Questions about "The Disney Look"

[TDLFAN]

OK current CMs at WDW... Why is the Disney Look not as revered as it was once at WDW??? Is it really a difficult thing for you guys to get into because of ... politics, mood, what??

When I was a CM back in the days, we were beaten over our heads over and over and over with the "disney look" book of regulations and CM's who didn't show up at work in compliance would be sent home with NO PAY for the day.

Now.. this is what I see: wild haircuts that do not meet a more professional standards or show, non-compliance about being in a different land with a costume that does not belong there. Poorly fitted outfits, mostly because of body shapes or wrong sizes, discoloration of some garmets, and the biggest offense of them all: Non-compliance shoes.

Just last night, a turnstyle CM at EPCOT was wearing sport sneakers in colors that didn't match his outfit and very low cut socks that gave the impression he wasn't wearing any socks at all. In my days, black shoes was the norm, and tennis shoes and sneakers were simply prohibited.

Needless to say, I am appalled at the lack of professionalism I see across property in regards to the proper wear of costumes "on stage". I realize not the entire CM work forced is to be blamed for this. Management has to share the blame for not trying to keep this problem from straying so far out that it becomes painfully noticeable. I personally can find 1 in every 10 CMs not being in compliance about the "Disney Look". Can't anyone take a little pride anymore??? I know some of you CM do take pride and I appreciate and applaud those of you who DO take the time to look the part and be best in show on stage.

Now.. some things that are impacting this issue... Castzooming. CM's doing their own costumes' laundry and ruining it in the process, plus you have no idea how jarring and stupid those costumes look in our local Publix supermarkets. Bad move from Disney and I place the blame entirely on management on this one issue. Likewise, the management is at fault for the generic design approach of some of WDW's CMs costumes. I can go my local Gap store, pick up a simple dress shirt and dockers, stick my old nametag on it, and presto! I can take a tour of the tunnel. WDW has got to have the worst collection of CM costumes of any of the Disney Resort, and when something unique comes along, like the "Soarin'" costumes for example, these CMs stick out as a sore thumb simply because they stand out from the average rest of the cast.

So again.. I ask, what is it with the Disney Look that is so poorly executed, maintained, or enforced at WDW now a days?????

[lazyboy97O]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Hey man... they like, have a right to be expressive and stuff. Haven't you read the Constitution?

I cannot offer any words regarding Walt Disney World. Personally, I believe it is a part of larger slip in the American work ethic, especially amongst the young. Even at my place of work, the manager refuses to enforce the dress code he implemented, and it's a t-shirt and jeans! Nobody wants to take any pride in their work, and frankly, it really saddens me.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Hey man... they like, have a right to be expressive and stuff. Haven't you read the Constitution?

I cannot offer any words regarding Walt Disney World. Personally, I believe it is a part of larger slip in the American work ethic, especially amongst the young. Even at my place of work, the manager refuses to enforce the dress code he implemented, and it's a t-shirt and jeans! Nobody wants to take any pride in their work, and frankly, it really saddens me.

The Constitution is a lie. This nation of ours is quite restrictive and cencorship is rampant. If everyone did whatever in the name of the Constitution, this nation would be one huge giant chaotic mess with not regards for law and order. But that is not what I am posting this topic about... I really would like to know why is the Disney Look so unrestricted and what does Disney stands to gain by allowing it to become what it has: a mess.

[lazyboy97O]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

= not serious.

I am serious that I think it's just a general decline in work ethic. Disney also saves a buck by not worrying and helps to keep poor CMs as it refuses to pay for quality CMs.

[SpookyBear]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

I notice the "Disney Look" has gone at the window, but are you really surprised? I mean most of the people who work there get paid just above minimum wage and don't care, and Disney is getting lax because they are having trouble filling the positions. I've worked at Disney before and I will never do it again because the way I was treated was not worth the pay. Most people who work there will not even work there a year. Their lucky if they get them to work 6 months!

The sad part is you can go just about anywhere else to work and get paid more than you do at Disney. Heck, if you just head down I-4 to Universal you can get paid more!

[BigPigletFan]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

OK current CMs at WDW... Why is the Disney Look not as revered as it was once at WDW??? Is it really a difficult thing for you guys to get into because of ... politics, mood, what??

ACTUALLY. My area DID follow through with The Disney Look very well. Even simple things such as having a name tag on the outer most layer of clothing was often addressed.

