News Reimagined Toontown coming

[PiratesMansion]

What other uniforms should be devolved into sloppy pants and an untucked shirt to reflect the reality of the 2020's?

Why do the CM's at the Main Street Opera House have to pretend it's 1905 and it's a fancy opera house? Shouldn't they just be able to wear droopy pants and an untucked XXL shirt instead of this?

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We've talked about the crummy, grimy conditions TDA provides for its Cast backstage and in support services for years. Don't make me drag out those hilarious photos of the smarmy PR Photo Shoot that Business Insider did of a TDA exec cutting the ribbon on a bleak and depressing "new" break room!

As for wages, they're currently hiring for food service jobs at the snack bars in Mickey's Toontown. You must be 18, but no high school diploma is required (basic English skills needed however). They are offering $16.45 per hour to start, with a $1,500 signing bonus (paid in two increments over first 150 days on job). If I was looking for a job after dropping out of high school at age 17, I'd jump at that offer.

Knowledge of what the current wages are does not in any way imply that you support raising them.

I agree the Toontown costumes should look better, but I can't say I'm surprised that the uniforms for what is essentially their Kiddieland look bright, ugly, and garish. Does it look bad? Yes. Does it fit? Well....I can't necessarily say it doesn't. Either current trends or conceding to the reality of what that area is for most people.

 

[Figments Friend]

I’m pretty sure the guy on the left was one of the wheelers from Return to Oz

OMG….
( spurts coffee all over the computer screen )

I don’t know what is funnier - the comparison, or the fact I am old enough to know what a ‘Wheeler’ is….!



-

 

[RobWDW1971]

Professional service is very much tied to how someone presents themselves - maintaining their proper weight, grooming, clothes properly fitted, and having an overall professional, neat look and demeanor. Those cast members look disheveled, sloppy, and unprofessional.

There is a reason you don't generally see employees who look and dress like that at a Louis Vuitton store or at a Four Seasons, but you do at your local IHOP (actually my local IHOP has more professional looking employees than that so perhaps third shift at Waffle House?).

It's an embarrassment for a supposed world class service brand to have employees who look like that.

If my local Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out can have professional looking employees with proper fitted uniforms on a regular basis, Disney can too. It is simply about management standards and focus.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Those were Tomorrowland costumes. Tomorrowland has always had hideous costumes for decades. I think it's some sort of rule they have.

At least those 1970's CM's in Tomorrowland didn't have to wear this getup that 1960's Flight To The Moon hostesses were punished with...

Although, I'm actually really liking the boots.

I actually don’t believe the costumes are ugly. I made that comment because whatever clothing you may deem acceptable and attractive, someone else could think otherwise.

I stand by what I said. Those Toontown CMs looked presentable. Whether the uniforms are attractive or not, that’s another subject.

 

[TP2000]

If my local Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out can have professional looking employees with proper fitted uniforms on a regular basis, Disney can too. It is simply about management standards and focus.

I think that's a huge part of this. This is primarily a failure of front-line Park management.

If what we're hearing is true, that Disney doesn't stock trousers in any sort of inseam sizes (even a broad generalization like "Short" being 28-30, "Regular" being 31-33, "Tall" as 34-36), then part of this glaring aesthetic problem is not the CM's fault.

These are mostly just young kids often from modest backgrounds, after all, and they may not have even had an inseam measurement taken before. Or even know what it means. So they have no idea what to ask for, or why.

But it would require effective management with clear and defined standards for Park appearance and comportment to get those CM's into the right sized trousers. It would probably start on their first day of OJT, when they first go to the wardrobe department to get their first uniform. If they have no idea what size trousers they wear other than "XL", and their training team doesn't care, and their Dockers-clad manager doesn't care, then why should the CM's care?

I have referenced Disneyland's Dockers-clad managers for years now. It makes me giggle. So, I just checked the Dockers website (first time for everything!), and... Yup! Dockers have eight different inseams sized available in their "Workday" line, from 28 to 38!

https://us.dockers.com/

 

[SuddenStorm]

I think that's a huge part of this. This is primarily a failure of front-line Park management.

If what we're hearing is true, that Disney doesn't stock trousers in any sort of inseam sizes (even a broad generalization like "Short" being 28-30, "Regular" being 31-33, "Tall" as 34-36), then part of this glaring aesthetic problem is not the CM's fault.

These are mostly just young kids often from modest backgrounds, after all, and they may not have even had an inseam measurement taken before. Or even know what it means. So they have no idea what to ask for, or why.

