16 Best Places to Buy Disney Princess Dresses

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From Cinderella and Jasmine to Tiana and Snow White, dressing up as a Disney princess can add a certain magic to any child's vacation! Read the tips on how to find the most comfortable designs at reasonable prices, with details on the best places to buy Disney princess dresses!

For the sake of review, I purchased these Disney princess dresses myself without any compensation and this post is not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned. All opinions are my own.

Best Places to Buy Disney Princess Dresses

With so many options available, it can be a challenge to find out what are the best places to shop. Where can you get the top deals on princess dress-up? This guide will help you buy Disney princess dresses with confidence, offering a full review of popular online stores.

In prices to fit all budgets, these are the best places to buy Disney princess dresses across the internet. I've offered suggestions on what to look for when shopping for your children, including product reviews for 16 different online shops.

Online Shops Shared in This Article:

  • Trish Scully
  • Taylor Joelle
  • Little Adventures
  • Only Little Once
  • Presley Couture
  • Great Lakes Kids Apparel
  • Disney Store
  • Disguise
  • Dressy Daisy
  • Hunny Bees
  • Lover Dovers
  • Bitty Bundles of Joy
  • Zulily
  • ThreadUP
  • Walmart
  • Target

    Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

    Dress Up Disney Costumes vs. Playwear Outfits

    When choosing the best Disney outfits for kids to wear on vacation wearing dress-up in the parks can be a magical addition.

    Any child 13 and under is permitted to wear full costumes when at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Of course, don't forget about Disney Cruise Line, when dressing up for themed nights adds to the adventure!

    Princess fantasy faire area at Disneyland with two children in background

    What is the difference between a costume and playwear?

    The variance between playwear and costumes can be great when comparing fabrics, style, and cost.

    Costumes are generally considered more "dress up" and are usually more costly. Play wear is an everyday outfit and something that could be worn to school. This article will cover both costume dress-up outfits, as well as playwear, to pack for a Disney vacation.

    Choosing the Best Disney Characters to Represent

    Parents planning to buy Disney princess dresses should look beyond the traditional. Many popular Disney characters extend past the usual princess storylines!

    It doesn't have to be a princess!

    Consider Minnie Mouse, Bo Peep from Disney/Pixar Toy Story, and Leia or Rey from Star Wars when planning a Disney vacation wardrobe.

    Donald Duck dress from Taylor Joelle

    Group dress up costumes

    For siblings, look for movie characters that offer multiple dress up opportunities, like Wendy and Tinker Bell with Peter Pan, or Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

    What about Mirabel, Isabella, or Luisa from Encanto? Try dressing in Alice in Wonderland ensemble, including the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and White Rabbit. Don't forget the Fab 5, with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, or Donald Duck!

    There are endless possibilities - just refer to your favorite Disney movies and go from there when choosing character outfits.

    Presley Couture polka dot twirl dress

    Disney Outfits for EVERY Child

    Princess outfits for all genders

    If you're looking for Disney outfits for boys and girls, I'm covering it all here. Dress-up clothing is for EVERYONE and not limited to the child's gender.

    In this article, I may refer to character costumes that are traditionally for "boys". This might be based upon the individual website and in which section they have these outfits. Naturally, boys can wear Disney princess dresses and girls can wear pants and suit jackets.

    Disney princess outfits for babies

    When shopping to buy Disney princess dresses for babies and toddlers, don't forget the logistics of diaper changes. Oversized skirts may also make it difficult to buckle into car seats and strollers.

    Clothing for special needs

    Kids with special needs can find adaptive clothing and costumes at the Disney Store.

    Minnie dress from Taylor Joelle

    Choosing Disney Princess Dresses for Comfort

    If the outfit isn't comfortable, it's very likely that your child isn't going to wear it. Why spend good money on something they refuse to put on!