Now.. this is what I see: wild haircuts that do not meet a more professional standards or show,

This is addressed too. I've also heard comments/stories from ENTERTAINMENT CMs who are NEVER really seen, especially their hair about this as well.

non-compliance about being in a different land with a costume that does not belong there.

For certain parks, attractions, etc. there is only one way to go. For this I mean regarding DAK and The Disney-MGM Studios. In fact, at the Disney-MGM Studios it is 100% "allowed" as it fits with the theme and atmosphere that is supposed to be there of a "working Hollywood set."

Poorly fitted outfits, mostly because of body shapes or wrong sizes, discoloration of some garmets,

They made new pants at my work location. I got one of the new pairs in my regular "size" and they were huge! For fun I went and tried on a size smaller and they fit better than my actual size. The only sad thing is that they took off the metal detailing and other simple detail elements to the costume when they did this. As far is discoloration, I have seen this too. But when older CMs have costumes withOUT bar codes and it takes costuming a long time to figure out what they actually have checked it, that won't really change. For me, the more discolored it is, the older the CM is for most chances.

and the biggest offense of them all: Non-compliance shoes.

Just last night, a turnstyle CM at EPCOT was wearing sport sneakers in colors that didn't match his outfit and very low cut socks that gave the impression he wasn't wearing any socks at all. In my days, black shoes was the norm, and tennis shoes and sneakers were simply prohibited.

The shoes at most work locations ARE sneakers. They are one color, non-labeled shoes. Certain locations do still have their own, but most just have the generic shoe.

Needless to say, I am appalled at the lack of professionalism I see across property in regards to the proper wear of costumes "on stage". I realize not the entire CM work forced is to be blamed for this. Management has to share the blame for not trying to keep this problem from straying so far out that it becomes painfully noticeable. I personally can find 1 in every 10 CMs not being in compliance about the "Disney Look". Can't anyone take a little pride anymore??? I know some of you CM do take pride and I appreciate and applaud those of you who DO take the time to look the part and be best in show on stage.

Now.. some things that are impacting this issue... Castzooming. CM's doing their own costumes' laundry and ruining it in the process, plus you have no idea how jarring and stupid those costumes look in our local Publix supermarkets.

I never wore my costume to such a location. Most of my CMs didn't even wear their costume outside of the work building, let alone outside of property. I realize that some CMs might make a bad choice, but not all of them do. Especially when it comes to senior CMs as those are the ones I have seen often making the best decisions when it comes to Disney Look and their costumes. It is very important to note that some managers are doing their job and enforcing what they can.

Along with this, many CMs are able to try on the EASY variation in shirts, pants, etc. to get some that fit them best. So if there's anything good about those shirts that don't have barcodes and are slightly discolored, they fit those senior CMs better than the other ones on the rack would.

For example, if you wore white socks (which I did ONE day because I needed to do laundry as I only had one :blink: black sock left) managers WOULD say something. I got a warning. Others got more of a talking to - and we wore pants and our feet weren't often seen either.

So again.. I ask, what is it with the Disney Look that is so poorly executed, maintained, or enforced at WDW now a days?????

I realize there might be a problem, but all CMs are not the sole problem. In fact, I'm not sure what the percentage would be that contribue to this problem but the CMs that I know and worked with actually kept up with all of these things you say that CMs are not.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Well Thanks for the great and informative response PigletFan, I knew I could count on you for some insight and perspectives..

Just a few things... 1) I never said ALL CMs are at fault, I know and commented most do adhere to regulations, but some are also way out there for words to describe how bad they look.
2) Bar codes. I had no clue some costume pieces have barcodes... That is new to me. You have to understand... I am one generation before you.
and 3) Sneakers. When I was a CM in the early 80s, NO ONE was allowed to wear sneaker-type shoes *anywhere*, or with any costume. When was this changed??? I guess I would not have a problem with sneakers on stage as long as they are as simply in designs as possible and preferably in one color that matches the look of the costume overall. I don't think that wild sneakers like the ones sports stars sell on TV, in wild colors, designs and overly bubbly designer soles are acceptable and take away from the look overall. Those are the type of sneakers I saw the EPCOT CM wearing yesterday.

I guess all of these inconsistencies would come to an end if Disney went back to the old ways and did not allow CMs to take costumes home at the end of their shift. The company needs to take more responsability about the quality look of the costumes and stop being so cheap by delegating to costume care to CMs, if that is the case.

