Disney World has required face masks on property since the parks reopened in July 2020.
Right now, all guests are required to wear an approved face covering at ALL times, unless when actively eating or drinking while stationary, or while taking outdoor photos. However, with COVID-19 vaccines rolling out throughout the country and states planning a return to “normal,” we’re taking a look at when we could see these policies shift.
Let’s start by backing up a little. In February, Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, stated that he expected some level of mask-wearing and social distancing to be in effect at all Disney parks through 2021. However, there’s an important caveat. He added that “a game changer would be if everyone who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine in April.”
It’s now May, and President Joe Biden has announced that every American ages 16 and up is able to get the COVID-19 shot. This comes after this eligibility had already been expanded in many states, including Florida. Needless to say, we’re seeing the vaccine being distributed much quicker than anticipated.
To match this vaccination rate, states have started to look at how they might be able to ease mask and social distancing guidelines. Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County, Florida, explained that the mask mandate might end when around 50% of the population has been vaccinated. That figure had been reached as of May 14th. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed an order suspending all local COVID-19 restrictions.
Mayor Demings is partnering with the CDC to develop his strategy — and the health organization has come out with its own statements on mask-wearing and vaccinations. Recently, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated individuals can safely travel within the United States. They also announced that full vaccinated individuals can gather indoors without masks indoors. Then, the CDC updated to say that fully vaccinated individuals can resume pre-pandemic activities without a mask except where required by law or mandate.
In response to the updated guidance from the CDC, Universal Orlando has updated its mask policy to not require masks outdoors. Guests are still required to wear masks indoors and on all attractions and in queues.
So what does all of this mean for Disney World? After the latest CDC announcement, Chapek noted that the guidance released by the CDC about masks is big news “particularly if anybody’s been in Florida in the middle of the summer with a mask on.” Later, in an interview with CNBC, Chapek said, “There’s going to be a lot more comfortable people this summer in Orlando.” Disney has yet to announce any specific changes in response to the updated guidance.
We’ve already seen mask policies in the Disney World parks easing, as guests are no longer required to wear a face covering while taking stationary photos outdoors. A few other safety measures have been eliminated, too, like hand-washing stations and no-touch refillable drink stations. Recently, Disney even announced plans to reduce social distancing measures throughout the parks. Could this mean things are returning to “normal” in Disney?
Ultimately, there’s no way to know for sure. Again, Disney has not updated its statement on when masks may no longer be required, and as of now, a face covering is mandatory everywhere on property. Disney also recently shared that face coverings will be required for their Boo Bash Halloween event.
If you’re planning a trip in 2021 and in 2022, you should expect to follow all current safety guidelines until told otherwise. Even as we see states loosen restrictions, Disney may not do the same.
We’re keeping a close eye on the situation, so we’ll be sure to let you know if anything changes. Stay tuned to DFB — we’ll bring you all the latest updates.
Take a Look at Disney World’s Current Mask Policies
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
TRENDING NOW
Our latest roundup of ALDI finds is here!
There is one thing we really wish Disney World would enforce!
Big holiday news! Breakfast with Santa is coming BACK this year at this Disney Springs...
There’s MORE amazing stuff hiding in Disney World that goes beyond just Cinderella Castle and...
We know what every Disney fan will be doing this August!
We asked our DFB readers to rank Animal Kingdom's attractions! Here's what YOU said.
The strangest but totally necessary items you should pack on your next Disney trip.
After YEARS of waiting, this Magic Kingdom meet and greet is back! Well, kind of.
A celebrity couple just visited Disney World with their family!
It's harder to get Lightning Lanes for some rides in Disney World.
We've got some bad news if you're planning on visiting Universal Orlando soon!
Staying connected and keeping a mostly full battery around Disney World all day long is...
This $10 upgrade forever changed how we use a MagicBand in Disney World!
We're here with the TOP restaurants from Disney Springs! Find out where you'll find the...
Disney has been doing some sneaky things -- we think we know why, but it...
Two NEW Disney popcorn buckets are coming to Pixar Fest -- see them here!
To anyone who can make it through an entire Disney World day without copious amounts...
Here are eight FORBIDDEN places every Disney Adults wants to go!
We've got to talk about the things that the Disney World Skyliner Desperately needs!
Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company has surprised us again with new Lion King latte art...