About The Disney Look

Since the opening of the Disneyland® Park in 1955, Guests have come to know and treasure the elements that set Disney theme parks and resorts apart. One of these key elements is the traditional appearance and image of the Cast, better known as the Disney Look.

The Disney Look started with Walt Disney's idea that the "Cast Members" at Disneyland Park were to play an important role in bringing Guests into a fantasy world, and that the Cast would be a large part of the show. Walt had the vision that Cast Members would appear friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. The Disney Look guaranteed that the Cast did not distract from the show or become the show. Rather, these guidelines were put in place to maintain the consistency of the appearance of the Cast that the Guests have come to love and appreciate over the years.

As Cast Members at the Walt Disney World® Resort, our appearance reflects the commitment to excellence and show quality for which the Company is known.

Disney CareerStart Program participants are expected to be compliant with the Disney Look upon their arrival.

Guidelines for All Cast Members

Good Judgment and Stage Presence

As with all of your duties and responsibilities as a Cast Member, you are expected to demonstrate professionalism and good judgment at all times related to your appearance. For this reason, if you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of your appearance, please keep in mind that anything that could be considered distracting or not in the best interest of our Disney show will not be permitted.

No matter where you work or what your role is, anytime you are in a public area, you are “on stage.” Your attitude and performance are direct reflections on the quality of our Disney show. Often it’s the seemingly little things that detract from our Guests’ enjoyment – chewing gum, having poor posture, using a cellular phone or frowning. Of course smoking and eating on stage are also strictly prohibited. All of this adds up to one of the most important aspects of your role in our show: good stage presence.

Nametags

We are a first-name organization. Your nametag should be worn with pride in an upright, readable position on the upper left shoulder area of the outer-most layer of clothing. Based on costume design, this placement may occasionally vary. Please check with your area leader for clarification. Nametags should not be worn on lanyards, ties, hats, waistbands, or on shirt or blouse collars.

All names on company nametags shall be the Cast Members’ full, legal, first or middle name, or a derivative of their name. Cast Members are permitted to have their hometown city and state or country engraved on the nametag. Participants in the College Program may choose to have the name of their college or university in place of their hometown.

Cast Members with additional language skills may participate in the Language Program. Language Program participants will receive a special nametag that can identify multiple languages spoken.

All Cast Members have the option of wearing their most recent service pin, site-specific recognition pin, and/or Walt Disney World® 1971 Opening Team pin on their nametags, in addition to any approved language flags. Stickers or other decorations are not permitted on the nametag or costume.

Pins & Buttons

In addition to the nametag and nametag pins described above, Cast Members may wear up to two separate approved pins/buttons directly on the costume. Cast Members should wear these pins opposite the nametag, although this placement may occasionally vary.

Any request to allow a pin or button to be worn on the costume must be approved in advance by the Cast Image and Appearance Team.

Company Identification Cards

To help ensure the safety and security of our Guests and Cast Members, all Cast Members are required to follow the policy below regarding company ID cards.

Costumed Cast: Cast Members in costume must have their company ID with them at all times, but they do not need to wear it. While backstage in costume, you may wear your ID on a lanyard (if you choose) for convenience. However, to preserve the theming of our Guest show, you may not wear your company ID on stage.

Non-costumed Cast: Cast Members who are not wearing a costume are required to visibly wear their company photo ID card in backstage areas at all times. Noncostumed Cast Members are not required to wear their company ID while on stage but may choose to do so for convenience. Your company ID may be worn on a pin-trading lanyard or conservative-style solid black lanyard that is free from words or logos. Black lanyards that have a cloisonné Character attachment are also permitted. As a reminder, nametags, buttons, etc. are not permitted on the lanyard.

Photo ID Requirement: Cast Members with a company ID card that does not include a photo must be prepared to show secondary photo identification (driver’s license, state identification card, etc.) in conjunction with their company ID card.

Eyewear

Sunglasses are a block to interpersonal communication with Guests and should be avoided if possible. Only sunglasses that allow your eyes to be seen are permitted. No mirrored or dark, opaque lenses are allowed. Sunglasses are not to be worn at night, in dark areas or indoors. Cast Members should remove sunglasses when engaging in extended interactions with a Guest. Sunglasses should not be visible when not in use.

The frames and lenses of both prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses should be a conservative, neutral color and style and free from contrasting logos. Eyeglasses and sunglasses should not detract from the costume or contradict the theme of the show.

