UPDATE: Disney World has released new guidelines that specifically state that gaiters are not allowed. Click here to read all about the update.
Even before local health officials mandated face masks in both Orange County, Florida, and Anaheim, California, Disney stated that all Cast Members and guests over the age of two would be required to wear a face covering while inside Disney World’s theme parks, hotel common areas, and Disney Springs.
Rainbow Mickey Face Mask
We’ve shared information about what Disney considers to be an acceptable face covering. But, there have been some inconsistencies between guest experiences and Disney’s official policy that could impact what type of face covering you should bring with you to Disney World.
The confusion has to do with gaiters, a popular style of face covering that is worn around the neck and lower face. Gaiters are an accepted form of face-covering in many places, but whether or not they’re considered adequate for entry to Disney World has been a bit of a mystery. Disney’s policy doesn’t explicitly mention whether or not gaiters are permissible.
Disney World’s website does state that face coverings must “be secured with ties or ear loops,” which leaves some room for interpretation since some gaiter styles include ear loops. Does this mean gaiters with ear loops will be considered okay by Disney standards?
Screenshot of Disney World’s Website
We’ve also seen gaiters for sale in some of the Disney Springs stores that are owned by third parties. Does that mean these types of gaiters will be allowed inside Disney World since they’re being sold inside Disney World?
Gaiters at Chapel Hats in Disney Springs
There are some forms of face coverings that Disney has specifically stated are unacceptable. So far, we know that Disney does not consider face shields an adequate face covering, but guests are welcome to wear them in addition to an acceptable face covering. Bandanas are also prohibited since they aren’t snug enough against the lower part of the face.
Do I have to wear a mask when taking a photo in Disney World? Here’s what we experienced.
Recently, we’ve had readers tell us that Disney is no longer accepting gaiters as a valid form of face covering since they don’t fit snugly enough. Disney’s guidelines state that the face covering must “fit snugly but comfortably against the the side of the face,” and most gaiters hang somewhat loosely around the face. If we are to take Disney’s language literally, we wouldn’t be surprised to hear them confirm that gaiters aren’t sufficient.
In the market for some new face coverings? Check out our line of Disney Food Blog masks!
In fact, one of our readers shared that he was issued a disposable face mask to wear instead of his gaiter, rather than be turned away. BUT, we don’t advise you to try this. Disney likely would not have disposable masks to give out to every guest, and if they determine that your face covering is inadequate, you won’t be allowed in.
Cast Members
We have previously seen gaiters accepted at Disney Springs and we know some guests may intend to use them as their face covering when the parks reopen. BUT FOR NOW, we strongly suggest that you bring an additional style of face mask if your first choice is a gaiter. Even though Disney World’s website doesn’t explicitly prohibit the use of gaiters, we think based on the language that there’s a good chance they won’t be allowed. We recommend you carry a few ear loop or tie face masks as a backup, just in case. Better safe than sorry — and A LOT better than being turned away for not having a sufficient face mask!
We will continue to keep you updated on the mask policy at Disney World should Disney provide further clarification!
Disney is now selling extra-large face masks! Click here to learn more!
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Were you hoping to wear a gaiter to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.
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My 23 yr old son was *just* about to order a few gaiters for our Sept trip. I’m glad I saw this. I told him to hold off the purchase!
Glad to see Disney has a Noah face mask
Boooooo I just bought 2 for my trip, I was thinking if I get it wet it will keep me cool. But I also have many other masks I will bring with me too. I bought neck towels to keep me cool as well. We shall see!
Good luck, Diane.
Ohhh BUFFS. I’ve never heard the term gaiters. People here in the keys wear buffs year round for sun protection so majority of mask wearing locally is buffs. Disney should make that policy very clear so people can prepare
HK — yes! I never know if folks will understand the “buffs” reference.
Thats a shame. We were issued several different mask styles at work and none fit me correctly due to my face size/shape. I switched to a gaiter and haven’t had any issues.
Even having to go to the ER for a medical issue and follow ups to my PCP they never gave me any issue over my gaiter.
We have a trip planned for October for my daughters 8th birthday as a surprise for her, so I hope they rethink this.
I’ll be wearung a gaiter over my mask for extra safety. Does that mean ill be harassed by cast members every 50 feet?
