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
As the year winds down, clocks tick closer to midnight on December 31st. It’s time for us to look back at the moments, moods, and memories of this year – here are my four best bounds of 2025.
This bound was a last-minute addition to the year and only happened because I booked a short December trip to Walt Disney World. The new Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde meet-and-greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was the perfect opportunity to meet my favorite members of the Zootopia Police Department.
Judy Hopps Bound Details:
*The ears were an add-on piece that I picked up once I arrived to WDW
Both Nick and Judy noticed my bound, which made for an adorable interaction for me, the Cast Members who were there, and other guests in line; it was sweet to hear the reactions from other guests who recognized my bound and saw how Nick and Judy responded to it. This interaction was filled with cuteness and created a highlight of my year.
2025 was a year where TheCB.Co stepped out of our comfort zone and participated in Expos.
From Comic Cons, Holiday Markets, Book Fairs, and more, we were traveling to numerous cities to share bounding with the world. Now, as many small business owners will tell you, Expos can be incredibly long days, so it’s important to choose clothes that are functional, comfortable, and oftentimes in layers (the temperature at Expos can fluctuate throughout the day).
Elsa Bound Details:
Paired with the accessories from our Ice Queen bounding box:
This bound was one of my go-to outfits for Expos. It stood up to the rigmarole of driving to the location, moving in and out of a venue, setting up and tearing down our booth, all while still looking cute and showcasing how bounding can be added to every day. If you were one of the amazing people I met at these events, it’s likely you saw me in my Elsa bound.
My years of uncomfortable Halloween costumes are over! I’m past wearing rough or scratchy fabrics to have the perfect costume. Instead, I chose bounding and created a master of freight bound.
Jack Skellington Bound Details:
By pulling my hair into a bun, my Pumpkin King-inspired outfit was complete, proving you can rule Halloween Town in comfort, serving spooky flair without sacrificing cozy charm.
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This year included my first trip to Disneyland, and having the opportunity to meet Mickey in Toontown was an experience that couldn’t be missed. Toontown quickly became one of my favorite lands and we kept revisiting it throughout our trip.
Toontown Casual Mickey Bound:
**Mickey’s shoes are yellow, but I adjusted the bound based on my inventory of shoes and how many I can pack in my suitcase
When reflecting on this year, meeting Mickey and watching his reaction to my Mickey Toontown-bound (as well as the Cast Member taking the photo) is one of my best bounding memories in 2025. This moment encapsulates the magic of Disney, where a relatively small interaction has such a huge impact and creates a core memory.
These moments are why I love being a Disney Adult and why I keep coming back to their theme parks, resorts, and cruises.
2025 was a year of magic, new experiences and bounding adventures. As we prepare to ring in the new year, let’s remember this is not Cinderella’s story – when the clock strikes midnight, the carriage doesn’t have to turn back into a pumpkin.
2026 is your story, you get to write your next chapter, so let’s make it one that’s bounding with dreams, joy, and more magical memories.
Happy New Year!
~Kelly
It’s the most magical time of the year at Walt Disney World, yet that doesn’t mean there have to be added expenses to enjoy the festive season.
While some guests choose to purchase tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season without having to add extra costs to your vacation. Here are my recommendations for WDW festive activities, which are included in your park ticket and don’t require additional spending.
There’s no doubt that it’s a busy time of year for everyone, including Santa, but he has to be one of the most organized individuals I’ve met, because he’s making appearances at all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Check the My Disney Experience app for specific times and locations.
Now, it’s true that Santa is busy right now, BUT when you sit down to talk with him and snap a photo, his focus on each family is spectacular. The interaction does not feel rushed; I was so impressed at the dedicated time that Santa gave to each person, and this is a fantastic way to add holiday cheer to your day.
One of the things that makes this experience so unique is how close guests are to the performers. These gorgeous life-size puppets are controlled by performers who interact with guests and happily pose for photos. Each animal puppet has a different personality and way of interacting with guests.