But it would require effective management with clear and defined standards for Park appearance and comportment to get those CM's into the right sized trousers. It would probably start on their first day of OJT, when they first go to the wardrobe department to get their first uniform. If they have no idea what size trousers they wear other than "XL", and their training team doesn't care, and their Dockers-clad manager doesn't care, then why should the CM's care?

I have referenced Disneyland's Dockers-clad managers for years now. It makes me giggle. So, I just checked the Dockers website (first time for everything!), and... Yup! Dockers have eight different inseams sized available in their "Workday" line, from 28 to 38!

https://us.dockers.com/

If I remember correctly, Disney very much does stock by inseam sizes. I'm a 32x30- when I worked there I remember picking out chef pants by that size. But I could be misremembering it's been a few years.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

So prices do matter, then? At least somewhat? Aren’t luxury and glamour somewhat determined by monetary value?

Higher expectations, in terms of uniforms according to theme and setting?

Luxury and glamour aren’t something I’d associate with any amusement / theme park so that’s just not a term I’d associate to any park regardless of price.

There’s definitely different levels of quality though, and my expectations of a Disney park are much higher than my expectations of Six Flags (or any park not named Disney to be honest).

And yes… those higher expectations include costumes, uniforms, professionalism, and appearance.

If I go to a local amusement park I expect the employees to be teenagers wearing generic polos, if I go to a themed Disney park I expect themed uniforms and Disney service.

(PS, one of my comments when they previewed Toontown was I loved the bright uniforms because I think they fit the land, my issue is the comment that it doesn’t matter because parks aren’t glamorous or luxurious, something doesn’t have to be luxurious for me to have high expectations)

 

[Californian Elitist]

Luxury and glamour aren’t something I’d associate with any amusement / theme park so that’s just not a term I’d associate to any park regardless of price.

There’s definitely different levels of quality though, and my expectations of a Disney park are much higher than my expectations of Six Flags (or any park not named Disney to be honest).

And yes… those higher expectations include costumes, uniforms, professionalism, and appearance.

If I go to a local amusement park I expect the employees to be teenagers wearing generic polos, if I go to a themed Disney park I expect themed uniforms and Disney service.

(PS, one of my comments when they previewed Toontown was I loved the bright uniforms because I think they fit the land, my issue is the comment that it doesn’t matter because parks aren’t glamorous or luxurious, something doesn’t have to be luxurious for me to have high expectations)

The uniforms are themed. What is “Disney service?”

We disagree on the level of expectations. The whining and b******* over the Toontown uniforms in this thread is absurd, given, as you said, it’s a theme park and it’s not some luxurious, glamorous place. I am wondering why you replied to me, telling me luxury and glamour have nothing to do with pricing, but didn’t reply to those directly saying prices do matter, but I feel like I already know the answer to that, so anyways…

Agree to disagree.

 

[TP2000]

If I remember correctly, Disney very much does stock by inseam sizes. I'm a 32x30- when I worked there I remember picking out chef pants by that size. But I could be misremembering it's been a few years.

Thank you. I was thinking about it, and there just HAS to be an ability for any CM whose assigned uniform involves trousers to choose an inseam size. Even if it's not exact like when you buy a suit and your tailor hems your pants for you, but more generalized as "30" that covers a range of 29 to 31.

Park uniforms like Haunted Mansion, Opera House, even Indiana Jones or anything with pants really, has to have an inseam size range of some sort with 30,000 potential CM's from 5'2" to 6'5" checking out pants for their shift.

This makes me chuckle that we're talking about this. But those CM's with those awful trousers (and their managers who allowed it) brought it upon themselves.

The CM's at the Cruise Line look fantastic, just like Disneyland in the old days! And even today the Napa Rose CM"s always look very well tailored and groomed. So it's not impossible. This can be done!

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

The uniforms are themed. What is “Disney service?”

We disagree on the level of expectations. The whining and b******* over the Toontown uniforms in this thread is absurd, given, as you said, it’s a theme park and it’s not some luxurious, glamorous place. I am wondering why you replied to me, telling me luxury and glamour have nothing to do with pricing, but didn’t reply to those directly saying prices do matter, but I feel like I already know the answer to that, so anyways…

Agree to disagree.

