How did they enforce the long hair policy at Disneyland back in the day?

[Walt Disney1955]

In 1964 it is said that Jim McGuinn, who would later go on to star in the British invasion band "The Byrds" was turned away for supporting long hair. Actually it was more of a "mop top" similar to what the Beatles would have been sporting.

My question is, how did they enforce this? Granted, prior to 1964 men simply didn't have longer hair. So it probably wasn't an issue, but by the mid 1960s longer hair on men and boys started. Walt didn't really live to see the hippie movement but when did this rule get relaxed and just how many men did they turn away?

 

[Minnie Mum]

In 1964 it is said that Jim McGuinn, who would later go on to star in the British invasion band "The Byrds" was turned away for supporting long hair. Actually it was more of a "mop top" similar to what the Beatles would have been sporting.

My question is, how did they enforce this? Granted, prior to 1964 men simply didn't have longer hair. So it probably wasn't an issue, but by the mid 1960s longer hair on men and boys started. Walt didn't really live to see the hippie movement but when did this rule get relaxed and just how many men did they turn away?

What do you mean, how did they enforce this? They have a dress and appearance policy that stipulates things like hair length, facial hair, piercings, tattoos, not to mention personal hygiene and dress (costuming). Potential employees are expected to learn and agree to the policy. Everyone has a manager or supervisor - if they see a CM deviating from the policy they'll be told to correct the situation.

Disney isn't alone in this. Many corporations have dress codes. Look at the airlines. And then, of course, there are the Armed Forces.

I can't remember when they started to relax some of their standards like hair length and facial hair. But it was remarkably late compared to the general population.

 

[DisneyDoctor]

 

[RichC]

Not to nitpick, but the Byrds were not a British Invasion band.

As for enforcement of the short hair policy, I’m sure it was simply done: cut your hair or lose your job.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

As mentioned; it's like any other company policy... Comply or hit the bricks. Disney too is an "at will" employer, and it goes both ways.

 

[LAKid53]

Not only were The Byrds not a British band, the frontman's name is Roger McGuinn.

 

[Dunston]

scissor baby

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I think people are missing the entire question here. Jim McGuinn (yes, that was his first name even if he was better known as Roger) was NOT an employee at Disneyland in 1964. I never said he was either. He was trying to enter Disneyland as a guest but wasn't granted admission. It was because of his long hair.

What I am saying is how were they able to enforce something like this? I am surprised there wasn't more of a fuss about it. I get it, men in 1964 didn't have long hair and until the Beatles came along no one would have had this. But when was this rule relaxed because starting in the mid 1960s longer hair on men and boys was more common.

Obviously I know that any company can enforce a dress code for their employees, but this was not an employee.

And yes, I stand corrected, The Byrds was not a British Invasion band. I mixed them up with the Animals.

 

[LAKid53]

I think people are missing the entire question here. Jim McGuinn (yes, that was his first name even if he was better known as Roger) was NOT an employee at Disneyland in 1964. I never said he was either. He was trying to enter Disneyland as a guest but wasn't granted admission. It was because of his long hair.

What I am saying is how were they able to enforce something like this? I am surprised there wasn't more of a fuss about it. I get it, men in 1964 didn't have long hair and until the Beatles came along no one would have had this. But when was this rule relaxed because starting in the mid 1960s longer hair on men and boys was more common.

Obviously I know that any company can enforce a dress code for their employees, but this was not an employee.

And yes, I stand corrected, The Byrds was not a British Invasion band. I mixed them up with the Animals.

Private company, private property. And people didn't threaten to sue in the 60s over any little perceived slight to someone's rights, like length of hair.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I think people are missing the entire question here. Jim McGuinn (yes, that was his first name even if he was better known as Roger) was NOT an employee at Disneyland in 1964. I never said he was either. He was trying to enter Disneyland as a guest but wasn't granted admission. It was because of his long hair.

What I am saying is how were they able to enforce something like this? I am surprised there wasn't more of a fuss about it. I get it, men in 1964 didn't have long hair and until the Beatles came along no one would have had this. But when was this rule relaxed because starting in the mid 1960s longer hair on men and boys was more common.

Obviously I know that any company can enforce a dress code for their employees, but this was not an employee.

And yes, I stand corrected, The Byrds was not a British Invasion band. I mixed them up with the Animals.

There was a whole lot of upset about the "mop top Beatles" and they hit the US in 1964. Even though we are heading back to those days because in this country maturity and reason is frowned upon. People were very definitely chastised for having long hair. (men, I'm talking about) The expected norm for women was long hair (young women only) They were kept out of many places that seemed main stream or had an opinion of themselves as being superior to everyone that didn't look or act exactly like they did. Disney did indeed enforce those "dress codes" until it got to the point where there were more guys with long hair then without, so then it became a loss of revenue and companies like Disney had to reconsider their stance against those that they called "hippies". The old expression of ridicule leveled on young people back then was the oft used phrase... "Is that a boy or a girl". Hee, Hee, Haw, Haw, Giggle, Giggle!

