Originally Posted By Tandelothien Hi There, Does anybody know how strict Disneyland is about the cut off age for wearing costumes around the park? On our last trip my DS was 9 y.o. (exactly the cut off age) and loved wearing his Peter Pan suit around. This trip he will be 11 y.o. but is autistic with developmental delays, so he is mentally much younger, and I am sure he will be very dissapointed if he can't dress up so it's best to prepare him now. Thank you for your help.
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 I am not sure how strict they are so I would just call and ask. Also I think the rule was simply made to prevent confusing children by thinking there are multiple characters. So if he is young looking I dont think it should be a problem. But as I said it always is easiest just o call.
Originally Posted By friendofdd I have often seen special needs youngsters wearing costumes and don't think you will have any problem. However, it is easy to check witth guest relations.
Originally Posted By joeysmommy I read recently in one of my trip planning books that costumes for 12 and under is fine.
Originally Posted By Tandelothien Thank you everyone, I will double check with guest relations tomorrow.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe I can't imagine Disney asking an autistic child to remove their costume! I truly hope you hear good news and your son is allowed to wear it!
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I just read that it's 9 and under, according to allearsnet.com: Costume Guidelines Otherwise, costumes are only permitted at either theme park for Guests ages 9 and under. <a href="http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/tp/dca/mht.htm" target="_blank">http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/ tp/dca/mht.htm</a>
Originally Posted By Tandelothien Hi Everyone, just letting you know that I just spoke to Guest Relations and it's a no-go. She said they are pretty strict about the age limit because some of their characters are very small and they don't want them confused with the guests. Time to go prepare my DS, he will be so dissapointed as he wanted to dress as a prince to impress Belle
Originally Posted By mickeynewe I'm not saying this is right to flaunt the rules ---- BUT, I have seen some people go through the check in and then put costumes on. Truly, if he is that young (11) I really don't see the problem. Although, since he is autistic it might upset him more if they made him remove it in the park.
Originally Posted By friendofdd Perhaps he could be satisfied with a hat of some sort and mickey gloves.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess Yeah, I had a feeling they wouldn't budge. I figured the height thing is the main reason. (I know that my 11yo boy is well over 5' tall and could easily imagine the confusion between him and a real character.) I'm sorry. That makes me sad to imagine his wanting to impress Belle and not being able to.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Or wearing a nice shirt with slacks and perhaps a tie. I know that would impress ANY princess.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess Those are really good, thoughtful suggestions. I agree. Just let him get spruced up and convince him that THAT will impress her.
Originally Posted By AmericanItGirl As long as you don't look exactly like the costumed impersonator, you should have no problem. Last time I went to DL, I was dressed up as Cinderella in a pale blue tshirt and jeans, white flipflops with clear straps, a back ribbon around my neck, hair poofed up and pinned into a french twist, a pale blue ribbon as a headband, and pearl studs. I looked similar enough that the CMs got it (Cinderella said "I have a twin!," Lady Tremaine stared me down when I was watching the holiday parade [wish I had gotten a picture because that was classic!], and a random CM said something like "I never knew Cinderella wore pants.") yet no kid mistook me for Cinderella and I had no problem getting into the park. As long as you duplicate the outfit (with the exception of one or two accessories) using every day clothes, you should have no problem. The only problem is if it's obvious that it is a full-blown costume and would fool a 5 year old.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe I bet you looked absolutely fantastic and what a great idea! Kudos for being so creative!
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 All the ideas above sound awesome. I guess at some point he would have had to stop wearing the costume so this is the year. I hope he takes it well and likes the ideas above. Good luck convincing him!
Originally Posted By Tandelothien Thank you all for your great suggestions! I explained it to him and although he thinks it's not fair (unfortunately he is at that age where it seems I'm always having to tell him the fun things are for littler kids, not to mention he is as tall as my chest and I'm 5'9) he is taking it rather well, and yes he would be even more upset if we had to leave the park. I've been putting off his next haircut until closer to our holiday so I might steal your ideas and tell him he can have his hair cut like a prince and buy him a nice button-down shirt. I could even paint something princely on it for him Thanks a lot guys.
Originally Posted By dlkozy And you might want to teach him how to bow when he meets her. That would impress the princess too and maybe make your son feel a little grown up and "prince like" too!