If colored or tinted contact lenses are worn, the resulting eye color must be naturallooking. Decorated lenses are not permitted, nor are any looks that would be considered distracting or not in the best interest of the Disney show.

Body Alteration or Modification

Intentional body alteration or modification for the purpose of achieving a visible, physical effect that disfigures, deforms or similarly detracts from a professional image is prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, visible tattoos, brands, body piercing (other than traditional ear piercing for women), tongue piercing or splitting, tooth filing, earlobe expansion, and disfiguring skin implants.

Tattoos must be discreetly and completely covered at all times. Jewelry, spacers, retainers, or plugs are not permitted in any body piercing, including non-visible piercings, while working.

Undergarments

Cast Members are required to wear appropriate undergarments at all times. Patterned or colored undergarments that are visible when worn under light-colored costumes or business attire are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at any time.

Costumed Cast Members may wear a solid white crewneck or v-neck undershirt under costumes with a traditional neckline. Undershirts should be only minimally visible at the neckline and should not extend past the sleeves.

Personal Hygiene

Due to close contact with Guests and fellow Cast Members, regular bathing; frequent hand-washing; clean, neat hair; and the use of an antiperspirant or deodorant are required. For the same reasons, the use of strong, heavy scents and fragrances is not permitted.

Medical Restrictions/Religious Accommodation Requests

Any questions regarding a medical accommodation or religious exception may be addressed to the Employee Relations Department at [email protected].

Entertainers

If the authentic portrayal of a role requires deviation from the Disney Look appearance guidelines, such a deviation must be approved by the Vice President of Entertainment and notification made to the Vice President of Employee Relations and Director of Costuming. Such approval must be documented with the Cast Image and Appearance Department. Otherwise entertainers must adhere to the appearance guidelines set forth in the Disney Look policy. If the performer is cross utilized or transferred to a different role, this approval no longer applies to that performer. All performers in the same role will need to be documented separately.

Appearance Policy Discipline

The appearance guidelines contained in this handbook have been established for both the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort and may be changed at any time. Failure of any Cast Member to adhere to these or any subsequently established or modified standards will result in appropriate disciplinary action, not excluding separation from the company. Cast Members, including those covered by a collective bargaining agreement, may be disciplined when the appearance policy is not followed.

Ensuring consistent administration of the Disney Look is the responsibility of local Leadership, the Cast Image and Appearance Team, your Human Resources representative and Employee/ Labor Relations. Specific questionable deviations from the policy should be referred to the Cast Image and Appearance Team for further assessment.

Guidelines for All Female Cast Members

Fingernails

Fingernails should be clean. If polish is used, it should be an appropriate, neutral color. This includes deeper, richer shades of polish. Polishes that are not permitted include black, gold, silver, multicolored or neon. Charms or decals on fingernails are not permitted. Fingernails should not exceed one-fourth of an inch (approximately 6 mm) beyond the fingertip.

Hairstyling

Following are the Disney Look guidelines for hairstyles:

• Hair should be neatly combed and arranged in a classic, easy-to-maintain style. Extreme styles are not permitted.
• Hair below shoulder length should be confined if it falls forward over the face while working.
• Conservative braided hairstyles without beads or ornamentation are permitted.
• Hair products may be used to create a soft, natural hairstyle within these guidelines.
• Shaving of the head or any portion of the head or eyebrows is not permitted.
• Artificial hair is permitted if it looks natural and meets all of the above requirements.

Hair Coloring

The Disney Look does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching or coloring. If the hair color is changed, it must be natural-looking and well maintained. Subtle highlighting or frosting is permitted as long as it creates a uniform look over the whole head and meets all of the previously listed guidelines.

Makeup

If makeup is worn, it should be applied in a blended manner and in appropriate, neutral colors.

Guidelines for Costumed Female Cast Members

Personal Electronic Devices

Cellular phones and other digital assistants may not be used on stage during work hours. These items must be concealed from view and operated on silent mode if carried. Company-issued cellular phones will be allowed if they are required for a specific business need.

Costumes

Costumes should be clean and neat at all times. If a costume change becomes necessary during your shift, you should report immediately to your Costuming location after consulting with your leader. Costumes must be worn as they are designed. For example, they should not be worn too loose, too tight, low on the hips, etc. Any questions pertaining to the fit of a costume should be addressed with Costuming to make sure the appearance meets the requirements for the Disney Look.

As a reminder, you are responsible for the proper care and handling of all costume pieces issued to you. Costumes issued to you remain the property of the company and must be returned in good condition upon request or at the time of separation or transfer.

