An Undercover Disney Princess Shares the Secrets of Disneybounding

How did you get into Disneybounding?

"I was sent some really cute photos from a friend, and although I visit Disneyland very frequently, I hadn't really seen anyone dressed up at the parks like that before. I remember thinking how fun it might be to do that and add in my own vintage-inspired style as well, so I started coming up with a few ideas, although I was hesitant to actually jump in and start doing it for real."

I heard there are rules about dressing as princesses at Disneyland. Is that true? How do you get around it?

"Rumour is Disney has recently bended the rules a little on what you can get into the parks. I know the dress code was must stricter a few years back. From what I understand as long as you're not in the park in a full costume, acting as the character and signing autographs and the like, you're usually not going to get in any trouble."

Who are some of your style icons?

"Since I'm a total vintage enthusiast, most of my style icons are from the '30s to '50s. My top three of all time are Esther Williams, Ginger Rogers, and Claudette Colbert; I think in my mind they perfectly epitomize both the physical fashion style and personality traits I aspire to be in a woman. However, I am inspired by a handful of modern fashion icons, especially Gwen Stefani and Dita Von Teese — a vintage, classic look with a modern edge. I've also got a soft spot for Katy Perry and her wonderful whimsicality and constant use of novelty-influenced ensembles."

Who is your favourite Disney princess and why?

"My favourite is Snow White. The movie actually scared me a bit as a child, but as someone who was teased about their fair, pale skin as a child, I really grew to love her in my middle school through teen years. Granted, since her movie is so old she's not quite as well faceted in the personality department as many of the more modern Disney princesses; I think she's very charming and simple."

What has been your favourite outfit to date?

"In a way they are all kind of my babies, so it's hard to choose. I really enjoyed doing a version of Snow White's rags dress, just because she is my favourite princess and that's an outfit I had never really seen Disneybounded before. However, my genie (from Aladdin) bound that I put together in one night in memory of Robin Williams's passing seems to be my most popular."

How do you come up with your outfits?

"After picking my character I usually study a few photos, come up with a basic silhouette of what I'd like to achieve, and a statement piece that tends to be the thing I have to make from scratch or DIY somehow. I try to always include at least one small detail to emphasize the character and really bring in the details."

Do you have a background in fashion?

"No, I never went to school for it. I was just a kid who got stuck in school uniforms for most of my childhood, and once I realised that people could wear whatever they wanted, that's what I did."

Do kids ever come up to you thinking you're a Disney princess?

"It's happened before, and when it does it's usually one of those sweet moments that can really make your whole day. There's also a little bit of a slippery slope because like I mentioned getting too much attention and confusing children is the kind of thing that could get you in trouble. Just try to keep a smile on your face and if a kid confuses you for a princess, you can say, 'Oh, no, I wish I was her; she's just my favourite. I bet you could meet her at the Royal Hall' . . . or wherever in fact you might find said character."

Where do you hope this takes you? Any Disney aspirations?

"I actually worked at Disneyland in stores as my very first job when I graduated high school. It was a great experience and it had always been a dream of mine as a kid. Now, I just enjoy distracting myself from the realities of adulthood there, meeting people who have a soft spot for Disney like myself, and wearing something that I had both fun wearing and putting together. I really do think there's something a little magical about the place and the people that enjoy going there, and Disneybounding has been just a new way to enjoy it."

Do you have any other tips for Disneybounding newbies?

"Start with a character you really love or a fun group idea with some friends. Having some sort of connection to what you're dressing as can make it an even better experience. Be familiar with some locations in the park you'll be visiting so you know where all the fun photo locations associated with your character might be."

Keep reading for more of our favourite Disneybounding looks from Lady Damfino's Instagram account!