Disney World Employee Manual: Accept People As They Are!
Long before Disney World became the most visited theme park on the planet, its founders understood that the guest experience began with the people delivering it. The original Disney World employee manual, known as ‘Destination…Walt Disney World,’ laid out a clear and remarkably progressive vision for how cast members should treat every single guest who walked through the gates. One of its four core tenets stands out even today for its simplicity and power: accept people as they are.
In the middle of the publication are four tenets that hosts were to adhere to when on stage:
- Disciplines of the show…
- Working Together
- Know the answers
- Accept People as they are
Each of the four tenets of Walt Disney World hosts were outlined with examples and bulleted lists. Let’s take al look at Disney’s thoughts on accepting people as they are, specifically the guests that were visiting the Vacation Kingdom.
Accept People As They Are
Our ultimate goal at Walt Disney World is the creation of happiness for others. Were not reformers . . . remakers of the complex human element. We give everyone the same VIP treatment regardless of race, creed. color, politics or color of sport shirt.
We ask that you leave your prejudices at home before you come to work. Within Walt Disney World, you must accept people as they are…not as you might prefer them to be.
We must constantly remind each guest that were glad that he or she is here—with us—as our guest…that he or she belongs in Walt Disney World.
Were you a cast member at Disney World in the 1970s? Leave me a comment and let me know!
The Disney World employee manual was written over fifty years ago, but its message feels just as relevant today. In a world that often struggles to extend basic kindness across differences, Disney was teaching its cast members to check their prejudices at the door and make every guest feel like a VIP. That is a standard worth remembering. Did you work as a cast member at Walt Disney World in the early years? Share your memories in the comments below, pass this post along to a fellow Disney history fan, and be sure to watch the video linked below for more early Walt Disney World history.
WDW Bits & Pieces is a series that focuses on the stranger and less documented side of Walt Disney World history.
Looking for a great book on the early years of Walt Disney World?
Check out The Story of Walt Disney World book review.
Buy a Copy of thew Vintage Walt Disney World Book!