    Make sure to thoroughly read the descriptions for each piece of clothing to ensure it will be appropriate for a day in the theme park. Here's what to watch for -

    Snow White dress from Taylor Joelle

    Be aware of fabrics that can irritate

    Itchy and scratchy fabrics near the neckline and at the sleeves. Decorative fabrics like tulle can be annoying and thick seams can irritate skin. Consider having your child wear a coordinating t-shirt underneath dresses that might feel unpleasant against their skin.

    Dress appropriate to the weather

    Don't forget about the weather! If the weather is going to be hot, look for lightweight materials. When the temperature is cool, add layers like a long sleeved tee or leggings under dresses for warmth.

    Jessie the Cowgirl Toy Story Dress from Little Adventures

    The type of fabric matters

    Look at the fabric types to check for breathability. Polyester and nylon can trap heat more than cotton.

    Belts and sashes

    Belts and ribbons can quickly loosen or untie throughout the day. Look to buy Disney princess dresses that have built-in waistbands.

    Bring a change of clothes

    Bring extra clothing to change into when your child tires of wearing their costume.

    Princess Cotton Twirl Dress - Photo Credit: Disney PhotoPass

    What to Look for - Buying Disney Princess Dresses

    Choosing what to wear can be a big concern for vacationing parents, especially when cost is a consideration. On a budget? Pick easy to wash pieces that can be worn again once the child is back at home.

    My daughter frequently wears her cotton Disney princess dresses to school. The fancier costumes, however, are relegated to the dress up bin or worn again for Halloween.

    These are a few important questions to ask before purchasing and what to watch for when buying Disney princess dresses online:

    Getting in and out of the outfit

    How does the child get in and out of the costume? Are there rows of teeny-tiny buttons? Is there a zipper? Zippers inserted too close to fluffy edges may catch in the teeth when zipped.

    Pay attention to the quality before buying

    Look for finished edges and high quality trims. Ensure that trimmed edges aren't too close to the neckline or sleeve edge, which could cause discomfort against the skin.

    How is the dress finished off? Watch images for raw edges that may catch and fray after one wearing/washing.

    Girl wearing Frozen Elsa dress with hair in a bun

    Can the child us the bathroom by themselves in this outfit?

    How will the child use the restroom? Will they need assistance in the bathroom when wearing one of the poufy or long dress styles?

    How will this dress be washed?

    Is the fabric easily cleaned? Many dresses are not machine washable, so check the fine print on how dirt or messes can be cleaned off. (PS: White dresses are probably not the most practical for theme park travel!)

    Some sites, like Little Adventures proudly tout that costumes are machine washable. However most of the Disney princess dresses mentioned in this article should be hand washed or machine washed on delicate.

    Alice in Wonderland Dresses - Photo credit: LoverDoversClothing on Etsy

    Handle with care when washing. Use a gentle detergent like Woolite when washing costumes. Take care when rubbing fabrics if the costume has glitter or decorative features.

    Hang or lay flat to dry. Don't put any of these dresses into the dryer! Simply lay flat or hang to dry. I use this collapsible folding drying rack for my daughter's dress-up clothes.

    Avoid stains and mess. To protect your baby or toddler's dress up outfits, bring along disposable bibs in the Disney diaper bag.

    Don't Rely on Typical Clothing Sizes

    Measure your child. Costumes can often run larger or smaller than normal everyday clothing. Some fabrics like velvets, spandex and knit may be stretchier than others.

    Pay attention to the fine print on each website as they will often note when an item should be sized up or sized down.

    Rapunzel Disney Princess Dress - Photo credit: OLODesigns

    How to Measure a Child for a Disney Princess Costume

    The numeric size of the costume often matches up with a child's age. However, your 5 year old may not be sized in the same way as my 5 year old.

    Measure your child

    Use a soft tape measure, then compare to the guidelines on each individual website. Measure child in a relaxed position and ensure they are not holding their breath or lifting their shoulders or arms.

    Toddler girl dressed up like Sleeping Beauty at Disneyland

    Verify the return or exchange policies

    Some of the websites mentioned in this article only offer exchanges, with no returns accepted. Be sure to read the return policy in advance of ordering to know the stipulations and return window for each site.

