Most Disney characters are drawn in two or three flat blocks of color, and that is exactly why they make such forgiving costumes. You rarely need a screen-accurate gown. A red skirt, a felt collar or the right headband will carry a character across a room, and most of those pieces come from your own wardrobe, a thrift rail or an afternoon with felt and craft foam. Below you'll find the mouse classics, princesses, villains, Pixar favorites and a couple and group option, each with hair, makeup, a prop and shoes you can actually walk in. Lengthen or shorten the garments and any of them adapts for kids, teens or adults.
Reading a Character From Across the Room
When I plan a Disney costume, I look at a picture of the character and squint until the small details blur. What's left is the costume: usually two or three blocks of color and one shape, like Minnie's ears, Snow White's collar or Maleficent's horns. Get those right and nobody notices that your dress came from a thrift shop or that the trim is felt.
Shop your wardrobe before you buy
Write down the color blocks, then check what you already own. A plain dress or top in the main color is the most expensive piece to buy new, so hunt for that first. Felt, ribbon and a headband are cheap to add. Secondhand shops are good for tailcoats, vests and full skirts, which cost far more new than they do on a thrift rail.
The materials I reach for
- Felt for collars, spots and appliqués. It doesn't fray, so the edges can stay raw.
- Craft foam for hats, horns and armor panels. Thin foam bends with you; thicker foam holds a shape but needs a heat gun to curve.
- Tulle for skirts that need volume without weight. Several thin layers look fuller than one heavy one.
- Stretch knit for anything fitted, because you'll sit, eat and climb stairs in it.
1. Minnie Mouse Costume With Polka Dot Dress
Minnie is one of the cheapest characters to pull together, because the read comes from red with white dots, yellow shoes and the ears. A dotted red dress does it, or a dotted skirt with a fitted black top. Add opaque black tights and yellow pumps, flats or sneakers. The ears and bow carry most of the character, so I wear the headband around the house for a while before the night; a cheap plastic band pinches behind the ears and ends up in a handbag by nine o'clock. A bun or soft curls sit neatly under it. Red lipstick, rosy cheeks, black liner and a small black nose finish the face, and white gloves with a small red bag keep it simple.
2. Mickey Mouse Costume With Red Shorts
Mickey suits almost any age, and it's the costume I point people toward when they have one evening and no sewing machine. A fitted black long-sleeve shirt goes over high-waisted red shorts or trousers, with two oversized white felt circles for the buttons. Felt glued to a knit shirt tends to peel at the edges once the fabric stretches, so I add a few hand stitches around each circle even when the glue seems to hold. Black tights or leggings add warmth. Yellow sneakers stand in for his shoes; yellow shoe covers look more theatrical but slide around on stairs. Round ears, hair pulled back, a small black nose and white gloves are all the rest needs.
3. Daisy Duck Costume With Purple Dress
Daisy reads through color more than anything: lavender, white and pink. I look for a purple dress with puff sleeves or a flared skirt, mini or midi, and add white tights to suggest feathers without any bulky costume fabric. Pink heels, ballet flats or clean sneakers give the footwear accent. The big pink bow headband matters more than the wig, so if the budget is short, spend it there; a sleek ponytail or bun works fine instead of a pale lilac wig. Lavender shadow, lashes, glossy pink lips, white gloves and a small purple bag. I'd only add a duck-bill mask if it sits below your eyeline, because anything over the nose fogs up and narrows your view within minutes.
4. Donald Duck Costume With Sailor Shirt
Donald is a sailor first and a duck second. Build around a royal-blue sailor shirt or tunic with white trim and a red tie, then add white shorts, trousers, leggings or a skirt. The yellow tights and matching sneakers are what turn a sailor into a duck, so don't leave them out. A soft blue sailor cap and white gloves sit on top, with hair tucked under or left short and tousled. Blue liner and a touch of yellow near the lips are optional. A small plush nautical bag is the easy prop. If you'd rather carry a life ring, cut it from foam or card, since a rigid hoop catches every doorframe at a party.
