the parks in December, not so great in Southern Illinois when we get home. We get some looks LOL.
I loved this post! I also love to wear sundresses to the parks and find either coach flip flops or Birkenstock sandals most comfy for footwear (sneakers look weird with dresses). I especially appreciate the tip to not wear an evening dress 😉 I have thought of purchasing a Dooney and Burke bag but I always stop just before the purchase as they are not park friendly. Maybe I need to look into this bag. I used to carry a large baby bag/back pack but as my kids get older I have less need for all that extra stuff 😉
I love to wear my Disney Red Mickey Mouse Crocs everywhere! They are so comfortable!
We are usually there in the middle of summer due to work schedules. I love to wear comfortable clothes in the park-shorts and a nice light no sleeve shirt usually win out for me!
Because we usually go in February, I’m a jeans and layered shirt kind of girl! Comfy, supportive sneakers and my Disney Dooney bag complete my park attire!
I love to wear some of my geeky T-shirts. The cast members are naturally more outgoing and I love the comments and conversations that start up.
Sarah always looks great in trip reports!
I too love wearing dresses to the parks (with bike shorts underneath – climbing into those Pirates of the Caribbean boats proves to be a challenge without them!) Comfortable shoes are a must along with a sturdy cross body bag.
Thanks for all of the great suggestions!
If you want to try something thats not as bulky or something that covers but isnt as long and depending on the outfit won’t look as awkward, try using a pair of Nike pro spandex! I am a high school cheerleader out in arizona and let me tell you, these things are LIFESAVERS! If you have leggings that can be see-through when they hit sunlight you can slip these under, you can easily slip these under and kind of dress so you dont have to worry about showing you *buisness* to the world when getting on and off rides. I personally even wear these under pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, and leggings just in case it gets a little too hot and you need a quick change, save the day get a away.
My Disney touch is currently a mickey/minnie cartoon purse that I only use at WDW! It’s cute and a Disney version knock off of their own Dooneys ($25.. much better than $300!) I don’t do much in the ways of character clothing.. love the dresses!
So far, I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl in the parks. I might have to try a dress or two sometime. I also usually go in the late fall/early winter so dresses aren’t usually the best option.
My go-to Disney attire is either a light cotton dress (with slip shorts from Jockey underneath to help with chafing and modesty) with sandals or sneakers from Aerosoles or some shorts and tank top with sandals. I only carry a small crossbody bag with just the essentials (sunglasses, credit card/ID/ cash, iPhone, Chapstick, trading pins, & a Vinylmation or 2.
Light and breezy dresses and skirts and a small cross body bag. Oh, and a pair of ears as well!
My go to outfit for Disney is always cute jean shorts, any type of cute, blousy sleeveless shirt and sneakers. Unfortunately, due to feet issues, I HAVE to wear sneakers if I’m going to be on my feet for a long period of time. I also like taking a mid size cross body bag with me to carry the necessities. I’m ready to head back soon! I can’t wait!
I have back issues and it really limits what I can wear to the parks. I rock tennis shoes and a fanny pack! Yep…I said it. I LOVE fanny packs. I try to order fun and colorful ones to keep things exciting. I’ve found that taking the pressure off my shoulders really makes my back feel better and allows me to last longer. If you are looking for some fun fanny packs, I just ordered 3 great ones from Kohls.com
I agree! I’ve only been to Disney 2 other times, but I love rocking the fanny pack. It holds everything I need, and leaves my hands free and keeps my shoulders and back from aching… I might however convince my boyfriend to use a backpack to carry any of the larger stuff we might buy, unless someone can give me insight on how tough it is to store those on rides? It’s been a couple years, and i’ve never had a backpack with me. Do they have places to leave bigger bags while you’re on rides?
Oh and I might add, we made matching Tie-Dye sleeveless shirts. We can’t wait to rock them in a couple days!
