Walt Disney World Chronicles: The Disney Look

by Jim Korkis
Disney Historian

Feature Article

This article appeared in the January 5, 2016 Issue #850 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.

Jim KorkisMany employers and schools have a dress code to keep things professional. One Hollywood talent agency used to have the philosophy of "dress British," meaning dark suits, white shirts and thin black ties, so they looked more like lawyers than agents.

Disney is known for maintaining intense control of its working environment and has very specific written appearance rules. The famous "Disney Look" is a fresh, clean and approachable look, ensuring that every guest feels comfortable with the entire cast. The focus is meant to be on the overall show, not the individual.

When Disneyland opened in July 1955, everything was done in such a rush and with an emphasis on getting the actual physical construction done on time that attention to appearance, other than common sense of looking neat and clean, was not addressed.

It was not uncommon to see people working at Disneyland with mustaches and beards, from performers like Sheriff Lucky in Frontierland (where it was considered part of the role of an Old West officer of the law) to Trinidad the White Wing, who swept up on Main Street after the horses (once again it was in keeping with the time period).

Legend has it that the wild appearance of some of the skippers working on the early Jungle Cruise sparked Walt to establish a more formal dress and appearance code that was in full effect no later than 1959, including the new stipulation of no mustaches or beards except for those employees who had previously been hired wearing them.

For many Americans in the 1950s and 1960s, beards and mustaches, especially on younger men, were associated with "beatniks" (and later "hippies") and generally unpleasant radicals who participated in "un-American" activities. It was feared that average citizens, especially women and children, might be intimidated by men with facial hair, even though there were notable exceptions like Santa Claus or Abraham Lincoln.

These guidelines were vigorously enforced for on-stage cast members at the theme parks, but some employees like animators and Imagineers, who spent their time away from guests, were always exempt from them.

The original Walt Disney World Casting Center in 1970 was hidden in a hard-to-reach location behind the Magic Kingdom. Some joked that if a person could actually find the Casting Center, they were automatically hired. Of course, that was not true, because when Walt Disney World opened there was a 30-to-1 hiring ratio. That is, on average, for every 30 people who applied for a job, only one was hired because the requirements to be a Walt Disney World cast member were so stringent.

In fact, to ensure a certain consistency in appearance, there were only three sizes made for most costumes. A prospective cast member had to be able to fit into one of those pre-made costumes. The media joked that Walt Disney World cast members looked like they were members of the clean-cut Up With People singing group, known for its all-American perky appearance.

The official "Disney Look" rules for 1971 emphasized a "natural" look with natural hair color and makeup. Cast members were to adhere to these rules and to maintain them. Failure to do so could result in suspension or termination.

For Disney male hosts:

Hair. A neat natural haircut and a clean shave are essential. The hair is to be neatly groomed so that it does not extend beyond or cover any part of your ears. Hair must not stick out over your shirt collar. Hairstyles termed "natural" or "afro" are acceptable provided they are neatly packed and shaped. Any extreme hair styling… such as that of shaving the head or eyebrows… is not permitted any more than is hair which extends beyond your ears or sticks out over your collar.

Haircoloring. The "Disney Look" for Hosts does not permit extremes in dying, bleaching or tinting.

Sideburns. Sideburns should be neatly trimmed and may be permitted to extend to the bottom of the earlobe, following their natural contour. Flares or muttonchops are not permitted.

Moustaches and Beards. Moustaches and beards are not permitted.

Wigs. Wigs and hairpieces for men are not permitted unless for medical cosmetic purposes.

Fingernails. Clean presentable fingernails are a must. Fingernail tips should not extend beyond the tip of the finger.

Jewelry. Small rings, class rings, wedding bands, approved tie clips, watches and Company service pins are permitted. Only one ring per hand.

Shoes. Hosts in costume, unless otherwise advised, are requested to wear plain black leather lace oxford shoes with defined heels and black socks. Earth shoe styles and wedge styles are not a prescribed shoe. Shoes should be polished and kept in good repair. Prescribed shoes are required the first day you are in costume.

Costumes. Costumes should be clean and neat at all times. If it should happen that a costume change is necessary during your shift, check immediately with your supervisor. Any exceptions to these standards must be approved by the Appearance Coordinator. Any questions pertaining to your costume, check with Wardrobe Supervision to make sure your appearance conforms with requirements for the "Disney Look."

Name Tags. We are a first-name organization. You have been issued a name tag. Please wear it on the left side with pride. (Author's Note: The left side was considered to be where the heart was located, as when people say the Pledge of Allegiance.)

For Disney Female Hostesses:

Hair. Styling: Hostesses should keep their hair neatly combed and arranged in attractive, easy-to-maintain styles. Any extreme hair styling is not permitted. Hair styles termed "natural" or "afro" are acceptable provided they are neatly packed and shaped. Coloring: The "Disney Look" does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching or tinting. Frosting or streaking are not permitted. Teasing: If the hair is teased, it should be kept to a minimum and should be for body and shape only. Length: Those who prefer long hair should take special care that it is neat and well groomed. Hair below shoulder length should be worn in such a manner that it is combed away from the face so that it will not fall forward or over the face while performing normal job duties. Side tendrils, if worn, should not extend below the bottom of the earlobe.

Hair Confinement and Accessories. Hair below shoulder length may need some confinement so as not to fall forward over the face while working. In keeping with the "Disney Look" there are three acceptable hair accessories: a plain barrette in gold, silver or tortoise shell with no ornamentation, yarn, and hair ribbons. If yarn or a hair ribbon is worn, it should compliment the costume and be no wider than one-half inch or longer than four inches when tied. Hair ribbons are for the express purpose of holding the hair away from the face, not as a decorative addition to the costume. Stick-pin barrettes (both leather and plastic) and knitted chignon (bun) holders are not acceptable. It is required by law that food employees confine their hair.

