As Walt Disney World prepares to reopen, Disney continues to monitor the global pandemic and is continual contact with health experts and government officials to make the reopening of its theme parks and resorts as safe as possible. In this post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about face masks at Disney World.
What is a Face Mask?
While the question might seem simple, Disney clearly defines what qualifies as a face mask, and what doesn’t qualify. Here is the official policy of face masks at the Walt Disney World resort.
All face coverings should:
- Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
This policy would disqualify Neck Gaiters due to the fact that they must be secured by ties or ear loops. That said, we’ve seen plenty of neck gaiters in use at Disney Springs, and Disney doesn’t seem to be enforcing the policy with regards to that specific face covering type. That said, we’ve seen enforcement of bandannas, so make sure you do not use a bandana as a substitute for face masks at Disney World.
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn.
Who Must Wear a Face Mask?
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Additionally, some Cast Members will be wearing face shields, including most attractions roles. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming.
Face masks are available for purchase at Disney Springs and on the shopDisney website. Disney will likely sell face masks in the theme parks as well.
As of publish time, Disney has not made any exceptions for guests claiming medical exemptions for a face mask. As we’ve been told repeatedly, Disney will not make any medical exceptions for their mandatory face mask rule.
When Can You Take Off a Face Mask?
As stated above, the only times you can take off a face mask in public areas is when you are eating or swimming. When entering or exiting a dining venue, you must also wear a face mask. You can take the mask off once you reach your table. As a courtesy to servers, please wear the mask until you have placed your order and you have begun to eat or drink.
Of course, you can also take off your face mask if you are in your hotel room.
Disney will otherwise require that all guests wear face masks, including on attractions and when the guest is more than 6′ away from other guests. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing. Disney doesn’t allow for any other exceptions.
It is worth noting that Disney officials have publicly discussed the use of “relaxation zones” for guests to take off their masks in, but no details have been officially posted to the Disney World website.
Disney World COVID-19 Warning and Health Acknowledgment
Disney has released the following COVID-19 warning and requires a health acknowledgment from its guests:
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. By entering Walt Disney World Resort, you are confirming that you and all persons in your party:
- are not experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov, including:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine
- are not under any self-quarantine orders
Guests who cannot confirm all of the above criteria must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.
If you need to reschedule your reservation, please call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or (407) 934-7639. If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, please call Member Services at (800) 800-9800.
By entering Walt Disney World Resort, you acknowledge that you understand and will abide by the above health-and-safety requirements.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news and photos. We’ll continue to bring you news and photos, where possible, through the Disney Parks closure due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will resume our normal coverage once the parks reopen to guests on July 11th!
My only question will be will guest be able to where a face shield in lieu of a face mask?
At this point, no. Disney has not said face shields in lieu of a face mask are allowed
Can i wear a hazmat suit instead?
I also want to bring in my can of lysol
And I also have disinfectant smoke canisters as well
I am not spending thousands of dollars to wear a mask. Ridiculous.
Why does your article say, “Disney will otherwise require that all guests wear face masks, including on attractions and when the guest is more than 6′ away from other guests.” That suggest that if I am 5ft or less from a person I don’t have to wear a mask. And Disney has said face shields are allowed. I have wore my gaiter 3 times to DS no issues. I had a friend wear his twice to play golf at SSR and one game was with a CM. No issues for him either.
“Including when a guest is more than 6′ away” means that social distancing is not a valid reason to take your mask off. We’ll see if theme parks enforce the no gaiter rule, but Disney Springs is not enforcing it, as you noted