Facing Bare Facts of Disney History

* Re “Disneyland Lets Its Hair Down, Allows Cast to Sport Mustaches” (March 28):

During my career with the Walt Disney Co. (1968-94), the most discussed issue regarding mustaches was the fact that Walt could not have worked at Disneyland unless he shaved.

But several cast members who had mustaches before the ruling were allowed to keep theirs (much to the disappointment of those who wanted to wear one). But they were told that if they ever shaved it off, they couldn’t grow it back.

The entertainment booking department was also told that groups they hired had to conform to the grooming standards if they appeared at Disneyland longer than a few weeks. Trying to get performers to shave and get a short haircut was a constant aggravation of the entertainment staff.

Employees of the studio were told that we had to conform to the standards because we were “temporary” Disneyland cast members.

It really became a problem when Imagineering employees on long-term projects at the park were told that they also needed to conform. Some didn’t and were reassigned.

Finally the Dapper Dans quartet will look as they should have for years on Main Street!

JOHN THOMPSON

Tustin