Disney does not have employees, only Cast Members.
REPORTED: Greg Sorensen 23 OCT 95
All Disney "employees" (including Burbank based
corporate employees from Eisner to the janitor) are referred
to as "Cast Members".
CONFIRMED: Mike Sedberry 07 OCT 96
If all Disney employees are called "Cast Members", someone must have forgotten to tell the person who made the sign on a door outside of Space Mountain, Disneyland. The door is located to the right of the actual entrance to the ride, almost right across from the two water fountains. The sign on it plainly says "Employees Only".
CLARIFICATION: Tony 18 DEC 96
If all Disney employees are called "Cast Members", Disney Corp. must have forgotten to tell the person who made the sign on a Cast Member drive in entrance out of Disneyland when coming from I-5. The sign on the entrance plainly says "Employees Only".
CLARIFICATION: TR Shaw 30 JAN 97
That's because first time Guests to Disneyland may not know what Cast
Member means - it's to stop tourists from pulling in there!
UPDATE: Scott M. Leonard 10 JUN 97
No Disney Cast member at the Disney reservation center has the same name. If there are more then two with the same then they are given a name.
REPORTED: Chris 15 DEC 99
CONFIRMED: TR Shaw 21 DEC 99
My wife and I took the Inside Animation tour as our flex feature. Our guide, Laura, explained to us that she has worked for the mouse for two years. She started out at the Reservation Center where she was known as Rachael. The names are all different so that there is no confusion if someone is referring to a reservation employee.
CONFIRMED: Gregory Wood 23 DEC 99
This is true. I had a friend at school whose mom was one of those reservations workers in Tampa.
CONFIRMED: Matt Brannock 04 JUN 01
Not all the people who work
for Disney are called Cast Members. Film crews are called employees because
of the confusion it would cause to call members of the film or TV show's cast
Cast Members AND the crew Cast Members. Only people who work
for Disney Theme Parks & Shops are called Cast Members.
UPDATE: Chris Callac 17 MAR 01
BEFRIEND SOME CAST MEMEBERS! They are completely cool and are the best source of information for the parks.
REPORTED: Joseph Guisti 23 FEB 98
I have never seen a company more steeped in "seniority pride" than Disney.
It doesn't matter if you're a supervisor or a platform loader, if you've done more
time, you're better. They back this up with award pins that goes on your
name tag, showing all other Cast Members how long you've been with the
company. 1, 5, 10, 15... etc. year tags are made, each distinct.
One Year: Steamboat Willie (Mickey Mouse at a boat wheel)
Or if its an old, old pin: The "World with Ears" logo;
Five years: Donald Duck;
Ten Years: Cinderella Castle; etc.
REPORTED: Brannon Boren 06 DEC 95
A Cast Member is never supposed
to say "I don't know," if s/he doesn't know, they are supposed to get on the phone and
find out. They are also never supposed to react to stupid questions, such as "What time does
the 3:00 parade start?", etc. Don't laugh, it happens a lot!
REPORTED: Michael Littell 04 OCT 95
If you were to ask a Cast Member or other employee (including a maintenance person) any question about Disney or the theme park, they are required to give you an answer. If the employee does not have an answer for your question, they must use a nearby telephone and call a Disney phone number where people are standing by with computers with information and answers to questions and report the answer back to you! You can ask them anything, and they will never say "I do not know".
CONFIRMED: Peter Bleickardt 27 JAN 97
This in not entirely true. While MOST Cast Members are required to go to the nearest telephone and find out the answer, some employees who must remain stationary, (e.g., Outdoor Vendors) have to remain at their wagons and direct the guest on how to get the information themselves from the information board or another Cast Member.
UPDATE: Jennifer Cernosek 12 FEB 97
Each Cast Member is to "never point". Each
Cast Member when, asked a question, such as,"where's the restrooms?"
is supposed to use an open palmed directional. Never pointing with
one finger.
REPORTED: Dave M. Haller 01 JUL 97
Cast members are also allowed to point with two fingers.
UPDATE: anon 11 NOV 97
Disney Cast Members point with two fingers for two reasons.
