Disney World is taking its first step towards resuming operations, with the phased reopening of Disney Springs starting on May 20th. The Disney Springs reopening plan includes several health and safety measures, one of which is required face coverings for both guests and Cast Members.
And since masks are mandatory, we wanted to know if our readers think Disney should provide them for guests.
Based on statements from Disney executive chairman (and former CEO) Bob Iger, it’s been evident for some time that when Disney World reopened, there would be multiple additional health and safety measures implemented.
And now that Disney Springs is planning a phased reopening beginning on May 20th, we have a first glimpse into the protocols the shopping and dining area will follow.
Safety measures will include increased cleaning procedures, reduced capacity and operating hours, limited-contact guest services, additional safety training for cast members, and required face coverings for both guests and Cast Members. You can see details on Disney Springs’ health protocol here.
Since it’s confirmed that guests will be required to wear face masks during the initial stages of reopening, we wanted to get our readers’ thoughts on whether or not Disney should provide them. So, we asked our followers on Instagram, “Do you think Disney World should provide free masks, or should guests be required to bring their own?”
And people were quick to chime in! We received 423 responses in the first few minutes and of those, 210 said YES Disney should provide masks, 165 said NO it’s not Disney’s responsibility, and 48 said IN SOME CASES Disney should provide free masks. Here’s a visual breakdown of the results!
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons people gave behind their responses!
“Yes, Disney World Should Provide Guests with Free Masks!”
Coming in as the most popular response, 50% said yes, they do think Disney World should provide free masks for all guests. Several people said that if Disney is making masks an ongoing requirement, they should have them available. “If masks are required then they should have them on hand to provide to guests in need.”
Others also pointed out that this would help Disney with enforcing the policy. “Yes! That way they can ensure everyone is being as safe as possible.”
Many readers also pointed out that Disney could provide plain masks for free, but allow guests the opportunity to upgrade to a design or pattern for an additional fee. “Provide basic ones, then charge more for nicer ones like they do with MagicBands.”
Have you seen these Disney character face masks available online??
“No, It’s Not Disney’s Responsibility to Provide Masks”
On the other hand, 39% said no, they don’t think Disney is responsible for providing guests with free masks. They said guests should come prepared, and instead of handing out masks for free, Disney could sell them at a reasonable price for those who lost or dropped theirs. “No, but they should make them available for sale outside [the entrance] for a small fee.”
Others also pointed out that making masks available for purchase, instead of giving them out for free, would allow Disney to create more fashionable designs that make them more appealing to wear. “They could be the new Minnie Ears. Another way to add a pop of Disney.”
Overall, this group felt that the responsibility should lie with the guests. “Nope. If you aren’t responsible enough to bring one, you aren’t taking it seriously enough.”
We asked our readers if they’d be okay with temperature checks at Disney World and here’s what they said
“Disney Should Provide Free Masks in Some Cases”
And some people saw the situation as a little less black-and-white — 11% said Disney should provide free masks in some cases. Many agreed that they do think guests should bring their own face covering, but since things can get hectic on vacation, Disney should have backups available in case a guest’s mask is lost, forgotten, or dropped. “People should be responsible for their own but Disney should have some at the ready to give if needed.”
Others pointed out that since guests have been known to disregard the rules or not pay attention to the required changes, Disney should have masks on hand for any guests who missed the memo. “Guests should bring their own. But people don’t listen, so they should have backups just in case.”
Here are the cutest Disney face masks we found online!
So, it seems our readers are relatively evenly split on this one! Half of the respondents think that Disney should provide free masks for guests, and they pointed out that this also provides Disney with the chance to upsell for different designs. On the other hand, many readers think that guests should take responsibility and come prepared.
There were definitely some solid points all around — and keep in mind, you can always buy a Disney face mask now so you’re prepared regardless of the face-covering policy when the time comes for your next Disney World vacation!
Click here to see which restaurants in Disney Springs are confirmed to reopen on May 20th!
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Disney Parks Closure Extended “Until Further Notice.”
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Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
Your Disney Trip Was Canceled -- Now What? DO'S and DON'TS to Cancel, Get Refunds, and Reschedule
Disney World and Disneyland Closure Questions Answered!
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Do you think Disney World should provide free masks, or should guests be required to bring their own? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Donna says
Absolutely! It’s not about “if you dont bring your own you arent taking it seriously” it’s about insuring that the park is doing there part in to provide a safe place to come to. Plus you gonna charge 130.00 to get in, you can provide a .50 cent mask..lol
Randall says
Why not? Disney’s unit cost would be dirt-cheap compared to individual purchases. Plus, they have better control over what kind of mask most customers would wear, improving the likelihood that appropriate face masks prevail.
Tammi Bowman says
No they shouldn’t provide them. Shoes & shirts are required to enter any business and they don’t provide those for you 🤷♀️
Bev says
Each person should have their own mask but Disney should have plain masks for sale at a reasonable price or Disney masks for sale at a price they seem profitable. People will probably be more apt to wear a Disney mask just as they do Disney hats, ears and other merchandise.
