If you are heading to Walt Disney World this year, you are likely going to have a different Disney experience due to the pandemic. In order to operate safely, Disney World Resort has had to take many measures to ensure Guests’ safety. From social distancing, to sanitization stands, to plexiglass galore, Disney World is operating as safely as possible given the current circumstances.Â
We are now seeing new signage pop up at Disney World indicating that Guests not properly wearing an approved mask will be asked to leave. Thanks to Brooke Geiger McDonald’s tweet, we can see the sign for ourselves!
Walt Disney World doubling down on mask rules with new signs. #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/IvC0sEFw5s
— Brooke Geiger McDonald (@BrookeGMcDonald) October 10, 2020
The new sign is important for a few reasons. Firstly, you will notice the arrows are pointing to the mask covering both the mouth AND nose. This is something every one of us may have encountered when visiting any public place, but not all people keep their masks covering both their nose and mouth. To use the mask effectively and protect from the virus, masks must be fully worn and Disney is indicating exactly how that should be.
Disney is also no longer calling masks ‘face coverings’ and that is a specific change. When the rules for masks at Disney World were enforced, this is what Disney had released:Â
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.
Although these rules are still being enforced today, you can see that face covering was originally the chosen word to describe what must be worn. By narrowing down face covering to mask, Disney is eliminating the possibility of Guests thinking they can enter with a neck gator, bandana, or any other make-shift face covering that will not provide adequate protection.
Disney Cast Members also have the authority to remove you from the Disney parks if you are not abiding by their rules on how to properly wear masks. By enforcing that consequence on a sign, Disney is making sure Guests’ know they are serious on how they will take action on disobedience.
We highly recommend being fully aware of all requirements — including face masks — before visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
Note that according to the Disney World official website, all Guests must be properly masked and may only remove their mask when actively eating or drinking, or in a rest station located with the Disney theme parks. The rules apply to all Disney World locations including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and all Disney World Resorts.
Many have shared that in their experience, face shields can be worn if a Guest has a medical reason to not wear a mask, although you must confirm this yourself with Disney as these situations are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Disney’s Website
It is great to see that Disney is putting Guests’ health and safety at the forefront of all of this. They have recently updated the language which discusses face coverings on their site to note:
Acceptable face coverings must be worn over your nose and mouth at all times except in designated areas. If you’re unable to do this, please reschedule your Walt Disney World visit for another time.Â
Walt Disney World has added new language to the website regarding masks, asking guests to reschedule their visit if they are unable to wear an acceptable face covering at all times except in designated areas. #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/MylXI86hL0
— Brooke Geiger McDonald (@BrookeGMcDonald) October 16, 2020
In this case, Disney would rather lose Guests and revenue who are unable to comply to their safety standards and rules. Again, they reiterate that masks must cover both the nose and mouth. With audio announcements, signage, and the website language seen above, Disney is not allowing any room for Guests to not know the rules.
With the lower crowds, there has never been a better time to experience Disney World without being next to another Guest at every turn. If you can look past the modifications, there will be so many new experiences these alterations can provide for you on your vacation. If you want to get started on making these magical memories happen, click here and Academy Travel can help you today!
Are you ok with wearing a mask to Disney World? Let us know!Â