About 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

As with all of your duties and responsibilities as a Walt Disney World; 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. It's those things that you don't always think of that detract from our guests' enjoyment--chewing gum, having poor posture, using a cell phone...or frowning. Like these actions, 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.

Eyewear

Sunglasses are a block to interpersonal communication with guests and should be avoided if possible. As a general rule, they may be worn in jobs where glare from water, counter tops, direct sunlight, etc., would prevent you from doing your job safely or efficiently. 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. They should be removed when engaging in extended interactions with a guest. Sunglasses should not be visible when not in use.

The frames and lenses of both eyeglasses and sunglasses should be a neutral color, such as black, brown, or metal rimmed (for frames), with a conservative style and no contrasting logos. Frames and lenses in shades such as blue, green, pink, yellow, etc. will not be permitted, as they are not neutral colors. Glasses and sunglasses should not detract from the costume or contradict the theme of the show. Prescription eyewear must also meet these guidelines.

If colored or tinted contact lenses are worn, the resulting eye color must be natural looking and appropriate to your skin tone. Decorated lenses are not permitted, nor are any looks which would be considered distracting or not in the best interest of our 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 acquiring visible, disfiguring skin implants.

Methods to conceal an unacceptable piercing or tattoo, such as using a bandage, are not permitted. For tattoo coverage, opaque makeup will be permitted if it completely conceals the tattoo. Spacers or retainers are not permitted in any visible body piercing while working. Jewelry worn in non-visible piercings that may pose a safety risk because of costume design and/or job responsibilities will not be permitted.

Personal Hygiene

Due to close contact with guests and fellow Cast Members, the use of an anti-perspirant or deodorant is required. For the same reasons, the use of strong, heavy scents and fragrances is not permitted. If you choose to wear a scent or fragrance product, please be considerate of others and select a light, mild scent.

Medical Restrictions/Religious Accommodation Requests

Requests for an exception to the Disney Look policy for medical reasons must be presented to the Health Services Department with supporting medical documentation.

• A copy of the request and medical information will be retained at Health Services.
• A statement of approved restrictions will be issued at Health Services to be delivered to your manager.

Any request for an exception to the Disney Look policy for religious beliefs or questions regarding the accommodation of medical restrictions or religious beliefs must be directed to the Cast Image and Appearance office.

Appearance Policy Discipline

The appearance guidelines contained in this handbook have been established for 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 termination. Cast Members, including those covered by a collective bargaining agreement, may be disciplined when the Appearance Policy is not followed.

Guidelines for All Female Cast Members

Hairstyling

Following are the Disney Look guidelines for hairstyles:

• Hostesses should keep their hair 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.
• Appropriate hair confinement should be used in food service areas where required by law.
• 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, well maintained and appropriate to your skin tone. 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 colors complementary to the skin tone.

If eyeliner and eye shadow are worn, they should be neutral colors that are close in value to your skin tone. Eye shadow and eyeliner should create a natural, blended look and should not extend beyond the natural eye area or the corners of the eye. Mascara may be applied lightly in shades of brown or black. If lip liner is worn, it should not contrast with the shade of the lipstick.

Guidelines for Costumed Female 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.)

Cellular Phones and Pagers

Personal pagers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants (i.e., Palm Pilots, etc.) may not be worn or carried during work hours. If extenuating circumstances exist and no other accommodation can be made, a pager may be allowed with management approval. Even with approval, pagers worn by costumed Cast Members must be concealed and operated on silent mode.

Fingernails

Fingernails should be kept clean. If polish is used, it should be complementary to your skin tone. This includes deeper, richer shades of polish. Polishes that are not permitted include extremely bold or bright colors such as coral, hot pink, true red, neon, multicolor, gold or silver tones. Charms or decals on fingernails are not permitted. Fingernails should not exceed one-fourth of an inch (approximately 6 mm) beyond the fingertip.

Hair Confinement and Accessories

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

• A plain barrette, comb or clip no larger than one inch (approximately 2.5 cm) wide and four inches (approximately 10 cm) long is acceptable. Headbands, hair ribbons or "scrunchies" are acceptable provided that they are no wider than one inch (2.5 cm).
• All 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 barrettes or combs may be worn at once.
• Hair accessories are for the express purpose of holding the hair away from the face and may not be worn as a decorative addition to the costume.

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.
• 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 and must be worn on the bottom of the earlobe. Post earrings may not exceed the size of a quarter. Hoop earrings no larger than a dime are also permitted.
• Aside from earrings as listed above, 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, with the exception being 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. Cast Members should check with management prior to purchasing their work shoes and hosiery to ensure proper style and color. It is recommended that slip-resistant rubber-soled shoes be worn in food areas as a safety precaution. Approved shoes and socks are required the first day in costume.

