How Disney bounding creates magic in & out of the parks

If you’re ready to take your Disney vacations to the next level, this post is for you.

Disney bounding is reimagining everyday clothes with a touch of magic to turn even the most ho-hum outfit into a statement about a character (or movie, attraction, or idea) that you love. And anyone can do it, anywhere, anytime because it is not a costume, but rather a carefully arranged fashion statement.

Shout out to those Disnerds out there (you know who you are) who Disney bound everyday in some way or another. You are my people. We should get a churro and a dole whip sometime and take selfies in front of all the instagram walls.

Full disclaimer here: I’m not a fashionista or a fashion blogger. In all honesty, I’m a tired (so so tired) mom of three who just recently graduated out of the stretchy pants era of motherhood, which means I now get to sleep regularly and look in the mirror again from time to time. And now that I have the fortitude for such a feat, I decided that I want what I wear to reflect what I care about.

Enter Disney.

You see, Disney bounding is not just about me and what I’m wearing. It’s about all of us spreading the magic to those around us with a clever nod to a childhood favorite film or a hint of a beloved character. When I wore a (legit $20 on Amazon) striped skirt to the parks paired with a Dumbo tee, cast members and guests alike stopped me to tell me how delighted they were by my outfit. It brought the joy simply because it was unexpectedly nostalgic. And twirling around in that skirt made my day 100% delightful as it made me feel like Dumbo did when he flew sans feather for the first time.

I can’t say that I roam around my workplace in this ensemble daily, but I have considered it knowing that my coworkers love Disney and that they would not look askance at me for donning such unusual apparel. I often Disney bound at work, but in a more subtle form, because while it brings others joy, it also elevates my mood, channeling the character or ride I need for motivation that day.

If I’m feeling gloomy, Eeyore reminds me that the best part about rain is it stops eventually. If I want to pretend I’m at the parks because I need a mental escape, I put on my haunted mansion accessories and head out the door. When the post-pandemic world has me down, I’ll slip a “great big beautiful tomorrow” bracelet on my wrist to remind me that there is a time when it won’t be like this.

Disney bounding is a choice to not only express our love of Disney, but to channel it in such a way that delights in both creativity and ingenuity. Why just wear jeans and a tee when you can stride out the front door embodying the humor and adventure of the Jungle Cruise, embracing your inner child as Boo from Monster’s Inc., or emanating the cuddly heart-felt warmth of Winnie the Pooh?

So here’s where you can level up your Disney vacations: Coordinating Disney bound outfits.

Doing this for my family has absolutely added to the magic of our Disney trips. While my kids are still young enough to wear actual costumes to the parks (only allowed for those under age 14), I delight in planning with them what our “theme” days will be and how to coordinate with each other in a way that everyone feels comfortable and happy with their styling. As they are grow, we will make subtle changes from costumes to bounding, so they can still experience the joy of dressing Disney.

Don’t get me wrong, I love those neon “family vacation” tees as much as anyone. But my favorite photos of us are the ones where we have thoughtfully created Disney outfits that speak to each other while embracing the character that we resonate with the most. Our personalities seem to shine even brighter when they are highlighted by our choice of who to emulate.

If you’re ready to Disney Bound, here’s how to do it:

1. Decide who (or what) you’d like to be.
2. Browse online for ideas, or just pull up a picture of that character on your phone and take a closer look at what colors/accessories they are wearing. Think about their storyline and what icons might represent them (For example, a rose for Belle or sea shells for Ariel)
3. Comb through your closet or local thrift store (or, if you’re as tired as me, Amazon), and find the pieces you need to echo the essence of your chosen character.
4. Try for at least one “statement” piece that captures the essence of your chosen muse, and build your outfit around that.
5. Get creative with accessories…. you can do so much with the clothes you already own!
6. Consider the more obscure characters or outfits. One of my favorite bounds is Cinderella’s pink dress (before it gets destroyed), or any sidekick from the movies (they are sadly underrepresented!)

And that’s it! Disney bound away, my friends. Dress with magic in mind, and you may be surprised by the lightheartedness it brings you.

Here are a few more Disney Bound ideas to help as you dream up your own!

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