With Disney Bounding becoming a huge presence at Disney Parks (and in some of our regular lives), many people have asked me what the difference is between Disney Bounding and Cosplay. How do they do Disney Bounding the right way? Allow me to explain the differences.
Let’s start with Disney Bounding, as we love to share our Disney Bounding looks with you on Disney Fashionista. Disney Bounding is when you wear regular clothing that is inspired by a Disney character. The clothes you would use to create your look are regular clothes. They are in no way a costume. You will look similar to the character or inspired by the character but you won’t look exactly like the character (see me above Disney Bounding Mr. Smee). If it isn’t something you could wear in everyday fashion (ie: jewelry, clothing, shoes or accessories) it isn’t part of Disney Bounding.
Cosplay, on the other hand, is all about costuming. If you are using props, it is cosplay. Period. For example, if you are thinking you are Disney Bounding as Rapunzel but you have a frying pan with you, you are cosplaying, not Disney Bounding. Regular fashion does not actually include a frying pan. If you have found a purse with a frying pan on it (not sure who would want that but who knows… think Betsy Johnson designs) then you may be Disney Bounding. It depends on what the rest of your look entails. If you have a wig on, you are closer to cosplay. Most of us don’t wear wigs on a regular basis.
Of course, there are always the people that walk the line between the two. I think you get the general idea, though. At the D23 Expo 2015, there were many people in costumes… cosplay. There were also people Disney Bounding. They were much more subtle. I did run into one person wearing one of our looks, though (above)!
What you need to know is that Disney Bounding is allowed at Disney Parks but, depending on how costumey your cosplay look is, cosplay is not allowed. Adults are not allowed to wear costumes at Disney with the exception of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It pays to learn the difference between the 2 for this reason alone!
What do you think, fashionistas? Are you into Disney Bounding? Are you more of a cosplay, fashionista? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
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Totally a DisneyBounder! 😀 (Did that most of our 5 day Disney Cruise last fall, it was a blast!)
My husband and I were bounding (or somewhere on the line between the two) earlier this week as Nick and Judy from Zootopia. We were recognized several times throughout the day in Disneyland which was awesome! Too bad we didn’t know that Nick and Judy were in California Adventure – and us without park hopper tickets. Though we did get to see them the next day in our Incredible’s shirts. Had tons of fun and got two thumbs up and a hug from Goofy when I was “rockin’ the dots” on Valentine’s Day!
That’s so awesome!! My Oscar party this year includes red carpet Disney Bounding and my husband and step daughter are going as Judy and Nick!!! I would love to see pics of yours. Please post them on the Disney Fashionista FB page!!!