It is more clear to see where they are pointing if they use two fingers instead of one.
It is inpolite in some cultures to use one finger to point.
On the last day of orientation, new Cast Members are told to go out into the park and "test"
working Cast Members. They look at attitudes, ask good questions.
REPORTED: Michael Littell 04 OCT 95
I was a Cast Member at Walt Disney World Monorails from 1988 to 1991 and would
like to put in my two cents about a few things.
The report that new Cast Members in Traditions class are sent on
their last day of training to "test" veteran Cast Members is (was not at
the time I left the company) true. I could not see this being implemented
in any form. Vets are sensitive about their status, and I have never seen
a company more steeped in "seniority pride" than Disney.
Veteran Cast Members would resent the hell out of a suggestion that newbies
should test them. It'd never happen.
UPDATE: Brannon Boren 06 DEC 95
With regard to the
new Traditions crew "testing" the Cast Members, we can spot them coming a mile away. When
else do you see a large group of people strolling around the park dressed in
business attire unless they are management? If they think that they are
really testing us, the joke is on them!
UPDATE: Suzanne Merrill 22 JAN 96
Next time you see a Disney Cast Member looking bored, frustrated, mad, etc., try this. Make eye contact, put
your index finger and thumb together, pull the top of your head up from an imaginary string, and smile sheepishly.
Chances are their attitude will change, at least until you're out of sight. You might not want to know any
more beyond that . This is a stupid little signal that Cast Members and undercover orientees are supposed
to give each other when someone is not being what I like to call "Too Cute to Live!"
REPORTED: Michael Littell 04 OCT 95
Next time you visit any of the Disney Theme parks, I dare you to find a theme park Cast Member with facial hair,
a visible tattoo, too much makeup, or too much jewelry. In fact, the only jewelry
you'll find on men, is a wedding ring. On women: one set of earrings max (single ordinary gold posts),
1 conservative gold necklace max, a wedding and/or engagement ring. Costumes don't count. Only the
beautiful people are allowed to be seen by the public.
REPORTED: Michael Littell 04 OCT 95
When I was at a Disney
interview in September I was told no necklaces in case someone or
something got a hold of it. Also, earrings must be studs and smaller
than a dime, and one ring is allowed per hand and that is it. In regards
to makeup, men none and women are allowed mascara in brown or black,
and eye shadow in a natural tone, no blues!!, and lipstick only if it is
natural. Before you got to your station you are inspected and I was told
they are pretty strict!!
UPDATE: Emma Harrison Burgess 20 FEB 96
Back in 1987 I applied for a behind-the-scenes job
at WDW. I was told about the "dress code" requirements.
Some of these may have changed since then, but this is
what I was told at the time. (Further, I can only state
the dress codes for women, as the personnel recruiter
did not go into the men's dress code.)
One watch
One ring
No bracelets
Earrings no larger
than a nickle (They actually measure!)
Hair - "dyed" only one color
Pantyhose - only flesh tone
Fingernails - no paint, not
longer than [a certain length]
Make-up - Mascara, blush,
lipstick only -- NO eye shadow or eye liner (she said they
"teach" you how to wear your make-up anyway).
UPDATE: Judy McDonough 24 MAY 96
CONFIRMED: anon 23 MAY 97
I was once visiting with a friend that was a performer at Disney World, and had gone with him underground to eat at the cafeteria on the sly. When I got to the cashier, he asked, " From W.E.D, huh?". I figured the best thing would be to go along with this and reply yes. I asked my friend about it, and he laughed and asked me to look around at the hundred or so seated diners, and see how many had beards, as I did. I then noticed I was the only one with facial hair. It turns out that at least back then (18 years ago) the only Disney employees allowed to have beards were the "Creative Types" that worked back in Burbank at the W.E.D think tank.
NOTE: Jim Cooper 25 MAY 97
CONFIRMED: Lauren Ferreira 07 JUN 97
Rod, the "Ragtime Rythms" piano player on Main Street wears a ring on just about every finger! Not sure if this qualifies as being part of a costume, or perhaps his seniority affords him special priveliges, or maybe it's just a Liberace thing.
