Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products announced a new set of guidelines for improved inclusivity within the Disney workforce. Disney cast members have always had a fairly strict set of guidelines for what they must look like to work for the company. These new guidelines relax and enhance some of those guidelines.
In 2019, Disney started putting a focus on how to be more inclusive to guests and employees. With that, the 5th key was developed focused on inclusion. Disney previously had a set of four keys that cast members focused on – Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. These four keys are now joined by Inclusion and will help continue to guide the Disney experience throughout all of Disney parks and experiences.
Disney says “inclusion is essential to our culture and leads us forward as we continue to realize our rich legacy of engaging storytelling, exceptional service, and Disney magic.” This doesn’t stop with just cast members either. Things like the Jungle Cruise updates and Princess and the Frog changes coming to Splash Mountain are also part of this greater move to represent all people in Disney parks around the world.
As for the Disney look, they say “our new approach provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices; and allowing appropriate visible tattoos.” Enhancing the cast experience is believed to enhance the guest experience. This will create more personal and engaging experiences between guests and cast members.
Teetz’s Take
This move is a long time coming. In talking with current and former cast members regarding this it is resounding positive thing. Disney is not just reacting to things on the news but working with their cast members for the best possible approach. Disney has always evolved over time including when Walt was still alive and this proves they will continue to do so.
For those that may be concerned Cinderella may have a bunch of tattoos on their next visit to Magic Kingdom, that is not the case. Characters will remain under certain guidelines. However your next Jungle Cruise skipper may have a tattoo or some piercings. This is not just about tattoos and piercings though either. As noted above this is also about gender inclusivity and cultural inclusivity. Each culture, and religion include different aspects and this allows more people in all of those different cultures to look and feel included.
Doing this opens the door for a new generation of cast members who may not have been previously able to work for the company and have wanted too. In my eyes this is something that has been a long time coming and something we should be applauding Disney for doing. Change is not always easy and there will be people who are not a fan of this. Hopefully in due time they come around and realize just how good of a change this is.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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