When wearing a costume off property, remove your nametag, and do not wear your costume for personal use. Your costume is not to be worn when visiting Disney property as a Guest.

Hair Confinement and Accessories

In keeping with the Disney Look and costume theming, the following guidelines for hair accessories apply:

• Accessories no larger than one inch (approximately 2.5 cm) wide (approximately 2.5 cm) wide and four inches (approximately 10 cm) long are acceptable. Headbands, hair ribbons, or hair ties are acceptable, provided that they are no wider than one inch (2.5 cm).
• Accessories must be a neutral color (silver, gold, tortoiseshell, black, clear or pearl) or a solid color that matches the costume.
• No more than three small accessories may be worn at once.

Headwear

The only hats and sun visors that may be worn are those issued by Costuming as part of the costume. Check with Costuming for the proper positioning of the hat.

Jewelry

• Rings, earrings and a classic business-style wristwatch are permitted.
• Necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelets are not permitted. A medical-alert necklace, bracelet or ankle bracelet is acceptable. 10 Revised 2010
• Earrings must be a simple, matched pair in gold, silver or a color that blends with the costume. One earring in each ear is permitted. Earrings may be clip-on or pierced, post, hoop or dangle and must be worn on the bottom of the earlobe. Earrings may not exceed the size of a quarter.
• Only one ring on each hand is permitted, with the exception of a wedding set. A ring may be worn on any finger.

Footwear

The required shoes for a costumed area differ based on the role and the theming of the costume. Before buying work shoes or hosiery, Cast Members should check with their leaders to ensure proper style and color. It is recommended that Cast Members wear slip-resistant rubber-soled shoes in all areas as a safety precaution. Approved shoes and socks are required the first day in costume. Cast Members are responsible for guaranteeing that shoes are kept clean, polished and in good repair at all times.

For areas requiring a dress shoe or athletic shoe, shoes must be solid in color with no contrasting logos or markings and made of a polishable material such as leather. In certain limited areas, other styles of shoes may be required. For specific guidelines, please check with the local Costuming area.

Guidelines for Non-Costumed Female Cast Members (Business Attire)

Note: All Disney CareerStart students will be participating in a costumed role. Education courses require students to comply with the Disney Look for Cast Members in a Non-Costumed role while in class.

To maintain the Disney image of excellence, clothing should be classic in style, clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly. Clothing should not appear too tight, short in length, faded, or in need of repair.

Business Attire for Women

• Professional options for women include dress pants with a classic style blouse or sweater, skirted or pants suit, dress with or without a jacket, and business-style walking shorts with a blouse and jacket or vest.
• A blazer or suit may be required at certain times, depending on your work location and the nature of your role. Check with your area leader for more information.
• Sleeveless tops and dresses are permitted provided the sleeve width is no less than three inches (approximately 7.6 cm). Tank tops, spaghetti straps, and other casual styles are not acceptable.
• Traditional and professional style mid-calf Capri pants are permitted. Cotton twill, cargo, leggings or other casual styles of Capri pants do not present a professional image and are therefore not permitted.
• Cotton twill full-length pants (i.e., Dockers®, khakis) are permitted only if they are neatly pressed, creased, and appear to be professionally laundered.
• Non-costumed Cast Members are permitted to wear a short- or long-sleeved oxfordstyle dress shirt with property-specific embroidered logo. A blazer is optional.
• In addition to the options above, non-costumed women in Sports and Recreation at Walt Disney World® Resort are permitted to wear dress or golf-style shorts no shorter than three inches (7.6 cm) above the top of the knee. Shorts may be paired with a professional-style blouse (as detailed above) or with a neat, well-maintained polo or golf-style shirt. Shorts are not permitted for females in Golf Operations or for office-based Cast in this area.
• Clothing not permitted includes polo or golf-style shirts (except for Sports and Recreation Cast), cargo-style pants, t-shirts, sundresses, leggings, casual shorts, wrap-around shorts, one-piece rompers and garments made of denim fabrics. 11 Revised 2010
• Winter jackets and coats should present a professional appearance and should be made of fabrics traditionally acceptable in business. For example, wool, leather and micro fiber offer good choices. Denim, nylon, satin and other casual fabrics would not meet these professional guidelines.

Clothing Lengths

Dress and skirt lengths may range from three inches (7.6 cm) above the top of the kneecap bone to the bottom of the ankle. The length of shorts should be from the top of the kneecap bone to three inches (7.6 cm) above the top of the kneecap bone. Slits in skirts, kick pleats and buttoned or snapped closures should not exceed five inches (12.7 cm) above the middle of the knee. Pants should be long enough to touch the bottom of the ankle.

