A Former Cast Member Is Spilling The Harsh Shoe Rules For Working in Disney World

When you work at Disney World, there are certain rules Cast Members have to follow, and some of them may be very surprising.

Disney World Cast Member

Some of the rules are obvious — you can’t be on your phone while you’re on stage (unless it’s an emergency, of course), you have to be dressed nicely, you have to be respectful to the people around you, etc. But some things are a little less clear, specifically regarding the shoes you have to wear. Here are the harsh shoe rules Disney World Cast Members must follow.

Instead of boring uniforms, Disney World employees — better known as Cast Members — wear costumes. Not only are they working at the theme parks and resorts, but they are a part of it, making magic for the visiting guests.

Magic Kingdom Cast Member

And when it comes to the costumes, there are two categories of Cast Members — Costumed and Non-Costumed Cast Members. Costumed Cast Members are those whom guests will typically see. Those Cast Members are the ones given a specific costume to wear “on-stage,” AKA anywhere guests have access to be in Disney World. These costumes may be specific to a certain land, show, attraction, role, etc.

Custodial Cast Member

Non-Costumed Cast Members are those who are typically behind the scenes and cannot traditionally be seen by the regular guests. These costumes may include chefs, behind-the-scenes entertainment Cast Members, etc.

Magic Kingdom Cast Member

When it comes to the footwear Cast Members wear, Disney has specific rules each person must follow, Costumed or Non-Costumed. This is known as “Disney Look.” That means being the most presentable and well-put-together you can. Every role and location can differ, but Cast Members can check with the Costuming Module in The Hub (Disney’s online resource for company employees) or with their leader to ensure proper style and color.

Main Street Bakery Cast Members

For Costumed Cast Members, these are a few rules that must be followed:

Shoes must be kept clean and in good condition at all times
Dress shoes must be solid in color “with minimal contrasting logos or markings and made of a polishable material”
Athletic shoes must be solid in color with minimal contrasting logos
It’s recommended that shoes be slip-resistant

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Cast Members

For Non-Costumed Cast Members, their rules are as follows:

Shoes or boots must be appropriate for your business/unit location
Sandals are not permitted
Dress shoes are permitted to “have contrast soles, an open toe, open heel and/or sling back”

Magic Kingdom Cast Member

However, one of our team members who worked in food and beverage at Disney World said something different than one of the rules above. She said that even though it’s only recommended, most Cast Members — specifically the ones working in food and beverage — actually NEED to have slip-resistant shoes.

We love Cast Members!

There are a few ways to get shoes that are approved, through Disney itself or by being REALLY careful when purchasing your own. Our team member opted to get them through Disney because she just thought it was easier, especially when you are working in a location that needs to be “in story.”

EPCOT Cast Member

There are also specific rules for specific costumes. For example, if you have to wear black shoes, you MUST wear black socks, and those socks can’t be too tall! Not only could you get in trouble for wearing the wrong shoes, but you could also get in trouble for wearing the wrong socks!

Magic Kingdom Cast Members

Cast Members have A LOT of rules they have to follow, and it’s all to make magic for you! So, the next time you pass a Cast Member, be sure to thank them and tell them that they’re doing a great job! And stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news like this!

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What other harsh rules do you know that Cast Members have to follow? Let us know in the comments!