I love wearing comfortable clothes when I visit Disney. I have a pair of Toms shoes that a friend hand painted Mickey and Goofy and I wear these to spread my Disney joy! Every visit I buy a new t-shirt to remind me of my visit! I also carry my Lesportsac Mickey Loves Minnie tote. It’s lightweight and holds a ton of things! Plus it’s Disney….so I LOVE it.
I always wear shorts, a t shirt with the essential Minnie Mouse ear headband. 🙂
As a plus size woman, I also love dresses but have some chaffing problems towards the end of the day. I’ve found that adding a pair of simple cotton leggings (capri length) not only solves the chaffing, but makes getting in and out of rides easier as one no longer has to worry about flashing everyone! I do have friends who are not plus size who also like using the leggings. I don’t find they make me warmer during the day, but I do find they help a little in the evenings when it cools off.
Meagan and others who might see this:
Google “Luvees” or “Jockey Skimmies”. Both are essentially non-shapewear long line undies that are FABULOUS under dresses and skirts. Don’t roll, prevent the…*ahem* “chub rub”, and the Luvees at least are a lovely lace that my husband really likes–it looks vintage and sexy. I swear by mine.
On the Luvees, buy a size down. They really try not to make them binding, but that means they are loose to begin with, and with wear they loosen further. I am usually an XL and those stretch soon after being put on and I am tugging at them. The Larges fit better.
Anyway, give them a try! Minimal panty-lines as well, so BONUS for clingier jersey dresses.
I took this advice and ran with it for our 2014 Disney vacation. I was comfortable, cool and didn’t have to fuss over clothes. This year I have two dresses, a maxi skirt and flowy chiffon tank, with Capri leggings underneath, and a couple pairs of stretchy Capri pants and simple shirts. The leggings under dresses avoid the chafing issues that plague anyone over size 14, and really do wick away moisture, and help with getting in and out of rides without flashing all your wares to the world.
Thanks for the advice!
I’m a size 10-12, but I still get the chub rub and that rather uncomfortable feeling of sweat all over my inner thighs. I took a chance on these on my last trip to WDW and love them. I wear tea-length dresses every day I travel, and these don’t show when I’m standing up. They do show when I bend over. I love that I don’t have to worry all the time about my position and whether I’m going to commit accidental panty-flash when I’m running around being human.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FS69Z0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They run LARGE. I initially bought a large size, then bought the rest in medium. I could even fit a small and still be comfortable with my 39 inch waist.
Thank you so much for this post! Sarah always looks gorgeous and I love so many of these dresses! One quick question if you don’t mind me asking, what bag have you found best for carrying the essentials (including or excluding camera) around the parks? Thanks again!
Personally, I like a backpack. It’s not the most fashionable choice, but they’re large enough to carry everything you need. They also spread the weight of whatever you’re carrying over two shoulders so one isn’t horribly sore by the end of the trip. You can buy fun Disney packs in the park, we bought one two years ago and just reuse it, it also doubles as a carry-on on the plane when we go. At least with a Disney themed pack you feel a little more into the Disney spirit, as like I said backpacks aren’t the most fashion forward choice.
If you ever feel like ditching the sandals, but feel like tennis shoes are too confining, I highly suggest Dr. Scholl’s ballet flats. There is one “model” called Joliet. It’s cute, and super comfy. I’ve worn mine around England, Disney, Chicago, and pretty much everyday I don’t have to wear scrubs.
They are reasonably priced (to me) – about $50, because I have worn these shoes more in 6 months than I’ve worn any of my other wardrobe staples. DSW carries them, and of course, Amazon.
Thank you for the shoe suggestion! I will give them a try. 🙂
I have these shoes too and they are amazing!
I love the Dr. Scholl’s Ballet Flats. They’ve saved me a couple of times in the parks. 🙂
Keds are also a cute and comfy alternative to sandals. The ones that don’t have laces but the elastic on the inside are a good choice. You can slip them off and on, room to “breathe”, and you can always paint them to fit a theme or a person! Very versatile!! Or just white converse, they go with anything. When I went with my concert band, I wore mine every day. But you do you!