You’ve got your park bag packed, but your outfit might be what gets you stopped at the gate.

A Disney World vacation sounds like a fashion free-for-all, but Disney actually has a pretty strict dress code—especially in 2025. While most of the rules are about keeping things family-friendly and safe, there are some specific dos and don’ts that could totally throw off your day if you’re not paying attention. We’re breaking down the actual rules Disney enforces (yes, really) along with a few “unofficial” dress code expectations that regulars swear by.

Let’s make sure your outfit doesn’t turn into your first park problem.

1. Yes, You Have to Wear a Shirt (And Shoes)

Seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many guests forget this one. Disney is clear: proper attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times. That means no walking around the park in your swimsuit, and no barefoot castle selfies. Tank tops, shorts, tees, and sandals are all fine—as long as they’re appropriate. Just don’t try to test the line on “how little is too little.”

Also, excessively revealing clothing (like bikini tops, mesh tops, or super short shorts) can get flagged. Even if you’re just trying to beat the Florida heat, pack an outfit that won’t make you do the walk of shame back to the hotel.

2. Graphic Tees With Bad Words? Big Nope

If your shirt has offensive language or inappropriate graphics, Disney can and will ask you to change or cover it. Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t wear it to meet Mickey, maybe leave it in the suitcase. The rule applies to any visible clothing or accessories, including hats and bags—and yes, tattoos count too. If your ink is questionable, it’ll need to be covered.

So maybe skip the shirt that drops questionable language in favor of something that just says “Hakuna Matata.”

3. Torn Clothing Can Be a Problem

Distressed jeans are totally fine. Completely shredded pants that look like they lost a fight with Stitch? Not so much. Disney doesn’t allow excessively torn clothing, so if you’re into that post-apocalyptic fashion look, it might be best to save it for after the trip.

Also: clothing that drags on the ground is a no-go. Long dresses, skirts, or capes that sweep the pavement can be a tripping hazard—and Disney isn’t about to let your outfit become a safety issue in the middle of Main Street.

4. Dining Dress Codes Are Real (Especially at Signature Restaurants)

Most quick-service and table-service spots in the parks and resorts don’t require anything fancy. What you wear around the park will usually work fine. That said, Disney expects you to look presentable, even at casual places. If your outfit looks like it just rolled out of the laundry pile, it might be a problem.

But if you’re heading to a Signature Dining restaurant, it’s time to step it up. Here are the official guidelines for Signature Dining restaurants:

• Men should wear khakis, slacks, or dress shorts with a collared shirt. Jeans are acceptable if they’re in good condition. Sport coats are optional but welcome.
• Women should wear capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. Again, jeans are allowed as long as they’re not excessively ripped or distressed.
• Not permitted: tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, cut-off shorts, torn clothing, and t-shirts with offensive language or images.

Here’s a list of the Signature Dining locations:

Resort Hotels:

• California Grill (Contemporary Resort)
• Citricos (Grand Floridian Resort)
• Flying Fish (BoardWalk Inn)
• Il Mulino (Walt Disney World Swan Hotel)
• Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian Resort)
• Todd English’s bluezoo (Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel)
• Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort)
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club Resort)

Theme Parks:

Signature Dining spots in the parks such as Le Cellier Steakhouse (EPCOT), Tiffins (Animal Kingdom), The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios), and Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) allow guests to wear their regular park attire. These two are the only exceptions:

• Monsieur Paul (EPCOT) Requires Signature Dining dress code
• Takumi-Tei (EPCOT) Requires Signature Dining dress code

Disney Springs:

• • The BOATHOUSE
  • Jaleo
  • Morimoto Asia
  • Paddlefish
  • STK Orlando

While some guests choose to go all out with business casual or cocktail attire, most simply aim for a polished, put-together look. If you show up in park gear, you may be turned away or asked to change before being seated.

Victoria & Albert’s has a STRICT Dress Code

And if you have a reservation at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this restaurant has a much more formal dress code that is strictly enforced.

That means a dinner jacket with dress pants or slacks for men, elegant evening wear for women, and absolutely no jeans, sneakers, or casual sandals.

5. Costumes Are for Kids (Mostly)

Unless you’re attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or another special ticketed event, adults (ages 14 and up) can’t wear costumes in the parks. Disney makes exceptions for certain events, but the regular dress code is clear: no full costumes, even if they’re amazing. If you show up dressed as Elsa in July, expect to be stopped at security.

Instead, consider DisneyBounding—wearing regular clothes styled to resemble a character. It’s totally allowed, and it’s a great way to show your Disney side without breaking any rules.

6. The “Unofficial” Rules That Disney Diehards Live By

These aren’t written anywhere on Disney’s website, but they might as well be.

• No Universal merch in Magic Kingdom – Technically allowed, but if you wear a Hogwarts tee in front of Cinderella Castle, just know that Cast Members (and some guests) will give you that look.
• Park-shirt placement matters – Wearing a Hollywood Studios shirt to Animal Kingdom is like wearing the wrong band tee to a concert. It’s not illegal, but you’ll get judged.
• Ears are mandatory – Not actually required, but if you’re not rocking a pair of Minnie ears (or at least considering it), what are you doing?
• Matching shirts are basically a group entry pass – Bonus points if you’ve got puns. And if you show up without one while the rest of your party matches? You’re the weak link.

Disney may be the Most Magical Place on Earth, but they’re not messing around when it comes to the dress code. Whether you’re planning to hit the parks in comfy sneakers or go glam for a fancy dinner, knowing the rules ahead of time saves you from having to sprint back to your room for a wardrobe change.

As always, we’ll keep an eye on Disney’s policies and bring you the latest updates. Until then, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.

There’s a NEW Unspoken Dress Code Rule Disney Adults Keep Following in EPCOT

What will you be wearing on your next trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!