“Can’t Follow Rules? Don’t Go,” Disney Guests Say

in Walt Disney World

disney world guests take a selfie in galaxy's edge wearing face masks

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World reopened its Resort hotels and theme parks in July 2020 with numerous protocols put into place to keep both Guests and Cast Members safe.

From social distancing measures to encouraging mobile orders at restaurants to increasing hand sanitizing stations in theme parks, Disney World is still taking precautions to ensure they are operating as safely as possible during this unprecedented time. One of the most significant changes that have Guests continuously talking is the requirement to wear a face covering while at the theme parks, except when eating and drinking in a stationary position. 

Related: Cast Members Use Disney Magic to Enforce Face Masks

disney world guests
Credit: Disney

Disney Ensures Guests Are Aware of Rules

Walt Disney World has tried to inform Guests what current rules are in place, even before they leave their homes. Not only has Disney been continuously updating its official website with rules and protocols, but they also send emails to Guests with upcoming vacations to ensure they know what rules and regulations are in place.

New Face Mask Signage at Disney World

disney face masks sign
Credit: ITM

And, as Disney continues to operate during this unprecedented time, the Resort continues to crack down on rules and regulations that have been in place since July 2020.

Most recently, Disney World installed signage at popular photo spots (like the topiaries at EPCOT) reminding Guests not to remove their face coverings for photos inside the parks. Again, this rule has been in place since the parks reopened last summer.

For more information on these new signs, visit our website here.

Guests React to New Signage

Wearing Face Masks Comfortably
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney World Updates Dining Face Mask Policy to Match Disneyland’s

Now, Disney World Guests and Inside the Magic fans are speaking out on the new signage at the theme parks and how they feel about others not following the rules. It is clear that Walt Disney World has put these rules and regulations in place for the safety of both Guests and Cast Members, and many feel as though if you cannot follow the rules, don’t go to the theme parks.

Inside the Magic reader, Jeff expressed:

I’m at the parks right now and have purchased the photo pass. If you are not properly wearing a mask, the photos are never shown to you in the Walt Disney World app. I confirmed with a photographer that there are employees who censor these photos and remove them even if a face covering malfunction happens inadvertently.

wdw homepage children with prosthetics galaxy's edge
Credit: Walt Disney World

Related: Guests React to Disney Parks’ Updated Face Mask Guidelines

ITM Facebook follower T K. shared:

So sad that people still need to be reminded. The masks have been on going for months yet people think the rules still don’t apply to them. Just like those who get caught smoking on property. Then they said “I didn’t know”. Give me a break.

Valerie L. is supporting Disney’s decision to install these new signs to ensure both Guests and Cast Members feel safe during this unprecedented time:

Good on Disney! If they have to be open, they’re CMs and guests should feel safe. You can come back when masks aren’t required if it’s that important.

disney world
Credit: Disney

And reader Kat J. explained how people should not go to Disney until they feel it is safe to do so, and that’s okay. If you don’t want to take a picture while wearing a mask, then wait until the pandemic is over and the mask rule is lifted:

Going to Disney is a choice. If you don’t want to wear a mask for your photos don’t go to Disney right now. I won’t be going until it’s safe enough to not wear a mask at the very least during photos. I’m not interested in mask photos.

Lastly, Rachelle M. is baffled at how often Disney has to remind Guests to follow the rules:

If Disney wants you to wear a mask when you come into their private property then… just wear your mask! I can’t believe they have to treat us like we are toddlers because people can’t follow the simplest of rules. it’s simple, if you don’t want to wear a mask then don’t go to a private establishment that requires you to wear a mask! It’s like.. super easy

father and daughter wearing masks in front of cinderella castle at disney world
Credit: Disney

Planning to Visit Disney World?

If you are planning to visit a public place, such as Walt Disney World Resort, please remember to practice safety and health protocols 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
disney world
Credit: Disney

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.

disney world
Credit: Disney

Find up-to-date information on COVID-19 and face masks on the official website of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

How do you feel about the new signage at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.

Do you want to book a trip to Disney World? Get started today!

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