Disney CEO Expects Mask Requirements Through 2021

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

February 11, Disney held their first-quarter earnings report meetings. With the COVID-19 vaccination rolling out, one topic of discussion was if the mask requirements will continue at Walt Disney World. According to Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, we can expect to see the mask requirements last through 2021, but hopes masks won’t be needed by 2022.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel: As the COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out, Chapek said he envisions some form of social distancing and mask-wearing to remain in place for all of 2021. “That’s our expectation,” he said Thursday during a first-quarter earnings call that disclosed the parks and consumer products endured a $119 million operating income loss compared with a profit of $2.52 billion a year earlier.

What could be a “game changer” for Disney’s theme parks rebound was Thursday’s news that vaccines could potentially be available by April for anyone who wants them, Chapek said. “Will there be some overlap until we know that we have hit herd immunity? Sure there will,” Chapek said “Do we also believe that we’ll be in the same state of six-feet social distancing and mask-wearing in ‘22? Absolutely not.”

Disney Updates Face Covering Policy with Transparent Mask Specifics

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As we previously shared, Walt Disney World has updated their Face Covering Policy to include those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Another update to the Face Covering Policy breaks down transparent mask specifics. Check out the full policy with the update bolded.

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)

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

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

Walt Disney World Guests Vaccinated for COVID-19 Must Still Wear A Mask

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World Resort updated their mask policy to clarify that guests who have received the COVID-19 vaccine must continue to wear masks at the parks and around the resort hotels.

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)

“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.”

So far there has been no update in the policy on the Disneyland Resort website. In California the stay-at-home order was recently lifted, allowing guests to once again eat and drink on company property.

You can read the full Walt Disney World mask policy here.

WDW Updates Face Covering Policy to Officially Ban Masks with Valves, Mesh Material, or Holes of Any Kind

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is changing, adapting, and modifying as needed since their phased reopening. We recently shared that an update to Disney’s face covering policy includes remaining stationary while eating or drinking. Now, Disney has caught on to another issue regarding masks with valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind and has made an update to their policy.

When Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., begin their phased reopening July 11, 2020, all guests 2 years of age and older will be required to wear an appropriate face covering at all times, except when eating and drinking while dining. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

As shared on the Walt Disney World website under “Face Coverings”:

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.