A month has passed since Dapper Days’ Spring dates at Walt Disney World, and that weekend is still on my mind. These meet-ups are my favorite unofficial event at WDW, so let’s look at what makes them so memorable and why I think it’s worth planning a trip that overlaps Dapper Days.
There’s an extra spark of energy in the air. There’s a curiosity from guests who are discovering Dapper Day for the first time, a brightness from Cast Members who greet you throughout the park, and of course your fellow Dapperers. All in all, the energy around these days seems higher, like the sun shines a little brighter and makes for lots of memorable moments.
Generally speaking, wait times for attractions can be shorter on these days. A specific park is chosen for each Dapper Day (this year it was Epcot on Saturday and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Sunday), meaning the park itself may be busy, yet large groups of people are gathering to meet up and chat, not be in lines for the rides.
If you’re looking to hop from one ride to the next, being in a park on a Dapper Day can be a way to experience shorter wait times.
Also, it’s become a bit of a tradition for me to finish a Dapper Day by jumping on a ride in my Dapper ensemble. I find it makes for a cute photo seeing a vintage outfit on a futuristic ride like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The photo below is from 2025’s Spring Dapper Days.
No surprises here, I choose to bound and dapper at the same time. For Spring’s Dapper Days, I had two outfits: an Ariel bound and a Judy Hopps bound.
Dapper Ariel Bound:
Paired with the accessories from our Mermaid Princess Bounding Box
Dapper Judy Hopps Bound:
Being able to combine bounding and dappering in the same outfit lets me do two things I enjoy at the same time. It’s a fun way to create a fancier bound than what I would normally wear to the parks. Plus, I had a great time meeting the characters in my dapper bounds.
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I’ve said it before, and this past event proved it again; the people I meet at these events are fantastic! They’re welcoming and kind, making it a great weekend.
I’m also always in awe in the outfits people create. From sowing their own dresses, to designing hats that look like works of art, the creativity that’s on display during these days is phenomenal!
So, there you have it, those are my reasons why I keep participating in Dapper Days; it’s a unique way to add extra magic to your next Disney trip. And for us bounders, it’s a perfect opportunity to mix vintage flair with our favorite character-inspired looks.
Happy Dapper Bounds!
~Kelly
There’s no denying that park days are great days! You’re not at work, folding laundry, or stuck in traffic. Yet I have a way to make an already great day into an even better experience – being in a park with a properly packed park bag.
Having visited Walt Disney World over 45 times, here’s my list of items to have in your bag during your next trip, and the last one will surprise you (it sounds odd, but trust me, it’s a game-changer).
Something too big will make it cumbersome to carry, and you run the risk of filling the space with extra items you don’t really need but bring because there’s room, which in turn adds more weight to shoulder. My recommendation is a small/medium-sized shoulder bag, one that’ll hold your essentials but can also fit comfortably on the rides with you.
It’s an essential item for me anytime I head out; plus that way I always have my camera with me to snap some photos.
With the intense Florida sun, it’s worth carrying sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
Continuing with the intense weather theme, lip balm is a good choice.
From pulling on a yellow strap to show your seatbelt is secured to the handrails in the lines, we touch a lot of different surfaces in the park, and having a small bottle of hand sanitizer handy before a Mickey-shaped snack is always a good choice.
Be it headache medicine, an allergy pill, or a bandage, I like to have a few things on hand to help ensure nothing can slow me down or cut my day short.
If the forecast calls for torrential rain, I will swap the poncho for an umbrella. But for small, short rain showers, a poncho tends to do the trick without adding too much weight to my pack.
Between booking Lightning Lane, checking wait times, or making a dining reservation, our cell phone batteries get drained, so it’s good to have a portable charger within reach to make sure your phone lasts through the day.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t leave my hotel room without a drink in my hand. Be it water, Gatorade or Powerade I like to have one with me at all times. It comes in handy when you’re standing in line or waiting for the fireworks to have a drink within reach and make sure that you stay hydrated throughout your day.
And last but not least is arguably the oddest-sounding item, but trust me, it’s important.
For those of us who love wearing Mickey Ears but don’t want to commit to a full day with them on our heads, Velcro cord organizers are essential. I have two wraps on my bag, allowing me to securely attach the ears to it when I need a break from having them on my head. It keeps the ears from getting crushed in the bag while keeping them connected, so I don’t risk losing them riding the wildest ride in the wilderness.