I didn’t reply to them because I agree that price does factor into expectations, but the not luxurious or glamorous comment caught my attention because it’s not something I’d ever associate to a theme park, and it sounded like you were using it as a reason uniforms shouldn’t matter, which I disagreed with.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Thank you. I was thinking about it, and there just HAS to be an ability for any CM whose assigned uniform involves trousers to choose an inseam size. Even if it's not exact like when you buy a suit and your tailor hems your pants for you, but more generalized as "30" that covers a range of 29 to 31.

Park uniforms like Haunted Mansion, Opera House, even Indiana Jones or anything with pants really, has to have an inseam size range of some sort with 30,000 potential CM's from 5'2" to 6'5" checking out pants for their shift.

This makes me chuckle that we're talking about this. But those CM's with those awful trousers (and their managers who allowed it) brought it upon themselves.

You know, I think it's more of a society wide issue that has bled into Disneyland. People don't dress up like they used too.

I grew up going to church- but always wore off the rack suits and dress clothes that did not fit properly. I haven't been in years- but now have a job that requires dress clothing. My first set of work dress clothes were $20 Amazon dress shirts and $30 Amazon chinos and a polyester tie. Not exactly peak fashion.

Then, I got Brooks Brothers dress shirts which replaced the Amazon junk and replaced my polyester ties with Brooks Brothers. About six months ago I needed a proper suit for a wedding, and I didn't want polyester. I found a BB suit that was a little large for $160 shipped on Amazon (used, like new). Had it dry cleaned than took it to a local tailor who made it fit like a glove.

In the months since I've spent about $2,000 on eBay buying BB trousers and sport coats (This is my favorite acquisition) then having them tailored to fit perfectly. Not to mention the hours I've spent reading up on how clothing is supposed to fit. It's almost an addiction- and I have a phenomenal relationship with a local tailor now because of it.

My long winded point is- I didn't know what a 'break' was for pants until a few months ago. I didn't know that you should be able to see some shirt cuff in the sleeves when wearing a sport coat, or that traditional style dictates that the coat should cover your rear.

And I'd guess that 95% of Disneyland's park management below the executive level doesn't know how to properly fit clothing. And that 99% of Disneyland's hourly workers don't know. So unless Disney is willing to pay someone in costuming to fit each of the hourly cast, how can we expect them to even know how to fit their costumes properly?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I didn’t reply to them because I agree that price does factor into expectations, but the not luxurious or glamorous comment caught my attention because it’s not something I’d ever associate to a theme park, and it sounded like you were using it as a reason uniforms shouldn’t matter, which I disagreed with.

But one poster said the price of admission indicates that the park is one of luxury and glamour… No response (likely due to bias and ultimately agreeing with their overall message). You’ve done this to me before, and now it’s becoming a pattern that I’m noticing.

Alright.

 

[Rich Brownn]

Even in the ancient '70s women's costumes went by size only. No inches, no separate waist and length measurements. You hoped the length would be decent. They may be picking "model" CMs who fit the clothes well for the photo shoots.

Ironically my first two jobs at Disney required tailored-to-fit outfits because they were jumpsuits. Grand Prix and Monorails. You got 3 costumes that were yours and you had to ask for them by name. Now the old Main Street outfits... it wasn't just size. For some inexplicable reasons your size requirement also depended on the shirt color (a 10 in blue was different than a 10 in green). The old company satire (back when Disney had a sense of humor) did a whole skit on ordering a MS outfit ("I need a 10 - in green. Or a 12 in blue. Yellow works if it's a 14. And I need a 30 waist ... unless it's the new pants in which case I need a 32...." etc etc)

 

[Rich Brownn]

The prices tell a different story.

You've confused expensive with glamour

 

[SuddenStorm]

The uniforms are themed. What is “Disney service?”

In his recent book Nunis talked at length about the importance of the Disney Look and a well groomed staff. And he was very very strict about it. I'd use his standard as the standard Disneyland CM's should be held too, it's just a shame the company today doesn't.

To answer the question "What is Disney Service?" I think this book is a great intro to the ideals that define what Disney service should be, as well as this book.

 

[Californian Elitist]

In his recent book Nunis talked at length about the importance of the Disney Look and a well groomed staff. And he was very very strict about it. I'd use his standard as the standard Disneyland CM's should be held too, it's just a shame the company today doesn't.

To answer the question "What is Disney Service?" I think this book is a great intro to the ideals that define what Disney service should be, as well as this book.

So, it’s one person defining exactly what “Disney Service” is?

