After banishing them from its magical realms for six decades, Disneyland has finally taken pity on hirsute men seeking employment in the field of mouse collaboration.

A mere 12 years since it made the landmark decision to allow employees to emulate the late Walt by sporting moustaches, the famously image-conscious outfit has opened the doors of the kingdom to men with the right kind of facial hair.

From 3 February, employees in Florida and California will be allowed to report for duty with beards or goatees – providing they are less than a quarter of an inch long.

However, soul patches – the small smears of fur trapped between bottom lip and chin – remain outlawed, as do visible tattoos, "extreme" hairstyles and colours, and piercing lodged in any part of the body except female ears.

"Disney Look guidelines are periodically reviewed in relation to industry standards, as well as the unique environment of our theme parks and resorts," a Disneyland Resorts spokeswoman told the Los Angeles Times.

"While we are careful to maintain our heritage and the integrity of our brand, a recent review of our guidelines led to a decision that an update was appropriate at this time."

A 2010 review of the attire of female workers resulted in an end to the obligatory wearing of tights with skirts and the nod being given to sleeveless tops (as long as their straps were at least three inches wide).

David Koenig, the author of Mouse Tales: a behind-the-ears look at Disneyland, said the company took very seriously the hiring of staff, whom it refers to as "cast members".

"They are casting characters, rather than hiring employees," he told the LA Times. "If the person driving the omnibus looks like a punk rocker, it doesn't coincide with the show they are trying to put on."