5. Goofy Costume With Orange Turtleneck
Goofy is a thrift-store costume through and through, because his clothes are supposed to look mismatched. Wear an orange turtleneck under a loose black vest, relaxed blue pants with a few oversized patches, and brown lace-ups, ankle boots or sneakers for walking. The tall green hat is the piece people recognize, and felt on its own flops over. I stiffen it with a rolled tube of craft foam or card inside, or buy a soft ready-made one. Long black ears hang from the hat. White gloves, hair tucked away, a black nose and soft brows. A light fishing pole or a small plush works as a prop, but skip anything with a hook or a sharp end.
6. Tinker Bell Costume With Green Fairy Dress
Tinker Bell lives or dies on her hem. A fitted green dress with a jagged, petal-cut hem is the classic route; a green tank with a layered tulle skirt is the comfortable one. Nude tights and green flats with white pom-poms come next. Wings are where most fairy costumes go wrong. Big ones get knocked crooked in a crowd and the elastic straps dig in, so I keep them narrow and sit them high between the shoulder blades. Blonde hair goes in a high bun with side-swept bangs, from a wig if needed, with a glowy base, gold shadow, blush and a little body shimmer. Glitter migrates onto everything you touch, so use a biodegradable cosmetic one, only a pinch, and carry a small wand and a green pouch.
7. Alice Costume With Blue Dress And Apron
Alice is mostly about proportion. A knee-length blue dress with short puff sleeves and a full skirt, and a crisp white apron that sits a little shorter than the hem; if the apron is longer than the dress, it starts to look like a kitchen pinafore. White tights or knee socks and black Mary Janes are traditional, though ballet flats are kinder over a long evening. A black ribbon headband over loose blonde waves or a shoulder-length wig, pink cheeks, light mascara and rosy lips. For a prop, carry a teacup, a fabric rabbit or a deck of oversized paper cards. A small crossbody bag tucks under the apron and keeps your phone handy.
8. Mad Hatter Costume With Colorful Tailcoat
The Hatter is the one place on this list where clashing is correct, so he suits anyone who loves bold color and piling on layers. Start with a bright tailcoat in green, purple, burgundy or teal over a patterned waistcoat, white shirt and oversized bow tie. Cropped trousers, striped socks and sturdy boots carry the mismatch down to the floor. The hat needs ribbon, feathers and that paper price tag. I cut the tag from card stock and stitch it through the band, because tape lets go after an hour of head movement. Orange hair or a wild orange wig, pale foundation, colorful shadow and exaggerated brows keep him playful rather than frightening. Carry a light teapot or an empty teacup, and add fingerless gloves and a few trailing ribbons.
9. Peter Pan Costume With Green Tunic
Peter Pan is a quick build because everything is soft and stretchy. A forest-green tunic with a jagged hem goes over green leggings or slim brown pants, belted with a plain brown belt loose enough to sit down in. Ankle boots, moccasin-style flats or lace-ups all work. The hat is the giveaway. Cut it from green felt as a simple cone folded up at the front, and stitch the small red feather in place, since glued feathers tend to drop off at the first hug. Short tousled hair or a cropped brown wig, plus freckles if you like. Carry a fabric map or a cardboard spyglass, and leave the dagger at home, especially around children or in a crowd.
10. Snow White Costume With Yellow Skirt
Snow White is primary colors in exact places, and people notice when they're swapped around. Wear a royal-blue bodice or top with blue-and-red puff sleeves over a yellow midi or maxi skirt you can walk in. The tall white collar is the hardest part to get right. I cut it from stiff felt and tack it to the neckline, which stands up well enough without wire digging into your neck. Red flats or low heels, plus a red cape if it's cold. A short black bob with curled ends, or a wig, sits under a red bow headband. Red lipstick, rosy blush and clean winged liner, with an artificial apple or a small basket in hand.
11. Cinderella Costume With Blue Ball Gown
Cinderella adapts to almost any budget because the color does most of the work. Look for a pale-blue dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt, or wear a blue corset-style top over layered tulle. A sheer blue wrap or short puff sleeves gives the ballroom shape. Skip any real attempt at glass slippers; clear plastic heels are slippery and hard on the feet, so I'd wear silver flats, low heels or glittery sneakers instead. Blonde hair goes in a smooth high bun with a blue headband and a few curled pieces at the face. Luminous base, icy shadow, pink lips and a little highlight. Long white gloves, a black ribbon choker and a small silver bag finish her, and a clock-shaped purse is a clever nod to midnight that still holds your keys.