If the fire dept says gaiters are sufficient enough for daily where out in public then they should be sufficient at disney(N-95 required will treating patients)
Scott, we’ll keep updating the saga of the gaiter.
Exactly. Some gaiters offer superior cooling and SPF protection . They also cover more ski. Than any mask and can be securely fitted. (Ignoring the fact that cloth face coverings do little to protect, only those used in hospitals are proven to be effective-thus why surgeons wear them along with all sterile clothing in the operating room. ) I have a health issues that precludes me from a mask, I do have some issues with a gaiter, although less than with a mask, so having to wear a mask, will prevent me from renewing my pass and visiting any Disney property. Sad that Disney cannot accommodate those with disabilities.
Please keep updating. I have at least $50 worth of gators that we’ve ordered for this trip and would like to know whether or not we’re going to be able to use them. Thank you!
This is all absolutely ridiculous. If you go to shopDisney.com where you can preorder their masks, there is an disclaimer at the bottom of the page saying their masks are not to be used as protection against anti-viral or anti-microbial uses which is the whole point of wearing the masks at disney. If Disney wants to get technical and not allow people to wear gaiters due to it not *protecting enough* (all the ones I have cover my face more than a mask and fit snugly against my face), then they need to ban their own masks from the parks or allow gaiters to be worn without issues. I am so upset about this. Disney needs to fix this now especially since their own website says their masks do not protect you. By the way, thank you for all that y’all are doing for us disney fans. Y’all are working hard and this comment is not directed towards y’all but Disney as a whole.
My husband had throat cancer and the radiation cracked his jaw bone. He has a metal plate in his mouth along with a bone taken out of his fibula to his jaw. He wears a gator or bandana. He is an annual pass holder and afraid they will not let him at the preview tomorrow.
Shayna, I wish I could tell you with certainty that the gaiter would be accepted by all the cast members onsite, but I can’t. The policy seems to be too inconsistently applied and understood. Sending you luck and hopefully some magic!
Lanie, you’re not the only one who’s confounded by the Great Gaiter Debate. I hope we get some clarification — and consistent application either way — soon.
I just arrived at Disney Springs and was told I can no longer wear a neck gaitor. This is the last straw for my family unfortunately. I have three little ones and this is the easiest solution especially in the heat if they need a drink my 4 can easily pull it down and put it right back up. My whole family had to receive paper masks just to get into Disney Springs when we have been going this whole time since they’ve been opened with these neck gaitors! It’s laughable because the mask they made my kids wear is falling off of their faces so where is the protection? I am an annual passholder and have tried and tried to give Disney the benefit of the doubt but this is just too much and really really annoying because in this heat we finally found gaitors that make a day out in the parks in the heat bearable and now there dictating the type we have to wear. Unbelievable.
For actual protection a person needs a minimum of N95 mask, goggles, gloves and gown. Hair net and booties are also a good idea for actual protection. The current mask mandate is a placebo.
I have an awesome Ahsoka gaiter and Cheshire Cat gaiter that I wanted to wear today but didn’t want to take the chance due to Gaiter Gate. I guess we’ll see 🤷♀️. I saw a couple of people in Animal Kingdom wearing them
We were at Magic Kingdom today We had to take our gaiters off and put on paper masks( I brought just in case)
My gaiter fits better than most of the masks I see that are gaping open on the sides. SSSOOO aggravating!!!!
So weird they cannot clarify something as easy but mostly as relevant as if those are aceptable or not!
Sue, thanks. Yeah, this morning Disney updated their language specifically to outlaw gaiters.
Anli, this morning they said they’re NOT allowed. Officially in the language.
So dumb. First masks are mandated. Now they outlaw the only bearable type. Way to turn away customers there Disney.
Who cares?! I will just never go to Disney!
Laughable! Gaiters fit better than cloth masks. So stupid. Disney doesn’t care if they lose a few customers to this, they never have. For every customer they lose, 100 more will show. If they cared, they’d discount their overpriced tickets and nasty food.
Just bought my nice Disney gator face covering for trip this weekend now I understand that it might not be accepted. Two of friends just got back a day ago and said they saw plenty of people wearing them all over Magic Kingdom just double checking.
Norman, still not allowed. Our reporters say they see people stopped daily for wearing gaitors.