Disney Look Knows Best

I decided to do a general post on Disney Look for anyone who works in theme parks and resorts especially for you DCP applicants since I know it can be complicated. These guidelines will be taken from Disney themselves aka their handbook, and their website. I want to be clear you will hear stories of exceptions and what not, but keep in mind it is really at the discretion of your leaders to decide if you meet Disney Look guidelines are not (some are a lot stricter about it then others).I also want to state for you PIs not working in the theme parks Disney Look guidelines are followed, but not as strict as so my suggestion is observe your work location to see what would be approved and what would not. Now for you theme park roles without further ado here is Disney Look guidelines as told by Disney themselves.

For males you must meet these guidelines:

• 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.
• 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.

Hair Color:

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 (the ones I posted above).

Facial Hair:

• 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.
• 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.

For females you must meet these guidelines (also sorry guys I am going more in-depth with females):

These are the general guidelines all females must meet:

• 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.

Rules for highlights, bayalage, and ombré must meet these guidelines

For anyone who is unclear here is an example of an approved look, and a not approved Disney Look according to those guidelines. I will show several examples as well as styles to give you an idea of what they want, and anyone feel free to comment if you have found anything different.

*Note none of these are my photos I found this on my favorite site Pinterest #noshame

An Ombré like this is not allowed for according to the Disney Look guidelines this holds true especially for any Disney Internship applicants. This is due to the rule about color being

1. Unnatural
2. Hair is distinctly a different color & two shades different

So, if you happen to have anything along these lines you will need to dye it to one solid color or a more natural look prior to the start of your program.

Baby lights like this would be allowed by the Disney Look Guidelines as they meet the guidelines for approved color due to meeting these guidelines.

1. Looks like it could be natural
2. Within two shades lighter then natural hair

So, if you happen to have hair like this prior to the start of your program you will be fine without needing to dye it one solid color.







For any ladies wondering about a Pixie cut style I got you covered here is Disney's response to a shorter cut for women, and what it should look like to meet Disney Look guidelines.

As for any ladies wondering about asymmetrical cuts Disney's advice was to email them with a photo (the email to send it to can also be found at the bottom of this post) as some are allowed and others are not.

I did not forget about the struggles of African-American hair trust me ladies I know Disney Look does not touch about the struggle of afros, naturally curly hair, twists, and etc. so I did some digging to find out what is indeed approved. According to the post above braids are also allowed as well as your natural hair in case anyone was wondering, and according to Disney's Q&A with Disney Look guidelines in 2016 twists and afros are also approved.

I know Disney Look guidelines especially when it comes to hair can be frustrating, so I hope this helps with any confusion as to what is and is not approved. Now I understand I left a lot of grey zone, but this should be a general guideline as I stated (and it will show up later) you can always email them.

For you males you must meet these guidelines:

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

Yup this is all you have under this category, and I presume (as I do not judge) any male wanting to wear make-up will probably be limited to foundation and bronzer.

For you females you must meet these guidelines:

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

I know that is some information there, so I am just gonna keep this simple with approved and not approved photos much like I did with hair color.

*Yes I did just seriously use Cara Delevingne first off who doesn't like her, second it was easier to use the same person, and third well I don't have one it's just an example.

For anyone wondering something along these lines does not meet Disney Look guidelines although I will say I am in love with this look. For Disney though this is a bit much, and is considered distracting so it does not meet the guidelines making this a unapproved look.

Now for anyone wondering about this particular look this is a more natural look, and happens to meet Disney Look guidelines. As it is not distracting, colors are neutral, appropriate, and this look is not distracting making this an approved look.








Now I will move on to the never-ending debate of nail polish, and now I will say this really 100% depends on skin tone. However, I will give an example of a few polishes that I have found would fall under the category of Disney Look approved (also yes I have personally worn all these polishes during my time at Disney as well). I will start with length and cut though as sometimes that tends to be a question of concern.

***Important!! If you work with food so any food & beverage and merchandise cast members who deal with food & beverage you cannot wear any nail polish (not even clear), and you are also not permitted to wear gel, acrylics, or silk nails.

