One of the most significant changes to Disney World since its phased reopening began back in May with Disney Springs has been the implementation and enforcement of their face mask policy.
In the last few months we have already seen Disney update and tighten their policy, and there have understandably been many questions.
This is a big deal for many guests. And one of the questions we get regularly from our readers and followers is: will Disney relax their face mask policy for guests with disabilities? We’ve passed this question on to Disney World multiple times, and today we’re going to go over the details of what we’re hearing.
What is Disney’s Current Policy?
Even the comfiest of face masks aren’t the most fun thing to wear, especially in Central Florida, and ESPECIALLY in the middle of summer.
Why is this even MORE of a challenge for guests with disabilities? Wearing a face mask can be very difficult — and sometimes impossible — for those with acute sensory concerns.
Currently, Disney’s official face mask policy is as follows: “Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining.” Note that this ALL guests visiting Disney World, including guests with disabilities. And Disney is enforcing this policy strictly.
Disney is being watched carefully right now.
Both Disney World and Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort are under a very watchful public eye right now. Before and during Disney World’s primary reopening — unfortunately coinciding with a major pandemic spike in Orlando — the parks were under attack for opening AT ALL. And health officials as well as the general public are watching closely to see if any infections can be traced back to Disney World.
So relaxing any face mask policy is something they will likely avoid at this time. Before Disney rolls back any policy, they will want to be 100% certain that it will not negatively affect the health and safety of their guests and Cast Members.
As we mentioned above, Disney’s face mask policy has only become TIGHTER over the past few months, with further restrictions against certain kinds of face coverings like neck gaiters and masks with valves. In addition, Disney has added clarity on when guests can and cannot remove their face masks while eating on the go.
When we have asked Disney World guest relations about this situation, we’ve been told regularly that all guests — including those with disabilities — are required to wear masks. Full stop.
Read more about Disney World’s policy on remaining stationary while eating and drinking here!
What about other theme parks?
Other major theme parks in Central Florida have their own unique face mask policy. Universal Orlando actually goes into specifics when it comes to their guests with disabilities and DOES provide an alternative option. Their policy is as follows:
“If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering, please contact Guest Services about our alternate accommodation, which is to wear a face shield during your visit. Face shields must cover your nose and mouth, wrap around the sides of your face, and extend to below your chin. Please note that face shields are not permitted on certain attractions, and guests will have to switch to a face covering for those experiences.”
The other large theme park in the Orlando area, SeaWorld, does not seem to provide any specific verbiage regarding the use of face masks by guests with disabilities:
“Face coverings are required for guests ages 2 and older. Guests are not required to wear them while eating and drinking, or in designated relaxation areas of the park.”
SeaWorld then directs guests to the CDC website for guidelines on proper face coverings.
It looks like the three theme parks aren’t in total agreement, so just because you experience certain policies at one park, it doesn’t mean you can expect the same rules to apply everywhere!
Click here to read what it was like for us to wear a face mask in a theme park all day!
When will Disney relax their policy on face masks for guests with disabilities?
With a number of guests noting that they are opting to wait for the parks to no longer require face masks before they visit again, we wanted to provide some insight on when we may expect Disney to relax their policies, and what you can expect in the meantime.
In short, we wouldn’t expect these face mask policies to roll back anytime soon, and it may not be until we’re well into 2021 that we see any sort of relaxed policy in face mask guidelines.
Eventually, we may expect Disney to loosen their face mask policy in more ways than just addressing guests with disabilities, but until that day comes, Disney is serious when it comes to enforcing their face mask policies. So if you are traveling with someone in your party who has a disability, be prepared for the same protocol across the board when it comes to face masks.
If you do plan to visit this year or early next year, expect to encounter Cast Members that will be enforcing these face mask policies in order to keep everyone safe. In conversations we have had with Cast Members, we have been told that the number one priority is safety and therefore every guest must wear their face mask properly. If a guest refuses to wear a face mask, they will be asked to leave.
Wondering what the comfiest face masks are to wear all day in a theme park? See some of our top recommendations here!
Visiting Disney World in 2020 is a VERY different experience than what it was before the closures. On top of the face mask policy, there are limitations on what’s available, with no fireworks, parades, or character meet and greets until further notice, among other things. All of the policies Disney has put into place are there to keep YOU and your family safe, including guests with disabilities, though this time may be extra challenging for those members of your party who find wearing a mask particularly difficult, or even impossible. As always, the only constant at Disney World is change, so these policies are up for modifications at any time. We will continue to keep an eye on these guidelines and will keep you up to date!
Want to Learn More About Face Masks in Disney World?
Our Tips for Wearing a Mask in Disney World
Everything You NEED to Know About Wearing a Mask in Disney World
Which Face Masks Are the MOST Comfortable to Wear ALL DAY at Disney World...And Which Should You Avoid?
10 Face Mask Accessories You’re Gonna NEED in Disney World!
How Many Face Masks Do I Need to Bring on My Disney World Trip?
8 Ways to ACTUALLY Convince Your 2 Year Old to Wear a Mask in Disney World
See 7 Masks Your Kids Won’t Hate Wearing on Your Disney Trip
Look at a Complete Timeline of Disney World’s Face Mask Policies
Click HERE for the Current News and Information About Travel to Disney World and Disneyland
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
Have you visited Disney World since the parks reopened? Share your experience in the comments below!
Lynne says
If Disney stops requiring masks they’re going to make even less money then they are now! With flu season coming that would be catastrophic ( in my opinion, of course)!
Brandon says
So this just shows that they are not serious about the facemasks. Because EVERY SINGLE face shield I’ve seen, while wrapping around is to far in front and away from a persons head to provide ANY protection.
So let me get this straight.
No face masks with the vent on the front. But face shields (that are worse than vent masks) are a big Thumbs Up from Disney.