    Making Your Costume Look Like the Website

    Hang up the dress on a hanger

    Take the pieces out of the bag to hang as soon as possible. Deep wrinkles are prone to set in during shipping. Silky fabrics and tulle tend to get crushed. Allow the wrinkles to release naturally by hanging each piece in a closet with space around them.

    Remove extra threads

    Use small sewing scissors to trim excess threads that may be dangling off the costume.

    Add fullness to the skirt

    Many of the photos from the websites in this article show dresses with full skirts. This is accomplished by use of an fullness skirt or pettiskirt. Wearing an underskirt with a princess dress will add fullness to the skirt.

    Measure the length of the dress from the child's waist to determine the length of pettiskirt needed for each particular dress.

    Photo credit: XinChangShangMao

    To note, my daughter did not wear an underskirt with any of the dresses shown for our personal photographs. We do own the black XinChangShangMao tutu skirt, but found that the dresses we purchased were full enough on their own.

    My daughter's wore a black XinChangShangMao pettiskirt for Jack Skellington costume - Photo credit: Disney Photopass

    Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

    The popular make-over salon inside the Disney theme parks is the best place for a head-to-toe princess salon experience. The shop also operates as a store-front for the sale of dresses and accessories.

    Bring your own dress and accessories

    Guests may choose to save on the cost of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers by supplying their own costume.

    Certain packages include the make up, hair styling, and nail manicure without the charge for a costume. This means guests may choose to wear their own outfits without the costume upcharge.

    Do-it-yourself princess makeover

    Another way to save on the cost of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is to create your own in-room makeovers. These DIY Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ideas include glamorous make up tips and kid-friendly hair styles to do either at home in the hotel room.

    Complete the Look Head to Toe

    Outside of shopping at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, there are many ways to complete the Disney princess look. I highly recommend purchasing these accessories before your vacation, especially when on a budget.

    Little girl talking to Raya at Disneyland

    Best Shoes for Wearing with Princess Dresses

    One of the top ways to make a costume look work is with a perfect shoe (just ask Cinderella!).

    Under no circumstance should your child wear plastic costume shoes or heels! Ensure that footwear is broken-in and of high quality to wear while walking in the Disney parks all day.

    I brought a wide variety of comfortable, theme-park worthy footwear options for my daughter to wear during our trip. I'll share each top shoe choice in the sections below when I feature Disney princess dress photos.

    These Mary Jane red leather Keds sneakers go with so many Disney outfits!

    Wigs or Hairpieces

    Wearing a wig or headpiece can be uncomfortable and awkward for many kids. I highly recommend skipping wigs and other elaborate hairstyles.

    Princess Accessories

    The right accessories including a hat, crown, necklace, or cape can take costumes to the next level. However only pack in what you don't mind carrying later when your child tires of it (I'm looking at you, royal scepter!)

    Tights

    When the weather is chilly wear tights or colored leggings to coordinate. I love the quality and variety from Primary to wear under dresses.

    Hair Bow

    Sweet Bow Co Shop is my very favorite place to find hair bows at excellent prices in a rainbow of colors to match Disney princess dresses. These enormous bows with alligator clips don't even budge on roller coasters!

    Trish Scully Princess-Inspired Dresses

    Trish Scully offers upscale Disney princess inspired gowns, mostly full length in sizes that range from 6-12 months up to 14 years old.

    From the website, "These are soft and never scratchy, we understand tactile sensitivity and always design using the softest materials, then we fully line the dresses with soft cotton. NO GLITTER is ever used on ANY of our products".

    Photo credit: Trish Scully

    The gorgeous dresses would be perfect for formal night on a cruise. Quality accessories including wands, crowns, and wigs. Trish Scully carries other special occasion outfits including wedding attire, first communion, pageant-style gowns, shoes and a woman's fashion line.

    There is also a section of masculine dress up outfits, including Bert from Mary Poppins, White Rabbit costume and The Beast.

