Cinderella’s Castle behind a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom. Picture from my 2007 visit.
Minnie and Mickey. Donald and Goofy. Cinderella and Prince Charming. And a…neon-haired Disney worker?
Walt Disney World’s website “The Disney Look” clearly outlines appropriate appearance for all cast members, prohibiting several “’cutting edge’ trends or extreme styles.” Some of these extreme styles include nail polish that is black, silver, gold, or neon. Prohibited styles also include shaved eyebrows, women’s finger nails exceeding a quarter of an inch, and, aha! Tattoos.
According to their website, tattoos “must be discreetly and completely covered at all times” as “costumed cast members are a critical part of enhancing the experience of our Disney show.” Their website indicates that taking pride in your appearance conveys the “attitude of excellence that has become synonymous with the Disney name.”
And I could not agree more.
While I am all about self expression and personal choice, I firmly believe that Disney workers need to maintain a professional demeanor. Despite the fact that some of their restrictions sound just as extreme as the styles they prohibit, (such as: “mustaches 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.” What? I needed to reread that to make sure I got everything.) there is a reason that Disney made $5.7 billion in 2012.
Talk about the little things! Eeyore and me, from my 2013 trip in the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom
Having been to Disney World seven times (not counting a trip planned for this July), I have experienced first-hand the truly magical feeling that sweeps over you for the entire Disney trip. Whether or not Tinker Bell has sprinkled you with pixie dust, their website suggests that it is often the little things that make the trip meaningful, and it is often the little things that can take away from the experience.
Never have I seen a worker on a cell phone, chewing gum, or anything else that takes them out of their character. Could you imagine Goofy telling a five year old to hold on while he takes a call from AT&T? “Yeah, sorry about that, big guy. I was on hold for half an hour.”
Tattoos would be no exception. There’s nothing wrong with tattoos, but any worker (costumed or not) displaying a tattoo would shatter the bubble that separates visitors from reality. Why? Because it goes back to the idea of permanence. It reminds them that, at the end of the day, the workers are actual human beings, too, with lives and responsibilities and commitments.
Visitors know that their trip will not last forever. They know that, at some point, they are going to have to round up their souvenirs, pack their bags, and say good bye to their hotel room, dragging their suitcase sluggishly behind. There will always be bills to pay and appointments to keep, but for those magical days, visitors do not want a reminder that the “real world” exists. (Unless you’re John Mayer.)
The Happiest Place on Earth! Main Street USA. Picture from my 2007 visit.
Rachel Herrera 
