Disney Parks Blog Goes to Mousequerade 2026: Winning Looks and Fashionable ‘Fits

Disney4me · 2026-08-15T22:00:48Z

Hello from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa! The Disney Parks Blog team is soaking up every second of this year’s festivities, from shopping on the show floor to showcasing our favorite moments and announcements.

And as day two kicks off, we are recapping everything you need to know about one of the most highly-anticipated events – Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest presented by AT&T. The costume contest has wrapped up, and our team was in the room where it happens so that we could share more about the winners, judges’ reactions, and of course, some pretty impressive Disney Parks-inspired attire.

What is Mousequerade?

Since the first official contest in 2015, Mousequerade has brought together some of the most crafty and creative Disney fans to sew off their stylish skills. It is a celebration of fandom and fashion, and how when those two worlds combine, truly magical things can happen. Cosplayers are invited to step into the spotlight and debut one-of-a-kind designs, often bringing deep-cut Disney characters, worlds, and attractions to life in imaginative and innovative ways.

Some fun facts about the Mousequerade entry requirements:

Costumes must be an original, handmade design and cannot be a purchased or professionally made costume.
Costume must fit through a standard door (80” h x 36” w) when not fully worn.
Use of innovation and technology in costumes are encouraged (think digital design, 3D printing, even animated effects or interactive elements)

Submissions closed back in April for the contest, and today the top-scoring Single Category entrants and Group Category entries took to the stage for an unforgettable display of Disney-inspired artistry. Finalists were judged based on a combination of criteria: Craftsmanship of Costume(s), Originality of Costume(s), Use of Color and Materials, Execution of Storytelling, Creative Use of Disney, and On Stage Presentation: 25%. Host Nina West alongside judges Ashley Eckstein, Bobby Kim, and Yvette Nicole Brown kept the energy onstage positive and audience vibe high as they oohed and aahed over this year’s lavish looks.

In the Audience at Mousequerade

Audience members excitedly entered the Premiere Stage space as the day was just getting started, many of them also dressed in eye-catching costumes. In addition to Disney Princess characters, Super Heroes, and Disney Channel icons, we saw lots of Disney Parks-inspired ensembles, like the Hatbox Ghost from The Haunted Mansion and even the hanging stained glass light fixtures found at places like Refreshment Corner. Even those not in full cosplay subtly showed off their Disney fandom with accents like bag charms, ear headbands, and graphic tees.

As participants were invited to share their custom creations, Nina West kicked things off with a dazzling Broadway-style musical number. Disney Legend Jodi Benson even made a surprise appearance halfway through, gushing “I absolutely adore this event!”

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We were then introduced to this year’s judges, who had already met with the competitors backstage to get an up-close look at their work. “I was blown away by the talent, the creativity, the individuality,” said first-time judge Bobby Kim, VP, Global Creative Director of Disney Consumer Products. They are tasked with selecting contestants to take home the crown in the categories of solo entries, cast of characters, and innovation and technology. And then it’s up to those in the crowd to select the winner for the audience choice award!

As the show began, it was so special seeing the hard work of the contestants truly come to life, as we learned fun facts about their process and pieces. Some had glow in the dark accents, recycled materials, or hand dyed fabrics, while others boasted programmable lights, inflatable elements, and onstage transformations. One design alone had 30,000 crystals and 500 LED lights! From unique mashups and reimagining of classic characters to designs pulled straight from the screen or Disney Parks, the lineup was full of surprises.

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Disney Parks-Inspired Costumes at Mousequerade

It feels fitting that the winning costume in the solo category was inspired by a beloved Disneyland park attraction, the King Arthur Carrousel. This is one of the original opening day attractions at the park from 1955, and most of its horses date back more than 90 years. “A Jest of a Carrousel Ride” beautifully captured the attraction’s charm, history, and craftsmanship with a corseted top paired with an intricate skirt and puffed sleeves.

This costume, made by Julieanna Trinidade, also took home the recognition for innovation and use of technology, because of the rotating headpiece and motorized 3-D printed horse. It was a magnificent creation, and sweet love letter to a timeless attraction that perfectly incorporated modern techniques and technologies.

Some of the materials used in creating today’s costumes:

Satin
Taffeta
Sequins
Rhinestones
Shells
Velvet
Burlap
Foam
Denim
Polymer Clay
Vinyl
Feathers

There were other entries that transported the audience right to Disney Parks, like the Disney’s Alice in Wonderland design inspired by the work of Mary Blair, who worked with Disney on multiple attractions and is known for her whimsical, child-like art style. This couture design had a hand-painted skirt with velvet, satin, and silk among the materials used, and made us feel like we had fallen right down the rabbit hole.

Another standout entry was “The Auctioneer and the Redhead,” which brought to life two of the most memorable Audio-Animatronics figures from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The Auctioneer and Redd took to the stage, even posing and moving in a manner that mimicked what guests see as they sail past the scene during the dark ride. There’s actually a Redd limited-edition doll available here during D23 2026, and we have everything you need to know about this fierce pirate!

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The winner of the audience choice award, presented by Jodi Benson, had ties to Disney Parks as well, and was clearly a fan-favorite pick. “To Pizza and Beyond” introduced the duo of Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, but with a tasty twist. The two entered the stage disguised as a burger box and drink cup from Pizza Planet, which is featured in the film and exists at Disneyland park as Alien Pizza Planet, a quick-service restaurant serving up pizza, pasta, and themed sweet treats.

There are still plenty of stylish surprises in store at D23 2026! Keep following along here on Disney Parks Blog as we update you on breaking news, memorable moments, and everything we have in our shopping carts at the moment.