As the Disney Parks continue to navigate operating during a pandemic, we have seen many operational changes within the theme parks to both ensure Guest and Cast Member safety while giving Guests a “normal” of an experience during these unprecedented times.

At Disney World, we have seen a lot of back and forth regarding their face mask policy. When the theme parks reopened last year, masks were mandatory at all times. We then saw the mask mandates disappear for photos, then outdoor areas, and then for indoor areas as well — aside from transportation units such as the Disney busses, Monorail, or Disney Skyliner. As Florida’s COVID-19 positivity rate continued to increase with the introduction of the Delta variant, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings recommended face coverings be worn indoors again.

Related: Mask Requirements on Disney Transportation to Last Into 2022

Disney then reversed their mask policy so that Guests must wear a mask while indoors, on any attraction, and in queues. Now, Disney has made a new change. Guests no longer need to wear masks on outdoor attractions or in outdoor queues.

As we have reported: 

Since May, face coverings have been optional for Guests in outdoor common areas, and beginning Thursday, August 19, face coverings will also be optional for Guests in outdoor attractions, outdoor queues and outdoor theaters at Walt Disney World Resort. As a reminder, face coverings remain required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.

Previously, we asked our readers if they were planning on canceling their Disney World vacations, and if so, why? For those who were choosing to cancel, the reasoning was almost equally split. Some feel now is not the safest time to visit, while others do not want to visit Disney World if they have to wear a mask. 

Now that the news of another face mask mandate has come into place, we are once again seeing what Guests think about the change as they have responded to our original article on the news.

AJ is happy to see the mask mandates ease up once again.

Good to see some dropping of the mask requirements. Keep it coming!

Marlina C. does not think it is safe to do this while COVID-19 continues to skyrocket in the state.

No!!! With numbers as high as they are and climbing daily masks need to be in place and enforced.

Ashley chimed in with Marlina in agreement.

Agreed! I don’t understand why they only kept the “in some outdoor attractions” rule in place for a mere 2 weeks. If anything, COVID has gotten worse since then, so I have no idea where their heads are at right now.

Tim T. seems to also disagree with the decision, as hospital capacity is limited in the county due to COVID-19.

Hospitals in Orange County FL are operating at over 100% capacity due to Covid and Disney makes the decision to loosen mask requirements…

Shawn M. hopes to see the mandates completely removed by October 1.

Good! Hopefully they are gone completely by October 1!

Gina F. will only visit if masks are not mandatory.

As long as it’s not mandatory. We go in two weeks.

Tim T. believes that wearing a mask should be a choice.

Personal choice, as it should be

It seems that Guests are quite torn when it comes to the health and safety regulations at Disney World. While some feel it is safer to keep masks around, others want to escape the mask mandates while on their vacation.

For the most up-to-date safety protocols at Disney World, visit the official website here.

What do you think of Disney’s newest mask mandate rule change? Let us know in the comments below.