Pre-Disney: I Made It!

 

I am so excited, you have no idea.

I recently found out that I've been accepted for the Disney College Program, Spring Advantage 2015.

To those of you who don't know what the Disney College Program is, it's a program sponsored and run by Disney, for college students to go and work a day job at Disney theme parks, and then if they choose, they have the opportunity to take specialized college courses.

I've been waiting for this moment, literally since I started High School. I have been waiting for this one moment, for over four years of my life.

And let's get something straight; I didn't expect to be accepted this year. I have done obscene amounts of research, and it's unheard of for freshman to get accepted their first time applying. But, I got accepted.

"So what does that mean? You got accepted, big deal."

Phft! Yeah it's a big deal! This program isn't only hard to get into, and known for it's awesome perks and fun experience, but it also looks insanely good on a resume because of Disney's high standards.

 

In case you didn't know, Disney is very particular about who they hire. Here is a list of only their visible requirements for any one single person that they may hire:

 

Male and Female

Body Alteration

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.

Eye Wear

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

Male

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

Female

• Hair
• 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.
• 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.
• Make-up:
• 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.

Any questions regarding a medical accommodation or religious exception may be addressed to:

Disneyland® Resort (in California): Disneyland Casting at DL.Recruiter01@Disney.com. Walt Disney World® Resort (in Florida): Employee Relations Department at wdwemployeerealtions-eastcoast@email.disney.com.

Good Judgment and Stage Presence
As with all of your duties and responsibilities as a cast member, you are expected to demonstrate professionalism and good judgment at all times related to your appearance. For this reason, if you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of your appearance, please keep in mind that anything that could be considered distracting or not in the best interest of our Disney show will not be permitted.
No matter where you work or what your role is, anytime you are in a public area, you are on stage. Your attitude and performance are direct reflections on the quality of our Disney show. Often it's the seemingly little things that detract from our guests' enjoyment – chewing gum, having poor posture, using a cellular phone or frowning. Of course, smoking and eating on stage are also strictly prohibited. All of this adds up to one of the most important aspects of your role in our show: good stage presence.
( Source: http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/about-disney-college-program/disney-look/ )

And this isn't everything. There are multiple codes and rules that you have to follow in order to meet this criteria. So obviously, the Disney College Program may not be for everyone. But it is for me!