 

[GVentola]

Just for the record, Big Phil, I knew you were talking about guests. See, they made a joke a couple of times on the sixties' show "The Monkees" about not being let into Disneyland because of long hair. As for the answer to your question, well, I'm interested in finding that out, too.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

Private company, private property. And people didn't threaten to sue in the 60s over any little perceived slight to someone's rights, like length of hair.

True enough.

There was a whole lot of upset about the "mop top Beatles" and they hit the US in 1964. Even though we are heading back to those days because in this country maturity and reason is frowned upon. People were very definitely chastised for having long hair. (men, I'm talking about) The expected norm for women was long hair (young women only) They were kept out of many places that seemed main stream or had an opinion of themselves as being superior to everyone that didn't look or act exactly like they did. Disney did indeed enforce those "dress codes" until it got to the point where there were more guys with long hair then without, so then it became a loss of revenue and companies like Disney had to reconsider their stance against those that they called "hippies". The old expression of ridicule leveled on young people back then was the oft used phrase... "Is that a boy or a girl". Hee, Hee, Haw, Haw, Giggle, Giggle!

Sort of like today, only worse because kids are far more screwed up today.

 

[The Mom]

There were many businesses that had a customer dress code - and some still do. If you were/are dressed inappropriately you aren't allowed to enter. Many golf courses still require collared shirts - as do many restaurants, clubs, resort dining rooms, etc. If you caused a scene security or the police would appear to escort you from the premises.

I went out with a bunch of friends to a club back in the early 70s - we were turned away because a young man in our group was wearing jeans. I remember, in 1984, checking with the casino at Atlantis about whether or not my husband's white summer Navy uniform (not his hospital work khakis) was considered a " business suit." It was.

I'm so old that I remember when a lady would never think about attending church without wearing a dress or suit, along with a hat and gloves. Of course, I also had to wear dresses/skirts to school.

 

[LAKid53]

There were many businesses that had a customer dress code - and some still do. If you were/are dressed inappropriately you aren't allowed to enter. Many golf courses still require collared shirts - as do many restaurants, clubs, resort dining rooms, etc. If you caused a scene security or the police would appear to escort you from the premises.

I went out with a bunch of friends to a club back in the early 70s - we were turned away because a young man in our group was wearing jeans. I remember, in 1984, checking with the casino at Atlantis about whether or not my husband's white summer Navy uniform (not his hospital work khakis) was considered a " business suit." It was.

I'm so old that I remember when a lady would never think about attending church without wearing a dress or suit, along with a hat and gloves. Of course, I also had to wear dresses/skirts to school.

Someone would not have considered Navy whites appropriate for a casino? That's surprising.

I remember having to kneel to prove my skirt was long enough.

 

[John park hopper]

Never had a problem with long hair got out of the service in early 72 and started college. After having to deal with the ridiculous weekly hair cuts in the service I let it grow, 40 + years later still got it long (wife would love or me to cut it) Never had a problem getting in to WDW all through the 70's and 80's. Though I do remember male CM had to be clean cut.

 

[larryz]

Someone would not have considered Navy whites appropriate for a casino? That's surprising.

Navy senior leadership, for one...

 

[Goofyernmost]

There were many businesses that had a customer dress code - and some still do. If you were/are dressed inappropriately you aren't allowed to enter. Many golf courses still require collared shirts - as do many restaurants, clubs, resort dining rooms, etc. If you caused a scene security or the police would appear to escort you from the premises.

I went out with a bunch of friends to a club back in the early 70s - we were turned away because a young man in our group was wearing jeans. I remember, in 1984, checking with the casino at Atlantis about whether or not my husband's white summer Navy uniform (not his hospital work khakis) was considered a " business suit." It was.

I'm so old that I remember when a lady would never think about attending church without wearing a dress or suit, along with a hat and gloves. Of course, I also had to wear dresses/skirts to school.

Heck, you think you are old? I attended a business college and had to wear a white shirt, tie and sport coat every single day. Now all they need is a body tattoo of a shirt and pants.

 

[The Mom]

Navy senior leadership, for one...

It was for dinner at a restaurant in the casino, and he was on shore leave during a deployment. Navy senior leadership were joining us - I just made the reservations the day before they docked, and noted that the dress code was jacket and tie, so asked about uniforms.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

How did they stop them? Same as always.

People who fear people who express individual thought will dress uniformly then beat non-conforming others.

Edit: photo of police actually trying to prevent hippies from entering Disneyland.

 

[DarthVader]

The same way they enforce dress codes and appearance policies today. They state such at the beginning. Heck the New York Yankees still have a regulations prohibiting facial hair.