Disney Makes Another Change to Face Cover Policy

On May 15, Disney announced they were no longer requiring Guests to wear masks outdoors. On June 15 face coverings became optional both indoors and outdoors for fully vaccinated Guests in most areas except on Disney transportation. Disney did not require proof of vaccination but did expect unvaccinated Guests to keep their masks on particularly while indoors. Unfortunately, with the rise of COVID cases, Orange County (which encompasses much of Walt Disney World) is in a state of emergency. Disney responded on July 30 by once again requiring masks to be worn at all indoor locations as well as outdoor queues, attractions, and theaters. Today, we’re learning that beginning August 19, face masks will now be optional for Guests when riding outdoor attractions, standing in outdoor queues, and while seated in outdoor theaters.

As reported by InsideTheMagic: “Per Disney: Since May, face coverings have been optional for Guests in outdoor common areas, and beginning Thursday, August 19, face coverings will also be optional for Guests in outdoor attractions, outdoor queues, and outdoor theaters at Walt Disney World Resort. As a reminder, face coverings remain required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail, and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.”

Universal Orlando Will Encourage But Not Require Masks Indoors

Shortly after Orange County issued a state of emergency, Walt Disney World put out a notice that will once again require ALL guests (even those vaccinated) to wear a mask while indoors. The news was hard to take as we had all hoped masks were in the past. Nonetheless, today (July 30), Walt Disney World’s mask policy has been updated with the indoor mask requirement. Walt Disney World’s competitor and neighbor, Universal Orlando, has announced that they will not be requiring masks indoors, but rather encouraging guests to wear them.

As shared by journalist Ashley Carter via Twitter: “Universal Orlando says it will “encourage” guests to wear face masks indoors. All employees, beginning Saturday, will be required to wear face masks while working indoors in guest areas.”

The Universal Orlando website reads, “Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests. Non-vaccinated guests are asked to wear face coverings at all indoor locations.”

Ashley goes on to share in a Tweet today, “REMINDER: Disney World is requiring all guests ages 2 and older to wear face masks at all indoor locations. Signs are out at Magic Kingdom”:

Disney World to Require Masks While Indoors for ALL Guests

Walt Disney World has announced they will require masks for ALL guests (even those vaccinated) while indoors.

Two young guests stop to take a photo at Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Olga Thompson, photographer)

As reported on the Walt Disney World website: “Beginning July 30, face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.”

Masks Now Optional At Most Places For Vaccinated Guests at Walt Disney World

Yesterday, June 15, Walt Disney World officially updated their website with the new face covering policy. Masks are no longer required for vaccinated guests except while on Disney transportation. Check out updated policy, including an updated chart for fully vaccinated guests vs. guests who are not fully vaccinated, below.

Face Coverings: While face coverings are required for all Guests while in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, they are now optional in most areas for Guests who are fully vaccinated. While we do not require proof of vaccination, we expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation. All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) should:

  • – 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

Face coverings should not contain valves, mesh material or holes. Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings should:

  • – 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

The website goes on to share updated chart for fully vaccinated guests vs. guests who are not fully vaccinated:

We can’t believe the day has actually arrived! We’ll keep you posted as Disney continues to make updates to their policies with CDC and local health official guidelines in mind.

Masks No Longer Required Outside in Walt Disney World

Breaking News! Starting today, May 15th, 2021 there will be new face masks rules in Walt Disney World! Following more information from the CDC this week regarding vaccinated people not needing to wear masks, Disney has started to make adjustments to their safety procedures and this is the newest one that has surprised us all.

Disney’s website has posted this new chart that outlines the updated requirements when it comes to masks throughout the Walt Disney World Property. The biggest change is that masks are no longer required in outdoor common areas or pool decks.

Guests will still be required to wear a mask in areas such as transportation, attractions, and indoor locations per CDC suggestions and guidelines.

For full details on the requirements and expectations from Disney, visit their Know Before You Go for complete details and explainations.