Ending a rule that dates back to their founding in 1955, Disney theme parks will allow employees to wear goatees or beards as long as they "create an overall neat, polished and professional look," according to a Disney news website that published what it said was a memo to staff.
The guidelines known as the "Disney Look" were announced to staff and go into effect on Feb. 3, insidethemagic.net reported.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts did not immediately return a call by msnbc.com to verify the memo.
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It does appear, however, that there is a well-defined limit to the facial hair. The purported memo states that any facial hair must be "neatly groomed and well-maintained at no longer than a quarter of an inch in length."
The website added that Disney also is starting a "Casual Friday" for staff not working directly with park visitors.
Disney last updated its "look" two years ago, the Orlando Sentinel reported, when it allowed female workers to forego panty hose when wearing skirts.
In 2000, Disney allowed staff to wear moustaches. Insidethemagic.net noted that Disney seemed to be behind the times back then, given that founder Walt Disney himself had one.
TODAY, msnbc.com