Pointing The Way

How do you tell if someone has worked at Walt Disney World?

It's not the sunny disposition and general excitement about life.

It's not the knowledge of the difference between  Chip and Dale.  (Do you know the difference?  It has to do with the color of their nose.)

It's not the wistful look at a ball game when an anthropomorphic mascot character charges out onto the field.

If you want  to know if someone has worked at Walt Disney World ask them for directions.

I'm serious.  Ask them to point you somewhere.  Then you will see it--the Disney World staple--the two finger point.  From the first day they become cast members, it is drilled into employees that they are never to point with the index finger, but always with the index and middle finger combined.

I'd like to say that this has its root in the fact that Mickey only has three fingers and a thumb on each hand.  The two finger point is the equivalent of  one Mickey finger.

The real reason is actually just as interesting.  Walt Disney felt that pointing with one finger was too aggressive and could be interpreted negatively in some cultures.  The one finger point is a very closed and authoritative hand motion.

The two finger point is a more open and generous gesture.  It is this small attention to details that helps everyone feel at home while on the Disney property.

I just thought I'd point it out.