Face Masks Cause Some Guests to Steer Clear of Disney Water Park

When Walt Disney World Resort reopened last July following its COVID-19-related closure, the experience looked somewhat different than what Guests are used to.

blizzard beach girl in swimsuit — Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Is NOT Requiring Reservations For Blizzard Beach Entry

In addition to the fact that Guests aged two and over are required to wear appropriate face coverings, social distancing is enforced, and many experiences look different than they did pre-pandemic, Disney World’s water parks were closed.

On March 7, 2021, Disney World took the next step of its phased reopening, and Blizzard Beach Water Park finally reopened — but some Guests aren’t happy about the health and safety protocols that Walt Disney World officials have put in place.

On a recent ITM Instagram post about the reopening, some Disney World fans shared their opinions regarding mandatory face masks.

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Related: Comparing Disney vs Universal’s Water Park Face Mask Rules

A social media follower who goes by HikerMama87 wrote:

Nope. I’ll pick Volcano Bay until they stop making me wear a mask at a water park.

It is important to note that while Universal Orlando does not require face coverings at Volcano Bay Water Park, Disney World is not asking Guests to wear their masks when in the water — this could be hazardous. Disney has aimed to put both Guest and Cast Member safety first throughout the pandemic.

blizzard beach kids in water — Credit: Disney

Related: Disney HERO: Chief Medical Officer Awarded for Pandemic Protocol

Another Inside the Magic Instagram follower, Jay Imbri, posted:

Nope…I will not go to Disney at all until they relax a little

A Twitter user named Samantha shared her thoughts about Blizzard Beach’s reopening. Although she was not angry about the masking protocol herself, she has concerns about how masks will be enforced on the property and how others might view the rule:

i miss blizzard beach a ton but i feel like this is a mess… how are you going to allow ppl in the water without masks & then when they want photos or are walking around they have to have masks on? most ppl sadly are not going to care enough to carry their masks around.

blizzard beach tubing river — Credit: Disney

Related: Blizzard Beach Could Bring Annual Passes Back to Disney World

Other ITM readers shared their thoughts about Disney’s Water Park face mask mandates in another recent Blizzard Beach article.

One commenter named Kim said:

My extremely large family won’t be visiting anything until all mandates have been removed like in Texas. In the heat, the masks are extremely uncomfortable breathing in my own air. And I don’t care what anyone says, it is extremely unhealthy. I feel if someone is concerned, they can choose to wear a mask or stay home. I agree with the temperature taking (because some people are inconsiderate of others) and cleaning of hands, but not because of COVID, but because of any illness. This is a practice I have followed for years. I always clean a shopping cart before using it. I always sanitize my hand before touching anything. I never go out if I have any sign of not feeling well. Common courtesy and respect is all that is needed. We will vacation in completely open states.

Credit: Disney

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Another reader named Jamie shared these thoughts:

Disney is going crazy. Chlorine kills the virus as said by the CDC so being in a pool or water park there is a completely almost a zero chance of getting it. Plus the heat & humidity has less chance to survive in the air. Doesn’t matter if all mandates in Florida are gone, Disney will go against it because of political reasons. Learn to live with it or stay home & do nothing. It’s been a year & we should be going forward not backwards

Nancy posted on the same article, saying:

I think it’s stupid! When The state of Florida isn’t requiring you to wear a mask Disney world shouldn’t either. If you’re that afraid if catching covid stay home

As you can see, wearing face masks — even outside of the water — at Disney World’s water parks is not popular among many theme park Guests.

It is important to note that Disney’s pandemic regulations are in keeping line with CDC guidelines. There is no known reopening date for Disney World’s second water park, Typhoon Lagoon.

disney world blizzard beach water slide — Credit: Disney

More About Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach is home to the first ski chairlift in Florida and offers Guests a fun-in-the-sun experience with a chilly theme!

Disney officially describes its Orlando winter wonderland: “Discover a flurry of fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park at Walt Disney World Resort, including waterslides, raft rides, a lazy river, and a one-acre wave pool.”

What do you think about wearing masks at Blizzard Beach?

If you are interested in visiting Walt Disney World Resort soon, let the experts at Academy Travel help you plan every magical detail! They can help you navigate the Disney Park Pass system for all four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.