First, they could grow a mustache, just like Walt Disney. Now, they can grow a little more facial hair but not quite enough to be like one of the Seven Dwarfs.

Disneyland announced that it's loosened up its dress code -- known as the "Disney Look" -- to now allow employees to grow more facial hair. Beginning Feb. 3, employees can show up for work with a beard or a goatee without worry, just as long as it's shorter than a quarter of an inch and not a soul patch (a patch of hair just below the bottom lip).

"Disney Look guidelines are periodically reviewed in relation to industry standards, as well as the unique environment of our theme parks and resorts," Betsy Sanchez, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, said in a statement.

"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 number of changes have been made to the look in recent years. In 2010, Disney said women didn't have to wear pantyhose with skirts and allowed sleeveless tops -- so long as the shoulder straps were at least 3 inches wide -- and men could wear untucked, casual shirts.

In 2000, Disney allowed employees to grow mustaches, overturning a 43-year-old ban.

Despite the wave of changes, there are still plenty of style choices off limits to Disney employees: visible tattoos, body piercings (other than the ears for women), "extreme" hair styles or colors, and muttonchops. A shaved head is acceptable for a man but not for a woman.

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-- Rick Rojas

Photo: Employees at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim are now allowed to grow beards under the new dress code. Credit: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times