DEBATE: Costuming and Show

[airlarry!]

What I find problematic is the shockingly common practice of not maintaining costume integrity when workers migrate, often on short notice, over to a different location. We used to get sent back to Costuming for a quick change if this was to happen! Now, perhaps in the spirit of not wasting time — and therefore money — workers are often thrown directly into the transplant location without new costumes.

This from www.mouseplanet.com 's latest article from Kevin Yee.

I can't recall any costume issues from WDW, but apparently there are some at DL, as we have read over the past year and half from MP with the two relaxing of the old guidelines:

1-taking costumes home, which Yee argues dilutes the costume 'magic' by peeps seeing costumes all around town, and contributes to costume theft by the employees

2-mixing of costumes in the park...in other words seeing costumes with themes that don't match up in the same area.

How do you feel? He asks in the article the hypo whether costumes mean much to the show...and I for one think that is something unique to WDW. It reminds me of the living history tours I've been on around the country. I know it is expensive blah blah blah but my ticket is expensive also. As an ardent car three'er, I want Disney to keep the dilution of the costume magic out of WDW! Keep costuming unique to -- each attraction, each area, and each park.

 

[MikePezz]

Not being unique is certainly a possible future, and one that Disney seems to be contemplating. When I mention the Haunted Mansion outfit, most of you could probably pictured it, right? Well, try picturing, with the same level of detail, the uniforms worn by workers in the log ride at the nearby Knott's Berry Farm. I bet it's harder to do. Generic isn't as memorable, and neither, frankly, is that park. This is no coincidence. (Note: I don't dislike Knott's — in fact I rather like the place — but it's just not an experience on par with Disney.)

I just thought this was a great point. Can't we all picture those costumes?

 

[raidermatt]

I agree, the costumes are a major part of the show, and costumes that are out of place significantly detract from it.

 

[Safari Steve]

Here's the deal w/ costuming guidelines:
MK: CMs cannot go into other lands wearing their costumes except for parade or emergency situations (escorting guests to first aid/missing children). These guidelines are followed very closely.
Epcot: no costume/themeing guidelines, although I think that you can't go into another building in costume (Land costume inside of Image Works, Test Track costume inside of Wonders of Life).
MGM: It's a studio, so there's nothing wrong with wandering across another set to get to your shoot (this was given to me directly from a friend who worked in WDI research/documentation when MGM opened).
DAK: no guidelines (which bothers me immensely).

Also, MGM, DAK, and Epcot offer what is called "Cast Zooming" which means that rather than having to show up early to change, you can check out a week's worth of costumes in advance, change at home, and drive to work in costume. It's more of a convenience thing for the cast, as I understand it (locker rooms are still provided at Epcot and MGM, as far as I know --I have no clue @ DAK). I'm pretty sure all of the resorts and water parks zoom too, but it is not manditory. If you choose to participate in zooming, you are supposed to go directly from home to work/work to home, and are only allowed to buy gas and groceries in costume. Nametags are not allowed to be worn when off property.

I don't know what the situation is like in CA.

WDW costuming is constantly redesigning costumes to keep things fresh. Fantasyland got a new look about 2 years ago so that CMs could work multiple attractions within that land without changing (Small World was the only look that was different, I think), Frontierland gets a new set of looks soon. They are highly detailed, well-themed, and definitely memorable, with foods, outdoor stands, merchandise, and attractions getting distinct looks. I like what I have seen of them.

 

[el_tigre]

Originally posted by airlarry!

2-mixing of costumes in the park...in other words seeing costumes with themes that don't match up in the same area.

As a former CM, I don't think this is any worse than it has ever been, at least in DL's case. When I worked there ten years ago, everyone checked in, changed and then walked into the park from the Southeast portion of DL next to Main Street. At any given time, you could see someone entering Main Street with a Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise or Small World costume. I don't think I ever heard a complaint about it detracting from the show and it had always been that way since the park opened. I think they've changed things around since DCA has opened, but I don't remember anyone's costume being more out of place than what you'd experience a few years ago.

 

[airlarry!]

Safari Steve would know better, but my family (who have all worked at WDW but none at DL) have all said that they were never allowed to walk through with costumes. They were to use the Utilidors to avoid the appearances of mixed-up costumes.

 

[mktiggerman]

Originally posted by Safari Steve
DAK: no guidelines (which bothers me immensely).

well, steve. for the most part, the DAK costumes theme well anywhere in the park. Aside from the Dinorama/Dinoland and Asia costumes, the rest would fit anywhere else at AK

 

[mktiggerman]

Originally posted by airlarry!
Safari Steve would know better, but my family (who have all worked at WDW but none at DL) have all said that they were never allowed to walk through with costumes. They were to use the Utilidors to avoid the appearances of mixed-up costumes.

at MK, only a few costumes (namely GR, Character Greeter/Coordinator, Fastpass, Audience Control, Strollers, and Custodial) are able to cross lands with no problem. The rest are not allowed to cross lands except for escorting a guest to first aid (and per my training, the CM is to return to their work area taking backstage routes).

 

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by el_tigre


As a former CM, I don't think this is any worse than it has ever been, at least in DL's case. When I worked there ten years ago, everyone checked in, changed and then walked into the park from the Southeast portion of DL next to Main Street. At any given time, you could see someone entering Main Street with a Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise or Small World costume. I don't think I ever heard a complaint about it detracting from the show and it had always been that way since the park opened. I think they've changed things around since DCA has opened, but I don't remember anyone's costume being more out of place than what you'd experience a few years ago.

One of the reasons why Walt wanted the Utildors to be built in the first place.

 

[Safari Steve]

Add to Rob's list: WDW RR Conductors and Riverboat CMs.

Also, During parade you can go into another land (Tomorrowland and Fantasyland work the hub and Adventureland helps in Liberty Sq.)

Also Also, The Asian costumes certainly don't work in other areas, and imho the Dinoland and Discovery Island costumes (except for Bug) don't work well in their intended areas. (too many different colors, conflicting patterns, no unity, very little balance)... and in any event, the CMs should have an off-stage entrance, they may as well have a time clock at the turnstiles...

 

[mktiggerman]

Originally posted by Safari Steve
the CMs should have an off-stage entrance, they may as well have a time clock at the turnstiles...

don't tempt management... they may find it "cost-effective"

 

[tater bug]

Recently we observed a CM in costume for Tomorrowland strolling around Frontierland. We were hoping it wasn't the start of a trend.

 

[Safari Steve]

That sounds like someone on their way to getting a reprimand. There is no reason for that to happen (at MK, at least), and it is certainly not acceptable. No, there is not a trend... just one person who probably won't have a job much longer.

 

[mktiggerman]

Originally posted by donald's daisy
Recently we observed a CM in costume for Tomorrowland strolling around Frontierland. We were hoping it wasn't the start of a trend.

steve,

I like to give the benefit of the doubt... you never know, there may have been a reason... there has before

 

[Eeyore2U]

Don't you love "in the know" reparte'!