Fabrics and Patterns

Fabrics should be those traditionally acceptable for business, such as tweed, wool, cotton, polyester, silk, linen, rayon or blends of these fibers. Unacceptable fabrics include spandex, gauze, metallic fabrics, sheer fabrics, clinging knits, denim and chambray. Patterns that are large graphics, large company and non-company logos, and styles that suggest extremely casual sportswear are not permitted.

Fingernails

Charms or decals on fingernails are not permitted. Fingernails should not exceed one-fourth of an inch (approximately 6 mm) beyond the fingertip.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories should be a classic style and should coordinate with the outfit.

Headwear

Non-costumed Cast Members, while working outdoors only, may wear hats made natural materials, such as straw, with a small brim for protection from the sun. These should be a simple classic style, solid tan or brown in color. Hatbands must be a color similar to the color of the hat. Baseball caps and visors are not permitted.

Jewelry

• Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, lapel pins, and a business-style wristwatch are permitted. A pin, brooch, or scarf clip in good business taste is also acceptable.
• Two necklaces and two bracelets in good business taste that blend with the outfit and each other are permitted.
• Ankle bracelets are not permitted.
• One earring in each ear is permitted. It must be a simple, matched set. Earrings may be clip-on, pierced, hoop or dangle and must be worn on the bottom of the earlobe. Earrings may extend up to two inches (approximately 5 cm) from the bottom of the earlobe and should be professional in style.
• Only one ring on each hand is permitted, with the exception of a wedding set. A ring may be worn on any finger.

Footwear

Dress shoes or boots in good business taste are required. Classic dress shoes are permitted to have an open toe, open heel and/or sling back. Athletic shoes, sandals, and Western boots are not permitted.

Hosiery is optional for female non-costumed Cast Members. If hosiery is worn, it should be sheer or opaque hosiery in subdued shades.

Guidelines for Male Cast Members

Facial Hair

For all male Cast Members, a fully grown in, well-maintained mustache is permitted, provided that it is neatly trimmed and does not present an unkempt appearance.

• Mustaches must not extend onto or over the upper lip and must extend to the corners of the mouth, but not beyond or below the corners.
• Aside from mustaches, Cast Members are expected to be clean-shaven every day. Beards, goatees and any extreme mustache styles are prohibited.

For clarification on whether a mustache is acceptable, please consult your area leader. If additional assistance is needed, contact the Cast Image and Appearance Team.

Fingernails

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

Hairstyling

Following are the Disney Look guidelines for hairstyles:

• Hair must be neatly cut on the back and sides, forming a smooth, symmetrical appearance so that it does not extend beyond or cover any part of the ears or the shirt collar. The overall style must be neat, natural and balanced proportionally.
• A shaved head is permitted, as well as a very short military-style cut. Shaving of the eyebrows is not permitted.
• Conservative braided hairstyles for men without beads or ornamentation are permitted. They must be styled above the ears and cut above the collar and be neatly braided close to the scalp in straight rows.
• Tucking hair behind the ears, or pinning or tucking it under a hat to conceal an unacceptable hairstyle, will not be permitted.
• Extreme or bi-level styles are not permitted.
• Hair products may be used to create a soft, natural hairstyle within these guidelines.
• Artificial hair is permitted if it looks natural and meets all of the above requirements.

Hair Coloring

The Disney Look does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching or coloring. If hair color is changed, it must be natural-looking and well maintained. Subtle highlighting or frosting is permitted as long as it creates a uniform look over the whole head and meets all of the previously listed guidelines.

Sideburns

Sideburns should be neatly trimmed, straight and even in width, and are permitted to extend to the bottom of the earlobe. They should blend naturally from the hairline and from the length of hair on the head. Flares or muttonchops are not permitted.

Guidelines for Costumed Male Cast Members

Note: All Disney CareerStart students will be participating in a costumed role. Education courses require students to comply with the Disney Look for Cast Members in a Non-Costumed role while in class.

Personal Electronic Devices

Cellular phones and other digital assistants may not be used on stage during work hours. These items must be concealed from view and operated on silent mode if carried. Company-issued cellular phones will be allowed if they are required for a specific business need.

Costumes

Costumes should be clean and neat at all times. If a costume change becomes necessary during your shift, you should report immediately to your Costuming location, after consulting with your Leader. Costumes must be worn as they are designed. Any questions pertaining to the fit of a costume should be addressed with Costuming to make sure the appearance meets the requirements for the Disney Look.

