Did you know the very first day of training for all Disneyland Cast Members is Traditions 101? Held at Disney University, of course!! Under the direction of Professor Emeritus, Van Arsdale France. His experience in employee development and attention to detail made him a perfect match to develop a contagious Magic, Appearance Standards, and instill the Company's values. He developed the Four Disney keys; Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency!! In that order!!
Disneyland was the first of its kind as a Theme Park, and to ensure the standards never became diluted, each new Cast Member would need to be 'educated' on the unique culture of Disneyland!!
Club 55 Members( NOT the exclusive restaurant!!) each became aware of the evolving particulars for this new and unique Park, and made known to Mr. France, the questions/comments from Guests, and the Cast Member's own addition of Pixie Dust. Mr France formulated this information to a training standard for each Cast Member!!! Talk about a crash course in Creating Happiness!!
Of course with such a successful contribution to the Company, one's name becomes indelible in the Disney Lexicon... Look for his Window on Main Street above Chief Standsalot..(at the former Tobacco Shop, Mr. France was known for enjoying a nice cigar!!)
Now, I realize the culture of Disneyland is "first name basis" but out of respect and admiration, I use Mr or Mrs. where appropriate.
One of the basic lessons for each Cast Member: the names of ALL SEVEN DWARFS: "just remember, it's two D's, two S's and three emotions ... Doc, Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy and Bashful!!", that way you can never get it wrong and as for Cinderella's mice friends, Suzy and Perla... just remember, Perla wears Purple!!
Please also note, Mr France has passed away, but his methods are used to this day!!
