Disney Springs officially began its phased reopening today, May 20, and a select number of restaurants and retail locations had officially opened their doors to the public. And as the first part of Disney World reopened, it brought a variety of new health and safety measures — including the enforcement of face masks for all guests over the age of three.
On the reopening page on the Disney Springs website, Disney officially states the face mask requirement for entering the shopping, dining, and entertainment district on Walt Disney World Resort property:
Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and up, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to wear an appropriate face covering. Guests must bring their own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining.
Credit: Disney
Disney has also confirmed that any guest without a face covering will be turned away and will not be allowed to enter.
When it comes to enforcing the use of face masks at Disney Springs, Disney has formed a designated team of Cast Members whose job it is to enforce social distancing. These Cast Members “offer playful reminders to keep a safe distance and comply with safety measures,” Disney described.
Be on the lookout for this colorful crew at Disney Springs. Our Resort Children’s Activities Cast will bring their magic of engaging Guests in fun and caring ways to provide a helping hand in select areas. They have a keen understanding of our enhanced health and safety procedures, and will throw in some pixie dust for good measure. #DisneySprings #WeCreateHappiness #DisneyCastLife Credit: Walt Disney World Cast and Community FB Page
On Disney Springs reopening day, Cast Members enforced the use of face coverings even after guests made it inside the Disney World shopping district. One of the social distancing Cast Members shared that they have a few masks to hand out if absolutely necessary, but he was not sure if the face masks would be for sale either this week or in the future. He also mentioned that he and other Cast Members are instructed to ask guests to keep their masks on if they see anyone taking them off.
Also keep in mind: you are allowed to walk around with a beverage or a snack, and you can quickly remove your mask to take a sip of your drink or a bite of food. But you must reapply your face mask ASAP. So it may take longer to finish that Joffrey’s coffee or that churro, but you can still walk around and eat or drink as long as you only remove your mask periodically.
Credit: Emille Crawford / ITM
Even the newest Chairman of Disney Parks, Resorts, and Products Josh D’Amaro was present on Disney Springs reopening day, and of course, he came prepared with his face mask!
Credit: Emille Crawford / ITM
Stay tuned to Inside the Magic for the latest news on the reopening of Disney Springs, the first part of Walt Disney World Resort to reopen during the pandemic. Currently, there is no set reopening date for the theme parks and resorts of Disney World.
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