As the situation with COVID-19 and vaccinations continues to develop, we’ve seen a number of updates announced from theme parks and more about health and safety policies.
Together Again Face Mask
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated mask guidance for those who are fully vaccinated. Shortly thereafter, Disney’s CEO made a few comments in response. Earlier today we also saw Universal Orlando make significant changes to their mask policy. And now we’ve got a major update from Disney World about changes being made to their mask requirements.
According to an update on the Disney World website, beginning tomorrow, May 15th, guests, regardless of their vaccination status, will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors, except in certain situations.
Face Mask
Disney notes that starting tomorrow “Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Walt Disney World Resort, but are still required upon entering and throughout all attractions, theaters and transportation.”
All guests will be required to wear masks at all indoor locations, “except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing.”
©Disney
As noted above, guests will be required to wear their masks upon entering and throughout all attractions, in all theaters (including theater entrances), in all transportation (including transportation entrances), and in all indoor locations (including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary).
Face coverings will be optional in outdoor common areas and pool decks.
©Disney
As a reminder, physical distancing continues to be required, although Disney has announced that they will be gradually reducing their physical distancing requirements.
Updated Signage
These mask changes are being made following the update from the CDC regarding their mask guidance. The CDC recently updated their mask guidance to indicate that fully vaccinated individuals can safely resume many activities indoors and outdoors without a mask, except in certain situations.
©CDC
The CDC continues to recommend, however, that those who are not fully vaccinated wear masks in certain situations, such as when attending a crowded, outdoor event like a live performance, parade, or sports event.
Click here to see the CDC’s updated guidance.
We’ll continue to look for more updates from Disney as to these rules and will let you know what we find. Stay tuned for more updates.
Click here to see the White House’s comments on the CDC’s updated guidance.
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Any word on eating/ drinking while walking? E. G. Does this mean we can snack on festival foods while walking now?
Wonderful step! Now, get those restaurants to 50% and get the Dining Plan back up and running. HATE going without it!
Yay!! Thank you, Disney!! That’s one huge relief! Looking forward to the next step towards normalcy there.
Now if they would just drop their defund the police stance, as outlined in their “Reimagine Tomorrow” training. I have spent 5 weekends in the parks since they reopened. I refuse to help fund their social policies which have a direct, harmful impact to my family. My bounding wardrobe is packed up until they do so. 😞
Great decision for Disney. As someone who goes weekly I will be so happy to be shedding the mask outdoors. Usually after a couple hours of mask wearing I am ready to go so this will be a welcome experience for us.
It’s about d*’~ time!! But, of course, there’s a hitch. CDC can’t just let things go back to normal!
Alicia, you can walk and eat and drink without masks now!
I have absolutely no respect for the CDC! Thank goodness these stupid mask requirements are being dropped! Needs to go completely extinct! It should only be your choice not mandated.
All I can say is “YAY’ it’s a first step. I’m heading back in October so it’s a big relief.
I was in Magic Kingdom today, definitely eating and drinking, and it was just soooooo nice to feel a sense of normalcy again!
The greatest asset Disney has in its parks are its cast members. While guests no longer have to be inconvenienced by a piece of cloth, cast members, though masked, will be spending their day with thousands of people who may or may not have been vaccinated. I am a life long Disney fan and frequent guest. But I am also a mom, and though Disney follows the CDC guidelines (which is fine), I can only hope that other moms out there, perhaps not commenting here, are thinking at least a little about the cast members who work so hard to make Disney what it is.
This is the best news !!!
Glad you had a good day, Mel!