Merchandise locations (that I know of) that would require you to meet these guidelines are listed here by Disney:

For anyone wondering this was taken directly from Disney's website on role specific Disney Look, and you can read it for yourself here. Alright moving on to nail polish and again I will stress this truly does depend on your skin tone, but I will leave a few shades that I have found are neutral (note these are not all of them just a few).

*Note I did not specify which color for what skin, because I am going to assume you can look up the colors yourself. If not I will post a general color chart after this to give you a general idea of what matches and what will not.

• OPI: Tiramisu For Two
• OPI: Second Honeymoon
• OPI: Let Them Eat Rice Cake
• OPI: Don't Burst My Bubble
• OPI: Bubble Bath
• OPI: Mimosas for Mr & Mrs
• OPI: Humidi-Tea
• OPI: Don't Bossa Nova Me Around
• OPI: Over The Taupe
• OPI: Berlin There Done That
• OPI: Samoan Sand
• OPI: Cotton Island Candy
• OPI: Passion
• OPI: Otherwise Engaged
• OPI: Barefoot In Barcelona
• OPI: I Sao Paulo Over There
• OPI: Mod About You
• OPI: Got Myself Into a Jam-Balaya
• OPI: Got The Blues For Red
• OPI: Malaga Wine
• Essie: Ballet Slippers
• Essie: Mink Muffs
• Essie: Sandy Beach
• Essie: Topless & Barefoot
• Essie: High Class Affair
• Essie: Take It Outside
• Essie: Sugar Daddy
• Chanel: Ballerina
• Chanel: Organdi
• Chanel: Rouge Nior
• Chanel: Dragon
• Chanel: Particulière
• Chanel: Vamp
• Dior: NYC Peach
• Dior: Sienna
• Dior: Trench
• Marc Jacobs: Funny Girl
• Marc Jacobs: Rita
• Marc Jacobs: Daisy
• Marc Jacobs: Louise
• Burberry: Stone
• Burberry: Black Cherry
• Burberry: English Rose
• Burberry: Ash Rose
• Burberry: Dark Trench
• Burberry: Mink
• Burberry: Honey
• Burberry: Camel

I said at this end of this I would post the general look guideline for the nail polish colors, and please use this to decide your choice of colors. Also for any ladies wondering if you are not working in food & beverage or merchandise with food & beverage you can also wear gels, acrylics, and silk nails. For the fake nails you will need to have them meet the Disney Look cut guidelines for nail style, and yes you can have the french tips if you prefer them.

The general Disney guideline for eyewear:

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

Frames should be a conservative, neutral color and style, free from contrasting logos.
Only sunglasses that allow the eyes to be seen through the lenses are permitted. Mirrored or opaque lenses are not permitted.
Sunglasses are not to be worn at night, in dark areas, or indoors.
If glasses are not being worn, they must be put away. Wearing them on top of the head or hanging from a costume is not permitted. A discreet cord or chain is permitted in a solid, neutral color, free from ornamentation and decoration.

Yes, for those wondering the rule is for male and females there is no separate rules for this one.

Also as a note here for you Lifeguards you will want them for work, and if you have a polarized pair bring them the glare is 100% horrible especially at some resort pools.

For anyone else wondering about logos you can have them I know the wording is a little confusing but they cannot be in your face. A prime example is black glasses with a red brand name on the side there it would be obvious, but black glasses with a dark grey logo would be fine. I will say if your eyewear is not approved one of your leaders will let you know, and if you bring them during your training your trainer should let you know.

For anyone wondering these are the shades I rocked during my DCP and my MI program. Some leaders might give you a hard time for darker lenses (for me it was my annoying trainer), but they meet Disney Look guidelines as long as you can see your eyes through the lenses. 

Here is the general rule for body alterations:

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.

This is the guideline for both males and females, and yes they are strict about this one. This also includes anyone with a tattoo, and yes they need to covered at all times while working (even if they are Disney related). They are strict about this, and the best way to cover it up would be make-up.

