Fan conventions and expos all across the globe bring together some of the most creative and passionate fans. Many wear clothing that reflects their devotion and the Disney D23 Expo is no exception. Some people wear franchise related clothing, others do subtle nods to the franchise that only other fans would pick up on, and the costumes go all the way to elaborate camera ready ensembles. Many cosplayers walk around the expos just to be noticed for their artistry and hoping to make connections with other fans. They are looking to create their own stardom through the franchise they know and love. Some fans spend months planning and creating their cosplays.
I spent June 14th and 15th at the D23 Expo and loved every minute of it! I was so inspired by the creativity and skill of so many cosplayers. Here are my top ten favorites from those two days:
10. Buzz Lightyear with Rocket
Sometimes it is the small details that make a cosplay stand out compared to all the hundreds of others playing the same character. I just love that the rocket was taped to his back! You knew exactly what point in the movie he stepped out of.
This one brought a HUGE smile to my face!
9. Emperor Zurg
I am a sucker for supporting character cosplays and this lady killed it as this evil intergalactic emperor!
I absolutely loved seeing a woman rock a male character!
8. Jack Skellington
Proportions. Proportions. Proportions. Some animated characters are almost impossible to cosplay to exact scale because their proportions are not actually acheiveable. Extremely narrow and tall characters are especially challenging. (And yes I believe anyone of any size can play any character. But I am talking about difficulty of a protrayal of a character looking like it walked off of the screen.) I was really impressed how this Jack Skellington created the illusion of movie-like proportions utilizing extremely tall shoes and extended fingers.
Shoes always complete an outfit!
7. Maui the Demigod
Sometimes it is the accessories that send an amazing cosplay right over the top. not only does Maui look like he just stepped out of the movie but his giant fishhook is to the right proportion and it lights up just like in the film! The entire character is pretty much flawless.
He even went around singing "You're Welcome!" To anyone who thanked him for posing for a photo.
6. Oswald and Ortensia
You are never too old to dress up! Tell that to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Ortensia the cat. They both celebrated their 90th birthdays! Cosplaying characters that predate Mickey Mouse shows so serious fandom knowledge.
There is no school like old school!
5. Beauty and the Beast and the Enchanted Rose
One of the more unique aspects to cosplaying with a group is the challenge of 'who gets what character?' You just can't tell this adorable little girl she can't be Belle. Cosplaying the Enchanted Rose was a truly unique solution and they executed it flawlessly.
Adorable.
4. Te Fiti and Te Kā
These two created the most stunning costumes I saw at the D23 Expo. They took home the top prize in the Mousequerade. Really their professional execution was beyond anything else I saw.
Serious skills.
3. Roz
I have always wondered how you would execute this idea. And I found out at the D23 Expo! Just perfect!
I'm watching you, Wazowski. Always watching.
2. Stacey and Beret Girl
I am a sucker for really recognizable supporting characters and these two absolutely stole my Goofy Movie lovin' heart!
She makes an excellent class president!
1. Star Trek Disney Princess Mashup
These lovely ladies represented my two favorite fandoms all in one. Well done ladies! And get a look at that tribble beast! So so very clever.
I think I am in love...
I can't even. I just can't. I am done.