Relaxed Disney Look for Cast Members
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has shared an update from Chairman Josh D’Amaro on where Walt Disney World and Disneyland stand in their efforts in creating a place where everyone is welcome and taking action to create meaningful change. This post will share the new points, plus our commentary on the changes.
Disney’s update touches upon a range of topics, including reimagining attractions to be more inclusive. This includes things big and small, from the Soul of Jazz exhibit at EPCOT to ongoing enhancements to Jungle Cruise and last summer’s announcement that that Splash Mountain will be rethemed to the Princess and the Frog at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
D’Amaro also discussed the shift from the Four Keys — Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency — which guided Disney’s approach to guest service for more than 65 years to the Five Keys, with inclusion at the heart. These Five Keys will continue to guide Disney as the company interacts with guests, collaborates internally, makes critical business decisions, and creates the next generation of Disney products and experiences.
The relevant new information revealed by D’Amaro in the update is that Disney is looking at other traditions. Specifically, a relaxation of the “Disney Look” policy that guides how Cast Members show up for work. The company has an updated new approach that provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices.
The relaxed Disney Look will also allow visible tattoos that are appropriate. Tattoos on the head, neck, or face will not be permitted. Tattoos that depict nudity, offensive or inappropriate language or images, or violate the Walt Disney Company policies will not be permitted.
The Disney Look is being updated to not only remain relevant in today’s workplace, but also to enable Cast Members to better express their cultures and individuality at work. Here’s a video showcasing the changes:
Moving forward, Disney believes that Cast Members, who are at the center of the magic that lives in all theme park experiences, can provide the best of Disney’s legendary guest service when they have more options for personal expression — creating richer, more personal and more engaging experiences with guests.
This is just the beginning as the Walt Disney Company continues to work toward a world where we all belong — including a more diverse and inclusive Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. There’s more to do, but the company is committed to listening, learning, and making meaningful improvements.
The world is changing, and Disney will change with it, continuing to be a source of joy and inspiration for everyone around the globe. The Walt Disney Company will never stop working to make sure that Walt Disney World and Disneyland are welcoming places for all.
D’Amaro closes by saying that he’s excited about where the Walt Disney Company is headed, and will have more to share soon. (As we’ve said since last summer, there are other minor attraction updates to come.)
In terms of my commentary, I don’t really have a ton to say. I think it’s probably born out of practical necessities of the labor market more than Disney’s update suggests, but then again, the motivation is more or less immaterial to me. The world is fundamentally different than it was in the 1950s and companies need to evolve with the era. In other regards, Disney has been at the fore, but they’ve been slow on this front.
Moreover, while this is the hot topic of the day, this isn’t the first, second, or even third relaxation to the Disney Look in the last decade. It’s hardly unprecedented. Just since I’ve been an active member of the Walt Disney World fandom, there have been at least 4 instances of the rules being loosened. Many of the past changes have revolved around facial hair. Originally, no facial hair was allowed; that has been modified several times, and jewelry has also been allowed in the last couple of years.
Each change to the Disney Look has been met with controversy–from both directions.
One side has bemoaned the loss of Disney’s “clean cut” image and standards crafted during Walt Disney’s era, whereas the other has wondered why this antiquated set of rules still exists. I don’t doubt that this announcement will be met with similar reactions.
Personally, my take is that if this allows others to express themselves more authentically and comfortable in their role, great. If it attracts more great Cast Members who were otherwise apprehensive about working for Disney, double great. Whether a Cast Member has a tattoo, particular hair style, etc., has literally no bearing on my enjoyment of a theme park.
Beyond that, this hardly amounts to a free for all on potentially objectionable looks or anything of the sort as there are still clear limits on tattoos, accessories, and appearance in general. If you’re worried about kids seeing something they shouldn’t, well, I’ve seen plenty of lewd t-shirts on “clean cut” guests.
What matters far more to me is that Walt Disney World and Disneyland are able to attract and retain passionate individuals with high standards of customer service and a desire to carry forward the legacy of Walt Disney. In my view, appearances are not paramount to that legacy. One’s ability to “make magic” or offer exemplary guest service is in no way dependent upon how they look.
From a practical perspective, the Walt Disney Company is a significantly larger enterprise. Walt Disney World alone employs exponentially more people than Disneyland did back when the Disney Look policy was created. Onerous personal appearance standards might be something a mom and pop business can work around, but a colossal employer arbitrarily shrinking the labor pool in a tight market isn’t the most savvy idea.
If nothing else, the Disney Look has been an impediment to hiring and retaining people who would otherwise be great Cast Members. Right now in particular, as many companies are already having difficulty scaling back up after massive layoffs or furloughs last year, it would make sense that Disney would relax its appearance rules. Cast Member morale isn’t exactly high, and perhaps this will help with that and also Disney’s hiring efforts. It should go without saying, but Walt Disney World and Disneyland absolutely need to be competitive in the labor market.
