Disney Visitor Claims She Was Shamed Over Sports Bra
For one woman, a spontaneous trip to Disney World turned into a day of embarrassment and frustration — all over her choice of outfit. Nicole Arena, a personal trainer, claims she was denied entry to a ride at Disney World for wearing a sports bra and leggings — attire she insists was appropriate — and told to buy a T-shirt before she could board. The incident, which Arena shared with PEOPLE and her TikTok followers, has ignited a heated debate over Disney's dress code policies, body-shaming, and the blurry line between gym wear and family-friendly fashion.
A Magical Day Turns Sour
Nicole and her husband decided to visit Disney's Epcot on June 1. It was her first trip since childhood — and his first ever — so they were excited to make the most of their day. They entered the park without any issues and began exploring, soaking in the atmosphere and rushing between attractions.
Things took a turn when they arrived at the Frozen ride after waiting in line for nearly an hour. A ride attendant abruptly told her she was "improperly dressed" and could not ride unless she changed, Arena told PEOPLE.
Arena was wearing high-waisted black leggings and a white padded Nike sports bra, which she described as "similar to a crop top," according to PEOPLE, and no more revealing than what many other guests were wearing.
$45 Later, a Bitter Return
The employee suggested she leave the line and purchase a T-shirt from a nearby shop before returning. Feeling put on the spot and embarrassed, she complied, buying a $45 sleeveless Disney tank top — one of the few options available.
When the couple returned to the line and spoke with a manager, they were told the situation should have been handled earlier — either at security or upon approaching the ride — and the manager agreed the ordeal was unnecessary. However, Arena said they were offered no apology or compensation.
"The whole situation felt unfair, like I was being singled out based on someone's personal judgment rather than a clear policy," Arena told PEOPLE. "It disrupted our day, cost us extra time and money, and just left a sour taste after what had started as a fun and spontaneous visit."
The Social Media Backlash
Arena posted about her experience on TikTok, where her videos quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of views and sparked a flurry of heated comments. According to the Daily Mail, in one video, she shows herself smiling in the park with overlay text: "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."
Opinions were sharply divided.
Critics of Arena's outfit argued that Disney's family-friendly environment justifies stricter attire standards. "It's a sports bra, not a shirt," one commenter wrote, according to the Daily Mail. Another added, "If it's a bra, it's underwear. I don't think I could get in wearing underwear."
According to the Daily Mail, others defended her, noting the heat and common gym-style outfits worn throughout the park. "I've seen so many people wear similar outfits that's crazy," one user wrote. Another commented, "Honestly I don't see anything wrong with that. Lifelong resident of Orlando. That outfit to me is suitable, it's hot outside, you're walking around a lot, lots of movement."
What Does Disney Say?
Disney's official dress code does state that guests ages 14 and older may not wear "clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment," according to PEOPLE. However, the policy is vague and leaves room for interpretation, which may explain the inconsistent enforcement Arena experienced.
Arena said she would have happily changed earlier if someone had addressed it at security or upon entering the park. When she was made aware of the situation, going back to the car "wasn't even an option," she told PEOPLE.
While Disney did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, the debate over dress codes at theme parks — and the discretion of individual employees to enforce them — continues.
A Lasting Impression
For Arena, what began as a spontaneous and joyful day at Disney turned into an uncomfortable experience that left her feeling judged and unwelcome.
"The original employee seemed visibly upset after we complained and disappeared," she told PEOPLE. "We never saw her again after that."
Despite the sour note, Arena hopes her story sparks conversation about fairness and clarity when it comes to park policies.
References: Woman Who Wore Sports Bra to Disney World Says She Was Denied Entry to Ride and Told to Buy T-Shirt (Exclusive) | Disney World Blasted for Refusing Woman Entry Over 'Perfectly Appropriate' Outfit
