The well-known, clean-cut tradition that was a large focal point of the parks began when Walt would wander Disneyland in the 1950s and look for ways that the park could be advanced, or “plussed,” as it is known in Disney-speak. He found that he enjoyed the clean-cut look of the servicemen who would frequent the park.
It is a common misconception that the tradition began when Disneyland opened in 1955, but if you look at photos from that time, you will some men that have large handlebar moustaches and other odd grooming techniques.
One of the growing trends of the late 1950s was the addition of “beatniks” – scruffy young teenagers with longer hair. As Walt gained more control of Disneyland in the late 1950s, he began setting procedures into place that would set his park apart from many other places. This included the clean-cut look that male Cast Members were made to follow.
In March 2000, Disney altered their long withstanding clean-cut policy to allow for moustaches. Men everywhere rejoiced. The policy change was supposedly done because of the changing job market, and Disney needed more applicants for the newly completed Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Recently in 2012, Disney once again altered their facial hair policy for men. Beards and goatees were now allowed, and this seemingly simple change actually made national news. Once again rumors have swirled that this was done to accompany the changing international job market. The rumors are that Disney perhaps wants a foot in the door with dealings with cultures such as Russia and South America, who may have different outlooks on facial hair.
When Cast Members apply for a position with the Disney Company, they are handed a gilded booklet. Gold lettering reads, “The Disney Look.” Potential applicants have to skim the book and make sure that they agree and adhere to the policies before accepting a job with the company.
According to the official statement on the Disney Careers website:
“All facial hair must be fully grown in, neatly groomed and well maintained at no longer than a quarter of an inch in length. Mustaches may extend below the corners of the mouth to meet with the facial beard.”
Additionally,
“Cast Members without a mustache, beard, or goatee are expected to be clean-shaven every day.”
This means that it isn’t completely easy for existing male Cast Members to grow out their facial hair unless they have time off, a mini-vacation, to do so.
Disney takes their grooming policies very strictly. Magic Kingdom has a barbershop in the Utilidors called “Kingdom Kutters,” where Cast Members can get a trim and a shave. One particular manager that I worked with at Magic Kingdom would always be ready with a cheap razor if he so much as spotted a five o’clock shadow on a Cast Member.
Sadly, men, if you are working for the Mouse, you probably aren’t going to be participating in the manliness that is No-Shave November each year.
What do you think of The Disney Look? How do you feel about the changes over the years?
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