From an Attraction Hosts to Guest Relations Hostesses, Bell Captains to the Housekeeping staff, each operational costume is specifically created to fit a specific theme, form, and function. Color sketches are not used because color can influence a person's opinion about a design. If anything, color swatches and accessories may be included with the sketch. Since they are the people who will be wearing the costumes, operational Cast Members often have great insight into the specific needs of their costumes. Once everything is approved, the costume goes into mass production.
Theatrical costumes differ because they can be more elaborate than operational costumes.
Used for entertainment purposes, theatrical costumes can have sequins, beads, and fine detail since they are not worn all day, every day. Costuming Audio-Animatronic figures is much like costuming a principal character in a movie. After working from Imagineering sketches and renderings, the costume designer will use the actual figure to develop the costume pattern. Unlike real people, Audio-Animatronic figures can't move around to get dressed, so their costumes are designed to come on and off differently. Once the costume is made, it is put on the figure and the figure is then animated.