From baby penguins dancing to a giant bear that requires two performers to operate, it’s a serene sight to see and a unique holiday experience.
Undeniably, the park with the most holiday activities is EPCOT. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs until December 30th and offers a plethora of experiences. The Holiday Storytellers have become very popular and can be found at numerous pavilions sharing their legends and lore from around the world.
There’s the Candlelight Processional, Joyful (a group of incredibly talented singers), the Festive Fragrances area presented by Scentsy, characters like Santa Goofy and Belle meeting guests in their holiday outfits, and my favorite – Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses.
The ride has been adorned with lights, decorations, and holiday fun. While the lights are on during the day, I suggest seeing it after the sun sets, as it’s a way to see this attraction in a new light and tends to draw a crowd.
Returning for another year to Disney Springs is the Christmas Tree Stroll, where 19 themed trees are located throughout the area for guests to find. Complimentary maps, including a sticker for each tree, can be picked up at various locations within Disney Springs for guests to navigate and make sure they see all of the trees, PLUS the map also lists multiple shopping/dining discounts from Disney Springs businesses that can be used from now until January 4th, 2026.
A bonus to this holiday activity is that it doesn’t require a park ticket, so it can be done on a day when you weren’t headed into a park but are still looking for some festive fun.
During this holiday season the world-famous Jungle Cruise undergoes a holiday overlay and switches to the Jingle Cruise, which see an array of decorations and holiday jokes added into the attraction. The Skippers who are operating these boats are full of festive fun with their punny jokes. This is a must-do attraction when I’m visiting WDW during the holiday season.
Last but not least, I recommend checking out the resort decorations.
Each WDW resort is adorned with holiday flair to match the resort’s theme, and I make it a tradition to visit some of my favorite resorts during this time of year to see their decorations.
From the gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort to the gingerbread giraffe, flamingo, and zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the decorations are impressive.
The resorts also play holiday music during this season, so you can feel immersed as you admire the decor.
From the parks to the resorts, these festive options show that magical memories can be made without adding extra costs to your trip.
Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas!
~Kelly
As we’ve entered the last month of the year, my thoughts have turned to ruffle skirts, petticoats, and cloche hats; that’s because we’re only a few days away from Dapper Days at Walt Disney World.
The event runs twice a year, with guests strolling through the parks in their dapper best, usually inspired by a style from a previous era.
To learn more about how these events began and have grown in popularity over the years, I encourage you to read The Dapper Day Story.
This weekend’s events will take place on Saturday December 6th at Epcot and Sunday December 7th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Numerous social media groups have planned casual meetups in the parks on both days, which are great opportunities to meet new friends. There’s also a bonus meetup organized by the Facebook Group Dapper Orlando on Friday December 5th at the Atlantic Dance Hall.
As we prepare for the upcoming weekend, let’s take a moment and look back at this year’s Spring event.
In April, the sun was shining (and at times quite hot), and groups of fantastic people gathered together to hang out, roam through the parks, be in awe of each other’s outfits, and snap a few photos.
I’m sure it’s no surprise to read that with my love for bounding, I planned outfits that were also bounds. For me, it was a way to accomplish two things I enjoy (bounding and dappering) at the same time.
Paired with the accessories from our Tower Princess Bounding Box
Paired with the accessories from our Mermaid Princess Bounding Box
If, like me, your calendar is already filled with commitments for this weekend, not to worry, the 2026 Dapper Day dates have been released. The Spring 2026 WDW dates are May 2nd and 3rd, with the Fall/Holiday 2026 WDW dates listed for December 5th and 6th. I’m sad to be missing out this weekend, yet I’m excited to start planning my outfits for the 2026 dates.
Whether it be this weekend or a future event, Dapper Days can be as busy or relaxed as you choose. You can strut from one meetup to another or take a laid-back approach and enjoy the days as they unfold. My two biggest recommendations are 1. Remember to stop for food and hydration, and 2. Strike up a conversation.
