The Disney World parks are some of the most popular on the planet, attracting all kinds of theme-park goers, from thrill seekers to families. The dress code is pretty relaxed. However, one woman was recently blasted for her outfit by park staff and social media users.
Nicole Arena shared her unusual story on her TikTok profile, @arenalifts. Arena, a personal trainer, claims that Disney World staff told her to purchase a T-shirt as her current outfit was unacceptable. And while the woman’s outfit is certainly allowed in certain public places, many believe that Disney World simply isn’t one of them.
Arena shared an image of her posing with her husband at the park, wearing a sports bra and leggings. The post has a caption that reads, “Was so happy to be here that I didn’t realize I was “improperly dressed” and would be forced to buy a $45 t-shirt or else I couldn’t get on the ride I waited an hour for.”
Comments on Arena’s post are mixed but largely favor the park enforcing dress code rules. Several posters point out that Disney World has a dress code, which is true. Arena says she was unaware and didn’t realize her combo could be inappropriate. However, one popular comment puts her on blast, saying, “It’s a sports bra. At a family amusement park. WTF did you think was going to happen?”
The Disney Park Goer Doubled Down
Despite the lukewarm reception of her post, Arena has addressed the situation in several follow-up videos.
Soon after the original post, Arena recorded herself and offered a better view of the attire Disney staff deemed inappropriate. The comments section is still divided, although most upvoted replies maintain the park didn’t do anything wrong. Still, some replies are in Arena’s favor. One user writes, “I don’t see the big deal with this. The sports bra covers more than most tanks.”
The personal trainer addressed the backlash directly in a separate response. She explains that her attire is perfectly acceptable at the gym but says she would abide by a dress code if she knew it existed. In a recent viral video taken at Disney World, one mom was impressed by how staff treated her child. She was having her hair styled and suddenly realized the staff were subtly performing a lice check.