    Shop Trish Scully on their website.

    Image credit: Trish Scully

    Trish Scully Review

    We purchased the Ice Queen dress from Trish Scully, their version of Elsa from Frozen. The dress is quite long, but I'd measured my daughter to ensure of a good fit before purchasing. This soft blue dress is truly beautiful, with a full bodice of shiny sequins.

    The lace trim around the waistline had the tendency to want to turn up, but it didn't detract from the overall look.

    Little girl wearing an Elsa Frozen dress at Disneyland

    Be aware if you're using a discount code: I signed up for the Trish Scully newsletter list, as there was a teaser for a discount. However when I went to use the cost, I was told the discount code received for my first order couldn't be applied to any product from the dress up section.

    Trish Scully dresses are best for:

    Special occasion dress up events, like for Oogie Boogie Bash costumes. Ideal for kids who seek attention and won't mind everyone noticing their over-the-top outfit!

    Not great for:

    The ethereal photography used on the website is both inspiring and slightly misleading. Don't let the gorgeous images taken in forest and castle settings draw you away from reality. Use caution when ordering to pay attention to the details of each piece.

    In all likelihood, your child will be wearing these dresses in an amusement park. That means, those long hemlines and capes may drag across the concrete and could be stepped on (and torn!)

    Those overly fluffy skirts may be a challenge to get in and out of rides as well. These costumes are not great for kids who are very rough on their clothing.

    Taylor Joelle Character Collection

    Taylor Joelle's website offers collections that include licensed Disney princess, super heroes, Star Wars, and other characters. Look for dresses with attached tutus, baby rompers that coordinate, and a line of adult t-shirts made to match kid's outfits.

    Photo credit: Taylor Joelle

    Diverse range of children shown in the models. Photos show great movement along with videos of kids dancing and twirling in the dresses.

    Outfit highlights include playwear made with cotton for ultimate comfort against the skin around the neckline and arm bands.

    Shop Taylor Joelle on their website.

    Taylor Joelle Review

    We have *ahem* a large number of these Taylor Joelle dresses! In fact, my daughter has about 6 dresses she's yet to have the chance to wear on vacation.

    My daughter chose a Taylor Joelle Dress, inspired by Minnie Mouse. It was worn during the Minnie & Friends - Breakfast in the Park at Disneyland. The top is a stretchy t-shirt style with an attached full tulle skirt that's soft and flowing.

    When it came time for me to change my daughter, she said she didn't want to because this costume was so comfortable! A true testament to the comfort level of these adorable Taylor Joelle designs.

    Shoes - These red patent-leather Mary Jane Keds offer up the perfect whimsy to coordinate with this outfit, without sacrificing comfort!

    Headband - This adorable red bow headband is the sweetest topper to any Minnie Mouse ensemble. Check out the other color selections to pair with other Disney princess costumes. You'll see in our photos that my daughter wears this bow headband A LOT!

    Taylor Joelle is best for:

    Kids who seek comfort AND style. The outfits from Taylor Joelle are kid-appropriate in all senses, including soft fabrics and playwear designs. But they still have a unique and upscale flair.

    Little girl at Disneyland hugging Daisy Duck

    Not great for:

    If you're planning a last minute vacation, you might have trouble finding what you need in time from this website. There aren't always ready-to-ship dresses, as many are preordered months in advance.

    When I bought, there were several dresses I was considering purchasing for my daughter. Unfortunately many sizes were sold out and I had to choose something else. My suggestion if you're ordering from Taylor Joelle would be to order early. Get on the notification list if you have your heart set on a particular style.

    Little Adventures Dress Up

    Little Adventures dress up clothing is one of the top brands that our members mention in the Disneyland With Kids Facebook group.

    Costumes from Little Adventures are machine washable, so they're ideal for everyday dress-up playtime or theme park touring. Their Lifetime Guarantee ensures that you're happy with your purchase. Free shipping is offered on all US orders.