John Staley says
Guests staying on-site should be provided with masks at no charge.Their “vacation investment” is already substantial and they contribute heavily toward the Disney economy. “Day-trippers” on the other hand should be charged for masks (if they don’t provide their own)
Lois Pierce says
I agree with the commenter that Disney should have masks for sale at a nominal price just outside the entrance. People forget things, or their masks could get torn or be dropped accidentally, etc. it wouldn’t be hard for Disney to sell them and they could have the cast member who sells them behind glass or even have them in some kind of vending machine.
George Watson says
It’s been extraordinarily difficult to find masks. Its taken 5 weeks on Amazon, they come from China and really poor quality. I ordered from Disney the day they put theirs on sale and have not received any yet. Due to scarcity, Disney needs to provide them.
Jay says
Hmmmmm. Tough question. I work at a store where masks are required, but we don’t provide them. On that note, people have been quite creative when coming up with not-so-appropriate “face coverings”. Having masks on sale, just in case, would be a great option while on Disney property. Unless people bring back-ups, there will definitely be a need for fresh masks after that Florida rain hits!
Linda says
Grocery stores mandate but don’t provide. Bring your own what’s the big deal. They should be on grounds to buy tho because the unexpected does happen. Remember this is not permanent just a royal pain for a
(long ) while🥴
Lauren says
If Disney provided free masks, there would be so much waste and so many people would be throwing them out all over the park. I personally use 1 mask and lysol it when I get in the car and leave it there. If people really want to go to Disney then they need to follow the rules. Just like on an airplane. You follow the rules if you want to get through the airport and on the airplane so I don’t know why people are upset about a tiny mask. It’ the same as a seat belt.
Cyndra Kent says
Just like remembering socks or underwear, people should be responsible for remembering their face masks.
Everyone knows they’re required, so there’s no excuse. If you “forgot” yours, you need to buy a new one.
Linda W. says
Come on now. I love Disney but they are not giving you anything for free. If they give you a cheap mask that cost them $0.50 you know the price of the park ticket is going to go $1.00 more so that you can get your “free” face mask. I still can’t get over that we have to pay $20 a night to park at their $270 per night resort hotel. And what did we get for that $20? Nothing. And guess what. I’ll have to pay it next time I go there because I will not be using their transportation system. The germs at the end of the night will be crazy and the time you’ll have to wait for it because they can only be half filled will be sooooo long.
jen says
Clothing is also required to enter parks but we don’t ask Disney to pay for that. So instead of it being shirt and shoes required, it’s now shirt, shoes and mask required.
Coral says
As someone who has not worn a mask yet, I WILL wear one to go to Disney World. My families first trip was scheduled for the last week of April, which got canceled and we rescheduled. I will gladly wear a mask to be able to go to the park. If someone doesn’t know to bring a mask then they clearly have been stuck under a rock. It’s common sense. The parks should not and probably will not provide guests with free masks. But I’m sure they will gladly take your money for one. No matter what people think, they do not have to let you in the park if they don’t want you in. Just bring your own mask and that will keep everyone happy. Put it on your packing list and BRING EXTRAS! I am 23 years old and that’s literally all my mom says when we go on a trip.
Angelique Duvois says
So just because I don’t stay onsite I wouldn’t b worthy to get a free mask lol. Get real. I still fork out the money for the tickets I just have never seen the sense in spending more money than I have too. I have always been off property and will probably continue to always do this. To say some are elite and should be able to get masks free while the peasants who don’t stay on property shouldn’t is quite ridiculous ! Regardless though sure it would be nice if we would furnish them but lol it will Neva happen. Money over niceties lol
Steve P. says
I’ll be the voice of dissent and say this whole thing is STUPID! Cloth or surgical masks don’t stop viruses, period! I work as a first responder for a Covid response team. We’ve been thoroughly briefed by our medical teams on the science behind it, and the whole “everyone wear masks” is rubbish. Fauci himself is on record in a 60 minutes interview even explaining why masks for everyone isn’t a good idea. It’s not like that science just changed overnight!!
Not to mention the level of cross contamination from taking a mask off to eat, putting it back on, going in bathrooms with it etc.
We’ll definitely be postponing our trip until sanity resumes.
Linda Miller says
Instead of all the freebies such as free luggage tags and rounds of put put golf with your final itinarey just insert free fast mask. This might help on some occasions . Just put the excuses to rest . Wear a mask or don’t go! There are vending machines in several locations
RealTymeInserio says
Hello, I read some comments about grocery stores that don’t provide masks. I work in a grocery store, and they provide masks to workers and customers every day. There’s always a box of masks at customer service, upstairs in the breakroom, and most departments. I feel like it could be a matter of cleanliness. Disney may not have the labor to constantly pick up used, single-use masks because they would probably be dropped and all over the place.