For anyone wondering what to use to cover-up a tattoo here are a few products:

• Esteé Lauder Double Wear Maximum Maximum Coverage (my personal favorite) 
• Dermablend Leg & Body Cover
• Hard Candy Glamoflauge
• Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer

You can also wear long sleeves if you prefer, or long pants if it happens to be on your calves or something. However point is has to be covered, but to be clear if you can cover it with a shirt you are fine.

These are the general guidelines for males that you have to meet:

• 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.
• 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.

For you females here are the general guidelines you have to meet:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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, 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.

These are general guidelines that need to be meet by both male and females for 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 name tag and do not wear your costume for personal use. Your costume is not to be worn when visiting property as a guest.

These are general guidelines that need to be meet by both male and females for 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.

*As a note for Lifeguards you can white sneakers or Teva style shoes or Crocs. However, they need to have a strap on the back of the foot. Also trust me just go with the sandals jumping in and having wet sneakers for the rest of the day sucks like a lot almost as much as jumping in with a fleece (that thing never dries -also get the one without the Disney lifeguarding logo it is thicker)

For you males these are the general Disney Look guidelines you must meet:

• 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 oxford style 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 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.
• 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.
• Dress shoes and socks in good business taste are required. Western boots and deck shoes are not permitted.
• Lapel pins, tie bars or clips, collar bars, cufflinks, rings, a bracelet and a business-style watch are permitted.

For females these are the general Disney Look guidelines you must meet:

• 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 fewer 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 oxford style 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.
• 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.
• 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 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
• 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.
• 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.

**Important for you DCP and operations PIs this is what you should use to decide what is appropriate for Traditions

This is the general rule for personal electronic devices that must be meet by both females and males:

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.

If anyone is wondering about FitBits or Fitness activity trackers here are the rules:

• Approved activity fitness tracker wristbands colors are black, white, brown, grey, silver, or gold tone.
• Bright shades such as green, blue, purple, red, and orange are not approved.
• Visible pedometers are approved to be worn using the same color guidelines of black, white, grey, brown, silver, or gold tone.
• Please wear activity fitness tracker wristband on the opposite arm from your watch. Please refer to the specific guidelines regarding watches and bracelets
• Guidelines may vary based on line of business due to safety guidelines. Please see leader for additional details

I know what you are all thinking who actually wears a watch anymore? Well you will on the Disney College Program and operations Professional Internships. This is due to you are not allowed to actually check your phone on stage (even though you can have it) especially for safety critical roles, so you are going to want to know when to go to break (and when it's late), leave for the day, and etc. Now to be clear it does not have to be anything fancy, and as someone who has a nice watch I never wore it.

The general guideline for males is as follows:

Men’s watch bands can only be black or brown, with a plain watch face.


Here is an example of an approved men's watch






The general guideline for females is as follows:
 

Women’s watch bands can be gold, silver, or white, and also must have a plain watch face.

Here is an example of an approved women's watch

As a last note for watched I suggest something inexpensive as it rains a lot, and if you happen to wear one I suggest water resistant (even for people who are not lifeguards). For anyone who happens to be a lifeguard you are going to want a watch (trust me rotations are going to be a pain without one), and I also suggest water resistant for the obvious reasons. 




For anything you are unsure if it meets Disney Look Guidelines email wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com with a picture (back, front, and side view), and they will respond generally within 24-48 hours with a response (except on weekends). Otherwise they will let you know when you check-in at Casting, and generally they want it fixed prior to your first day of training.


As a general note for anyone wondering if you work a non-guest facing role such as corporate they are a little more relaxed in terms of the Disney Look, and some departments typically creative ones such as Yellow Shoes do not have to comply at all with Disney Look. So, be aware Disney Look is an overall policy however there are exceptions outside of guest facing roles in theme parks and resorts.


*Everything posted was taken from Disney's websites on Disney Look: Overview, Hair, Nails, Business Attire, Facial Hair, and Eyewear