    Lily Pad Princess - Photo credit: Little Adventures

    Large selection of outfits for "Prince Charming" and other Disney princes along with accessories like play shields and swords. Items include dragon capes, pirate outfits and character representations like Aladdin, Peter Pan, and Star Wars.

    Great for siblings who want to coordinate their looks! Little Adventures offers a small section of adult princess dresses as well.

    Cinderella Butterfly Costume (Little Adventures)

    Photos are taken on real children, with good diversity in representation. Multiple product views from a variety of angles give you an idea on the actual product you'll receive. Due to the stretchy necklines and waistbands, Little Adventures dresses offer a broader size range than some other websites.

    Fabrics are soft and stretchy and made without itchy seams or underskirts. Some of the Little Adventures princess dresses do have glitter, though it's touted as being "no-shed".

    Shop Little Adventures dress up on their website or on Amazon.

    Classic Rapunzel Dress - Photo credit: Little Adventures

    Little Adventures Review

    Lots of super cute princess dresses in both long and short styles. I think the Princess and the Frog Tiana Disney princess dress is one of the prettiest versions I've seen! But my daughter wanted something less fancy.

    We chose the Toy Story inspired Jessie the Cowgirl Dress. Little Adventures also offers the Cowgirl Hat, but we decided to keep it simple with a bandana-print hair bow instead.

    Jessie the Cowgirl dress from Little Adventures

    Free shipping on any order is a plus. I also received a discount code after signing up for their newsletter list.

    My daughter loved the comfort level of this dress. And of course, she appreciated the extra attention she received from Bo Peep when taking photos near Toy Story Midway Mania!

    Cowgirl dress - Photo credit: Disney PhotoPass

    Shoes: Red leather Mary Jane Keds for the win! Super flexible and comfortable sneakers with adjustable straps. My daughter never complained about sore feet in these adorable shoes.

    Little Adventures is best for:

    Little Adventures are ideal for kids who love to dress up at home. Since the outfits are free of zippers and buttons, Little Adventures are made for children to be able to put on and off by themselves. These are the costumes that are perfect to relegate to the dress-up bin after a trip.

    Not great for:

    Those who are looking for unique styles and a more elegant look. Little Adventures are more on par with off-the-shelf costumes found during Halloween, albeit a much higher quality.

    Only Little Once Princess Dresses

    The shop Only Little Once (OLODesigns on Etsy) offers a large variety in a mix of playwear styles and over-the-top elegant costumes. Pieces are made with soft brushed stretch cotton, and many dresses are lined with a 100% cotton slip.

    Ariel Little Mermaid dress - Photo credit: Only Little Once

    Start with the portrait collection, an upscale version featuring custom embroidery, sewn in sequins and crystals for extra sparkle. Buy Disney princess dresses in a range of styles and lengths, from twirl dresses to maxi length.

    Includes high quality costumed character looks that are harder to find elsewhere including Vanellope from Wreck It Ralph, Doc McStuffins, Russell from UP!, and Mal from Descendants.

    Other items offered are princess-inspired swimsuits, dance and gymnastics leotards, and sweet special occasion clothing and loungewear.

    Disney Inspired Swimsuits - Image credit: Only Little Once

    Photography on Only Little Once is precious, often shot within the Disney World theme park using a diverse range of models. There's a touch of reality, especially for families hoping to capture the same images with their child. Multiple images and close up photos allow you to see the quality and fabric of each item.

    Purchase Only Little Once outfits on their website or find them at OLODesigns on Etsy.

    Only Little Once Review

    I had a challenging time deciding on which Disney princess dress to purchase for my child. There were a few twirl dresses we were interested in, but they were sold out in her size.

    My daughter and I decided upon the Only Little Once Cinderella Ballgown, which was a fancier look than we would usually choose. I wanted to pick at least one over-the-top dress for the purpose of this review, to see how they actually hold up in the theme parks.

    This ballgown is what Only Little Once refers to as a "platinum edition" gown. The stretch velvet is soft and comfy, intended to stretch with the child. The interior of the dress includes a tulle petticoat for fullness and a cotton lining to eliminate itchy spots.