A well-packed park bag may not seem magical, but trust me — having the right items within reach means less time worrying about the little things, lighter shoulders, and more time soaking in the magical moments you’re creating.
In a galaxy far, far away, lines are drawn, battles rage on, and countless opportunities to bound exist.
To celebrate Star Wars Day, I’m sharing three bounds that have traveled to Planet Batuu in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and proven that even in the midst of galactic conflict, style can strike back.
This bound was so much fun to wear and created amazing character interactions. I managed to meet up with Rey as she was walking around the land and working to stay out of sight from the empire. I’ve always said that bounds add a layer of fun to any day, and even more so when it’s meeting a character.
My bound added more of an inclusive feel to Star Wars Land, and both Rey and her attendant seemed to feed off that energy, creating a great experience.
This bound felt a little more subtle than some of my others, yet still created a good experience exploring Batuu. The Photopass photographers picked up on it and made it feel like a mini photo shoot.
Who says Stormtroopers have to be serious? I was twirling and strutting alongside other Stormtroopers through Batuu in this bound.
Choosing the dress kept it a lightweight option over pants, making it a good fit for the afternoon heat.
So next time you find yourself on Batuu, don’t just explore the galaxy — bound into it, and let your style become part of the adventure.
May the 4th Be With You
~Kelly
Each day when Magic Kingdom opens, thousands of guests make their way down Main Street, rushing to the first ride of the day, or the coffee shop if you have a caffeine fan in the family. Yet there’s something rather unique that’s been there since the park opened in 1971, and many people miss it; it’s the Main Street mailbox.
People who see it often assume that it’s part of the theming, but that’s not the whole story. It’s a functioning USPS mailbox, and guests are welcome to drop stamped letters in it anytime during park hours.
But wait, that’s not all. There’s a way to add more magic to your mail, and that’s with an official Main Street U.S.A. seal stamped onto your envelopes. By heading into City Hall, you can ask a Cast Member for assistance, and they will happily stamp the seal on each envelope you plan to mail. It’s a really cute add-on to any letter or cards that you’re sending during your vacation.
For instance, each year I take my Christmas cards with me to the park and have them stamped with the seal before mailing them to family and friends.
So, while it’s not a new cutting-edge attraction, and likely won’t ever have a line of guests waiting for it. This bit of magic is a gentle reminder that small details leave a stamp on our hearts and carry our memories beyond the theme parks.
~Kelly
Since November 2025, the Disney Destiny has been welcoming cruisers onboard and has very quickly become one of Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) most popular ships.
Having a similar layout as its sister ships, the Wish and the Treasure, you may wonder what’s made the Destiny the ship to sail on?
My answer is that it focuses on heroes and villains.
For years, Disney fans have wished to see more of these favorite characters, and DCL has finally done it. They’ve given us a chance to meet, watch, and interact with iconic heroes and villains while sailing the seas. It’s not just a few popular faces that appear here and there; the Destiny is packed with characters that we don’t normally see in the parks or on the other ships.
So, let’s shine a light on the heroes whose stories hold a place in our hearts.
When you step into the Grand Hall, you’ll see a statue of T’Challa, the Black Panther: King of Wakanda, standing strong and gazing over the space.
Even the chandelier’s design draws inspiration from our hero’s story, as it’s modeled after vibranium rods.
Throughout your sailing, I recommend taking the aft elevators to the top deck, then walking down the aft stairs to view the artwork. Each level highlights a hero; it can be fun to see which deck has your favorite main character.
Another hero-inspired opportunity was found in my stateroom. I booked a Hercules stateroom, and it had gorgeous artwork throughout the cabin. Yet there’s one item that could easily be missed, but I think is worth mentioning. For the cruisers who sleep on the pull-down bunk, the art above their sleeping space has a starry sky design with Hercules and one of his most inspirational quotes written in the stars: “I have often dreamed of a far-off place.” A few simple words that encourage us to dream big and keep moving forward. A motivational moment for any cruisers to see before their eyes close, and drift off to sleep.
Yet on a ship filled with heroes, for me, there’s one caped star who shines brighter than all the rest: Superhero Minnie!
In addition to being a Captain, Minnie Mouse can be seen on the Destiny in her superhero outfit, ready to save the day and look fabulous doing it.
Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t take this opportunity to bound and meet the Superhero star in an outfit that she inspired.
*The gold trim at the bottom of the dress are self-adhesive foam sheets that I cut into the needed design. This idea is from @SpiritdaySarah who is constantly creating unique and impressive posts; a big “Thank You” to her for helping me complete my Superhero Minnie bound.