12. Aurora Costume With Pink Princess Dress
Aurora is the more forgiving princess for a long night, because stretch fabric copies her shape well. Look for a floor-length pink dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline or a structured white collar, fitted through the bodice and loose in the skirt. A true floor-length hem collects every step on the stairs, so I pin it up to just clear the shoe. Pink flats or low block heels stay hidden. Long blonde curls and a small gold crown set toward the back of the head, where it's less likely to tip forward. Pink shadow, lashes, rosy blush and soft red lips, with a gold necklace and a ring. Carry a single artificial rose or a cardboard spindle with rounded edges.
13. Belle Costume With Yellow Ball Gown
Belle's gold ballgown is dramatic, but a full skirt is heavy to wear all night. If a gown feels like too much, a yellow maxi skirt with a matching fitted top and sheer gloves reads just as clearly. Either way, look for a fitted bodice, a gathered skirt and an off-the-shoulder drape, with gold flats or cushioned low heels. Brown hair goes in a half-up bun with curls down the back, plus a yellow ribbon or a small jeweled clip. Warm makeup suits her: brown liner, peach blush and rose lipstick. Long gold gloves and a fine necklace. The rose under a clear dome is the prop everybody knows, and a plastic cake cover or craft dome is much lighter than glass and won't break if you set it down hard.
14. Ariel Costume With Purple Top And Green Skirt
You can be Ariel without a tail you can't walk in. Pair a fitted purple top with a shimmering green maxi skirt that flares below the knee, so you can still climb stairs and dance. Sequined fabric is the obvious choice, but it scratches the inner arm all night; scale-print knit or layered tulle is kinder. Wear green flats, sandals or low boots underneath. Long red waves come from your own hair or a bright wig. Synthetic red wigs shine a lot, and a light dusting of dry shampoo takes the plastic gleam down. Turquoise liner, pearly highlight and coral lips, with shell earrings and a flower clip. For a prop, a smooth, rounded silver fork or a seashell purse.
15. Rapunzel Costume With Purple Braided Dress
The braid is the whole costume. A lavender dress with a lace-up bodice, puff sleeves and soft pink accents sets it up, and a lighter skirt panel adds depth without advanced sewing. For the braid I use a long synthetic extension or wig and weave small silk flowers in with bobby pins; fresh flowers wilt within the hour. Keep the end above the floor so nobody steps on it. Purple flats work, or nude flats for the barefoot effect. Freckles, pink blush, long lashes and glossy lips, plus a small sun pendant. A foam frying pan is the prop people laugh at, or perch a little plush chameleon on your shoulder.
16. Elsa Costume With Sparkling Blue Gown
Elsa suits adults, teens and children equally, which makes her an easy family pick. Wear a pale-blue fitted gown with a sequined bodice, sheer sleeves and a translucent cape, or a glittery blue top over a long matching skirt. Silver flats, white boots or crystal-trimmed sneakers go underneath. A thick platinum side braid is her signature. On a wig, I braid it loosely and then pull each section wider with my fingers, which gives that full animated shape. Add tiny snowflake clips, silver shadow, pink lips and pearly highlight, with silver earrings, a snowflake necklace and a foam wand. Keep the cape off the ground outdoors, because sheer chiffon picks up wet leaves and grit.
17. Anna Costume With Cape And Braided Hair
Anna is the warmer of the two sisters, literally. A black embroidered vest or bodice goes over a long-sleeve blue blouse, with a royal-blue midi or maxi skirt and sturdy black ankle boots. The magenta cape with decorative trim is what people spot first. Two auburn braids with a light blonde streak finish her hair, and a clip-in streak is far easier than temporary color, which can rub off on the cape. Freckles, rosy cheeks, brown mascara and berry lips. With black tights, a small floral satchel and embroidered gloves or mittens, this is one of the few princess looks I'd happily send out trick-or-treating on a cold night.
18. Mirabel Costume With Embroidered Skirt
Mirabel's clothes are full of hand detail, which is good news if you sew a little. A white peasant blouse with scalloped sleeves and bright stitching goes over a full turquoise skirt covered in butterflies, flowers and small shapes. I cut those from felt and attach them with a running stitch, or use iron-on appliqués on a cotton skirt; iron-on doesn't hold well on slippery synthetics. Purple espadrilles, flats or sneakers. Wear your own dark curls with round green glasses and clear lenses. Light makeup, defined brows, coral blush and a natural lip, plus tassel earrings and a woven bag. Dress as her clothes, never her skin tone, accent or features, and add a handmade butterfly as the prop.