    Cinderella Ball Gown from Only Little Once

    The Only Little Once Disney princess dress was by far the most expensive purchase we made, but it was also the most elegant. This ballgown was my 6-year old's absolute favorite costume she wore during the trip.

    She loved the attention she received from cast members, the Disney princesses, and other guests, who frequently commented on the beauty of her dress. My daughter subsequently wore this dress for her Halloween costume, as well as on several other vacations.

    Shoes - This dress looked lovely with simple Rose Gold Saltwater Sandals, a perfect choice for warm weather.

    Only Little Once is best for:

    Anyone wanting a high-quality heirloom style dress look no further. Only Little Once delivers on all the marks and still offers comfort that kids appreciate. Perfect for anyone who will be taking keepsake photos in the theme parks.

    Not great for:

    Those on a tighter budget. Only Little Once costumes are heirloom-worthy, with a price tag to match. The gowns are a splurge, for sure. The princess twirl dresses and peplum tops are more affordable (though still investment pieces).

    Cinderella gown from Only Little Once

    Presley Couture Play Wear Styles

    Presley Couture offers up inexpensive cotton princess dresses, but at a higher quality than some others we've purchased. Coordinating Mouse Ears in styles to match popular characters are kid-sized for comfort.

    Photo credit: Presley Couture

    Other items on the website include comfortable cotton baby clothing, princess doll dresses, and jumpsuits. Disney themed hoodies are a great choice during cooler weather.

    Photos are taken on children in a studio, with diversity in representation. Multiple product views from a variety of angles give you an idea on the actual product you'll receive.

    Shop Presley Couture on their website.

    Image credit: Presley Couture

    Presley Couture Review

    My daughter owns several of the princess dresses from Presley Couture, along with some other clothing items. The Arabian Nights dress inspired by Jasmine from Aladdin is my favorite!

    Shoes - We paired this adorable dress with classic black and white Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers, a comfortable footwear choice.

    We also have a Buzz Lightyear dress and my daughter's favorite, the Way Finder Dress that looks like Moana. The Twirl Dresses have been other favorites of my daughter to wear at Disneyland.

    Presley Couture is best for:

    Sweet play clothes that are ideal for everyday wear. Matching Mouse Ears are comfortable and cute to coordinate with outfits. Very reasonably priced at just around $25 per dress, making it easy to outfit a child for their entire vacation!

    Not great for:

    Anyone wanting more of a dressed up look. While some of the dresses feature special detailing (like the Jasmine), these are cotton play clothes through and through.

    Great Lakes Kids Apparel

    I've been a longtime customer of Great Lakes Kids apparel, especially their super soft "milk silk" flutter sleeve dresses. These comfortable playwear items often feature favorite characters or cartoon themes.

    We own an embarrassing amount of these dresses, including this Haunted Mansion Inspired print.

    Haunted Mansion Wallpaper Dress - Photo credit: Great Lakes Kids Apparel

    Some prints come in both dresses and raglan t-shirts for coordinating siblings. A newer addition to the Great Lakes Kids line is their princess inspired tank dresses and bathing suits. Soft and comfy loungewear is another fun choice!

    Website photos are mostly flat lay with a few images taken on children (would like to see more diversity here). It can be a challenge to view a close up design of some prints, so use the zoom feature when possible.

    Shop Great Lakes Kids. Use code MOMREWRITTEN for 15% discount off your entire order!

    Princess Anna dress on Great Lakes Kids apparel

    Great Lakes Kids Apparel Review

    As previously noted, we own a good number of the dresses, tops, swimsuits, and loungewear from Great Lakes Kids Apparel. This Shine Bright Twirl Dress was perfect for watching the Main Street Electrical Parade on our last Disneyland vacation!

    Shine Bright Star Twirl dress from Great Lakes Kids

    For this review, we purchased the Dinglehopper dress, inspired by Ariel from The Little Mermaid. It was our first of the Disney princess inspired designs from Great Lakes.

