NEWS: Disney World Counties See a CHANGE in COVID-19 Risk Category

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.

The global pandemic has had a big impact on the state of Florida.

©Orlando International Airport

Florida was repeatedly breaking records for its case numbers at the end of 2021 and early this year due to the Omicron variant. Mask and other health and safety requirements were in place at places like Disney World for a long time, and were just recently removed in most spaces. And now, the level of community transmission has changed in the counties where Disney World is located.

Orange County, Florida (where the majority of Disney World is located) is now in the Medium category of community transmission. This means people in this county who are at high risk for severe illness should talk to their healthcare providers about whether they need to wear a mask and take other precautions. People should also stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if they have symptoms.

You can learn more about this category here.

©U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Osceola County, Florida (where the remainder of Disney World is located) is now in the Low category of community transmission. This means people in this county should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms, according to the CDC.

You can learn more about this category here.

©U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Prior to this, these two counties had been in the High community transmission category, which is the highest level on the list. Florida was also ranked 8th among the states in the U.S. where COVID-19 was spreading the fastest, but that has since declined.

Face Mask Sign

Mask requirements have been removed in Walt Disney World for vaccinated guests, except for on enclosed transportation. Mask requirements have also been removed for vaccinated guests visiting Universal Orlando.

Face mask signs are gone in Disney World, except for in select areas

The CDC also recently made a slight change to their mask recommendations, now saying that for counties in the “low” level, individuals should wear a mask based on their personal preference. And, for counties in the “medium” level, individuals who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness should talk to their healthcare provider about additional precautions, such as wearing masks or respirators indoors in public.