By Rick Aristotle Munarriz, The Motley Fool

Disney (DIS) is loosening up its strict dress code for theme park employees.

Starting a week from Friday, Disney will allow its hires to sport beards and goatees.

That's a pretty bold step for the family entertainment giant. Disney has always had rigid grooming requirements. The rules governing the wholesome and clean image presented by theme park employees -- whom the company calls "cast members" because they are part of the show -- dates back to Walt Disney's tight standards for appearance.

Even a mustache like the one Walt himself sported was forbidden for guest-facing cast members until just a few years ago.

However, Disney has been relaxing its dress code in response to changing cultural mind-sets. For example, for the past two years, women have no longer been required to wear pantyhose if they're donning skirts.

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