Most recently, Fox Business reported, “Rapper Joey Bada$$ loaded up 30 family members for a trip to Disney World Saturday, but he said the day was ruined when the theme park turned away his autistic cousin because he wasn’t wearing a mask.”
Joey said his cousin finds face masks “suffocating” and cannot wear one. But despite this, the child is over two and is therefore still required to wear a face covering while at Walt Disney World Resort. Joey referred to his cousin as “a small child” but did not disclose the child’s age.
Credit: Disney
The celebrity posted a video on Instagram confronting the Disney Cast Members who denied entry to the Guest who was not wearing a mask. Joey posted the video alongside a captain that read:
Never coming back to Disney again.
Here’s Luis, Cameron, and Kaitlyn and they just turned away an autistic child at Disney World because he didn’t want to wear his mask. The child thinks the mask is suffocating, the child also has no idea why it is even a requirement. Not to mention that, kids under 2, doesn’t have to wear a mask. These guys have completely ruined my family’s trip. We came out here 30+ for my daughters bday and they turned my lil cousin away, can’t even enjoy this experience anymore
It is not the first time we have recorded disputes based on Disney’s mask policy. Most recently, we reported that a Disney Store did not allow an eight-year-old entry because she was wearing a Neck Gaiter due to a condition the child has. However, that form of a mask is not an approved face covering for Disney property. To read more on that story, click here.
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Disney is incredibly strict regarding following its rules during the pandemic, which have been put in place to keep both Guests and employees safe. If Guests are caught not complying with the mask-wear rules, Disney Cast Members can remove them from the property. We have witnessed Disney employees constantly remind Guests on Disney property (including Disney World and Disneyland) that their masks must be worn at all times and only approved face coverings are allowed. We have also reported that Disney World Cast Members will stop attractions if they see a Guest remove their mask.
If you plan on visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in the near future, be sure to read up on the latest rules, including the face-covering guidelines outlined below. Disney has stressed that it is important to be fully aware of all requirements at the theme parks — from face mask rules to what is and is not allowed on property — before you visit. The company has also stressed that if Guests are not prepared to follow the pandemic-era rules, they should postpone their trip.
Below are the official face mask rules in place at Disney World:
Face Coverings
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
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.
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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.
Do you think there should be leniency at Disney Parks for those who cannot wear masks? Would you be comfortable if you saw some Guests without masks on?
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Credit: Disney
