‘Little-known’ Disney on Ice dress code rule leaves fans shocked

Disney on Ice fans have been shocked to discover a ‘little-known’ rule that is in place for their shows around the globe. 

TikTok creator and Disney fan, Phoebe Parsons, took to social media to question what the go was with the dress code rule in place for teens and adults, after stumbling on the rule online. 

“Disney on Ice, you have some explaining to do,” she captioned the clip. 

With a backdrop of the fine print, Phoebe points out that Disney On Ice audience members are not permitted to wear a costume if they’re over the age of 14 years.

It was a rule that she not only didn’t know about until now, but also was shocked (and a little offended) to see it. 

Why can’t adults dress up too? 

Speaking to Kidspot, Phoebe said that the rule felt a little restrictive for Disney fans, who love to dress up as their favourite character at any chance they get.

“Honestly, it just felt like a bit of the magic got gatekept,” she said.

“Do I think adults should be able to dress up with their kids? Within reason, yes. If a mum or a big sister wants to wear a matching Elsa cape, why not? It’s harmless fun. The world’s heavy enough, let people do things that fill them with joy. Even if it’s wearing a tiara at 35,” she added. 

When Phoebe shared the video on TikTok, she was met with a mixed response.

Some were equally shocked to see it.

“The audacity, right? I was offended too,” one person commented. 

“THE DISRESPECT! Like I wanted to go for my BIRTHDAY and you bet your *** I was going to get dressed up,” another added. 

“Actually cried when I saw this. I want to be Elsa,” another fan shared. 

Disney on Ice’s rule of entry explained

The costume rule for older audience members is clearly explained on the Disney on Ice website’s FAQ page under “inappropriate attire.”

“Costumes are not permitted for guests 14 years and older,” the website reads. 

And that’s not all, there were plenty of other restrictions placed on guest clothing too. 

“Feld Entertainment and its affiliates reserve the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests,” the explanation continues.

Attire that is not appropriate and which may result in refusal of admittance includes, but is not limited to:

• Costumes and costume masks, which may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older
• Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
• Excessively torn clothing
• As stated above, clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
• Clothing that touches or drags on the ground
• Obscene or profanity tattoos

Parents should be thankful, not offended

Along with those shocked followers, many others who stumbled on the video said they already knew about the rule and respected that it was in place for good reason.

In fact, if parents dug a little deeper, they’d appreciate what it’s there for. 

“It’s a safety rule. So children don’t walk off with strangers dressed as princesses. You can still have fun, but it is important to keep children safe from people who might want to hurt them,” someone clarified. 

“You can dress up, just not wear a costume, it’s to stop adults being confused as staff, it really is a safety measure to protect children from possible unsafe people pretending to be staff,” another added. 

Others highlighted that this rule wasn’t just for Disney on Ice, but rather a general ‘Disney’ rule that is also enforced at their parks.

“I honestly think it’s the same as the Disney parks, where they have the guidelines in place for a reason because a lot of kids will mistake people for staff or the paid princesses, and so it’s just to keep things safe.”

It’s called ‘Disney Bounding’

At times like this, fans in the know resort to what has been dubbed as “Disney Bounding” – a phenomenon where adults can still pay tribute to their favorite characters without having to completely dress up. 

Fans are free to add a subtle little something from items they already own that resembles something that their favorite character has or represents.

Think, a yellow skirt for Belle from Beauty and the Beast, or a polkadot dress as a nod to Minnie Mouse.

Disney Bounding allows fans to celebrate without confusing little ones about who they really are. 

While she completely respects why the rule is in place, TikTok creator Phoebe is still saddened that so many fans are restricted in the way that they can attend a fun outing with their kids.

“I totally understand and support policies around child safety (100% for it),” she told Kidpsot.

“But for a lot of people, dressing up isn’t about being creepy or inappropriate, it’s about nostalgia, bonding, and leaning into joy.”