At the end of the day, that’s pretty much where I’m at with the Disney Look. There will undoubtedly be a lot of fans against this, as is the case with literally any change, and especially that perceived as disregarding tradition or history. Many of those same people will also be the ones who demand exceptional service as guests, wonder why Cast Members aren’t “making as much magic” right now, and/or decry Walt Disney World wage increases because they don’t want to pay higher prices. When you recognize that for many prospective employees, Walt Disney World and Disneyland are regular ole employers just like any other, it becomes impossible to reconcile those contradictory positions. Something’s gotta give.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of Disney Look being relaxed? If you’re against this, how do you propose Walt Disney World and Disneyland attract and retain Cast Members who offer superlative customer service? Further pay increases? More benefits? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Well, think I’ll just head over to Universal… won’t be that much difference in atmosphere
I think WDW’s new “relaxed look” for employees is a disgrace. Any person who does not want to work at Disney because of the current “look” standards, cannot offer a superlative customer service. The customer service of WDW is to create a Disney Magical World. If these employees are more concerned about expressing their culture and individuality while at work, they care about one thing — themselves.
Walt Disney created the parks as a movie set for guests to enter. All cast members are character actors. Guests are not looking for their own backgrounds or traditions to be reflected into the park. Guests want to step into the movie set and feel that they are in a Disney Magical World.
As a grandparent, and former cast member, I look forward to taking my family to Walt Disney World to see the world of make believe. I want them to see actors playing a part without tattoos, nail polish of all different colors, or even different types of hairstyles. I believe Walt Disney Parks should not allow the 21st century into their lands. Guests go there to get away from reality. Cast members should not stand out as individuals — they should blend into the movie set. We don’t go there to see them. Its not about them.
Its not tradition or history that you are changing with this relax appearance rule, it is Walt Disney’s dream.
I don’t know that these changes are a bad thing. I’m sure it will bring a few new faces with incredible talent to the forefront. However, I don’t want the promotion of individuality brought to the game where people think they are above the team effort that I believe Disney is and has always been about. I’m glad they are steering clear of the tattoos on the head, face, and neck.. I don’t mind tattoos, I just think it takes away from people’s appearance rather than enhances it.. And again, I like the teamwork aspect over the individuality Idea.
Sarah–you know who’s gross? Bigoted narcissists who call others gross for their appearance. I sincerely hope you don’t have children.
Small tats – yes, gross arm/leg covered – no thanks. What’s next, brightly colored dyed hair?, I’m okay with tattoos or brightly dyed hair, but really, at Disney Parks? Just sayin”.
I strongly suspect that these changes will hardly be noticed by most guests, while they might provide tremendous relief and opportunity to current and potential cast members. My favorite cast member interactions have been with people who seem to truly appreciate that they are in a position to make my family’s limited, very expensive, time in a Disney park fun and memorable. I would expect that cast members who are encouraged to feel comfortable in their own clothes, and their own skin, will feel more enthusiasm for their work, resulting in better guest experiences. I can’t see this as anything other than a win-win opportunity.
Papa L– I agree. The only negative to this development is Disney acting like they’re champions for equality by A) doing something they should’ve done years ago already and B) doing so by disguising a practical business maneuver as some sort of “gift” their employees should be forever thankful for. It’s things like this that pull back the curtain on Disney magic, which is a little depressing.
Molly– no dear, what’s sad is people like you deciding that they’ll get their “magical” kicks by telling others how they should look. There’s nothing magical about being a narcisstic fool who derives joy from suppressing the joy of others. Sigh.
I am shocked at the people who feel personal expression is being suppress. Really? Many jobs have standards for various reasons. I hire individuals to work in manufacturing and I have heard the same from applicants when I tell them no jewelry on the manufacturing floor… I’ve heard I’m trying to change who they are! Really?!?! Then go work somewhere where it doesn’t matter. This is for safety but as we all know, give an inch and someone try to take a mile. I too am a former cast member and handled the dress code. What happened to leaving behind the world of today and entering the magical lands. Just sad.
I am so excited to hear this! Now all my dreams really can come true. Just the thought of working there with tattoos is amazing never thought I would ever have a chance. I love all things art and I do wear it. Thank you Disney for giving everyone a chance. Disney is truely Magical!
Yes, this is probably born of necessity. I am fine with smaller, more discreet tattoos. I am not fine with seeing politically charged or activist messages tattooed on cast members arms. Hopefully Disney will draw the line there. Disney has always been a favorite place of ours to escape into a world free from the tensions and burdens of life. When I start seeing cast members displaying tattoos with political or activist messages, that’s when we will sell our DVC membership and find a new vacation spot.
Looking forward to seeing Travis Barker run an attraction. I suspect and Tom mentioned it, it’s probably so they can have a larger pool of candidates and hire new cast members. I’m fine with the updated policy.