I LOVE that DCL brought Superhero Minnie to the ship, giving cruisers a chance to see a character we’ve all grown up with show off a new side to her story.
So, whether you’re drawn to the strength of a king, the courage of a dreamer, or the style of a bow-wearing superhero, the Destiny is a ship that I recommend. The heroes shine and help create magical memories that will stay with you long after the voyage ends.
~Kelly
Tomorrow marks our site’s second anniversary, and as we prepare to slice the anniversary cake, I’ve looked back to where we began – three undeniable truths have emerged;
Whether we’re talking about updates to Disney parks, social media trends, or the intricacies of a small business, change is a constant in our day-to-day. When our site launched in 2024, my mindset was in the virtual world; our online store, blogs, and social media posts were how we’d interact. Yet as time passed, in-person experiences began to play a larger role. From participating in meet-ups at the parks to being a vendor at expos, Comic Cons, and festivals, the original plan changed.
Another area of change that comes to mind is the level of bounding that I do. In 2024, my bounds were more subtle, whereas nowadays some are more dramatic than my previous choices.
Bounding does not have a wrong style; it can be as fancy or as comfy as you want. Yet the evolutions of my bounds are another example of how change is always happening.
I’ve said it before, and I will keep saying it, I’ve met AMAZING people through TheCB.Co. Some are Cast Members, fellow bounders, influencers, cosplayers, small business owners, and while I’ve met them through the site, we’ve built friendships that I cherish. These past two years have been filled with fantastic people. They’re the ones who cheer you on, share in your excitement, and encourage others.
I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve met on this journey; they’ve shown the power of kindness and how small actions can have a big impact on others.
My mind is constantly creating new bounds. I can honestly say, a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about bounding.
Its popularity continues to grow, as seen in the parks, on cruise ships, and at events. Each time I see someone bounding, it makes me smile. It’s allowing ourselves to be inspired by a character and then tap into our own creativity to build our ensembles. For me, bounding adds joy to my days, and I choose to embrace the joy.
So, there you have it: we’re two years in since the site launched, and while the journey is always changing, bounding remains constant. It’s a community filled with incredible people, and the magic, moments, and meaning make it a story worth sharing.
~Kelly
There’s a new story being told inside the Tree of Life, and it’s a 4D celebration!
Zootopia: Better Zoogether brings a revived energy to the space that was previously home to It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
While the theatre’s layout and overall look remain familiar, the show itself is bright, exciting, and enjoyable for guests of all ages (no scary fly swatters).
The artwork leading into the theatre has also been updated, and matches the show’s theming.
Not wanting to give away too many specifics of the storyline, it’s full of characters we love (like Benjamin Clawhauser) and a few new ones.
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde work to ensure the Zoogether Day celebrations go off successfully, all building up to a concert performance from Gazelle. With a running time of approximately 10ish minutes, the show fits into your day without taking up too much time.
If you’re looking for even more Zootopia during your park visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s a second option. Located next to the entrance of Zootopia: Better Zoogether is the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot, where guests can meet Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Wait times for this meet-and-greet can vary throughout the day but tend to be longer than the Better Zoogether show.
Both options, the meet-and-greet and the show, have added new life to the park and tapped into the success of the Zootopia franchise. In my opinion, that show’s storyline works within the park, and while it uses a previous attraction’s theater, it doesn’t feel like a square peg being jammed into a circular space; it fits within the park experience.
Unsurprisingly, I chose to bound when I saw the show and met the characters for the first time.
Judy Hopps Bound:
*The ears were an add-on purchase I picked up once I arrived to WDW
For any readers on the fence about bounding, I say do it! I’ve had some of the best character interactions when bounding. Both Nick and Judy noticed my outfit, and it made for an adorable interaction with them.
All in all, the two new Zootopia experiences are great additions to Animal Kingdom, and if you happen to be bounding, don’t be surprised if it makes the visit even more magical. After all, a day at the parks is always better when it’s zoogether. 😉
~Kelly
Notorious characters people love to hate have arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and their stories prompt an important question: Have they been misunderstood?
Yes, some of the most clever and cunning characters can be found in Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
It opened in May 2025, and since then, these characters have been pleading their cases of how they’ve been unfairly portrayed as villains.
Tapping into their flare for the dramatic Cruella, Captain Hook, and Maleficent take the stage to convince you and the Magic Mirror how they’ve been depicted in an unflattering light.