Wigs and Hairpieces. Wigs and hairpieces are not permitted unless for medical cosmetic purposes.

Cosmetics. Face Makeup: For Hostesses only a natural makeup is permitted. Foundation bases, powders, and blushes should correspond with each individual's skin coloring. Eye Makeup: If mascara is worn, it should be applied lightly in shades of black or brown. The "Disney Look" does not include eye shadow, eye liner or false eyelashes. Lipstick: Lipstick, if worn, should be applied lightly and should complement your appearance. Wear a true or natural color of lipstick.

Perfume. Perfume or scented powders should not be used excessively.

Fingernails. Fingernails should be kept clean and, if polish is used, it should be clear or flesh tones. Dark red, gold and silver tones are not considered part of the "Disney Look." Fingernail tips should not exceed one-fourth inch.

Jewelry. Small rings, class rings, wedding bands, engagement rings, watches, and Company service pins are permitted. Only one ring per hand with the exception of a wedding set. A petite post stud earring is acceptable. A stud constitutes a simple, inconspicuous gold, silver or colored earpost, not to exceed one-fourth inch in diameter, approximately the size of a quarter.

Shoes. Hostesses in costume, unless otherwise advised are required to provide their own shoes with a plain toe and defined heel. Shoes should be polished and kept in good repair. Earth shoe styles and wedge styles are not a prescribed shoe. Stockings are required to be worn at all times with shoes or sandals. Prescribed shoes are required the first day you are in your costume.

Costumes. Costumes should be clean and neat at all times. If it should happen that a costume change is necessary during your shift, check immediately with your supervisor. Any exceptions to these standards must be approved by the Appearance Coordinator. Any questions pertaining to your costume, check with Wardrobe Supervision to make sure your appearance conforms with requirements for the "Disney Look."

Name Tags. We are a first-name organization. You have been issued a name tag. Please wear it on the left side with pride.

While the "Disney Look" is supposedly always under constant review, very few if any changes were made for decades. Still, many of today's cast members do not meet these restrictions from 45 years ago. In fact, the official "on-stage" appearance code has come under attack more and more often in recent years, with claims of discrimination — despite the fact that Disney has never hidden these requirements before offering someone a job.

In 1992, The Walt Disney Company found it difficult to enforce these grooming rules when hiring cast members for EuroDisney (now Disneyland Paris). In addition, Disney insisted that women working at EuroDisney must wear "appropriate undergarments" (since it was common to the culture to not always wear underwear) and only transparent pantyhose (no black hose or any fancy designs). Such a restrictive code is forbidden by French labor law and considered to be a violation of individual rights. Disney was taken to court, so adjustments had to be made for the cast members working at that park only.

In 2000, faced with staffing challenges in all its parks, the Walt Disney Company finally allowed well-groomed mustaches. (Of course, mustaches couldn't be grown while at work because it would look unkempt, but if the mustache sprouted during a vacation or before someone applied, then that was fine.) "Well-groomed" meant that the mustache had to be maintained so that it did not extend over the upper lip and extended to the corners of the mouth, but no farther. On February 3, 2012, a new code went into effect allowing male cast members to also grow trimmed beards.

In some cultures it is important for young men to have full beards. In others, men cover their heads with a turban, which is integral to their religious identity. Many who worked at Epcot's World Showcase were unhappy with the restrictions that were in place, but endured them for the opportunity to work in the United States at Disney World. In 2015, however, legal action was filed and Walt Disney World finally allowed turbans on-stage. (An earlier similar suit in 2008 was settled out of court.)

In spite of these recent changes, the "Disney Look" is still important, as important as it was back in the company's early days. As cast members were reminded during one of their lectures in their several days of Traditions class in 1972:

"The 'Disney Look' is a tremendously important part of the overall show at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Almost invariably our guests mention three things they like best about Disneyland and Walt Disney World…"the outstanding show"… "the remarkable cleanliness" … "the friendly employees." The last two go hand in hand. For when our guests talk about how clean the parks are, they are not just saying that there is no paper on the streets or that the paint is fresh. They are talking about our people… their costuming and their overall appearance.

"The design and creation of the costumes for every location are based on the story and theme which is being portrayed. And it is equally important that each of our people give the same attention to their personal appearance, for the 'Disney Look' is an important combination of clothing and grooming. Each individual's personal appearance should add to the show and not detract from it. Anything that could be considered offensive, distracting or not in the best interest of the Disney show will not be permitted. And since our people are moved from land to land and from costume to costume, appearance must remain consistent."

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Other features from the Walt Disney World Chronicles series by Jim Korkis can be found in the AllEars® Archives.

Jim also writes occasionally for the AllEars® Guest Blog, contributing entries under the heading of "Jim's Attic."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Disney Historian and regular AllEars® Columnist Jim Korkis has written hundreds of articles about all things Disney for more than three decades. As a former Walt Disney World cast member, Korkis has used his skills and historical knowledge with Disney Entertainment, Imagineering, Disney Design Group, Yellow Shoes Marketing, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Feature Animation Florida, Disney Institute, WDW Travel Company, Disney Vacation Club and many other departments.

He is the author of several books, available in both paperback and Kindle versions. You can purchase them via our AllEars.Net Amazon.com store HERE.

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Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.