19. Moana Costume With Island-Inspired Skirt
Moana's outfit needs a little thought, both for coverage and for respect. Layer a red patterned bandeau over a fitted nude or cream tank, then add a cream wrap skirt with a red sash, woven trim and soft fringe. Brown flat sandals or neutral slip-ons make sense, since you'll be walking. Long dark waves, sun-kissed makeup that keeps your own skin tone, a blue-green stone pendant and a flower tucked by one ear. Painted cardboard or foam makes a light paddle, and I glue a wooden dowel inside foam so it doesn't fold in half. Don't put on an accent or play cultural details for laughs. The point is her bravery and her outfit.
20. Merida Costume With Dark Green Dress
Merida is about the hair, so put your effort there. Naturally curly red hair worn loose is best. Otherwise, choose a voluminous copper wig and pick the curls apart with your fingers rather than brushing them, since a brush turns synthetic curls into frizz. The dress is simple: long, dark green, fitted sleeves, a modest neckline and gold trim at the cuffs. A brown belt holds a small fabric pouch, with sturdy brown boots or lace-up flats below. Minimal makeup with freckles and tinted lips, plus a gold pendant or narrow headband if you want it. A round craft target or a rolled fabric map beats a bow, and a dark green cloak keeps you warm outside.
21. Mulan Costume With Blue And Red Layers
Mulan's animated outfit is clean lines and layered color, so keep the pieces simple. A pale-blue wrap-style top goes over a cream long-sleeve shirt, with a deep-blue ankle-length skirt and a red sash at the waist. I tie the sash in a flat knot and pin it from the inside, because a slippery sash slides loose the moment you sit. Flat black shoes, simple boots or cloth slippers. Dark hair in a smooth low bun with a red ribbon, or loose to the shoulder. Understated makeup with red lips, groomed brows and soft liner. A flower comb, a jade-colored pendant and a plush dragon or paper fan. Leave your complexion and features alone; the costume is her clothes and her courage.
22. Cruella Costume With Black And White Coat
Cruella is easier to assemble than she looks, because it's mostly black and white. Wear a sleek black dress, or a fitted black top with tailored trousers, under an oversized white faux-fur coat or a half-black, half-white jacket. Red heels, pointed flats or ankle boots add the one hit of color. The split wig is the tricky part. Cheap split wigs often show a line of mesh at the parting, so I comb a little hair across it and set it with spray, keeping the waves polished rather than messy. Bold red lips, sharp liner, sculpted cheeks and red nails, with long red gloves and big costume jewelry. Carry a patterned handbag or a rolled fashion sketch, use faux fur only, and leave out any props about harming animals.
23. Maleficent Costume With Black Horned Headpiece
Maleficent is pure silhouette, and the horns make it. A long black gown with wide sleeves, a high neck and a hint of purple lining goes under a structured black cape, with pointed boots or comfortable platforms. Buy or build the horns light. Foam horns on a headband pull forward as the evening goes on, and I counter that with a band of elastic under the hair at the back of the head. Keep them narrow enough for doorways, and hide your hair underneath. Arched brows, purple shadow, sharp liner, sculpted cheekbones and berry lips. A dramatic ring, a purple stone necklace and a light black staff topped with a foam orb, rounded so it's safe in a crowd.
24. Ursula Costume With Purple Dress
Ursula is theatrical fun, and the tentacles are the craft part. Start with a fitted purple dress or jumpsuit and a black tulle overskirt at the waist, then stitch soft stuffed tentacles around it. I keep them above the ankle, since anything that drags gets trodden on. Black boots or purple platforms with stable soles, and a short white swept-back wig. Lavender face paint is optional. Cream paint transfers onto collars and anyone you hug, so I'd skip it or set it heavily with powder and let purple shadow, black liner, red lips and the beauty mark carry the face. Shell earrings, a gold shell necklace and a tiny contract scroll or shell purse.
