Observations on cast member uniforms

1

1997 WDI Intern

New Member
Original Poster
OK, this has always bothered me - considering the overall quality of design that has always been a hallmark of the WDW parks, why is that certain cast member/ride attendant uniforms, both past and present, seem so unusually gaudy? Take for instance, the ride attendant uni's for "Listen to the Land" circa 1988 - I describe it as baby blue jump suit homage to "Logan's Run" or any of the Star Trek movies made in the 1980's. I recall the Wonders of Life cast members sporting turquiose pajamas with intermittent patterns of pink and fushcia triangles. Let us not forget the bright Lemon Yellow sometimes worn by the MK ticket takers, janitorial crew, and certain Fantasyland ride attendants. It is like the designers are trying to use colors and color combinations in the most jarring way. Maybe the idea is to distinguish the cast members from the visitors in most dramatic way. Don't get me wrong, most of the Disney uniforms are appropriate and well thought out, however, some make me say, "What were they thinking?"

I'm interested in getting other people's observations on this issue. Which cast member uni's make your worst list? If you are or were a cast member, did you have to wear anything that ever made you really self-conscious?
 
Yellow Shoes

Yellow Shoes

Well-Known Member
My impression of the uniforms (or are they really costumes, since it is cast members who wear them?) is that of course they would look ridiculous off-property.

(I doubt that HM cast members really want to wear the long green & black dress to run errands after work)

However, in their proper place, the unique clothing adds to the overall themeing. Seeing the Imagination Pavilion CMs in outrageously bright clothing, or the Mission: Space crew in a jumpsuit with 300 zippers reminds me that I am (ahem) not in Kansas anymore.

It just wouldn't be the same for me if every WDW employee wore khaki pants and a navy polo shirt.
 
Invero

Invero

Well-Known Member
I'm inbetween on the bus driver costumes. On me, I think they're tacky and gaudy. On anyone else, eh, not so bad. Perhaps it's just my affliction with wearing purple?
 
Cosmo

Cosmo

Member
personally, i probably WOULD wear a haunted manion costume out and about on errands...that would be pretty sweeeeeeeet..... :cool:

(except of course for the heat and humidity).. :(
 
Yellow Shoes

Yellow Shoes

Well-Known Member
You know what, Invero, the bus driver uniforms ARE tacky and gaudy.

That's why I love 'em.

Only in WDW will you see adults wearing purple pants and maintaining their dignity.
 
LSUxStitch

LSUxStitch

Well-Known Member
As a past cast member that has donned almost every costume available in Epcot, I would have to say that they really put you in character. I remember the first time I put on the American Adventur nickers I felt ridiculous, BUT in the end it definitely made me act differently.
 
dhall

dhall

Well-Known Member
Seems to me like the HM costume would be great when you have to deal with unpleasant errands: cop the attitude, wear the costume perfectly, and dare anyone to give you any grief or bad service.
 
ISTCrew20

ISTCrew20

Well-Known Member
Liberty Square is my favorite costume. The most comfortable is Frontierland and ToonTown. Frontierland pants are weird, since the pockets are straight vertical up and down. It takes some getting used too.

I really do not like Adventureland. They are like pajamas splatted with paint.

Tomorrowland is ok for me, but that dang shirt has SO many buttons that serve no purpose.
 
kengels

kengels

New Member
CM Costumes

The costumes don't bother me so as the wearing of tennis shoes with them. I know that is for the comfort of the CM that has to sell balloons on Main Street, but wouldn't you think Disney would have enough pull to get a manufacturer to create a nice comfortable shoe that goes well with the costumes. Come on bad show! Let's maintain the magic.
 
EpcotGrl

EpcotGrl

New Member
Yellow Shoes said:
It just wouldn't be the same for me if every WDW employee wore khaki pants and a navy polo shirt.
Click to expand...

LOL, welcome to Future World. Yeah, I felt very cheated when I got to WDW and was told I'd be wearing khaki shorts and a polo shirt. They more than made up for it with the yellow and black ski suit, though... :lol:
 
surfsupdon

surfsupdon

Well-Known Member
Invero said:
I'm inbetween on the bus driver costumes. On me, I think they're tacky and gaudy. On anyone else, eh, not so bad. Perhaps it's just my affliction with wearing purple?
Click to expand...

I'm glad you like them. I always felt bad for the bus drivers. The purple and teal and yellow is just a bit much. As whimsical as it is, I always thought the CMs would look better in more professional, sleeker clothes. They are just too much for my liking.
 
DisneyMarg

DisneyMarg

Member
We couldn't figure out the costumes at the Pop Century. With so many great pop clothes to choose from - tie died shirts, poodle skirts, leisure suits, and more - what's with the drab gray that looks like some very conservative religous clothing? Or maybe early American for the less unfortunate early Americans?
 
MissM

MissM

Well-Known Member
We've actually gone around before discussing the ranking of best and worst costumes before. *chuckles* What looks most uncomfortable; what looks the most downright silly, etc.

It's a fun way to pass the time while walking from one place to another. Heh.
-m
 
Woody13

Woody13

New Member
DisneyMarg said:
We couldn't figure out the costumes at the Pop Century. With so many great pop clothes to choose from - tie died shirts, poodle skirts, leisure suits, and more - what's with the drab gray that looks like some very conservative religous clothing? Or maybe early American for the less unfortunate early Americans?
Click to expand...

Sounds as if you are speaking of the Mao jacket:

http://www.pbase.com/kleine/image/37805572
 

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