[ecdlanddude]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

As a current CM I have noticed very few offenses in my area (Tomorrowland, Custodial). I think the Disney Look is very important and have no problem adhering to it. Maybe the person you saw with the shoes was new? I know they told me I had a week after my first paycheck to be in compliance shoes-wise (but I was ready in time for the first day). In response to everything else I agree with BPF.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

As a current CM I have noticed very few offenses in my area (Tomorrowland, Custodial). I think the Disney Look is very important and have no problem adhering to it. Maybe the person you saw with the shoes was new? I know they told me I had a week after my first paycheck to be in compliance shoes-wise (but I was ready in time for the first day). In response to everything else I agree with BPF.

Allow me to be the first one here to tell you: THANK YOU. Please note that your efforts to be in compliance with the Disney Look are noticed and greatly appreciated since they enhance my experience at WDW. And since you are in custodial...do me a favor. Tell your managers they are required to bend over an pick up trash discarded on the floors as well... after all, isn't the entire cast supposed to be custodials in one way or another?? But some managers do walk pass and do not care to do their part. Tell them TDLFAN is watching...

[BigPigletFan]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Well Thanks for the great and informative response PigletFan, I knew I could count on you for some insight and perspectives..

Just a few things... 1) I never said ALL CMs are at fault, I know and commented most do adhere to regulations, but some are also way out there for words to describe how bad they look.
2) Bar codes. I had no clue some costume pieces have barcodes... That is new to me. You have to understand... I am one generation before you.
and 3) Sneakers. When I was a CM in the early 80s, NO ONE was allowed to wear sneaker-type shoes *anywhere*, or with any costume. When was this changed??? I guess I would not have a problem with sneakers on stage as long as they are as simply in designs as possible and preferably in one color that matches the look of the costume overall. I don't think that wild sneakers like the ones sports stars sell on TV, in wild colors, designs and overly bubbly designer soles are acceptable and take away from the look overall. Those are the type of sneakers I saw the EPCOT CM wearing yesterday.

I guess all of these inconsistencies would come to an end if Disney went back to the old ways and did not allow CMs to take costumes home at the end of their shift. The company needs to take more responsability about the quality look of the costumes and stop being so cheap by delegating to costume care to CMs, if that is the case.

I have no idea when they were changed but for me it makes sense. It's less expensive from a CM standpoint to get shoes that work. If you transfer areas, pick up shifts, etc. your shoe wear is probably not going to change.

I can't tell you when the change took place, except that some CMs at my old work location liked the costume with the old shoes more; however, the ones that costuming had were in terrible condition and the shoes were no longer available to be purchased on the market.

I can't speak for the CM you saw at Epcot, maybe you should speak with him? As for the socks, that could just be more of a fashion length than anything else. The number one concern is approx. length and color and then everything else, for obvious reasons.

As for the bar codes, that's how all things are checked out with Disney now. The older costumes (CMs who checked them out BEFORE the barcodes where put into place) make CMs very hesitant to check out or change costumes. For instance, when buttons fall off costuming has been known to give CMs a safety pin to fix this. IF one of the CMs were to come in with their shirt without a bar code the time it would take for them to look it up, figure out who they are and how to do so would be a pain in the neck. It isn't likely to happen any time soon and if you were one of those CMs with the costume you wouldn't want to fuss with it either.

[Stimpy215]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

I notice the "Disney Look" has gone at the window, but are you really surprised? I mean most of the people who work there get paid just above minimum wage and don't care, and Disney is getting lax because they are having trouble filling the positions. I've worked at Disney before and I will never do it again because the way I was treated was not worth the pay. Most people who work there will not even work there a year. Their lucky if they get them to work 6 months!

The sad part is you can go just about anywhere else to work and get paid more than you do at Disney. Heck, if you just head down I-4 to Universal you can get paid more!

I agree Disney needs to pay more...As far as being treated bad when i was a CP..maybe i was an exception but i was treated just fine...i worked hard and tried to make the most of my situation...made friends with fellow cast members etc ..and tried to enjoy my job the most i can ....I'm a pretty naive sometimes to certain things i know this...but honestly there are a lot worse jobs in the world that you can have than working for Disney...there are so many intangibles that make it unlike anyplace else on earth..the guest contact the atmosphere the whole thing..One thing i found about cast members around you that don't care...its amazing how much you can affect THEM when you try to be happy at work and promote a good atmosphere yourself instead of joining in the Disney bashing (esp from the senior CM's who like to talk about the good old days)....i suppose one day i'll become jaded and care soley about money when choosing where i work ..and less and less about being happy about what i'm doing.....again i know Disney has to pay more...you have to make a living and support yourself and your family if you have one...but think about it...would you rather make .75 cents more an hour and hate your job or make a little less and have a smile every day at work? Sorry i know i'll probably get ripped for this post but just how i feel.

