Obsessed with DisneyBounding? Me too.  Today I'm sharing insider tips on how to set sail and Moana DisneyBound!

Moana the Movie

Sometimes, you are just in the right place at the right time.  I was invited to attend an early press day on the Disney lot here in Burbank to learn about all things Moana.  Dream come true, RIGHT?  I arrived early in the morning with dreams of islands and bright blue water floating in my mind.  I have to admit, I was more than a little nervous.  Before our press day began, there was a breakfast served on one of the patios, so selected an empty seat at a random table to drink a cup of coffee and prepare for the day.

Two gentlemen I didn't recognize were sitting at the table as well.  After greeting each other, we started to chat.  They asked if I worked on the lot, and I explained why I was there.  When I asked them the same question, they chuckled a bit and introduced themselves.

I had the honor of eating my breakfast (totally by accident) with Ron Clements and John Musker, the directors of Moana.  These men are the creative minds behind Aladdin, Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid, The Great Mouse Detective, and the original Pete's Dragon.  And they were about the nicest people I've ever met.

They shared a bit about their years with Disney, and then before they excused themselves to prepare for the presentation……I got to hear about Moana.  The passion they expressed for this film? BLEW ME AWAY.  I learned about their trips to the South Pacific.  I heard about the research behind every aspect of the film and the Cultural Trust they created to consult with experts about EVERY aspect of the movie.

This film? Is something special.  It's a tribute to a beautiful culture, and I can't WAIT to share more about the creative process behind Moana.

How to Disney Bound: Moana

What is DisneyBounding? A way to pay tribute to your favorite Disney movies in regular clothes.  A way to dress up without wearing a costume.  Technically, when visiting the Disney parks…….adults are not allowed to wear costumes.  So, we DisneyBound.  We pay tribute to our favorite movies and characters.

Scenes from Moana inspired both my outfit and Lydia's for this DisneyBounding look.

Baby Moana DisneyBound

Baby Moana and her relationship with the ocean plays a prominent role in the first part of the movie.  Out of all the scenes we previewed, this scene was my favorite.  I loved seeing baby Moana laugh, giggle and play……and the animation of the water? It's PHENOMENAL.

Baby Moana wears a simple puka shell necklace, and I wanted Lydia to wear a similar piece for her Disney Bounding outfit.  Her shades of blue and silver? In reference to the water and its role in Moana's life.

Moana DisneyBound for Adults

One of my favorite parts of my magical Moana day? Was meeting with the team that created Moana.  I loved hearing about the painstaking detail that went into every aspect of her appearance from the new technology used to create her hair to the beautiful deep red in her clothing.

My version of a Moana Disney Bound Outfit? A bright red top, complete with fringe to reference Moana's skirt.  Simple crochet shorts, flat sandals the color of sand……and a special necklace.  Without giving away the Moana secrets I learned on the lot……pay attention to the necklace Moana wears throughout the film.  It holds a special significance.  I searched far and wide for a necklace that subtly mirrored the one she wears.

Mommy: // shirt /shorts (similar) / sandals / necklace //

Lydia: // dress / sandals / necklace  //

pictures by Playful Soul Photography

Visit the official MOANA website here: http://movies.disney.com/moana

Like MOANA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana

Follow MOANA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneymoana

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Love to Disney Bound as much as we do? Check out our Pete's Dragon Disney Bound tips!

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