    Sizing can be an issue on the princess originals. There have been some designs we've purchased that required safety pinning at the straps to ensure a better fit. But you get what you pay for - and these outfits are bargain priced.

    Great Lakes Kids Apparel is best for:

    Inexpensive, ultra-comfortable styles in bright colors and coveted designs that kids will love.

    Not great for:

    I've purchased several of the inexpensive princess swimwear items from Great Lakes. While they are adorable, I've found the quality to be lacking when compared to their usual dresses. My daughter's suits were ill-fitting and one of the elastic waistbands twisted after the first wearing.

    The swimsuits are very inexpensive so take it for what it is - a cute poolside look to wear a few times on vacation without spending a lot of money.

    Disney Store

    If you're looking for authentic items, go straight to the source and purchase licensed Disney princess dresses from Disney Store. These are the same dresses you'll find in the theme parks or at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

    Don't expect to find "itch-free" clothing from shopDisney. But you'll often find a more high quality design, fit and construction than usual costume shop outfits. shopDisney is one of the best places to buy Disney princess dresses, especially before Halloween when stock and selection increases.

    The designs on the Disney princess dresses change frequently, often each year. So if you spot a particular look you love, best to make the purchase right away.

    Disney princess dresses at Disney Store are definitely more on the costume side than casual playwear. The site does offer vacation clothing, including cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts in sizes for babies up to adults. Disney Store is also a great place to find adaptive costumes and swimsuits.

    Adaptive Ariel costume from Disney Store

    Disney Store is best for:

    Anyone who wants to shop for authentic Disney merchandise before their trip. The benefits of shopping ahead of time online are many, starting with the cost difference. Prices at the Disney Store online are comparable to the theme parks, but there are multiple ways to save.

    • Sign up for the Disney Store emails to receive notice of sales.
    • Disney Visa members receive a 10% merchandise discount.
    • For additional savings, register for Rakuten and receive a percentage off your order (which is accumulated into a refund check).

    Amazon

    Is Amazon one of the best places to buy Disney princess dresses? There are so many companies offering Disney princess dresses for sale on Amazon. But which ones can you trust for good quality at a reasonable price?

    Disguise Costumes on Amazon

    Disguise is a well-know producer of licensed Disney costumes. There are choices for babies up to adults, including adaptive costumes for special needs. Their online shop is a great place to find coordinating accessories including wigs and wands.

    Anna from Frozen costume - Image credit: Disguise

    Dressy Daisy on Amazon

    Dressy Daisy was one company I kept running across while scrolling through Disney princess dresses on Amazon. With sizes from 12 months to 6, they offer ballet tutu dresses, baby onesies with attached skirts, and costume dresses in a range of styles.

    Princess Tiana dress - Photo credit: Dressy Daisy

    The easiest way to navigate and find what you need for vacation dress-up is to drop down the "princess costumes" tab. From there, characters are listed and multiple styles of dresses are featured for each character when clicked through.

    Anna Coronation Princess romper for babies - Photo credit: Dressy Daisy

    Dressy Daisy Review

    My daughter and I chose to review the Snow White inspired Disney princess dress, called the Tulle Style Dressy Daisy Princess Costume. They offer Rapunzel, Little Mermaid, and Cinderella, as well.

    Snow White Princess Dress by Dressy Daisy

    The dress includes an attached tulle and organza skirt overlay with puff sleeves, bodice detailing, and a pullover style. A self-tying ribbon ties the dress in back to customize the fit.

    While inexpensive, the dress is made nicely enough and fit my daughter well. The underskirt fabric is a very thin cotton, so consider wearing undershorts for modesty.

    The Dressy Daisy tulle costume is priced right, especially if you're aiming to purchase several princess dresses for a trip.

    Dressy Daisy is best for:

    At just around $20 each, the Dressy Daisy Pullover Dress is a nice option that is comfortable. This style is still slightly more costume than basic cotton styles.

