Disney fans found a clever way to bypass the theme park's ban on adult costumes

Amanda KrauseJan 16, 2021, 18:26 IST

Disney fan Jessica Vanel wears a DisneyBound inspired by Snow White.Jessica Vanel

DisneyBounding is a fashion activity created by Leslie Kay, in which adults visit Disney theme parks while wearing outfits inspired by their favorite characters.
In a recent TikTok video, Disney fan Jessica Vanel talked about DisneyBounding, and described it as one of the best ways to ensure fun and memorable character meet-and-greets.
Insider spoke with both Kay and Vanel, who shared their tips and tricks for DisneyBounding while meeting princesses, villains, and more.

At Disney theme parks, you can take pictures with princesses, dine with Mickey Mouse and friends, and even wave to Pixar characters at parades.

But if you're looking for an extra bit of magic during your vacations, DisneyBounding might be the activity for you.

In a recent TikTok video, Disney fan Jessica Vanel explained that parkgoers above the age of 14 are not allowed to wear costumes at Disney World and Disneyland. They can, however, DisneyBound, or wear outfits inspired by their favorite characters. And in doing so, according to Vanel, you can leave your trip with memorable character interactions that you might not have had otherwise.

Insider spoke with Vanel, as well as DisneyBounding creator Leslie Kay, about their tips and tricks for making the most of character meet-and-greets at Disney theme parks.

What is DisneyBounding?

Leslie Kay wears a DisneyBound inspired by Princess Anna from "Frozen" in 2014. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images

Leslie Kay coined the term "DisneyBound" 10 years ago ahead of a trip to Disney World.

Leslie Kay and a friend DisneyBound as Lilo & Stitch while posing with the latter character. Leslie Kay

Disney fan Jessica Vanel recently made a TikTok video about DisneyBounding, in which she described the activity as a way to ensure memorable interactions with theme-park characters.

Jessica Vanel wears a DisneyBound outfit inspired by Snow White. Jessica Vanel

Disney fan Jessica Vanel recently made a TikTok video about DisneyBounding, in which she described the activity as a way to ensure memorable interactions with theme-park characters.

One of Vanel's favorite DisneyBounding memories includes a meet-and-greet with Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast."

Jessica Vanel DisneyBounds as Gaston while posing with the character. Jessica Vanel

She's also a huge fan of Snow White, and DisneyBounding as the princess helped Vanel experience an unforgettable interaction.

Jessica Vanel wearing a Snow White-inspired outfit while posing with the princess. Jessica Vanel

Kay has also experienced her fair share of memorable meet-and-greets while DisneyBounding.

You can even DisneyBound as "Star Wars" characters at Disney theme parks. Gerardo Mora/Stringer/Getty Images

Princesses, villains, and Pixar characters can make for some of the best interactions while DisneyBounding.

You can never go wrong by DisneyBounding as princesses like Tiana. Handout/Getty Images

For your first DisneyBound experience, both Kay and Vanel recommend searching for clothes and accessories in your own closet.

Vibrant clothes play a huge part in DisneyBounding. Bertrand Guay/Getty Images

Even if you don't want to DisneyBound, there are still tricks for ensuring fun interactions.

You don't have to DisneyBound to experience fun character interactions. Orlando Sentinel/Getty Images

Overall, you'll want to be enthusiastic when meeting Disney characters - especially if you're an adult.

Jessica Vanel wears a DisneyBound inspired by Kylo Ren when meeting the character. Jessica Vanel

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Disney fans found a clever way to bypass the theme park's ban on adult costumes

What is DisneyBounding?

Leslie Kay coined the term "DisneyBound" 10 years ago ahead of a trip to Disney World.

Disney fan Jessica Vanel recently made a TikTok video about DisneyBounding, in which she described the activity as a way to ensure memorable interactions with theme-park characters.

One of Vanel's favorite DisneyBounding memories includes a meet-and-greet with Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast."

She's also a huge fan of Snow White, and DisneyBounding as the princess helped Vanel experience an unforgettable interaction.

Kay has also experienced her fair share of memorable meet-and-greets while DisneyBounding.

Princesses, villains, and Pixar characters can make for some of the best interactions while DisneyBounding.

For your first DisneyBound experience, both Kay and Vanel recommend searching for clothes and accessories in your own closet.

Even if you don't want to DisneyBound, there are still tricks for ensuring fun interactions.

Overall, you'll want to be enthusiastic when meeting Disney characters - especially if you're an adult.