As a reminder, you are responsible for the proper care and handling of all costume pieces issued to you. Costumes issued to you remain the property of the company and must be returned in good condition upon request or at the time of separation or transfer.

When wearing a costume off property, remove your nametag and do not wear your costume for personal use. Your costume is not to be worn when visiting property as a Guest.

Headwear

The only hats and sun visors that may be worn are those issued by Costuming as part of the costume. Check with Costuming for proper positioning of the hat.

Jewelry

• Rings, a small tie tack and a classic, business-style wristwatch are permitted.
• Necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelets are not permitted. A medical-alert necklace, bracelet or ankle bracelet is acceptable.
• Jewelry may not be worn in any visible body piercing. See previous section on "Body Alteration or Modification".
• Only one ring on each hand is permitted. A ring may be worn on any finger.

Footwear

The required shoes for a costumed area differ based on the role and the theming of the costume. Cast Members should check with their leaders prior to purchasing their work shoes and socks to ensure proper style and color. It is recommended that slip-resistant rubber-soled shoes be worn in all areas as a safety precaution. Approved shoes and socks are required the first day in costume. Cast Members are responsible for guaranteeing that shoes are kept clean and in good repair at all times.

For areas requiring a dress shoe or athletic shoe, shoes must be solid in color with no contrasting logos or markings and made of a polishable material such as leather. In certain limited areas, other styles of shoe may be required.

Guidelines for Non-Costumed Male Cast Members (Business attire)

Note: All Disney CareerStart students will be participating in a costumed role. Education courses require students to comply with the Disney Look for Cast Members in a Non-Costumed role while in class.

To maintain the Disney image of excellence, clothing should be classic in style, clean, neatly pressed and creased, and fit properly. Clothing should not appear too tight, too baggy, faded, or in need of repair.

Business Attire

• Dress trousers and a short- or long-sleeved professional-style shirt are required. Shirts must be tucked in, with the exception of camp style dress shirts and sweaters specifically tailored otherwise.
• A tie, sport coat or suit may be required at certain times, depending on your work location and the nature of your role. Check with your area leader for more information.
• Cotton twill trousers (i.e., Dockers®, khakis) are permitted only if they are neatly pressed, creased and appear to be professionally laundered.
• Non-costumed Cast Members are permitted to wear a short- or long-sleeved oxfordstyle dress shirt with property-specific embroidered logo. Sport coats, blazers, and ties are optional.
• In addition to the options above, non-costumed men in Sports and Recreation at Walt Disney World® Resort are permitted to wear dress or golf-style shorts no shorter than three inches (7.6 cm) above the top of the knee. Shorts may be paired with a professional-style shirt (as detailed above) or with a neat, well-maintained polo or golf-style shirt. Shorts are not permitted for men in Golf Operations or for office-based Cast in this area.
• Clothing not permitted includes polo or golf-style shirts (except for Sports and Recreation Cast), cargo-style trousers, t-shirts and garments made of denim fabrics.
• Winter jackets and coats should also present a professional appearance and should be made of fabrics traditionally acceptable in business. For example, wool, leather and micro fiber offer good choices. Denim, nylon, satin and other casual fabrics would not meet these professional guidelines.

Fabrics and Patterns

Fabrics should be those traditionally acceptable for business, such as tweed, wool, cotton, polyester, silk, linen, rayon or blends of these fibers. Unacceptable fabrics include spandex, metallic fabrics, sheer fabrics, clinging knits, denim and chambray.

Patterns that are large graphics, large company and non-company logos, and styles that suggest extremely casual sportswear are not permitted.

Headwear

Non-costumed Cast Members, while working outdoors only, may wear hats made of natural materials, such as straw, with a small brim for protection from the sun. These should be a simple, classic style, solid tan or brown in color. Hatbands must be a solid color similar to the color of the hat. Baseball caps and visors are not permitted.

Jewelry

• Lapel pins, tie bars or clips, collar bars, cufflinks, rings, a bracelet and a business-style watch are permitted.
• One bracelet and one necklace, in good business taste, in gold, silver or a color that blends with your clothing is permitted. The width of the bracelet and necklace may not exceed one-half inch (1.3 cm). Ankle bracelets are not permitted.
• Jewelry may not be worn in any visible body piercing. See previous section on "Body Alteration or Modification".
• Only one ring on each hand is permitted. A ring may be worn on any finger

Footwear

Dress shoes and socks in good business taste are required. Western boots, and deck shoes are not permitted.