UPDATE: Tom Bernard 10 JUL 97
After working at WDW and then DLP the differences were amazing. At WDW, they were very strict with their costumes and one could not leave the land and sometimes specific attraction they worked in. At DLP, it was a different story. I worked in Adventureland and I could wear and work in my safari costume, if needed, at Frontierland. I could not go into Fantasyland or Discoveryland. On one occasion we did have a Discoveryland costumed cast member work at Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost. Main Street is accesible to every cast member for a few reasons: They take a few cast members from each land for crowd control at parades, the only cast member restaurant, Sodexho, is located there and cash control is behind city hall. Every night we would carry the daily monies there, through the park. Like you would see that in Florida. Unlike WDW, we could walk across the park to go eat. According to French law, it is illegal to force a dress code. I was not required to wear my hat, scarf or belt, tuck in my shirt, even wear black shoes. We were asked to, but many did not and could not be punished for it. Once in Florida, I was sent back to costuming for the nail polish I had on, while in France, anything goes. One friend of mine who worked at Camp Davy Crockett even had a nose ring! In fact, I knew I was in for it when, in Tradittions, our instructor told us, "If you don't feel like smiling, don't." That's my two cents on the subject.
UPDATE: Liz Larcomb 18 JUL 97
I would like to dispel the rumors that Disnyland is strict about the dress code. I am a Cast Member. You are not checked each day before you go on the floor. They trust you to do right. And when and if they notice you are wearing someithing you are not supposed to be, they hint at it until you realize the mistake for yourself. They are usually pretty nice about it.
UPDATE: Psyche 16 NOV 98
The Disney Look (dress code) is enforced differently by different managers.
I was working at Disneyquest before, and I got away with a spiked wath and
bleached white hair, however I transferred to Magic Kingdom and was quickly
repoimanded and corrected. However during events in which the park is open
late (ie. Grad Nite), the management seems to not be as strict with the
"Disney Look" as usual. Byt the end of the night I was covered from head to
toe with glow sticks and glow necklaces, and was not even given a second look
by management.
UPDATE: anon 06 MAY 00
Walt can finally become a Cast Member! Disney Theme Park management has changed the dress code to allow mustaches!
The following is all OFFICIAL: Appearance Policy Ensuring consistent administration
of the Walt Disney World Appearance Policy is the responsibility of Management, the
Cast Image and Appearance Manager, and Employee Relations. Specific questionable
deviations from the policy should be referred to the Cast Image and Appearance
Manager for further assessment. If a Cast Member deviates from the Disney Look the
following shall occur:
The Cast Member shall be informed of the specific area of non-compliance and informed that the guidelines must be complied with immediately, if applicable, or within five (5) calendar days. This counseling shall be documented on the Employee Record Card. Upon correcting the situation, the Cast Member shall obtain Managementís verification that the guideline has been successfully met.
A Cast Member who does not comply (as directed in step 1) shall be issued a reprimand.
Additionally, the Cast Member shall be informed that the guidelines must be coplinary
system. Questions regarding administering appropriate types/levels of discipline should
be referred to Employee Relations. * As determined by whether or not the Cast Member is
covered by a collective bargaining agreement and its respective negotiated disciplinary
system. Questions regarding administering appropriate types/levels of discipline should
be referred to Employee Relations.
The Disney Look - Guidelines for All Cast Members
Contact Lenses: If the eye color is changed using colored or tinted contact lenses, the resulting eye color must be natural looking and complementary to your skin tone.
Decorated lenses are not permitted, nor is any look which would be considered
distracting or not in the best interest of our Disney show.
Entertainers: If an exception to the appearance guidelines is required for a
particular role in a staged show or production, approval must be obtained from
the Vice President of Walt Disney World Entertainment and the Cast Image and
Appearance Manager. Otherwise, all entertclips, on shirt or blouse collars, nor
on waistbands.
Name tags must be removed when engaging in non-business activities, such as eating and shopping, on or off property.
Pins: Cast Members have the option of wearing up to two pins on the name tag.