    Not great for:

    The larger and longer tutu dresses might be a bit much for the theme parks. It could prove to challenging to get in and out of rides with the stiff tulle skirts.

    Dressy Daisy is not as well made as some of the other dresses featured in this article that are around the same cost.

    Etsy

    If you can't make it yourself but you want a homespun feel to your Disney princess dress, Etsy is the best place to start. There are many small business owners here, ready to sew up custom designs for your little princesses to wear at Disney!

    Belle dress - Image credit: Hunny Bees Kid

    Keep in mind that the boutique designs on Etsy are sometimes made to order. This can result in longer lead times for the customized styles. If you're in a hurry, look for "ready to ship" listings.

    These are a few of the best places to buy Disney princess dresses on Etsy, as recommended by the members of the Disneyland With Kids Facebook group.

    Jasmine dress - Image credit: Bitty Bundles of Joy

    Hunny Bees Kid

    Affordable soft cotton dresses ranging in price from $16.99-29.99, sized 12 month to 14. This Ariel costume dress looks comfortable enough for a full day of play in the theme parks.

    Little Mermaid dress - Photo credit: Hunny Bees Kid

    Lover Dovers Clothing

    Designs range from "practical princess" cotton/poly dresses to fancier party dresses with tulle skirts hemmed with satin ribbon.

    Lover Dovers encourages guests to sign up for their marketing VIP Club to receive 20% off their order. This Sleeping Beauty Dress is a true vision of Princess Aurora.

    Sleeping Beauty dress - Image credit: Lover Dovers Clothing

    Bitty Bundles of Joy

    So many lovely details on these custom princess dresses! The soft fabric and details on this Moana dress are gorgeous, but won't be scratchy against tender skin.

    Moana Luxe Dress - Photo credit: BittyBundlesofJoy

    ThreadUP and Zulily

    These two online shops can be hit or miss when it comes to finding Disney princess dresses. Try a quick search using the feature tabs to see what you can find in the size you need.

    ThreadUP

    ThreadUP is a resale shop, so items are often gently used and priced at a discount. There are sometimes items that are new with tags.

    One of the best things about ThreadUP is the ability to sell items to earn purchase credit. If you often donate gently used clothing, consider ordering a "Clean Out Kit" and receive credit for items to sell to ThreadUP.

    Zulily

    Check out the popular outlet-type website and you may find fun and inexpensive options. There are also lots of ideal vacation t-shirts, accessories, and Disney souvenirs to buy ahead of a trip.

    Best for:

    Anyone shopping for reasonably priced outfits and don't mind the "hunt" quality of these websites.

    Not great for:

    Families that are planning their kid's vacation wardrobes at the last minute. Best to shop far in advance. Stock and sizing on both Zulily and ThreadUP is going to be hit or miss. You really need to follow specific brands to get the email alerts when certain products go live on the site.

    Also, be sure to read the details about fabrics for each costume. The Disguise Minnie Mouse Tutu Dress-Up Set is full polyester and might not be the best choice for kids with sensitive skin.

    My daughter owned this exact dress as a toddler. She didn't complain about the fabric, but expect it to be a stiffer material that might be scratchy in certain areas.

    Walmart & Target

    Already shopping from one of the big box stores? Both Walmart and Target offer up items in store and on their websites in the way of Disney princess dresses.

    Photo credit: Target
    • Walmart has a pretty extensive online collection in low prices you've come to expect.
    • Selections from Target include printed cotton play dresses as well as dressier costume styles.
    Little girl with Princess jasmine outdoors at Disneyland

    READ MORE:

    Choosing the best Disney outfits for kids including shoes and coordinating sibling styles.

    Free printable Disney packing list for kids with tips on choosing the top travel essentials.


    Author and owner Julie Bigboy shares first hand knowledge on a variety of subjects, including family travel, positive parenting, and simple living. Her work can be found on The Points Guy, SheBuys Travel, MiceChat and Disneyland With Kids, among others.

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