25. Evil Queen Costume With Purple Gown
The Evil Queen is regal before she's scary. A floor-length purple gown with long sleeves and a fitted waist, a black cape lined in red, and that high white collar. I cut the collar from stiff felt or thin flexible foam and attach it to the cape rather than the gown, so it stands up from the shoulders the way it does on screen. Black boots or low heels sit hidden under the hem. A black hood covers the hair, with a small gold crown pinned through it. Thin arched brows, smoky purple eyes, sculpted cheekbones and red lips. Pin a jeweled brooch at the neck and carry a gold hand mirror or a shiny apple.
26. Queen Of Hearts Costume With Red Gown
Card suits do the heavy lifting here. Choose a red ball gown or knee-length party dress with a fitted black bodice, then add white collar details, gold trim and felt hearts across the skirt. Felt hearts glued to satin tend to pop off once the skirt starts moving, so I use fabric glue on cotton and stitch them on satin. Black tights and red ankle boots or low heels. Dark hair goes in a high heart-shaped updo, or use a red-and-black wig with a small gold crown. Blue shadow, defined brows, rosy cheeks and a heart-shaped red lip. Carry a playing-card fan or a heart bag, with white gloves and a scepter with rounded ends.
27. Woody Costume With Cowboy Vest
Woody is comfortable, and it's mostly clothes from an ordinary wardrobe. A yellow plaid button-down, blue jeans and a black-and-white cow-print vest, with a red bandana, a brown belt and a big decorative buckle. Cowboy boots are best, but brown ankle boots are kinder over a long night. Choose a soft brown cowboy hat; a stiff wide brim blocks everyone's view in photos and bumps people in a crowd. Natural hair, simple makeup and optional freckles. Pin on a gold sheriff badge, carry a small rope coil or plush horse instead of a toy gun, and add brown gloves and a pull-string tag at the back as the detail people grin at.
28. Jessie Costume With Cow Print Chaps
Jessie is a set of separates, and the shirt is the one piece you'll probably have to make. Start with a white button-down and add yellow shoulder panels, red stitched trim and wide cuffs. Felt panels with a stitched edge hold up better than fabric paint on a cotton shirt. Blue jeans go under cow-print chaps in lightweight fabric or felt, with a wide brown belt, a yellow buckle and sturdy boots. A long red braid tied with a yellow ribbon, using a wig if needed, and a red hat pinned securely over it. Freckles, rosy cheeks, lashes and soft red lips. White gloves, a western crossbody bag and a plush horse or fabric lasso finish her.
29. Buzz Lightyear Costume With Space Suit
Buzz can look impressive without hard plastic armor. A white fitted jumpsuit, tracksuit or matching top and pants is the base, with green and purple foam panels at the chest, waist, cuffs and lower legs. Thin craft foam bends with the body. I cut the chest panel as one piece and attach it with hook-and-loop tape so it comes off when you sit down. Add printed buttons and a homemade name badge, and wear white high-tops instead of rigid boots. A snug purple hood or balaclava should leave the whole face open. Narrow folding wings that clear doorways, purple gloves and an open-face clear helmet. No sealed masks; you need to breathe and be heard.
30. Bo Peep Costume With Blue Jumpsuit
Bo Peep's newer, adventurous look is pastel and practical. A pale-blue fitted jumpsuit with cropped legs and a pink belt, plus a short blue cape with pink lining that you can take off when the room warms up. White wrist wraps and a soft pink bow are the details people spot. Blonde hair sits in a low ponytail or curled bob under the bow. Navy or black flats, low boots or slip-ons for moving around. Fresh makeup with pink cheeks, fine liner and rosy lips. The crook is the awkward prop, and I'd make it from foam tubing over a dowel so it's light and soft at the top, with a tiny plush sheep clipped to a crossbody bag.
31. Edna Mode Costume With Black Dress
Edna shows how little a costume needs when the silhouette is sharp. A structured black mini or knee-length shift, opaque black tights and chunky black platforms, ankle boots or loafers stable enough to walk in. The bob and the glasses are everything: a smooth chin-length wig with blunt bangs, trimmed dead straight, and oversized round frames. Pale neutral makeup, defined brows, black liner and muted lips. A wide sculptural collar or a geometric necklace gives her design flair. In a black handbag, carry a small sketchbook, a measuring tape and a few fabric swatches, and stand tall all night. A fitted black jacket adds warmth without blurring her clean line.
