"Disney Look" Getting a Makeover

You might be seeing a little more facial hair on your next visit to Walt Disney World as the "Disney Look"--the standard by which all Cast Members must maintain their personal appearance--has just made a few official changes that will go into effect February 3. Most notable: facial hair is no longer outlawed. Actually, mustaches were allowed as far back as 2000, but for the first time goatees and beards are now permitted. Of course, you won't be seeing any long, unkempt masses of whiskers at Disney--they still have rather strict standards. Here's the language from the The Disney Look guidebook:

For all male Cast Members, a fully grown in, well-maintained mustache, beard, or goatee is permitted, unless otherwise restricted by regulatory codes and standards. Facial hair must be neatly trimmed and may not present an unkempt appearance. Extreme styles are prohibited.

All facial hair (beards, goatees and mustaches) must create an overall neat, polished and professional look.

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.
Shaping the mustache or beard to a particular style is not permitted.

Mustaches (without lower facial hair) 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.

Cast Members without a mustache, beard, or goatee are expected to be clean-shaven every day.

For clarification on whether a mustache, beard or goatee is acceptable, please consult your area leader or contact the Cast Image and Appearance team.

Another notable change is the addition of "Casual Friday." No, you won't see Cast Members manning the attractions or front desk of a Resort in their Levi's, but all CMs in non-guest areas will be permitted to wear casual attire on Fridays, as outlined here:

Also effective Friday, Feb. 3, non-costumed Cast Members in non-Guest facing locations can wear casual attire on Fridays for all U.S. based Theme Parks and Resorts. The “Casual Friday” dress parameters are outlined and additional resources are available on the Disney Look module of The Hub. Although we are a seven day a week operation, Friday is the only acceptable day for this option.

I have no problem with a goatee here or there, and I think Casual Fridays are great. That said, I really appreciate the "Disney Look" and don't particularly want to see tatted-up or heavily-pierced Cast Members when I'm visiting WDW. If that makes me old-fashioned, well, I'm OK with that.