As Walt Disney World continues their phased reopening, one of the most integral parts of their health and safety protocols, is the wearing of masks by all Guests and Cast Members when visiting any part of the Walt Disney World Resort. As there are often a number of questions about this, today’s post will share details and hopefully answer a few of the most frequently asked questions.
First, here is Disney’s policy as of this writing:
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. 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 should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least two 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. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
With all that being said, let’s now look at some additional questions you might have:
Can we take our masks off on rides? No you cannot. To go one step further, if anyone in your ride vehicle has their mask removed during an on-ride photo, everyone in that vehicle – including you, even if the mask-less person is not in your family – will neither see or receive that photo.
Can we remove our masks for Photo Pass pictures? Also no. Per Walt Disney World policy, Photo Pass photographers are not permitted to take Guest photos unless everyone has their mask on.
Can I keep my mask off while walking around if I’m snacking and drinking? Nope – although people have certainly tried this, so much so that Walt Disney World has specifically addressed this in its official policy. To make sure that everyone follows this directive, there are in-park audio messages and signage, along with the “Incredi-Crew Cast Members” who will (kindly but firmly) enforce this ‘no walking and eating/drinking’ rule.
Are there any places in the parks where masks can be removed – other than when dining? Each park has several official Relaxation Stations where guests can sit for a short while and have their masks removed. Most of these stations are outdoors and in covered locations. (Note that there are a few that are indoors as well.) Keep in mind though that guests can remove their masks whenever they are seated, physically distanced from others, and eating or drinking. One final note about the Relaxation Stations: please mindful of the amount of time you spend here, as others may be waiting to “relax” as well, so this is not the time/place to take a lengthy mid-afternoon nap!
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What’s the mask situation outside the parks? In general, masks are required pretty much everywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney Springs. Disney resort hotels require masks in all common areas, including elevators, as well as at restaurants except when seated and dining. Keep in mind that, when it comes to the resort pools, you’ll still need your mask other than when actively swimming in the pool (so you do need it while in your lounge chair). Of course, when you are in your hotel room, no masks are necessary!
How many masks should I bring? At a minimum, you should plan for at least two reusable masks for each person over age 2 per day – and more if it’s hot and/or you sweat a lot. Most masks can easily be hand-washed and dried over night in your room, but just to make sure you have enough, it’s not a bad idea to bring some disposable ones as well. Of course, it’s Disney, so if you don’t have enough – or just want something more Disney-fied than what you’ve brought – most of the stores in the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs are selling masks. If you want to buy any there, you’ll find a wide range of character designs and Disney patterns – including seasonally festive ones – priced at about $6 each/4 for $20. And if you get all the way to the park and find you need an emergency mask, vending machines outside each park have generic ones for sale.
So what is wearing a mask all day like, and does everyone “follow the rules”? To the first question, if you’re not used to wearing a mask all day for your work, you may want to practice for the week or so prior. This is especially true with little ones who aren’t used to masks at all. Yes, in the summer, it’s hot and humid with a mask on, but that being said, many who visited over the summer shared that it wasn’t as difficult as they thought it would be. Hot is hot, mask or not. As we head into the cooler months, to be honest, guests may appreciate the additional covering on those frosty mornings that do actually happen in Florida! As to “rule-followers”, while your mileage may vary here, the vast majority who have visited share that compliance is extremely high, and they felt safer at the Disney parks than at their local Walmart!
There you have it – what you generally need to known about wearing masks at Walt Disney World right now. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. So if all of this seems like something that your family will have a tough time with, perhaps waiting to visit Walt Disney World at a later time might be best. Otherwise, if this seems doable for your family, with lower crowds and wait times, and plenty of magic, this may be the perfect time to plan a Disney vacation!
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