To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
We’ve been keeping an eye out for more updates about COVID-19 and travel restrictions that might impact your trip so you can best prepare for your vacation.
Mask Sign
We’ve shared news about Disney World’s mask rules, updates on travel restrictions to the United States, and more. Now, we have an update about the situation with COVID-19 in Orange County, Florida, which is where part of Disney World is located.
Earlier today, Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County, Florida held a press conference regarding the current state of COVID-19 in the county.
According to the most recent updates, as of October 26th, 2021, 75% of Orange County residents ages 12 and up have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Orange County’s 14-day COVID-19 rolling positivity rate is now 3.51%.
🍊 Let's fill that orange! #IGotMyShot
As of October 26, 2021:
✅ 75% of Orange County residents 12+ have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
✅ Orange County’s 14-day COVID-19 rolling positivity rate is 3.51%Stay updated: https://t.co/luD7g03a0n pic.twitter.com/kkgMLAz5Hi
— Orange County FL (@OrangeCoFL) October 27, 2021
In late July, Mayor Demings had signed an executive order declaring a state of local emergency in Orange County, Florida. This state of emergency has since been extended multiple times. However, the state of emergency will soon end.
During the press conference today, Mayor Demings stated “thankfully, due to the high number of vaccinated residents and the wearing of masks, and other safety measures that have been put in place in our community, our numbers have plummeted…Due to the low positivity rate, I am pleased to announce that I am allowing the executive order to expire this afternoon at 3:04PM so that we will no longer be under a state of local emergency.”
COVID-19 Health and Safety Sign
Mayor Demings did note, however, that if there were ever to be another deadly wave of cases within the county, he reserves the right to put the executive order back in place to “make sure we do everything possible to slow the spread.”
What will happen after the executive order expires? Mayor Demings noted that Orange County facilities will continue to require the wearing of facial coverings indoors for county employees until the CDC moves the county from the “substantial” level for risk of spread of COVID-19 to “moderate.”
Health & Safety Sign
In terms of mask wearing at individual businesses in Florida, that all depends on that business’ individual rules. Disney World continues to require masks be worn by all guests ages 2 and up in all indoor locations, including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary. That mask rule will continue in place unless and until Disney decides to change it. The change in the state of emergency in Orange County, Florida does not directly impact or change Disney’s mask requirement.
©Disney
Of course, all rules and regulations are subject to change, so be sure to check and see what the situation is when you visit. Stay tuned for more updates.
Click here to see the updated guidelines for international travel to the United States.
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Have the trams n the parking lots started running again? Our trip is November 12-15
Caroline, not yet.
Levels right now are lower than they were when Disney World went to masks optional except for transportation, so maybe things will relax soon.
I finally decided that PhotoPass was not worth it because we will be wearing masks in most of the photos but this changes everything! I wonder if Disney would follow suit soon (like REAL soon. Our first day is 11/1 so I believe tomorrow will be the last day (midnight? or is it precisely 72hrs?) I can purchase at $169). Any prediction on how quickly Disney might react to this change?
Where is the most effective place to let our opinions be known to those running Disney Parks? Thanks!
What you DIDN’T publish is that currently, Florida has THE LOWEST case rate (if that matters to you) in THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, followed closely by Hawai’i. You’ve been very diligent in warning people of how high Florida’s case rate was in the past. Why not now? Just curious.
FL-Dad, thanks for reaching out (and always checking in on our news!). I think with regard to this post specifically, the writer and editor were focused on Mayor Demings’ statements, which were in turn focused on vaccination rates. I can’t speak to why they didn’t mention the lower case rate. Thank you for bringing it up and giving me a chance to reflect on our news coverage.
Dustin, I want to say email, but with the abundance of messages they must get every day, I’m not sure how they handle customer input. You could try social media platforms, too, and cover your bases.
Jouna, we’re watching for any announcements!
This is great news! Good for the residents of Orange County!