Neck Gaiters Do Not Meet Disney Mask Guidelines

in Disney, Walt Disney World

Neck Gaiter Header

Now that Walt Disney World has had its first Cast Member preview day at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, would-be Guests have a better idea of how new health and safety protocols, such as mandatory face masks will be enforced in Disney’s Theme Parks.

Disney released official face mask guidelines recently, but it has been confirmed that neck gaiters will NOT suffice as face coverings in any Disney World Parks. This guideline is also likely to apply to Disneyland Resort when it reopens, since Downtown Disney reopens this Thursday — you can read up on Disneyland’s face mask guidelines here.

As of the most recent update to our article, July 10, the WDW face mask guidelines read:

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.

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 and open-chin triangle bandanas 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.

 

 

Neck Gaiter Disney Snacks
Credit: Etsy – Vanilla Swirl Co.

Related :Disney World Makes MAJOR Change to Face Mask Policy

Disney Changes Face Mask Policy For Guests Riding Select Transportation

Neck Gaiters do not meet these requirements, as they lack ear ties or loops. They may also sag around the face in some cases, which also breaks Disney World’s face mask regulations. Some are reporting that if the neck gaiter is modified and has ties or loops for your ears, then Disney will allow it. However, we recommend abiding by the exact regulations that Disney has set.

Walt Disney Company officials have made clear that they will be strictly enforcing all Disney face mask guidelines for Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Note that when we at Inside the Magic have asked Disney about face masks, they continue to refer all Guests to the official guidelines as they are written on the WDW website.

Disney Cast Member Mask
Credit: Disney

If you were planning to wear a neck gaiter, bandana, or scarf to Disney Springs or a Disney theme park, you will have to rethink your plan. N95 mask styles, disposable surgical masks, and cloth masks with ear loops all meet Disney‘s rules.

What do you think about not being allowed to wear neck gaiters in Disney Parks? Does it make you feel safer knowing that Disney theme park Cast Members and executives are serious about enforcing all new health orders? 

Click here to book your next Disney Trip! 

in Disney, Walt Disney World

View Comments (32)