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On August 6, Richard Ross and his family arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort for a family vacation. Everyone was wearing masks except one: Ross’s seven-year-old daughter, who has autism.
The Ross family believed that Disney would still let their daughter in under a special exemption. However, they learned this was not the case.
According to a video that Ross recorded and later shared online, the conversation with a Walt Disney World Cast Member went like this:
“Can my daughter — who is autistic with sensory issues —enter your park without a mask because she medically can’t wear a mask?” Ross said.
“Sir, I apologize, I know you’re frustrated,” the Cast Member says in the clip. “At this time…at this time we ask that anyone entering our park …”
Ross cuts him off, saying, “Just answer the question: Are you refusing to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act laws?”
“Hey, we’re not talking about any of that right now, we’re talking about our [inaudible] to come into the park,” the worker replies, “If she comes into the park without a mask, we would refuse her entry, regardless.”
The video recording of Ross’s conversation with the Disney World Cast Member can be viewed here, as it appears to have been removed from social media.
At this article’s publication, Walt Disney World Resort has not publicly stated in response to the incident.
This situation outside Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme Park occurred only a day after a family was asked to leave a Disney store in London because their six-year-old with autism was not wearing the mask correctly.
A Disney spokesperson released a statement in response, saying:
“We are always focused on the health and safety of our Cast Members and Guests. At all of our Disney stores we have implemented a number of enhanced measures, including a face covering requirement. During these unprecedented times we all have a shared responsibility to do our part. We regret the family was disappointed.”
Read More: Disney Store Enforces Face Masks: Family Asked to Leave
It’s important to note that Disney’s health and safety regulations at Disney Stores, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, and other Disney properties are in place for the well-being of everyone during this pandemic. Cast Members have been trained to enforce and abide by these protocols.
According to the Disney World website, the mask mandates are stated as the following:
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 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
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.
However, know that every person is different, so not every Disney Guest will easily adjust to the face coverings requirement, among the other extensive measures in place. We have heard stories of Disney allowing children with disabilities to enter Downtown Disney, for example, if they are wearing a face shield because they are otherwise unable to wear a face mask. Remember that it is important to know the face-covering guidelines when planning a trip to any Disney property.
Suppose you are planning a trip to Disney World and are concerned about someone in your party being able to wear a mask for the entire day. In that case, we recommend checking Disney’s face mask policy and Disney’s Disability Services for more information on how to still get the most out of your Disney day.