Stickers or other decorations are not permitted. The only pins which may be worn
on the name tag are: Most Recent Service pin, Partners in Excellence pin,
1971 Opening Team pin. In addition to the name tag, up to two approved pins
may be worn on the costume. These pins should be worn on the upper right
shoulder, although this placement may vary due to costume design. The acceptable
pins on the costume are: Language pin, Trainer pin, Approved local brand pin
(i.e., Magic KingdomÆ Fantasy pin, Disney-MGM Studios Show Business pin)
Any request to allow a pin or button not listed above must be approved in
advance by the Cast Image and Appearance Manager at Creative Costuming.
Personal Hygiene: Due to close contact with Guests and fellow Cast Members, the
use of an anti-perspirant leashes or cords with sunglasses is not permitted.
If a specific department or area requires the use of leashes or cords for safety
reasons, please contact the Cast Image and Appearance Manager in advance of use
for approval.
Tattoos: Visible tattoos are not considered to be in the best interest of our
Disney show and are not permitted. The use of bandages to conceal a visible
tattoo will not be permitted.
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 clothing are not permitted.
Medical Conditions: Any request 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 is to be retained at Health Services.
A copy of any approved restriction is to be sent to your manager.
Permanent medical restrictions must be updated annually
Hair (male) must be cut/styled forming a smooth, symmetrical appearance so that it does
not extend beyond or cover any part of the ears of the shirt collar. The overall
style must be neat, natural, and balanced proportionally.
A modified "fade" cut is permitted. The sides and back are cut close to the scalp and blend into a longer length on top.
A modified box cut is permitted. A modified fade on the bottom blends into a box or square shape on the top of the head.
Putting hair behind the ears, pinning it under, or tucking it under a hat or wig to conceal an unacceptable hairstyle will not be permitted.
Extreme, asymmetrical, or bi-level styles are not permitted.
Shaving of the eyebrows is not permitted.
"Mushroom" or "surfer" cuts that are shaved close to
the head with very long hair over the shaved portion 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
requireeed. Personal cellular phones are not permitted.
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 for a change of costume. Any questions pertaining to 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 all
costumes pieces received. If an item is misplaced or if it is damaged due to
negligence, you will be required to pay for it. When wearing a costume off property,
please remove your name tag and do not use your costume for personal use. Your
costume is not to be worn when visiting Walt Disney World property as a Guest.
Hats: 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, conservative tie clips, and a conservative, business-style watch are
permitted.
Necklace
Shoes: Appropriate socks to ensure proper style and color. It is recommended
that rubber-soled shoes be worn in food areas as a safety precaution.
UPDATE: anon 21 MAY 01
Cast Member IDs double as time cards, thanks to a bar code on the back. Cast Members clock in at Wardrobe in the back of the park.
REPORTED: Rachel Nacion 30 JAN 97
Former Cast Members
Steve Martin was a former cast member, working in the Magic Shop, which used to be located just past the castle, where the Villains store was later located.
REPORTED: Tom Bernard 10 JUL 97
Robin Williams and Steve Martin who were past skippers for the Jungle Cruise.... Long before they were famous. This fact is included in the training material a new skipper recieves upon arival to the Jungle. It's also noteworthy to mention that Michael Fay, the kid "cainned" in Singapore for vandalism, was a skipper briefly. I worked with him.
REPORTED: Dave 16 SEP 97
Steve Martin was never a Disneyland skipper. I was under this assumption until I met
Steve Martin and asked him and he set me straight. Disappointing becuase I thought I was
following in his footsteps.
UPDATE: anon 03 AUG 99
Steve Martin was, in fact a magician at the magic shop. But before he did that, he sold park guide books at the main entrance. Apparently he was an amazing salesman, and could sell hundreds in one shift. He held the record for most sold for decades. Amazing since he was only around 13 at the time.
UPDATE: emily 20 JUN 01
Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys is a former Walt Disney World cast member. Although the official Backstreet Boys site only states he worked at Walt Disney World, Kevin has said he played Aladdin.
REPORTED: Lauren a5 AUG 01
He played Aladdin.
CONFIRMED: Sam 26 JUN 02
Where to next?