Is all for Optics. But not functionality.
Jack says
As soon as the mask requirement is lifted park attendance and profits will increase.
Melanie says
I have heard from many people that they will happily return to Disney as soon as mask are no longer required. That’s what my family is waiting for.
Carol says
I hope they keep the restrictions til this pandemic is over. If Disney relaxes the restrictions for some, others are going to think the restrictions shouldn’t apply to them. We’ll be back where we started with the pandemic.
Sylvia Colon says
Is there any way of purchasing some of the facemask that is shown on the disneyfood blog.com. Disneystore website only has certain ones.
Keuler says
Disney should have someone on the Magic Kingdom Ferry boats enforcing the mask policy. We saw lots of families taking off their masks or pulling them down below their nose as soon as they were on the Ferry. There were no Cast-members around to enforce the policy!
DFB Sarah says
Brandon, Disney does not allow face shields, only masks, presently.
Brandon says
Sarah
Sorry. I misread the article. I thought the section regarding Universals alt face shield was for Disney.
But with that… the essence of my original comment remain the same.
Face shields do nothing unless someone Spits right in your face.
Lori says
I am against the masks when social distancing is an option—Like when you are outside in an open space or in a lobby with no one around you. I am even more against the constant reminder over the loud speaker — everyone vacationing at Disney is fully award of the mask requirement, we don’t need to be reminded every 15 mins. Also if anyone is so concerned of being around people during this time maybe you should go to Disney after the vaccine is available. Universal seems to be a more relaxed atmosphere and that is why their attendance is up in my opinion. Also if Disney would bring back their fireworks, I think they would see a change in their attendance.
Fran says
Thank you so much Disney for requiring face masks on your property! Because of this I am able to come to the parks next month. I wear my mask all the time now, and especially when I go for walks outside so I can get used to having it on in the summer heat. I can also test out what masks work better than others. Looking forward to a well deserved safe vacation.
Polkadot Princess says
We had to cancel our trip this year because of this. Autism and face masks don’t work well together.
They’re going to have to address this at some point, or start facing ADA lawsuits.
Lori Zimmerman says
We will need to cancel our reservations for January. We were planning to bring our family to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, but our youngest grandson has special needs and is not able to wear a mask. So sorry we are not able to celebrate where we had our honeymoon 40 years ago.
Steven says
I have a 6 year old son who is non-verbal austic who will not wear a mask. We were scheduled to go to Disney in September 2020, but rescheduled for February 2021 due to the mask requirement. I’d say there’s a 99% chance given the current state of things that we will have to reschedule again, b/c I don’t see Disney dropping the mask requirement anytime soon. I don’t fault Disney for requiring masks. I just think it’s unreasonable to expect guests to pay the same amount but get less. They’re requring masks, cutting hours, cutting fastpass, cutting character experiences, and several other things (which is understandable) but still expecting guests to pay an arm and a leg to visit. I think that’s the reason most people are waiting to attend. . .it isn’t about requiring masks. It’s about paying the same $$$ for a far less enjoyable experience.
KB says
I hope Disney does not relax the policy until there is a vaccine widely available. I love that they are enforcing the policy and reminding individuals to wear their mask while on Disney property. I have a brother who is disabled. We would not go to Disney in the hot months due to the restriction. To threaten a lawsuit as one commenter suggested may happen would not even cross our minds. Vacationing at Disney is not a right, it is a choice. If you are uncomfortable wearing a seat restraint on an attraction you don’t file a lawsuit, you don’t ride the attraction. Be smart people. Wear your mask. If we want to get back to the place where masks are not required, we must wear them now. No excuses!!
Chrissy says
Reading everyone’s comment on here it’s funny to me pretty soon all this is going to go away yes get vaccinated and you’ll be fine but the CDC doesn’t even know half of the stuff they’re saying one day it’s OK one day it’s not they don’t even know their self and for Disneyland to send away a special needs child because of the mask situation is because dumb ass people out there act like they have problems so they don’t have to wear mask and mess it up for disabled children that really can’t wear it Disneyland will be hearing from my lawyer pretty soon .my four-year-old who had epilepsy and cp was turned away because of a mask but yet he had a straight covered over his stroller it’s the same thing if he was wearing a shield over his face. We’ve been with Disneyland passholders over 15 years I never felt the way I felt today against Disneyland they basically are pushing disabled children away but yet everyone on social media been posting pictures without their mask it just makes me sick to my stomach how greedy Disneyland is
and the sad part is my son loves Disneyland.
Goldie Williams says
Face shield masks are not allowed at Disney World because I have one because of breathing issues and I have a doctor’s note and I still can’t wear one. I have asthmatic attacks because I have a hard time wearing a regular mask and still can’t wear my face shield mask.
Joe Mo says
Just a quick question what about children or individuals with disabilities that cannot tolerate wearing a mask; what are the chances they can still attend Disney land with their families? Thanks
DFB Sarah says
Joe, where masks are required, Disney has not been making any exceptions.
Shannon Woodard says
Just spoke with a Disney rep. Was going to purchase tickets for November, however it wasn’t possible because I have 2 children one 4 and the other 3 who are autistic and have other learning disabilities. They just can’t wear masks. It freaks the littlest one out if you even come near him with it. I think if you can present proof from a Dr then there should be exemptions for those people. I would even go as far as to say they have to have a negative covid result. Why are these kids/adults being punished for something they can’t help.
K.C. Cooper says
This issue is now moot…
In October 2020, Disney added some extra wording on this issue: “Acceptable face coverings must be worn over your nose and mouth at all times except in designated areas. If you’re unable to do this, please reschedule your Walt Disney World visit to a later time.”
It took longer than many of us expected, but the “later time” turned out to be April 2022.