 

[TP2000]

You know, I think it's more of a society wide issue that has bled into Disneyland. People don't dress up like they used too.

I agree. And I'm not opposed to it. In another thread we were talking about cruise lines. I'm a big fan of Viking Cruise Lines. They have a strict dress code; "Smart Casual" which basically means slacks and a sport coat for dinner for gentlemen. The ladies usually wear sparkly pantsuits or chic dresses with a little jacket. There is no "Formal Night" on Viking, with the forced theatricality of rental tuxedos and bejeweled gowns. It's always just "Smart Casual", with sport jackets and no ties the norm for dinner. I love that casualness and reality!

But everyone on a Viking cruise looks good. And smart. There's no athletic wear or torn jeans or tube tops over blobby torso allowed.

I grew up going to church- but always wore off the rack suits and dress clothes that did not fit properly. I haven't been in years- but now have a job that requires dress clothing. My first set of work dress clothes were $20 Amazon dress shirts and $30 Amazon chinos and a polyester tie. Not exactly peak fashion.

When I lived in OC, I lived up the hill from a big Lutheran church. Over the past 20 years I marveled at the change from "Sunday Best" to grown men wearing shorts and untucked shirts. In Church!

I always asked myself... "So did God change the dress code, or did Man change the dress code?" (I know the answer, by the way.)

Then, I got Brooks Brothers dress shirts which replaced the Amazon junk and replaced my polyester ties with Brooks Brothers. About six months ago I needed a proper suit for a wedding, and I didn't want polyester. I found a BB suit that was a little large for $160 shipped on Amazon (used, like new). Had it dry cleaned than took it to a local tailor who made it fit like a glove.

In the months since I've spent about $2,000 on eBay buying BB trousers and sport coats (This is my favorite acquisition) then having them tailored to fit perfectly. Not to mention the hours I've spent reading up on how clothing is supposed to fit. It's almost an addiction- and I have a phenomenal relationship with a local tailor now because of it.

Brooks Brothers is wonderful! It costs a bit more, but with regular dry cleaning and laundering it will last many years longer than the average Target or Penney's item of the same identity. And all you have to do is take an off-the-rack suit or separates to a little local tailor, and he'll hem and adjust the piece so it fits you beautifully for 20 bucks. And then you'll wear it for years and look fabulous without hardly any effort!

It's so darn easy to look good. I laugh hysterically at kids who say "I don't want to spend 30 minutes getting dressed!" when it only takes the same amount of time to put on a tailored outfit that it does to put on a WalMart polyester leg-n-torso tube and an XL ponchoodie.

My long winded point is- I didn't know what a 'break' was for pants until a few months ago. I didn't know that you should be able to see some shirt cuff in the sleeves when wearing a sport coat, or that traditional style dictates that the coat should cover your rear.

You are a young man becoming a fully adult man. It's a journey for all of us. It's hit or miss at times. It's funny you mention shirt cuffs because that Opera House Host I showed above desperately needed a shirt sleeve length that was an inch longer. His shirt sleeves were unseen and thus unknown. They need to show a half inch at the cuff, or else why bother?

Why does Disneyland still have some CM uniforms that are formal and highly themed and, dare I say it, glamorous??? Not every CM needs to be in a tuxedo, and selling churros and flipping burgers is inherently dirty work so they need a functional uniform designed for their primary tasks.

But this new Toontown outfit is just another step down in a series of downward steps they've been taking over the last few years. Why?

And I'd guess that 95% of Disneyland's park management below the executive level doesn't know how to properly fit clothing. And that 99% of Disneyland's hourly workers don't know. So unless Disney is willing to pay someone in costuming to fit each of the hourly cast, how can we expect them to even know how to fit their costumes properly?

I would guess you're right. But that's why they have an allegedly "world-class!" training department called the Disney University. Or at least they used to. I doubt it exists any longer.

But any corporate training team exists to suck up money and only be there to set standards and expectations for employee behavior and appearance and working standards. It's clearly obvious from any time in the park the last few years that function no longer exists with the Disney University. They are not up to that basic task of training company standards. If they even still exist any more?

 

[BrerFoxesBayouAdventure]

Did they remove the Zip a dee doo dah license plate from RRCS?

 

[SuddenStorm]

So, it’s one person defining exactly what “Disney Service” is?

I linked three books written by three different people. So it's at least 3 people defining Disney service.

 

[Sharon&Susan]

Did they remove the Zip a dee doo dah license plate from RRCS?

Nope, still there.