The only thing I find offensive is Disney announcing to the world a hiring practice that should require no announcement. As with so many other corporations – just do the right thing – and stop patting yourselves on the back. As Tom stated this is born of necessity and, my words, Disney attempting to turn the decision into a publicity coup.
SweetCaroline74 — glad you had a better experience while in Tokyo than PaulM
Both your and PaulM comments prove people are different and have different life experiences. But they are experiences which all come into play into our conscious and unconscious biases. PaulM sorry you feel that people look differently because you feel its due to possible facial hair or your tattoos while at Tokyo Disney. You might be right it might be something. Could be other things as you pointed to in your follow-up. But, I hope you see that you communicated your own bias toward Tokyo.
We all have life experiences that we take with us and recall when next put in the same situation. Unfortunately, we are all human and without all being different and unique the world will be a boring place. Is it bad to have different views on life or experiences? Not sure we have to all have the same view but agreed we need to treat all with respect.
All in all, I am thrilled as a former cast member/performer at WDW, that people
will be allowed to express themselves. What makes me a bit nervous is how far people are going to be allowed to take their expression? Coffin nail finger nails are dangerous and can be very unclean and catch on everything but will they be allowed because they stem from a particular form of individual expression ? There is a difference between coming to work being able to express your individuality/culture/community, in juxtaposition to what is considered looking too clean cut and normalized, or being lax about your appearance. Everyone has their own idea and opinion on all three of these points. There has to be a balance and some boundaries. Too many times, in too many professional situations, I have experienced individuals interpreting for themselves the parameters and guidelines of their job and company SOP. I certainly look to cast members to be role models, children for especially. We were held to those standards as cast members. Epcot is wonderful example because each country is able to teach us about the country, traditions and culture. That cultural expression is essential in today’s world with so much division. What I noticed is that very few “elders” are represented in the marketing. Vital individuals over the age of 55+. It’s important they continue to hire and represent those who are valuable workers and cast members but may be farther along in life. They bring a lot to the table, too.
I imagine there will be an adjustment period to see how it all evolves and that WDW has not written things in stone quite yet.
Thanks for your blog. It’s my essential WDW fanatic guest guide!
SweetCaroline84 – Thanks for your reply. I couldn’t reply to you directly either. I’m very happy to hear that you have had a different experience in Japan. Maybe I just caught the people on a bad day or maybe it was nothing to do with tattoos after all. Maybe it was because I’m British hahaha! Either way, the last thing I would want to do is put anybody off from travelling over there, I just thought my experience was vaguely relevant and more inclusion in Disney parks can only be a good thing. We are living in such a turbulent time, I’m just sorry that I won’t get to live long enough to see how history views this time period. Take care
I tried replying to Paul M but I’m unable to for some reason…
Paul, I’m so sorry you had such a bad experience at Tokyo Disney! I was shocked to hear your story. That has not been our experience at all, after multiple trips to Japan. My husband has tattoos up both arms (nothing inappropriate, of course) and a beard! He’s also 6’3″ so he did get a lot of attention but never anything remotely negative, whether at TDR or working/sightseeing in Tokyo. Of course his appearance is not the mainstream Japanese look but this is all brushed off and forgiven for foreigners, in our experience (unless you try using a public pool or hot springs). He was even more of a superstar at Shanghai Disney where folks would politely ask to take pictures with him, again, always in good fun and not rudely at all. Although I can’t understand why this happened to you, I hope it never happens again because feeling ridiculed and unwelcome is such a bummer! I’d probably never get over it…
I’m truly shocked at some of the comments here. I initially saw this development as barely even noteworthy. Sadly, I was all too wrong. It’s remarkable the level of control so many wish to exert over others. I mean is someone else’s appearance really something you feel such a strong need over which to have influence? I feel terrible for the children of these people, presumably never being allowed to express themselves in the slightest, and being shamed for having any personality traits or preferences regarded as “not normal” by their insecure and narcisstic parents. What sad times we live in.
I completely agree with Tom’s statement “ Whether a Cast Member has a tattoo, particular hair style, etc., has literally no bearing on my enjoyment of a theme park.”
I was surprised by this news, but not because I find it disappointing. It’s because other than noticing the obvious things like that the maid and butler costumes are different on Haunted Mansion, I never actually analyzed the face hair/nail patterns of the CMs or that some of the women could only wear skirts. And I’m a Type A overthinking, over-analytical lawyer. My guess is that a lot of people who are expressing disgust at this news are barely even going to notice. Yes, it’s the details that make Disney Disney, but it’s also the culmination of those details that pull together the effect. And frankly, I would expect pirates, skippers, and miners to have beards and tattoos. So for some roles, CMs who choose to express themselves that way will look even more appropriate for the role and really set the tone.