With new policy updates for Cast Members including diversity and inclusion, Disney makes it clear that their parks are “a place where everyone is welcome.”
Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, shared on the Disney Parks Blog on Tuesday, April 14 what the parks are doing to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included, specifically Cast Members.
“It’s important to me to share how we’re creating a place where everyone is welcome and taking action to create meaningful change,” he wrote.
Here’s how they plan to do exactly that.
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What Are The New Policies?
Disney makes it clear that their parks are a place where everyone is welcome. Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
One of the biggest changes is allowing Cast Members to express themselves through the dress code and making sure they feel comfortable while working at the most magical and happiest places on earth.
“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,” he said.
D’Amaro also added, “We’re updating them to not only remain relevant in today’s workplace, but also enable our cast members to better express their cultures and individuality at work.”
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D’Amaro also noted how important it is for “guests to see their own backgrounds and traditions reflected in the stories, experiences, and products they encounter in their interactions with Disney. And we want our cast members –and future cast members– to feel a sense of belonging at work.”
It’s all about cultivating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated “for their unique life experiences, perspectives, and culture.”
He said they even “actively solicited input from our Cast Members from all over the world” in 2019 when it came to focusing on inclusivity.
From Four To Five Keys
If you’re not aware, one of the first things Cast Members learn when training are The Four Keys, which represent Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency.
“Each cast member is asked to use The Four Keys as the blueprint for the decisions they make during the workday and the approach they bring to their interactions with others,” D’Amaro explained.
Well, now, there are Five Keys thanks to Inclusion being added into the mix. It will also “be at the heart” of the keys.
Walt Disney always said that the Disney parks would never be finished and that they’d have to adapt along with the rest of the world.
As we see here, that’s what the company seem to be trying to do.
Plus, they’ve already announced the necessary reimagining of Splash Mountain into new adventures with Princess Tiana and by removing culturally insensitive depictions on the Jungle Cruise.
These ride updates are happening at both Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and at Disneyland Park.
It’s nice to see how serious Disney is taking diversity and inclusivity. Cast Members are the magic and they definitely deserve to feel respected and welcomed, especially when it comes to personal expression.
How do you feel about Disney’s new diverse and inclusive policy updates for Cast Members? Tell us in the comments on our Facebook page!
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