Hello and happy Thursday! Disney announced some safetly changes that may effect your next vacation. Specifically, there are mask policy updates in place around Disney World. Let’s dive in!
When the Disney World theme parks reopened back in July 2020, a strict face mask policy was put into place that persists presently. Guests over the age of 2 years old, are required to properly wear one (covering nose and mouth). As a matter of fact, guests not complying with the mask mandate are asked to leave. The only time a mask can be removed is when actively eating or drinking while stationary. Yes, you even have to wear one in pictures!
As a reminder, here is what Disney World requires:
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
Moving forward, there are new mask policy updates at Disney World regarding:
#1 Vaccinated Guests
Disney and its amazing Cast Members do an outstanding job encouraging guests to properly wear masks while on property. Masks, combined with physical distancing, help keep everyone safe and healthy. With vaccinations rolling out across the country, Disney’s policy states that they will not be relaxing the mask requirements for those guests who have been vaccinated:
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
So, if you are vaccinated, you will still be required to wear one!
#2 Removal When Dining
Guests who visit dining locations at Disney World will encounter an updated policy. Disney will now require that “Face coverings must be worn while standing, waiting, or sitting in dining locations.” This means that unless you are actively eating or drinking, you must keep your mask on.
#3 Masks with Transparent Windows
The mask policies are also updated regarding the us of transparent windows. These types of masks are beneficial, but essential for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing where lip reading is necessary. Here is what Disney states regarding those types of masks:
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:
- Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
- Meet all face covering requirements listed above
#4 Length of Mask Requirement
Everyone keeps hoping that a return to “normal” will happen soon. However, no one know the exact timeline for when physical distancing and face coverings will no longer be required. Even though steps in the right direction are being taken, Disney is not chancing it when it comes to safety! Thus, it is now expected that guests and Cast Members will be required to wear face masks through at least 2021. Expect to need one for your upcoming trip to The World!
Disney is continuing to update their policies to keep all guests and Cast Members safe! Be sure to check out the changes made to Park Hopping (which returning at the beginning of this year).
Until next week… Cheers!!!