When Walt Disney World reopened to Guests over the summer, they implemented several new health and safety rules —including the requirement of wearing a proper face covering, social distancing measures, washing your hands as often as possible, and using cashless payment methods when applicable. These rules have been implemented to keep both Guests and Cast Members safe while visiting the theme parks.
Right now, Disney is displaying the face mask rules in several different ways including on digital tip boards, like this one found in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Rick Bryant
They have also placed the signs throughout the theme parks on the sidewalks and walkways. The sign states “Guests not wearing an approved mask will be asked to leave.”
It is also important to note that Disney is also no longer calling masks ‘face coverings’ and that is a specific change.
In addition to really drilling down on face mask rules, Disney is also constantly reminding Guests of health and safety measures, including social distancing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and to make sure to wash your hands as often as possible. These signs are placed throughout the parks at gift shops, restaurants, and on the sidewalks.
You can also see, Disney has placed hand sanitizer next to these signs so there is no excuse for Guests to not constantly wash their hands.
Credit: Inside the Magic Kelly C.
On garbage cans placed throughout the theme park, Disney has placed signs reminding Guests to keep a minimum of six feet between you and other parties to ensure safe social distancing. This is not just for your own safety, but for the safety of others. Disney is really trying to place these signs in as many places as possible so it is constantly on Guests’ minds.
Credit: Inside the Magic Kelly C.
And, if you are inside the theme park, Disney is sending push notifications through the My Disney Experience app to Guests’ phones to thank them for wearing their face masks.
Note that according to the Walt Disney World 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. These rules apply to all Disney World locations including the theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — at Disney Springs, and at all Disney World Resorts.
The Walt Disney World website states the following:
As you prepare to visit, please know that we’ve made updates based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
It may be different from the last time you visited. But together, we can find new ways to create magical moments—and memories to treasure.
Credit: Disney
Enhanced Cleaning
Cleaning procedures are enhanced throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Extra attention is given to high-traffic areas, including public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, transportation vehicles and more.
Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing.
Physical distancing measures may include:
Signage and Ground Markings: Please follow directional signage and ground markings, which have been installed throughout Walt Disney World Resort to help Guests better navigate common areas while practicing physical distancing.
Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help promote proper distances between people.
Parking: Cashless payment is recommended at the auto plazas. Cars will be directed to park in every other parking space at the theme parks.
Training: Cast Members are trained to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.
Credit: Disney
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 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.
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