The people who attend these events are welcoming and fun. So, say hello, you may end up meeting a future best friend.
~Kelly
There are times when even the best laid bounding plans fall short, and what you envisioned does not happen. This is especially true for those of us who travel to theme parks and plan bounds to match events or meet characters. Here are three times when my bounds did not work out as planned.
Earlier this year, I had my first trip to California, and I was SO excited to create a Super Mario Bros. bound. Buttoning on my trusty overalls and some pops of green, it was time to visit Super Nintendo World.
Luigi Bound:
I envisioned spending hours soaking up the sun in Super Nintendo World, eating all the food options, playing the games, riding the rides, and, of course, meeting Mario and Luigi. While it’s not common for Los Angeles to have many rainy days, it just so happened that on the two days we were visiting the park, it rained for 1.5 of them, which meant the characters weren’t out to meet guests. Having characters out and/or walking in torrential downpours is not a good idea, so I understand why they couldn’t be out; nevertheless, my plans for the perfect chance to meet Luigi while bounding as Luigi fell short.
We swapped out our running shoes for waterproof boots, grabbed an umbrella, and splashed our way through the rain. BONUS: With the rain being so heavy, the crowd levels were extremely low, and we got to walk on and ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge back-to-back times without having to get out of the ride vehicle.
In 2024, Disney Cruise Line opened its second private island retreat in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
With this new destination came new experiencers and new outfits for our classic Disney friends. Once I booked a cruise, the next decision I had was deciding which character’s outfit I would take inspiration from. I chose Daisy and wanted to tap into the high energy and confidence she exudes while I explored Lookout Cay.
Lookout Cay Daisy Bound:
Similar to my experience in California, Mother Nature had other plans than I had hoped for. Soon after the boat docked, clouds rolled in. As we walked along the dock to the island, the wind picked up, and the rain began. I want to say it was a refreshing drizzle, yet that wouldn’t be honest. What started as a drizzle intensified with stronger winds and ultimately prompted Cast Members to issue a “shelter in place” warning for all guests on the island.
With the storm that rolled in, it was clear that meeting Daisy was not an option. So, I took a page out of Daisy’s book of being positive, rocking the bound I was wearing, and making the best of a rainy day. We were “sheltering in place” at one of the island bars, met some great fellow cruisers, as well as fantastic Cast Members, and spent time sampling some island beverages.
Once the storm passed, the clouds rolled out, the sun returned, and we got to continue exploring the island. Later that afternoon, most of the characters arrived in their new outfits, everyone except Daisy. We heard that with the earlier storm, she chose to stay on the ship, and we think that she may have been caught in the morning rain and needed time to let her feathers dry. While I never got to snap a photo with Daisy, and the day didn’t pan out how I had planned, it was still a good day. We met new people, we had a lot of laughs, and we made great memories.
As mentioned above, this year was my first time in California, and the trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland! I wanted to be a rare character you don’t usually see at Walt Disney World, so I chose Bing Bong.
Bing Bong Bound:
Pixar Place Hotel has a variety of characters who greet guests in the lobby throughout the day. My goal was to meet Bing Bong; I had envisioned snapping a photo with him next to the giant Pixar Lamp, and this would be a new core memory for me. But as we know, things don’t always work out as planned. As I walked into the lobby, I saw the giant lamp and looked around for a Bing Bong, and he wasn’t there. In fact, a Cast Member let us know that Bing Bong hadn’t been seen that day and hopefully he’d return tomorrow. As these character sightings don’t have an official schedule, we’re not guaranteed to see a specific character.
Now what happened next created one of the best memories I have from the entire trip! Dug from Disney’s Up came out, and he recognized my Bing Bong bound. His energy and enthusiasm made it the cutest character interaction I’ve ever had! Dug also asked me if I’d go on a walk, and he led me to an Up photo spot where we snapped pictures, and he gave me a Valentine’s card. Dug was absolutely adorable!
