There's Something Weird About The Way Disneyland Staff Point

If you've ever been to Disneyland, you'll have really felt for the staff - or cast members, as they're called - because let's face it, they have a tough job.

Disneyland might be the most magical place on earth for kids (and I'm including big kids here), but for the staff, who have to constantly smile, be happy and act as though they can't hear kids screaming the entire time, it's a hard gig.

Credit: Disney

On top of this, there's a number of slightly odd rules that team members must follow at all time, some are pretty obvious, like not swearing in front of guests and picking up rubbish when they spot it.

Others are a little stranger, for instance - Disneyland staff are not allowed to point using just one finger. If staff need to point towards something, they will use both their index and middle finger, rather than just their index finger, which we're used to in the Western world.

That's because in some cultures, pointing with one finger is considered a rude gesture, according to the Independent.

The Sun reports that the 'Disney Point', is also a throwback to when Walt himself used to parade around the attraction. He would often have a cigarette between his fingers and was often seen gesturing with two fingers, as a result.

Photographs of Walt would later have the cigarette edited out (because smoking is neither big nor clever) meaning he was often portrayed pointing with two fingers.

That's not the only weird rule, staff are also unable to answer 'I don't know'. Meaning, if a guests asks them a question they don't know the answer to, they have to ring around and find out for them.

Perhaps less strange, is the rule that staff members can't be rude to guests. However, according to a Reddit AMA, workers use a 'secret code'. So, if you've ever been to Disneyland and a member of staff said: "Have a magical Disney Day", then sorry, but you're a dick.

One Redditor wrote: "I work at Disney and 'have a magical day' is mouse for 'go fuck yourself'."

Something to listen out for next time you go.

Sources: Independent; The Sun

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Disney, Disneyland, Interesting

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19