• For areas requiring a dress shoe (most skirted costumes), women are required to provide their own leather pump-style shoes with a plain toe (no loafers, buckles or ornamentation). Flats are permitted, but platform shoes are not. Shoes should be polished and kept in good repair. Suede and canvas are not permitted. Unless otherwise specified, flesh-tone hosiery is required at all times.
• In areas where a leather athletic shoe is required (with the exception of Disney's Wide World of Sports), shoes should be solid in color with no contrasting logos or markings. Suede and canvas are not permitted. Socks worn with a costume should also be solid in color with no logos or markings and must extend at least to the top of the ankle. Shoes and socks must be clean and in good condition.
• While working at Disney's Wide World of Sports, a white or black leather lace-up athletic shoe is required. Multicolored stripes or logos are permitted on the shoe. Extreme styles such as platform shoes or shoes with lights, neon colors, wheels, etc. are not permitted.
• In certain limited areas, a role may require (or have an additional option for) shoes such as hiking boots, solid black beach sandals (lifeguards), steel-toe shoes, culinary clogs, etc. For specific guidelines on these shoes, please check with the Costuming area at your work location.

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 are not permitted.

A solid white crewneck or v-neck undershirt is permitted under costumes with a traditional neckline. Undershirts should be only minimally visible at the neckline and should not extend past the sleeves

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.

Classic clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes are simple, unexaggerated styles. A fashion classic is neither outdated nor a short-lived fad, but a timeless, yet current, look. Classic styles form the foundation of a versatile, coordinated wardrobe that delivers a polished presence and supports an image of excellence.

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. Cotton twill pants (i.e., Dockers, khakis) are permitted only if they are neatly pressed, creased and appear to be professionally laundered.
• Clothing not permitted includes polo or golf style shirts (except for Sports & Recreation Cast), cargo-style pants, t-shirts, sundresses, sleeveless tops or dresses (without a jacket), capri pants, leggings, casual shorts, wrap-around shorts, one-piece rompers 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 microfiber 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 or patterns that suggest extremely casual sportswear are not permitted.

Footwear

Dress shoes or boots in good business taste are required. Classic dress shoes are permitted to have an open toe, open heel or a slingback (strap around the heel). Athletic shoes, sandals and western boots are not permitted. When wearing a skirt or dress, hosiery must be worn at all times and may be sheer or opaque in subdued shades. If pants are worn, hosiery and socks are optional.

Guidelines for Male Cast Members

Facial Hair

• For all male Cast Members, mustaches are permitted, but must be neatly trimmed and not present a bushy or 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.
• Mustaches must be fully grown on the Cast Member's hire date or must be fully grown during vacation or other non-working periods. No exceptions.

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 and tapered 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 provided that they are styled above the ears and cut above the collar and are neatly braided close to the scalp in straight rows.
• Tucking hair behind the ears, pinning it under 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.
• Appropriate hair confinement should be used in food-service areas where required by law.
• 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, well maintained and appropriate to your skin tone. 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 may be permitted to extend to the bottom of the earlobe. They should blend naturally 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.

Cellular Phones and Pagers

Personal pagers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants (i.e., Palm Pilots, etc.) may not be worn or carried during work hours. If extenuating circumstances exist and no other accommodation can be made, a pager may be allowed with management approval. Even with approval, pagers worn by costumed Cast Members must be concealed and operated on silent mode. Company-issued pagers or cell phones will be allowed if they are required for a specific business need.

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 management 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 food areas as a safety precaution. Approved shoes and socks are required the first day in costume.

• For areas requiring a dress shoe, men are required to provide their own leather lace-up shoes with a plain toe (no loafers, buckles or ornamentation). Shoes should be polished and kept in good repair. Suede and canvas are not permitted. Unless otherwise specified, socks are required at all times and should be the same color as the required shoe for the work location.
• In areas where a leather athletic shoe is required (with the exception of Disney's Wide World of Sports), shoes should be solid in color with no contrasting logos or markings. Suede and canvas are not permitted. Socks worn with a costume should also be solid in color with no logos or markings and must extend at least to the top of the ankle. Shoes and socks must be clean and in good condition.
• While working at Disney's Wide World of Sports, a white or black leather lace-up athletic shoe is required. Multicolored stripes or logos are permitted on the shoe. Extreme styles such as platform shoes or shoes with lights, neon colors, wheels, etc. are not permitted.
• In certain limited areas, a role may require (or have an additional option for) shoes such as hiking boots, solid black beach sandals (lifeguards), steel-toe shoes, culinary clogs, etc. For specific guidelines on these shoes, please check with the Costuming area at your work location.

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 are not permitted.

A solid white crewneck or v-neck undershirt is permitted under costumes. Undershirts should be only minimally visible at the neckline and should not extend past the sleeves.

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.

Classic clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes are simple, unexaggerated styles. A fashion classic is neither outdated nor a short-lived fad, but a timeless, yet current, look. Classic styles form the foundation of a versatile, coordinated wardrobe that delivers a polished presence and supports an image of excellence.

Business Attire

• Dress trousers and a short or long-sleeved professional style shirt are required. Shirts must be tucked in, with the exception of 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.
• Clothing not permitted includes polo or golf style shirts (except for Sports & 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 microfiber 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 or patterns that suggest extremely casual sportswear are not permitted.

Footwear

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