[tloolgb]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Wow, I think you just see bad things through timing. I don't see what you see.

[ecdlanddude]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Tell your managers they are required to bend over an pick up trash discarded on the floors as well... after all, isn't the entire cast supposed to be custodials in one way or another?? But some managers do walk pass and do not care to do their part. Tell them TDLFAN is watching...

LOL... and thank you TDLFAN, I think this every single day!

[MickeyMania]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

The answer is, of course, pay.

Pay the lowest standard for work, get the lowest standard of worker. Don't totally blame the CMs. You wouldn't give a rat's patoot about making the Disney difference at burger flipper rates, either.

[EvilQueenRocks]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Tell your managers they are required to bend over an pick up trash discarded on the floors as well... after all, isn't the entire cast supposed to be custodials in one way or another?? But some managers do walk pass and do not care to do their part. Tell them TDLFAN is watching...

I have actually seen this once or twice, where a manager, I assumed he was since he was wearing a long sleeved collared shirt, did pick up some trash. But, I am going to actually pay closer attention to this when I am there in Oct. to see if this is outside the norm. It could be very interesting study...I'll report back with my findings. And no, I am not being sarcastic, I am actually interested to see...

[mk12a]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

Hello everybody. I just became a CM as of last week and I had the "Traditions" class yesterday. For those who don't know what that is, it is a required class for all CMs before they begin training/working. As the name implies, it is a one-day class of the history of Disney and what is expected of you. One of the major areas that is emphasized is the "Disney Look". As part of the information you are given is a "Disney Look" book. It tells you what you can and can't wear, how to style your hair, how to wear makeup, etc. I just retired from the Air Force, and it reminds me alot of the military. As a matter of fact, some of the items seem more strict! Most CMs in costume are allowed to wear athletic shoes (leather, one color, usually black), but as far as socks, they should cover your ankles. I find it surprising that the team leaders aren't enforcing the policy better.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

MK12A, Good luck in your new role at WDW. I think manyof us here know exactly what "Traditions" class is, and many of us rant because what we see 'on stage' does not match the 'traditions' that Disney used to uphold.
Still, enjoy your new 'role' to the fullest and the benefits that come with it. The name Disney will look good in resumes in your future when you are ready to move out and up the ladder. BTW... I took my 'Traditions' class the day Natalie Wood dies off the coast of CA. Sad thing to remember my actual class date by...

[flynnibus]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

One thing i found about cast members around you that don't care...its amazing how much you can affect THEM when you try to be happy at work and promote a good atmosphere yourself instead of joining in the Disney bashing (esp from the senior CM's who like to talk about the good old days)....

Exactly! Its the work culture and atmosphere that is so key to keep employees happy and enthusiastic. Its critical for the company to set that stage, and for the managers to re-enforce it through example, words, and actions.

...but think about it...would you rather make .75 cents more an hour and hate your job or make a little less and have a smile every day at work? Sorry i know i'll probably get ripped for this post but just how i feel.

That's exactly it. A job is more then just a paycheck. You can get paid great and hate your job.. this is the portion these forums constantly overlook. Its the responsibility of the management to build and care to the company work culture. People generically do not bring the culture with them when they start in the organization.. they must be compatible and then they blend in adding their own spice as they go. The lack of management (especially at the lower levels) to shape and encourage employee behavior is by far the biggest factor.

Its management that shapes 'raw' kids into a great cohisive workforce. You need raw talent (which pay helps attract) but its the management that shapes that talent into a team. Pay does NOT create culture, work ethic, or work environment.

[flynnibus]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

The answer is, of course, pay.

Pay the lowest standard for work, get the lowest standard of worker. Don't totally blame the CMs. You wouldn't give a rat's patoot about making the Disney difference at burger flipper rates, either.

See my post directly above. Pay does not create a team or great work environment

[TDLFAN]

Re: Questions about "The Disney Look"

See my post directly above. Pay does not create a team or great work environment

It would in the airline business where we risk our lives day in and out in broken down planes, with unruly passengers, and terrorist threads..., not to mention putting up with TSA and FAAs incompetencies.. So yes, Better pay would perk me up while at work.