Fans Debate Disney's Decision to Begin Removing Masks

In case you didn’t know, Disney World has now fully removed the mandate which required Guests to wear a mask while outdoors, which has been a huge change for the theme park, and the Guests who visit.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, when Disney World reopened its gates in July 2020, masks were mandatory. Guests were only able to remove masks while stationary and actively to eat or drinking. Slowly, Disney began to relax mask rules, allowing Guests to remove their masks while taking an outdoor socially distanced photo.

In the meantime, Governor DeSantis removed all COVID-19 restrictions and measures from the state of Florida, and the CDC noted that fully vaccinated people would be able to remove their masks safely. Universal Orlando Resort led the pack by removing their mask mandates while walking outdoors for all Guests, and then, Disney World announced similar changes.

Whenever Guests are waiting in a queue, shopping in a merchandise store, riding an attraction, or entering any indoor location, a mask must always be worn. However, upon entering the park, Guests can walk into Magic Kingdom, snap a photo in front of Cinderella Castle and walk towards The Haunted Mansion, all without wearing a mask.

That being said, this has been the biggest change Disney has implemented during the pandemic in what feels like a step to return to normal. Now that the change has come into effect as of May 15 let’s take a look at what Inside the Magic readers have to say about the change.

ITM follower Michelle M. was pleased with the change and noted:

This is excellent news.

Mark H. also shared his excitement:

In the words of C 3P0, THANK THE MAKER!!

Cierra is coming to Orlando shortly and shared her thoughts on the change:

I’m going in 4 weeks and was kinda worried but I’m okay with this. I’m glad it’s a small change and u have to wear them on rides and basically everywhere but when walking out doors. Though I think it’s pointless and will just keep my mask on so I don’t have to take it on and off.

John U. seems to be very excited about the news:

This is phenomenal news. It’s going to be nice to be able to walk around Epcot drinking a beer while strolling and enjoying the atmosphere. It’s also going to be awesome to start seeing people’s facial expressions again.

But Tiffany N. seems to be worried Guests may try to push their limits now that Disney has relaxed their mask rules:

Not an excuse to leave your mask behind because you still need to wear them inside.

Ken R. is glad to see Disney World moving forward:

Finally they are moving in the right direction. With 3 highly effective vaccines available and with children being at very low risk, it’s time the people decide for themselves how they want to protect themselves. People who took the vaccine should not have to strap on a mask to placate those who are irrationally afraid or those who choose not to vaccinate.

Anna is looking forward to more offerings returning to the park, like Happily Ever After, Fantasmic!, Festival of Fantasy Parade, and more!

What a relief. Now they need to get going and bring back the parades, fireworks, and reopen all dining experiences. I will then plan my annual trip.

Kerin is not too happy, however, about this change:

Everyone should still wear a mask even if you had the vaccine you can’t put your health at risk numbers are still high and people are still getting sick even though they got the vaccine.

One misconception a few readers had is they were under the assumption that you must be fully vaccinated in order to remove your mask, which aligns with the CDC’s guidelines. However, Cast Members at Disney World will not ask you if you are vaccinated — any Guest can remove their mask while outdoors.

Related: Disney Fans React to New Relaxed Social Distancing Rules

Overall, it seems the majority of Inside the Magic readers are happy with the change. When visiting the park, all signage at Disney World seems to remain as it once was, reminding Guests to keep their masks on except for a few added A-frame signs alerting Guests of the new rule. Over time, the signage will likely reflect the new rules and regulations that Disney World is now enforcing.

For Disney World’s up-to-date mask mandates, click here.

How do you feel about Disney World allowing Guests to remove their masks while outdoors?

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