So, while bounding and meeting the characters who inspire them don’t always work out as planned, the memories we make can turn out even better than we imagined. Keep bounding through the surprises and even rain storms won’t stop you from finding unexpected joy.
Happy Bounding!
~Kelly
This week, the Magic Kingdom transforms from pumpkins to wreaths, and scarecrows to toy soldiers. Yes, the holiday season is arriving at Walt Disney World, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties are about to begin.
Here’s what you need to know about the parties.
From November 7th to December 21st, twenty-five nights of parties happen where our favorite Disney friends can be seen in their holiday outfits, celebrating the festive season. Tickets range from $169 to $229, with the most expensive nights occurring in late December. All November dates are already sold out, with only a handful of December dates remaining, and they will likely sell out soon. The parties begin at 7:00 p.m., but guests with party tickets can enter the park anytime after 4:00 p.m. on their designated party day.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is the highlight of the night. I LOVE seeing the Toy Soldiers marching up Main Street, dancing gingerbread cookies, characters waving, and of course, Santa in his sleigh.
The parade is scheduled to run twice each party night, giving guests a chance to see it earlier in the evening or late at night.
*In previous years, after the date of the last party ended and up to Christmas, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade has been added to the daily activities at Magic Kingdom. If WDW follows the same pattern as previous years, guests can view this parade during the day without having the added expense of a party ticket.
There are designated cookie spots throughout the park where guests can receive complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.
As well, there are specialty party food items (entrees, snacks, and drinks) that are available during the party. A list of options and cookie locations can be found in your party guide, which you can pick up after entering the park.
If you love Christmas music and fireworks, then Minie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show is not to be missed. Classic carols are matched with a cascade of fireworks lighting up the night sky and can be seen throughout the park. My preferred location to watch them is in the hub in front of Cinderella Castle so that it feels like you’re in the middle of the magic.
There are multiple opportunities to see Disney characters.
You can watch them in the shows on the Castle stage, dance with them at the dance parties, or meet up with them and snap a photo or two.
My recommendation is to take some time and meet a few of them. It’s not every day you get to meet some of these characters, so it’s great to take this opportunity to say hello and maybe even tell Santa what you want for Christmas.
So, whether it’s the dancing gingerbread, fireworks paired perfectly with iconic carols, or seeing characters, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an event that combines the magic of Disney with the magic of the holidays. The first party will begin on November 7th, and when the snoap (soap-based foam that resembles snow) starts falling on Main Street we’ve officially arrived at the Most Magical Time of the Year to be at Disney.
Let it snoap, let it snoap, let is snoap!❄️
~Kelly
After the sun sets and the stars begin to shine, our favorite characters parade down Main Street in Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!
As a self-proclaimed Disney Adult, I was thrilled to hear that Magic Kingdom was getting a nighttime parade.
The Boo-to-You parade from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is incredibly popular (it’s my favorite part of the event), so the idea of an evening parade that happens year-round is exciting!
On July 20, 2025, Disney Starlight made its official debut, and for just over three months, it has been creating new magical memories. Each float lights up the night as it makes its way from the top of Main Street toward Cinderella Castle and through Frontierland.
It begins with the first float as the arrival of the Blue Fairy. As she floats down the parade route with seemingly endless stars twinkling in her dress, the energy in the air shifts to one where anything seems possible.
Classic Disney characters, along with new friends from recent Disney movies, are included in the parade, making it hard to choose which float was my favorite.
BUT what I will say is that seeing Pinocchio and Geppetto was a happy surprise. Everything I read ahead of time mentioned the Blue Fairy, nothing about Pinocchio, so I was pleasantly shocked to see him and Geppetto dancing in the parade.
The Train at the end of the parade is another highlight that I need to share.
It’s a great way to wrap up the parade, and as it passed by, I saw everyone around me smiling, showing that Disney has done it again by capturing our hearts and making us believe in magic.
The one area of improvement that I will mention is the dancers between the floats. Each of these performers are working incredibly hard, yet their costumes do not light up as much as the floats, meaning a lot of the effort they’re putting into their performance can be missed.
