Disney Parks has created the most amazing place for individuals and families alike to escape from everyday life and immerse themselves in the magic. It is truly the perfect vacation destination with everything from quiet pools and beaches, to crazy theme parks and fast paced shows. You can truly pick your poison, :-), when you visit Disney World. It is one stop shopping and then some. There is a perfect balance of expected fantastic customer service, all wrapped up like a Broadway show. So, how does Disney keep the allusion for it’s millions of guests? Rules. Rules that make sure all of it’s Cast Members (staff to the lay person) are perfectly in character, at all times.
So, I thought it would be neat to check out some of these rules and see how they work. Do you agree with these rules or disagree? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section. Maybe you know of some other rules that you can add to the mix as well! The following list is in no particular order.
1) The Look
Apparently, to work at Disney you must look clean and approachable. Sounds reasonable, I think. What does this mean though? For ladies it means keeping your hair colour natural looking with no crazy colours or patterns thrown in. The style must be maintained and simple. No weird braids or beads allowed. I guess that cuts out a visit to the hair wrap station on your way to work 🙂
And no goofy dreads either 🙂 
Man have to adhere to the same rules, by having trim hair cuts and mustaches that do not reach over their top lip. The mustache must also not extend past the corner of their mouths. Disney recently lifted an over fifty year ban on beards, which now allows male Cast Members to wear a clean, well groomed beard. Do you think this guy will be out of a job?
2) Piercings and Accessories
Now I get why Disney does not want their Cast Members bedecked with tons of piercings. Sometimes they can get a little out of hand. Ears can be pierced, but the earring has to be no larger than a quarter and they are for women only. As for accessories, jewellery is limited to things like conservative rings, wedding bands and business like watches. Even your eye glasses must be plain and simple. No obvious logos, especially competitive ones. I guess I would have to get rid of my Dora the Explorer specs 🙂 Tattoos are allowed, but only if they can be covered up completely. No face jewels or tattoos for Disney princess 🙂
3) Body Language
At first I thought this next rule was strange, but my nine year old daughter set me straight. When a Cast Member is directing someone somewhere, be it a lost guest or a confused co-worker, they must not point with one extended finger. They have to point with either two fingers together or their whole hand. My daughter said it is because pointing is rude and another guest might think they are being pointed out and would be insulted. Smart kid, cause that makes sense!
Even when it comes to the task of picking up the trash, the Cast Member working at Disney must do it with flair and interest, making sure to not scatter the debris or make a mess of the, err, garbage 🙂 That could be hard if your are chasing the trash can, but at least it would be entertaining…
With reference to the photo at the beginning of this post, Disney has a great knack for creating amazing costumes. All “on stage” (within view of the public) Cast Members must be in their uniform or costume and each costume is specific to where you work. Like which land or pavilion. It is quite ingenious, don’t you think? This way the guest is always surrounded by the magic and their vision is never disrupted. The Cast Members even use underground tunnels (Utilidors) to get around the park without being seen by guests so they are not in the different lands out of costume for that area. Pretty cool, eh?
So, do you think these rules are over the top, or not?
FT&PD
Suz
I like the colorful dreadlocks thingie of your daughter. Didn’t come close to Depp’s, but still way cuter.
LOL, thanks John 🙂
Aha we had a Disney recruitment a few weeks back, they also had a height requirement. I think it was 145 – 158cm if I’m not wrong.
Oh wow, really? I wonder why the height part is such a big deal? Well, maybe if you are trying out to be one of Snow White’s seven dwarfs.. 😉
I haven’t been to a Disney Park so I can’t say much about it but based on your article, I guess it’s pretty much the same as Universal Studios. They have the same rules for their staff/employees.
Your daughter was brought up well to know the reason behind the pointing. Great job!
Thanks Louise!
Haha! I like the look!~ Especially the colourful ‘hair’ on the little girl.. 🙂
Yeah, my daughter loves to express herself 😉
Cool! So much effort is put into keeping the magic alive in the Disney Parks.
Yes, it really is Hazel Ann..
Disney promotes the culture of being the happiest place on Earth. That’s how they educate their people which is then transcended to the visitors.
Very true Franc. They have the best business plan in place..
It makes sense to have a protocol as far as appearance and definitely body language. Your colorful Goofy is adorbs!!
LOL, thanks Debbie 🙂
I do not mind these rules. Disney caters to kids so the cast members have to be good role models and have to project the best image and behavior. – Fred
Great outlook Fred!
I read a book about the life of a Disney Cast Member called “Cast Member Confidential.” It was hilarious, and a bit disturbing! I will honestly never look at Disney the same way again!
Ooo I am intrigued now. I had not heard of this book before, but will be looking it up!
I love reading about the behind the scenes stuff like this. I want a peak in those underground Utilidors!
LOL, me too Deanna 🙂 To think there is an underground world under that magical place!
I think Disney’s rules are right on! I know of other places where the rules are pretty much the same. I have been to Disneyland 3 times in the last year and I agree with these rules. They want their staff to look as professional, friendly and approachable as possible! Makes total sense to me!
I so agree Angie. You can be totally immersed at Disney and never feel anything is out of place.
no, i don’t think that these rules are over the top. having to interact and serve millions of people from all over the world with different cultures, i believe it’s only right that they provide some guidelines for appearance and behaviour that the staff needs to follow.
Excellent point Molly, very true..
I actually got to hear a talk from a Disney representative a few years ago and they went over stuff like this, very indepth. I found it very interesting. I haven’t had the chance to go to Disney World so it was news to me how all this worked. I don’t think it’s over the top at all. I think it really does keep the magic.
I would love to hear an imaginEAR speak on all things Disney. I am sure it was magical!
I think the rules are just right. Disney is a happy place. Every year they get tons of visitors from around the world. It’s just right that the public sees their employees in decent, clean, and appropriate way.
Spot on!
Rules like this actually make sense – in Malaysian culture first impressions are very important ; therefore we do have such rules in some companies here as well ! looking forward to go to disney world someday as well
I think it is much like high schools where they wear uniforms. It makes everyone equal and therefore there is more peace..
I guess this applies not only to Disney, but in the acting/ entertainment industry. It is very important to do so (Not have all these piercing and weird hairdo) is so that they can be more versatile and take on various characters. Imaging a snow white with nose piercing or 5 ear holes!
LOL, good point Tiffany!
I absolutely love Disney!!!! I’m glad they have such rules. Just imagine, a Disney princess with tattoos all over her – this would totally ruin my day!
LOL, totally true Rebecca 🙂
You haven’t heard about the list of rules for the selection of cabin crew on Singapore airlines. They are even stricter.
I guess if you want to create a world in a particular vision, every detail has to match up to standard.
Cheers~
Pingerrain*Priscilla
http://www.pingerrain.com
The colorful ‘hair’ is cool… haha… i swear i want to go Disneyland one day! That’s my dream place.
You will love it!
wow! thanks for sharing this post – I’ve never ever thought before some kinda “control” must be in place, but it all makes sense!
The behind the scenes stuff can be really interesting..
No, the rules are a part of what make Disneyland such a great place to go. All businesses that have the best customer service have high standards for their employees!
I totally agree Michelle..