You may have noticed some of your favorite smiling faces around Walt Disney World debuting fresh new ‘fits thanks to our creative Disney Live Entertainment Costuming team, who work diligently behind the seams to create cast member costumes that are both fun and functional. In honor of Fashion Week, we’re breaking down these latest Disney designs!
Here’s a preview of these updated looks before we jump in:
Bright New Parking Costumes Zoom into Action
Ready. Set. Launch! Bright new costumes are zooming into the wardrobes of our parking and auto plaza cast members. Straight from the sketchbook of Costume Designer Nicole, this new costume features the iconic Walt Disney World Mickey globe logo and sketches of famous vehicles from Walt Disney World attractions and Disney Animation.
Whether you’re a fan of classics like Herbie the Love Bug or entering the grid with your favorite attraction, TRON Lightcycle / Run, this adorable print has something for everyone. Beyond the print, the raglan sleeves provide movement while the thoughtful epaulette (shoulder pieces) offer functionality. Each and every element was intentionally chosen by a cast member.
The whole team takes pride in the design and production of this thoughtfully crafted costume. “Bringing more Disney storytelling to the parking costumes was very important to us,” Nicole said. “We tried to find the best balance of past, present, and future with the vehicles and iconography chosen for this design, hoping they would bring smiles and fond memories to our cast and guests.”
Flora Fun Sprouts Across The Land Pavilion
Just like nature gives us new beginnings, the team wanted to breathe new life into cast costumes for The Land Pavilion in EPCOT. Some of the unique new costumes in this collection feature a print with a timeless twist: an abstract rendition of the pavilion’s original icon in an organic, impressionist style, inspired by the windswept art throughout The Land.
Josh, a Costume Designer for this project, wanted to stay true to the history and vintage nostalgia of EPCOT when working on these pieces. “We tried to find instances where we could bring that vintage EPCOT story into these costumes in a way that still felt true to the individual areas and roles, which all have their own separate aesthetics,” Josh said.
Next time you visit Living with the Land, be sure to check out the beautiful mural work across the ride loading platform. Fun fact: It was a huge inspiration for the overall look of these costumes!
Cue the Fireworks, Flora, and Hidden Surprises
One of the most iconic parts of the day at Magic Kingdom is the firework show at the end of the night. So, the costuming team decided to bring that flourish of magic to life through our outdoor vending cast costumes. A blue top with a custom chambray-inspired print flaunts art inspired by fireworks and natural flora found throughout the various lands and Magic Kingdom. But did you know there’s another hidden detail in this print?
In the fashion world, designers often insert hidden details, surprises, or references that can only be seen if you take a closer look during the unveiling of a collection, and these new costumes are no different. In true Disney fashion, you can spot various hidden Mickeys strategically placed throughout the shirt!
Comfort is key, so these costumes also feature updated performance style fabrics with stretch and UPF protection. To make sure these ‘fits function for our cast, the costuming team takes a comprehensive approach that includes cast feedback sessions, wear tests, try-ons, and even role shadows. This detailed approach and care given to each garment is a group effort.
“We’re constantly sharing learnings and when one of us is successful, it’s a great win for all of us to incorporate into future projects,” Josh said. “Whether it’s a fabric, design, or style, it all helps us meet our ultimate goal – to focus on these important parts of the cast experience.”
