Disney Family.com's Dream Team parents always have great tricks up their sleeves. So for Halloween, they've shared the secrets and stories behind their favorite homemade costumes.

What I loved about this costume:

Our neighborhood took Halloween seriously — some houses a little too much so for Grace's comfort level — and her excitement over the free-flowing candy was tempered by a growing fear of the scary décor. Our nightly talks about things that were real and not real and how silly some of the decorations could be did little to quell her anxiety.

With our dog, Buster, dressed as Tinker Bell to Grace's Peter Pan, we set out to the first of the scary houses in the neighborhood. Grace hesitated for only a moment, looked back at me and said, "Buster makes me feel brave." I was elated as she let go of my hand and confidently negotiated a path lined with illuminated skulls to ring the doorbell.

I don't know who got more goodies that night, Grace or Buster, but I got the best treat of all — seeing Peter Pan and Tinkerbell fearlessly conquer the night together.

For Peter Pan's tunic and tights, you will need:

1½ yards of green, crushed velvet fabric (more or less for your child's height so that when doubled it will hit mid-thigh) or a forest green pillow case
1 leather shoelace
Old brown leather belt or wide brown ribbon
Scissors
Green thread
Needle
Green tights
Green long-sleeved t-shirt
Brown boots
Tunic diagram.

Steps:

1. With fabric folded in half, or at the top of a green pillowcase, make a horizontal cut big enough for your child's head to fit through.

2. Only in front, make a vertical cut of about 4 inches.

3. Fold each side back to form a 'V' neckline and a collar. Lightly stitch collar down.

4. Cut bottom of fabric to create a jagged bottom edge. Stitch to secure leather shoe lace to bottom of V and tie.

5. Finish by dressing your child in the green t-shirt, tights, and boots. Top with the tunic then belt it.

For Peter Pan's hat, you will need:

1 square piece of green felt
Scissors
Needle
Green thread
1 red feather

Hat diagram.

Steps:

1. Fold felt square in half to form a triangle, then cut at the fold to yield two triangles matched together. (Make sure the base fits your child's head.)
2. Stitch sides from "peak" of hat to about 1½ inches from base. Turn inside out.

3. Fold bottom 1½- inch up from base of hat.

4. Trim pointy edges off both ends of hat and stitch to secure.

5. Stitch to secure the red feather on the side.

For Tinker Bell's outfit you will need:

You will need:

Harness fitting your dog
Green material left over from making Peter Pan's tunic
Nylon butterfly wings from craft store
Gold mini-star garland from craft store

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of fabric large enough to stitch across the back of the harness to form a small "skirt." Cut uneven on bottom to create a jagged edge.

2. Stitch the butterfly wings securely on the back of the harness.

3. Finish by intertwining the harness and leash with the mini-star garland.

< More of Dream Team's Best Halloween Costumes

Find more great stories, tips, and ideas from Disney Family.com's Dream Team.

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