Disney World Loosens Mask Rules, Disneyland Does Not - Inside the Magic

If you are a Walt Disney World fan or upcoming visitor, you may have heard that Disney World is relaxing their mask rules when it comes to taking photos.

As of April 8, Disney World Guests are allowed to momentarily remove their masks when taking a stationary outdoor photo anywhere on Walt Disney World Resort property. Before this change, Guests were only allowed to remove their masks when eating or drinking while stationary and in a designated area.

Although removing a mask for a photo opp will only last a few moments, this change will allow Guests to remember their Disney vacation through smiling photos, since Guests’ smiling faces were previously covered up with masks prior to this update to the rules. We recently reported that one of the things Guests wanted most was the ability to remove their mask when taking a photo, so now, it seems that wishes are coming true!

The new face mask rules at Disney World are as follows:

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 temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo*, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time. (*Beginning April 8)

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.

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.

That being said, when Disneyland Resort reopens Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on April 30, the rules will be the same as they were at Disney World before this week. All Guests visiting Disneyland Resort will need to keep their masks on while taking photos, a policy that has been in place since the Downtown Disney District reopened in July 2020.

The theme park reopening guidelines set by the State of California do not allow for mask removal at any time (unless a Guest is eating or drinking). So, since the policy for wearing a mask while taking photos now varies between Disney World and Disneyland, this is something Guests should keep in mind when visiting either theme park destination in California or Florida.

Disneyland‘s face mask rules are as follows:

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, and remember to not touch your face. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. Eating and drinking are permitted only in designated dining areas, and are not permitted while queuing or in attractions. Disney reserves the right to require a Guest to leave if they are not properly wearing an approved face covering.

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.

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.

Whether Guests are at Disneyland Resort enjoying Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park, or at Walt Disney World Resort park hopping around Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, all mask rules must be adhered to. If Guests do not comply, they risk being removed from Disney property.

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

Would you rather have all Guests remove their masks for photos at the Disney Parks, or do you feel safer when everyone keeps them on?