Not too long ago, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort made some updates to their face mask policies, which were put in place when both properties reopened last year.
Walt Disney World reopened their resorts and theme parks in July 2020. At this time, only the Downtown Disney District and a partial section of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure are open to the public at Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure remain officially closed.
Inside the Magic reader, Bee, shared that they are happy Disney is continuing to update the face mask rules in order to keep people as safe as possible:
Personally, I’m glad Disney is updating their rules to continue to keep people safe. Folks should have a little bit of gratefulness that Walt Disney World is even open! Disneyland isn’t, and probably won’t be for a while! The cast members of the resort in Florida are putting themselves (and anyone they live with) at risk every day by working with guests who need a little Disney magic in their lives… Complying to the simple rules and finding creative ways to continue to make it fun for you and your family isn’t asking too much, people.
If you feel like it is asking too much, try working a customer service job during this pandemic, then you’ll understand how it feels to be on their side…Then cancel your trip and stay home. Disney doesn’t need your money if you don’t like rules: they’ve always had lots (of rules and money ???)
Credit: Disney
Inside the Magic reader, Bren, chimed in:
Even if you’ve had the vaccine, they still have not confidently stated you cannot spread it. Remember the vaccine is only 95% effective. […]
While another ITM reader, Jeremy, said that they canceled their recent Disney World trip and don’t plan to visit until face masks are no longer required:
Cancelled trip in 2020, won’t be going back until facemask isn’t required.
One ITM follower, Tina, shared her concerns for wearing face coverings while at the theme parks, writing:
[…] There are to many things that can go wrong and including heat exhaustion with these walking around outdoors, also bumping into people and causing people especially children to fall I have a terrible time seeing around the masks especially my side vision.
Credit: Disney
But Inside the Magic fan, Barbara, says she loves that Disney is reinforcing that noses must be covered when wearing a face covering at the Disney Parks:
I totally agree with the mask policy and reinforcing the the noses need to be completely covered. My Disneyland is not open and I’m so jealous that Florida’s park is open. It’s ok not to go, hopefully this will be over soon and for customers who hate the masks they can save money toward their next trip and have more fun. I’m saving money because it is going to be very expensive when Disney reopens. And the kid issue, I’m a teacher and I have a lot of fun getting kids excited about masks and of course I have over 40.
If you are planning to visit a public place, such as Walt Disney World Resort or Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort, please remember to practice safety and health protocols in order to keep yourself and others safe during this time. Keep your distance from other Guests, wear your appropriate face coverings at all required times, wash your hands often, try to use paperless payment methods, and cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing.
The official Disney World face mask policy reads:
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. 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 must 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
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
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.
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:
Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
Meet all face covering requirements listed above
The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.