So if you didn’t know before reading this, all Disney Parks have a “look” that all cast members have to strictly adhere to. This is to ensure that the parks maintain a cohesive and complimentary look to them. Since day one at Disneyland, the Disney Look Book has let people know what they were allowed to wear and what standards their appearance should maintain.
One of the first things I did after I found out that I had been offered an interview for the Disney International College Program (Cultural Exchange Program now), was make an appointment at my hair salon. Though this might sound odd to some, I was in the midst of changing my hair colour, and I knew that I needed to be spot on for the “Disney Look”. So, I had to make sure that I made my personal appearance in tune with Disney, even before the interview.
Now before I really dive into this post, let me explain something. I am a rule follower, so much so that I would flat out refuse to cross the road if I wasn’t at a crosswalk. So, even before I went for my Disney interview, I had been scouring the Disney Look Book, making sure that I would fit the criteria to a tee. I didn’t want there to be anything in the way of my Disney Program. So I was going to be the epitome of the Disney Look and be picture perfect Disney!
This is why I tailored my everything from my hair to my shoes to be Disney Look approved.
Why is there a “Disney Look”?
Disney is a family friendly place, and since the first Disney park opened in 1955 (it was California’s Disneyland by the way) it was meant to be inclusive and wholesome entertainment. Since then, there was a recognition that all parks employees and people would fulfill a timeless look that maintained a quality and brand standard. This is why even guests at the parks may be asked to change if their clothing choices don’t meet the standards, for example racist, sexist or offensive language or images on clothing.
Disney doesn’t do anything without a purpose. When the parks were originally created, there was no alcohol to be served, nor were there supposed to be anything that would cause people to be uncomfortable. Disney imagined a place that was all inclusive of everyone who wanted to visit. That is why its employees have to always been friendly and professional.
So How Do You Dress For Disney?
1. Maintain Good Hygiene
Since you will be working closely with your colleagues and guests, Disney requires pristine hygiene. When you’re working in the Florida heat this is even more important! You need to shower/bathe regularly to ensure that you maintain this hygiene. Disney even writes that wearing deodorant is REQUIRED!
2. Keep Your Disney Look Natural
Purple hair, full sleeve tattoos and unnatural piercings (females are allowed one ear piercing in each ear) are no-goes for Disney. You need to maintain a level of professionalism, so any alteration to your appearance that is distracting is not allowed. Hair has to be a natural cut and colour (no visible coloring or highlighting), your nails need to be in a natural colour and tattoos need to be discreetly hidden.
3. Always Dress Like You’re About to Meet Walt (or Mickey) Themselves!
You wouldn’t go to a meeting with Walt Disney dressed terribly. So, every time you are working or have something to do with Disney, you need to dress like it. This means clean, pressed clothing. Clothing that doesn’t deter attention and is professional in nature!
What to Wear to Your Disney Interview
I made sure to read through the Disney Look Book prior to my interview, and when I say read, I mean meticulous studied. Though I didn’t have a highlighter, I did break out the ruler and the mirror. Even writing this, I remember how nerve-racking the Disney Interview was without thinking about if my skirt was the right length, or if my hair was evenly coloured and “natural looking”.
When you get offered a face-to-face interview for Disney Parks, you are told to dress to the Disney Look standards, and they will take this into consideration. At my interview, I saw a girl show up in ripped jeans… yes you read that correctly! Ripped jeans! Needless to say, I’m pretty sure that she didn’t get offered the job of a lifetime!
For the interview here are 3 things to keep in mind:
1. Wear Appropriate, Business Attire
2. Make sure your hair and makeup (if you choose to wear any) is neat, professional and NATURAL!
3. DRESS FOR SUCCESS AND READ THE DISNEY LOOK BOOK
