Several weeks ago the Disney Parks changed their costume and toy weapon guidelines. At that time Disney did not address several questions Main Streeters kept repeating, one of which was “How will this effect runDisney events?” Late yesterday afternoon runDisney released an update to their Costume and Safety Guidelines that will officially go into effect January 6, 2016 that answers Main Streeters runDisney costume policy questions. The new changes in costume policy are pretty extreme in some cases seeing as how we have all marveled at images of Kronk running through Disneyland with a Ezma’s custom tent on his back, as well as people dressed as the Deathstar.
The new costume policy changes effect adults and children participating in and view runDisney events. Masks are no longer allowed to be worn by runners 14 and older, those 13 and under may wear makes as long as their entire face is not covered and their eyes are visible. Layered costumes (Jedi Robes), props that surround the runners whole body, costumes that reach or drag on the ground are no longer permitted. Runners over 14 years of age may no longer wear their running costume to the park after their event. Customs may no longer have sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that could injure other runners.
The new safety rules seem to follow suit with the new rules just released at the Disney Parks regarding weapon like toys and security checks. Costumes at runDisney events will no longer be allowed to contain items that look like or could be mistaken for real weapons,. The new guidelines also note that “All runners, Guests, costumes, and bags are subject to screening prior to entering the event staging areas.” runDisney has also added a clause to their safety guidelines to ensure that runners and guests who wear/carry items that are not permitted by these new rules know that runDisney has the right to refuse entry to events and/or to pull runners from the race if the new guidelines are not adhered to.
These new restrictions do not completely rule out running in costume. Runners can still wear capes that do not go below their waist, head wear and hats can still be worn but are not allowed to cover the runner’s face. Also still allowed are themed shirts, wings, Jedi light sabers, Pixie wings, and princess tutus are still allowed. Below you will find the complete list release from runDisney.
“We want to make you aware of some recent changes to our costuming guidelines and security procedures. These changes go into effect Jan. 6, 2016, and are being implemented to further protect our Guests and Cast Members.
Costumes
Disney reserves 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. All participants and their Guests may dress as their favorite character, but must follow these guidelines as determined solely by Disney.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
- Guests who dress like Characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
- For runDisney participants ages 13 and under:
- Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
- For runDisney participants ages 14 and older:
- Layered costumes, that could conceal prohibited items, are not permitted (e.g. Jedi robes).
- Costume props, including those that surround the entire body (e.g. Death Star, UP House) are not permitted.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Guests may not wear masks of any kind.
Please note that while costumed attire may be worn during runDisney events, Guests 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumed attire in the theme parks. As a result, Guests may need to change their attire prior to visiting the parks after participating in a runDisney race.
Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, a race or any race related event/activity unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.
Safety Reminders
- All runners, Guests, costumes, and bags are subject to screening prior to entering the event staging areas.
- Weapons of any kind, or objects that appear to be actual weapons, including toy guns, are not allowed for any participants.
- See Costume guidelines for examples of acceptable toy accessories.
- For everyone’s safety, selfie sticks, baby joggers, strollers, baby carriers, baby backpacks, skates, scooters, bicycles, skateboards, canes, crutches, walkers, walking sticks, and animals of any kind are prohibited from the course. Violators will be removed from the course and transported to the finish line area.
- Headphones are discouraged due to audio messages that are placed throughout the course to ensure runner safety.
- runDisney can offer human guides to assist registered participants with disabilities. Please contact [email protected], no later than 90 days in advance of the event.
Please review the appropriate park rules for further details.
- Walt Disney World® Resort Park Rules
- Disneyland® Resort Park Rules
- Disneyland® Paris Resort Park Rules “
Photos from runDisney Facebook.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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Question for you, as someone with a disability that uses a cane to walk, how would you provide a person to be my cane? That is not a good policy when you need that to walk with because of bad knees.
If you are attempting to participate in a runDisney event and have a health concern that may warrant a need of assistance during the race or that requires you to use specialized health items that are marked as prohibited, you will want to contact runDisney directly to discuss the situation with them.