Woman sparks debate after Disney World refused her entry over 'perfectly appropriate' outfit

A woman has sparked a debate online after being refused entry to a ride at Disney World Orlando because of her outfit choice.

Earlier this month, Nicole Arena and her husband were enjoying a day at Orlando's Walt Disney World Epcot when a member of staff allegedly told Nicole that she would not be allowed onto the park's Frozen ride due to her choice in attire.

The personal trainer was dressed in a pair of high-waisted leggings and a sports bra, an outfit which she believed was appropriate for the day.

However, when the couple reached the front of a queue for one of the theme park's rides, Nicole was told her outfit wasn't appropriate and that she would be denied access unless she purchased a t-shirt.

Sharing her account of what happened at the park via her TikTok account @arenalifts Nicole wrote: "Was so happy to be here that I didn’t realise I was "improperly dressed" and would be forced to buy a $45 [£33] t-shirt or else I could not get on the ride I waited an hour for."

The couple were enjoying a day at Disney's Orlando Park (Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

According to Disney World dress code rules, visitors are expected to wear 'proper attire' in order to comply with the family-friendly nature of Disney parks.

The website adds that staff have the right to 'deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate', this includes clothing items which show 'excessive portions of the skin.'

Nicole has since spoken out about the incident in an interview with PEOPLE revealing that she and her husband felt 'put on the spot' after being allowed into the park without any issues.

Recalling the moment leading up to being told that she'd violated the park's dress code, Nicole said: "Everything was still going smoothly until we finally reached the front of the line.

"I was genuinely shocked," she continued: "The employee suggested I leave the line to quickly purchase a T-shirt from a nearby merch store and return to ride afterward."

Nicole received a mixed reaction after sharing her experience online, with viewers divided other whether the outfit was appropriate.

"It’s a sports bra, not a shirt," one person commented, while a second agreed: "Perfectly appropriate for the gym. Not appropriate for anywhere in public, not just Disney."

Meanwhile, others defended Nicole, with one person saying the outfit was ' tame compared to most Disney outfits' "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," added another.

Nicole has since revealed she raised the situation with park management, who confirmed they shouldn't have been denied entry to the ride and any concerns about clothing should've been raised by park security or when they first approached the ride.

Nicole also shared a photo of the outfit she was wearing, which received a mixed response (TikTok/@arenalifts)

"The whole situation felt unfair, like I was being singled out based on someone’s personal judgment rather than a clear policy," she added.

"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."

LADbible group has approached Disney Parks for comment.