Costumes Are a Must on Disney Theme Cruises

By Admin

If you have ever been aboard a Disney cruise ship, you know that they are pretty consistent with the Disney theme park experience.  Fantasy filled activities, state of the art recreational areas and ship design straight out of a Disney flick make Disney Cruise Lines the mother of all themed cruises.  What can make the Disney cruising experience merrier?  How about the look on your child’s—or even your own—face upon encountering Mickey, Minnie and a whole host of Disney characters, just as in the theme parks!  But why be an onlooker when you and your family can be part of the cast?  If you are planning a Disney cruise vacation, consider special outfits to wear on board.  Is not a requirement that you dress up and who knows, maybe Disney is wary of impostors posing as Disney staff (it’s happened at the parks).  But after checking the dress code and browsing your Disney outfit options, costumes will definitely make your cruise vacation unforgettable, especially if you have kids.

Would you go to a Halloween party without a costume?  Think of a Disney cruise in the same terms.  If you look up #disneycruise in social media sites, it looks like the people that are having the most fun are the ones who opted to wear a costume.  Well, it’s no coincidence that most of them are kids, but maybe it’s because kids are not inhibited by social judgment like adults.  If you are an adult and don’t dress up on a Disney cruise because you are too embarrassed—though you know you would have a blast—read last week’s blog about the subject.  Bottom line, the limitations are only mental barriers set by grown-ups who like their coffee extra dark without sugar and their life without costumes (no offense to bitter coffee lovers who wear costumes, just making a point).  Besides, if you are on a Disney vacation with your family, this is the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your inner child because you are ON A DISNEY CRUISE!  You are there to bond with your kids among many other families that are doing the same.  If you are usually too shy to wear costumes in public back home, consider that you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean that most likely departed from a different city [than yours].  Everyone on board (except for your party) is probably a stranger; you won’t be judged so harshly because you will be in the company of other people who love Disney just as much as you.

Disney theme cruises are like the set of one of their animated movies.  They have big play rooms with interior decorations that don’t miss any detail—large props and toys, recreational play areas, and even staff members in character costumes to make the experience feel legit.   You can see an example in the image below of the Toy Story play room (based on Andy’s room, from the movie).

Something is missing from this picture, you know what it is?  That’s right, costumes!  Just imagine how awesome it would have been is these children were dressed up as different Toy Story characters while in Andy’s play room.  The propped up Toy Soldier staff member is great in the photo, but the ultimate photo op would have included Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Mr. Potato Head.  If only Toy Story costumes existed, these kids would have had a blast.  Wait, they do exist!

Just like the Toy Story play room, there are many others.  There are also character themed events like the Star Wars Day at Sea, and musical performances based on movies like Tangled, Frozen, Brave and other Disney classic stories.  Again, these are excellent opportunities for costumes, pictures and unforgettable memories.  You don’t need to be dressed in costumes 100% of the time, obviously there will be moments when you will need to change into something more formal (like for a special dinner).  But adding at least one costume (per person) to your Disney cruise packing list is a must!

Life in costumes never has a dull moment, especially when it comes to Disney characters.  Being in the costume world we see how dressing up allows individuals to express themselves through healthy social role play.  Cosplayers build cohesive communities and attend events where they get to mingle with other proud geeks, Halloweeners develop costumed traditions that improve the bond with family and friends, and costumed performers make a living bringing joy to people through their artistic expression.  You can say costuming is therapeutic and mentally relaxing.  It makes perfect sense that you bring a costume aboard a Disney cruise, at least to humor your kids. 

If you want more information or costume ideas for your next Disney cruise or theme park vacation, please feel free to contact Wonder Costumes at 1-800-288-9916 or e-mail info@wondercostumes.com.