Parade merchandise can be purchased throughout the park, and there are some really cute items. Odds are those ears will end up being added to my collection on my next trip.
For my first time seeing the parade, I jumped at the opportunity to create a new bound and chose to bound as the Blue Fairy, inspired by her parade dress.
As the parade ended and the last float disappeared into the night, I was reminded that magic doesn’t end when the parade does — it lives on through every bound we create and every dream we chase. I hope that when you see Disney’s Starlight parade, it inspires you to see the magic and chase your dreams.
~Kelly
It’s that time of year when the leaves change colors, the wind howls, and the Halloween season is upon us.
Whether you’re spending time in the parks, attending a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or going to a Halloween gathering at home, deciding what to wear is a decision that many of us face, and for me, I lean towards comfort over costume.
Costumes can be great duplicates of a character, yet they can also be restrictive, cumbersome, or hot. In comparison, bounding to your event offers you the flexibility to wear the clothes you prefer while still participating in the spooky season celebrations.
Here are my top 3 picks for Halloween-themed bounds that can be constructed from clothes you might already have in your closet.
Paired with the accessories from our Dalmatian Villain bounding box:
Wrapping yourself in these stylish spots and a pop of red will show off your fashionista style while taking a walk on the villainous side.
I completed the look by pulling my hair into a bun, and the Pumpkin King appeared. You can be a master of freight while simultaneously being comfy in a t-shirt and overalls.
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Paired with the accessories from our Evil Queen bounding box:
Embodying her confidence, you can rule over your Halloween event in this royal bound.
The 3 boo-tiful bounds above are about having fun, and feeling confident – comfortably, of course. So, pick one that works for you, and I hope you have a Happy Halloween!
~Kelly
Her story started in a tower and has taken her to the high seas.
Rapunzel’s Royal Table is one of the three main dining restaurants aboard the Disney Magic, and is included in your sailing. This gives cruisers the chance not only to enjoy a great meal but also to share the dreams they’re chasing. So, anchor in as we shine a light (or lantern) on what makes Rapunzel’s Royal Table so popular.
Living up to the glowing reputation Disney Cruise Line is known for, this restaurant offers a diverse array of dining choices, ranging from well-known American favorites to international flavors from around the world. The standout entrée at our table was the Tangled Pasta – Angel hair pasta tossed in a basil-pesto with caramelized sea scallops, roasted vine tomatoes, and a sun-dried tomato tapenade.
From the light fixtures to the floor, the restaurant is brimming with decor inspired by Disney’s Tangled and the faraway kingdom of Corona. The walls are adorned with yellow and purple flags; the chairs feature sun details in their design, and even the bread basket highlights iconic moments from Rapunzel’s story.
The wanted posters showcase some of the most infamous Snuggly Duckling Thugs, and the dessert cart features the cutest cake on top.
From the moment you’re seated, it’s as if the world has somehow shifted, and all at once everything looks different. Your thoughts of sailing the seas drift away, and you focus on the story that’s about to unfold.
Throughout your meal, performers sing and dance in celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return home. These performers are spectacular at what they do and bring the story to life.
You get to hear about the power of dreams and how in each of us there’s a dream we want to pursue. It’s a fun evening where the performers make you laugh, smile, and dare I say, dream of your next adventure.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to bound!
From Rapunzel-themed Minie Ears to numerous guests bounding, people were dressed for the occasion. I mean, who could blame us? With great food, gorgeous atmosphere, and a story about chasing dreams, it’s a perfect opportunity to join in the celebration with our Rapunzel or Flynn Rider-inspired outfits.
Rapunzel Bound:
Paired with the accessories from our Tower Princess bounding box
Now free from her tower and encouraging each of us to share our dreams, dinner at Rapunzel’s Royal Table is a lantern-lit celebration where EVERY dream finds a place at the table.
Happy sailing, and happy dreaming!
~Kelly
