Woman says she was forced to buy $45 shirt after Disney staff called her outfit 'inappropriate'

A trip to Walt Disney World’s Epcot turned unexpectedly controversial for one woman — and now, TikTok is divided.Nicole Arena says she was “dress coded” during her visit to the Florida theme park last week while wearing a white sports bra and black leggings.

Though she made it through security without issue, she claims that cast members stopped her from entering a ride she had waited an hour for, unless she either covered up or purchased a shirt from the park.In a now-viral TikTok video posted from her account, Nicole wrote: “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 could not get on the ride I waited an hour for.”

Nicole, who appeared in the video with her husband, added: “There were many people at Disney wearing much less clothing than I was.” She pushed back against the enforcement, saying: “I had nothing showing other than my stomach and my arms, but you guys are acting like I went out naked.”She also compared her outfit to typical gym attire: “Anyone who goes to the gym knows it’s totally fine to walk around with a sports bra and leggings on.

I just went to Disney how I would go to the gym.”According to the official dress code on Disney’s website: “Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.”

This latest Disney World dress code incident comes shortly after a new policy was announced by a soon-to-open steakhouse at the park, according to the New York Post. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, part of Disney’s upscale dining offerings, has introduced a dress code that asks guests to match the venue’s refined atmosphere.A statement on Bourbon Steak’s official website outlines the expectations: “This restaurant is one of our Signature Dining experiences… Clothing should be clean, neat, and in good condition, free from offensive language and/or graphics. Please, no swimwear.”The emphasis is on maintaining a “sophisticated and upscale aesthetic,” reinforcing that even at the "happiest place on Earth," appearances matter — especially when steak is involved.