32. Joy Costume With Yellow Dress
Joy is cheerful and simple enough for school, work or a family party. Wear a sleeveless yellow fit-and-flare dress with small blue starbursts or flowers, with a pale-yellow top underneath if you want sleeves. Blue flats, sneakers or ankle boots tie in with her hair. The short electric-blue wig needs shaping. A little hairspray and some finger-twisting gives the swept, spiky effect better than gel, which flattens synthetic fiber. Blue liner, golden shadow, pink cheeks and a glossy smile. Add a yellow cardigan for cold weather, blue studs and a small yellow bag, and carry a clear plastic ball as a memory orb; a tiny battery tea light inside makes it glow.
33. Stitch Costume With Blue Hoodie
Stitch is the cozy choice for a chilly Halloween. A bright-blue hoodie with a pale-blue belly panel sewn or pinned on, matching joggers or leggings and blue sneakers. The ears make it. Cut them big from blue felt with pink inner sections, and stiffen them with interfacing or a second felt layer, or they droop over the hood within the hour. A short blue wig is optional, since the hood covers your hair. Blue shadow, a small navy nose, pink blush and tiny white liner details by the eyes. Soft blue gloves with rounded felt claws and a red plush or tropical-print backpack. There's no need for a full-face mask here.
34. Jack And Sally Couple Costume
Jack and Sally work as a couple because they contrast: sharp black-and-white against soft patchwork. Jack wears a black pinstriped suit, white shirt, bat-shaped bow tie, black shoes and smooth white face makeup with darkened eyes, plus a fitted skull cap for that tall, bald shape. Sally wears a knee-length patchwork dress, striped tights, black ankle boots and a long red wig, with pale blue makeup and stitch lines drawn in soft liner rather than anything gory. White and blue cream makeup both transfer, so I set them with powder and leave a little gap at the collar. Agree on how heavy your makeup will be so neither of you looks half-finished in photos. A fabric black cat or a fake flower makes the prop.
35. Mike Sulley And Boo Group Costume
Three people, three very different shapes. Mike wears a lime-green bodysuit or green shirt and pants with one large felt eye on the chest, green sneakers and a small horned headband. Sulley wears a turquoise hoodie and joggers covered in purple felt spots, with soft ears, a tail and blue shoes. Boo wears an oversized pink T-shirt dress, purple leggings, white socks, sneakers and high pigtails. Use colorful makeup instead of masks: green accents on Mike, blue and purple on Sulley, rosy cheeks on Boo. Sulley's spots go on fastest if you cut them all at once and pin them first to judge the spacing. A light door-shaped sign each gives you a group pose without anything bulky.
Ears, Crowns and Horns That Stay On
Almost every Disney costume depends on something worn on the head, and that's the piece most likely to fail. A headband that feels fine in the mirror often pinches after an hour, and anything tall or heavy slides forward as you move.
- Wrap the ends of a plastic headband with a strip of felt or ribbon. It grips the hair and softens the pressure point behind the ears.
- Slide two bobby pins through the band on each side, into a small section of hair, for ears and crowns.
- For horns or a tall hat, add a loop of elastic that sits under the hair at the back of the head.
- Hot glue lets go in cold air and on smooth plastic, so for anything worn outdoors, stitch it or use a strong craft glue and let it cure overnight.
Gowns and Capes on a Cold Night Outside
Princess gowns behave indoors, but outside they need a plan. Long hems pick up wet leaves and get stepped on, so I pin or hem them to clear the top of the shoe. A lined cape over a short-sleeved gown keeps you warmer than a cardigan and still looks like part of the costume.
Under a fitted bodice, wear a thin thermal top or skin-tone tights; a puffer jacket hides the outline people need to see. Rain is the other risk. Cardboard props and paper collars soften fast, felt copes better, and foam doesn't mind water at all. If the forecast looks wet, pick a character whose key piece is fabric or foam.
A Disney Look Comes Down to Three Colors
Most of these characters come down to color in the right places, one strong accessory and shoes you won't regret. The mouse looks are quick builds, the gowns and villains bring the drama, and the Pixar characters are the comfortable ones. Before the night, wear the headpiece and shoes at home for an hour; that's when loose ears and pinching straps show up, not halfway through the party. Thrifted clothing, felt and removable appliqués will get you most of the way there. The costume that wins is the one you can laugh, sit and dance in.
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