*Spoiler Alert: depending on the audiences’ reactions the ending can change
The show runs several times daily and lasts about 18 minutes. It replaced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and, in my opinion, draws more guests to this area of the park than the previous attraction.
As the popularity of villains amongst Disney fans continues to grow, Imagineers have tapped into our desire to see them and given us a place to find them. In fact, this show is one of the few locations in Walt Disney World where guests can see multiple villains at once.
When speaking of villains, I’d be amiss to not mention Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, where they’re seen in the parade, stage shows, and meet and greets. Yet MNSSHP is a separate ticketed event and only offered during a specific set of dates. In comparison, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is included in your park ticket and runs daily, making it one of the best updates WDW has done that benefits all guests without an added expense.
For my first time seeing the show, I chose one of my go-to villain bounds: the puppy-crazed fashionista who loves spots — Cruella.
Cruella Bound:
Paired with the accessories from our Dalmatian Villain bounding box:
The show’s original music is undeniably catchy and will likely leave you singing “Magic Mirror on the wall, whose most misunderstood of all?” as you exit the theatre and continue your day in Hollywood Studios.
While we may not agree with these villains’ recollection of events, I believe this show is a welcome addition to Disney Hollywood Studios and has found its way on my not-to-miss list for the park.
~Kelly
Bounding is meant to be fun, but NOT something that breaks the bank. Before we rush to buy new clothes for our next bound, it’s worthwhile to look in our closets and see which items can be upcycled. In fact, that’s the theme of today’s blog; rather than buying new items, let’s reuse clothes from our existing collection and create something new. Here are three bounds, all of which use the same pink dress.
If I had to pick one word that inspired this Glinda bound, it’s shimmer! Earrings that glistened in the sun, to bracelets and rings that shone, the accessories made this outfit perfect for traveling by bubble or trying to cast a spell. The muted pink dress seems to accent the sparkle of the accessories and ended up creating a bewitching bound.
Using the same dress, we move from a muted pink in the Glinda bound to a bold pink in our second outfit.
Adding a cardigan, pearls, and a brooch created a vintage look that matched the serious demeanor that is synonymous with Professor Umbridge.
So, there you have it, one dress for three different bounds. The next time you’re building a bound I encourage you to look at the clothes you already have and try putting existing pieces together in a new way.
Happy Bounding!
~Kelly
In less than a week, the 2026 Disney After Hours events will begin. These specialty ticketed events are scheduled to take place in three of Walt Disney World’s theme parks and run on select nights from January 12th to September 24th.
Below is our fact sheet for the 2026 Disney After Hours events; these are the things you’ll want to know:
A ticked event where guests have three hours in a park after it closes to enjoy lower wait times for attractions, and indulge in some complimentary snacks.
Tickets range from $155 to $199 plus tax, and discounts are available for Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders.
January
12 Magic Kingdom
14 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
19 Magic Kingdom
22 Epcot
28 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
29 Epcot
February
2 Magic Kingdom
4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
9 Magic Kingdom
11 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
19 Epcot
21 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
23 Magic Kingdom
25 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
March
2 Magic Kingdom
5 Epcot
9 Magic Kingdom
12 Epcot
April
2 Epcot
9 Epcot
13 Magic Kingdom
15 Epcot
20 Magic Kingdom
23 Epcot
29 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
30 Epcot
May
4 Magic Kingdom
6 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
11 Magic Kingdom
14 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
18 Magic Kingdom
21 Epcot
25 Magic Kingdom
30 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
June
1 Magic Kingdom
3 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
10 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
11 Epcot
17 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
18 Epcot
22 Magic Kingdom
24 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
29 Magic Kingdom
July
1 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
8 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
9 Epcot
13 Magic Kingdom
15 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
22 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
23 Epcot
27 Magic Kingdom
29 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
August
5 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
6 Epcot
12 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
13 Epcot
19 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
26 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
September
2 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
12 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
16 Epcot
24 Epcot
The events run for 3 hours after the parks close to the general public.
Guests with a Disney After Hours ticket can enter the park as of 7:00pm using their event ticket. So, you can be in the park to watch the fireworks with everyone, and then, as the other guests are politely ushered out, your lower-crowd-level experience begins.
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The charm of a Disney After Hours event is a different experience from a regular park day. The pace is a little slower, the lights on Main Street seem to shine a little brighter, and the ice cream seems to taste a little sweeter. The magic feels like it belongs to you. If you’ve ever wanted to see the parks in their most enchanting form, these are the nights to do it.
~Kelly
