Dressing up for movie releases is one of my favorite things to do whether is a book-to-movie or something for a franchise. The release of The Little Mermaid this past weekend was no different. It might not be like going to Disney park but seeing a Disney movie is usually a fun time, especially if there’s nostalgia behind it.

Going along with that, it can be fun to dress when visiting the parks. The Disney parks are fun for both child and adult alike. There is something about that Disney magic that can make anyone excited to visit.

Of course part of the excitement for some is dressing up! Children get excited when they can wear the costume of their favorite character. However, adults do not have the same opportunity.

DisneyBounding

While it’s fine for those 13 and younger to dress up, according to the parks’ dress guidelines, those 14 and older are not allowed to wear costumes or masks except for specific holiday events.

Some “Disney adults” have found a way around this rule by DisneyBounding. DisneyBounding is when you wear everyday clothes inspired by a Disney character. Usually the outfit is within the same color palette as the characters outfit.

On my trip to Disney World, I DisneyBounded a couple of times. In EPCOT, I put on a Kim Possible outfit which was a black mock-neck cropped shirt and army green stylish sweatpants.

For Hollywood Studios, I had a yellow shirt and red shorts to represent Winnie the Pooh (though I suppose I should’ve worn a red shirt and yellow pants).

In Magic Kingdom, I wore an outfit that had the colors of Cinderella but I wouldn’t say I was DisneyBounding that day.

With that being said, in honor of The Little Mermaid coming out, the latest live-action Disney remake, I wanted to share some DisneyBounding ideas for some of the characters from the movie. Maybe you can wear the outfit to the movies and the parks.

The outfits put together serve as inspiration but you can put together your own outfits based on what’s in your closet or your usually stores you shop in.

Ariel

If you want to DisneyBound as Ariel when she is a mermaid, the simplest way to do it is with a purple top and a green bottom.

The outfit I wore when I went to see the live-action remake (which I actually saw twice) was a DisneyBound of Ariel.

Ariel has other outfits as well when she’s human.

For both the 1989 original and the 2023 remake, Ariel has a blue dress and a pink dress that you could also reinterpret. 

If you’re going for 1989 Ariel, add a big bow (whether with Mickey ears or just adding a bow to a ponytail). If you’re going for 2023 Ariel, add a pink headband or head scarf.

For accessories, add on fish or seashell shaped jewelry. If you wanted to go for the red hair you could use temporary “dyes” like hair wax/paint. You could also try coloring conditioners. Still temporary but lasts longer.

Eric

A Prince Eric DisneyBound is pretty simple. For 1989 Eric, you just need a white shirt, black or dark blue bottoms, and red belt. If you want to specifically go for 2023 Eric, add on a blue vest and maybe swap for tan bottoms. If it’s not hot, you can wear some black boots.

Ursula

Ursula’s DisneyBound will always include black and purple. You can add a little razzle dazzle with a seashell necklace.

You could even try to do her make up with your outfit: the blue eye shadow and bright red lip.

Sebastian

Since Sebastian is a crab, all you need is a red outfit. If you can find some crab claw or crab-shaped earrings that would be a nice touch.

A bright red outfit can be a little much but if you don’t mind that attention, go for it!

Flounder

If you want to DisneyBound as adorable little Flounder aim for a sky blue and yellow outfit (extra points if it’s striped).

The Possibilities

All of these outfits are just examples of potential outfits but the possibilities are endless. I mostly showed more feminine outfits but you can easily find clothing items in the color palettes that are more of a masculine style.

I think that’s part of the beauty of disneybounding; the fact that it can be gender-fluid. Maybe disneybound with a group of friends next time you go to the parks or even see a Disney movie. Even the subtlest of ways you can still show your love of Disney.

Have you ever DisneyBounded? What’s your favorite outfit you’ve seen put together in the past? Here is a Tumblr site dedicated to sharing different DisneyBound outfits: DisneyBound.

Make sure to see The Little Mermaid at your local movie theater!