The Disney Halloween Costume That Is Sure To Get You Noticed

Halloween – it’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus!

Ghosts and ghouls have returned to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom,  with Halloween finally bringing all its spooky glory to Disney Parks this trick-or-treat season. Fan-favorite Halloween after-hours party Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned to Walt Disney World back in August, while Oogie Boogie Bash is back at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with some very fun character surprises.

From the Haunted Mansion parade floats in the “Boo to You” parade and special fireworks spectacular to the quirky character costumes around the Park and delicious chocolate treats, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had been one of the most eagerly-awaited entertainment returns for Guests on their Disney vacation. But what to wear to this unique Disney theme park evening?

The Walt Disney World Guest-favorite event takes place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight on select nights at the Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, and if you were lucky enough to secure tickets before they sold out, you’ve got quite the ghoulish delight coming your way! But what about your costume? Have you had yours ready for weeks, perfecting every stitch? Or are you in need of a little…ghost host help?

Well, let’s see if you can recognize the Disney Tips team Halloween costume:

Yep, you guessed it – The Princess Diaries (2001)!

During our time at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, we counted a whopping 98 Guest and Cast Member comments about our costumes! And it’s quick, easy, and cheap to recreate for those last-minute costume ideas!

Those at the Magic Kingdom special after-hours party loved the niche nature of our outfits, along with their simplicity and the way we acted like our chosen characters. Every time a Guest or Cast Member commended our outfits, we would simply say “thank you for being here today” with our best royal waves.

Of course, Joe, Clarisse’s head of security and Mia’s limousine driver (played in the movie by Héctor Elizondo), was in character all night with his bodyguard behavior, even when on rides like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain. This proved also to be a highlight for many who recognized our costumes!

So what are our Princess Diaries costume secrets?

Well, firstly, the school uniforms were an amazing Amazon find. Both the round-collared blue shirt and plaid skirts were easily found through a quick search, but we have included the links for those wanting to recreate our looks. We paired the uniform with plain black socks and black shoes, which can be purchased at any major supermarket like Walmart or Target, while the ties were made from navy ribbon.

We then styled our hair like Mia and Lilly, which proved easier than it seemed. Lilly required a ponytail secured high on the head alongside a choker necklace, while Mia’s big poof was recreated with braids overnight, backcombing, and a lot of hairspray! The great thing about Mia’s hair at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was that the humidity actually made the costume better!

And Joe’s outfit? A black turtleneck jumper, shorts or pants, sunglasses, and a goatee superglued onto his face! Yes, our teammate is such a trooper that he actually superglued the Amazon-bought goatee onto his face all night. Commitment to the Disney costume cause.

It has been 20 years (yes, 20 years) since Mia Thermopolis (a.k.a Anne Hathaway a.k.a. Princess of Genovia, and now Queen of Genovia) was introduced to fans, and 15 years since the sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) hit our screens, but that doesn’t stop us theorizing over what comes next for Mia, Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), and Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews).

The original 2001 film – directed by Garry Marshall – follows Mia Thermopolis, a shy American teenager who learns she is heir to the throne of a European kingdom. Under the guidance of her grandmother, the queen, and security lead Joe, Mia must decide whether to claim the throne she has inherited or renounce her title permanently, alongside high school drama and first romances. Anne Hathaway confirmed the exciting news that a third movie is in the works back in 2019 during an interview with Andy Cohen, revealing:

“There is a script for a third movie. There is a script. I want to do it, Julie [Andrews] wants to do it, Debra Martin Chase, our producer, wants to do it. We all really want it to happen, it’s just we don’t want to do it unless it’s perfect, because we love it just as much as you guys love it. It’s as important to us as it is to you. And we don’t want to deliver anything until it’s ready, but we’re working on it.”

“Shut up!” (as Mia would say). And ever since, fans have been eager to hear if The Princess Diaries 3 is still on the cards.

So what best to do while we sit in anticipation of the third Mia movie than to get into true Princess Diaries spirit and dress as Mia, Lilly, and Joe for Halloween? It will be sure to turn some royal heads!

(Well, not you, I don’t even know you!)