Over the past 2 years, we’ve seen a variety of requirements and regulations throughout Disney World due to the ongoing global pandemic. When the parks first reopened in July of 2020, temperature screenings were in effect, as well as physical distancing and mandatory face masks almost everywhere. That has now changed to masks being optional in most locations for vaccinated guests, with some exceptions (such as on enclosed transportation).
Mask sign
Another health and safety measure we’ve seen around Disney World is plexiglass barriers up in a lot of spots where guests would be close to each other or to a Cast Member. Some of that has been removed, but some has remained up in the parks, so let’s take a look at the current plexiglass situation in Disney World!
Our reporters are in the parks every day, and they’ve noticed a trend with the plexiglass barriers in the restaurants and gift shops at Disney World’s parks and hotels. At many of these locations — but not all of them — the plexiglass is starting to be taken down.
Plexiglass Barriers
For example, at some gift shops around Magic Kingdom, we found no plexiglass barriers separating guests from Cast Members at the cash registers.
Star Traders
Other stores still had the barriers up around the registers.
Plexiglass in the Emporium
Some quick service locations that previously had plexiglass barriers have also removed them now.
No barriers here!
And the story is the same over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where most gift shops no longer have plexiglass at the cash registers.
Animal Kingdom Gift Shop
Around this park, some snack stands still have plexiglass barriers around the register…
Plexiglass at a snack stand
…while others have removed it already.
None here!
And we saw similar patterns in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Although some areas still had the barriers up…
Plexiglass
…others no longer had any plexiglass in sight.
No glass here
At a few Disney World hotels, the barriers were also starting to come down. We didn’t see any plexiglass at the Bayview Gifts store in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Bayview Gifts
And over at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, one restaurant only had plexiglass at about half of the ordering windows.
Captain Cook’s
In general, the trend seems to be that plexiglass barriers are coming down in Disney World. This is along the same lines as other changes that we’ve seen in Disney World to the health and safety measures, including relaxed mask mandates for vaccinated guests. We’ll continue to watch for changes in the parks and hotels, so stay tuned with DFB for all the latest news!
Click here to see what the most recent mask policy looks like in Disney World.
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What about while n rides?
Plexiglass isn’t a barrier in negative terms. It’s protection in the simplest of terms.
When I went in late November/ early December 2021, the 1 place I really noticed plexiglass was in the queue for Gran Fiesta Tour in the Mexico pavilion in Epcot. While many of the snack stands or food carts may have had a plexiglass screen at the register, due to noise and masks, many of the cast members were going around the glass to hear better.
I wish they would keep them up. It causes no real disruption to operations, plus makes it more sanitary. All that plexiglass will go straight to a landfill, I imagine 🙁
How is Disney determining which guests are vaccinated in terms of not wearing face masks???
I hope they leave the plexiglass on Grand Fiesta since it’s so cramped in that que.
Hi Kathleen! Click here to read Disney’s policy regarding face coverings. At this time, Disney World is not requiring vaccination cards.
One criticism of the plexiglass barriers is they prevent air circulation — which leads to higher concentrations of virus particles and possibly higher transmission. So they may do more harm than good. Something to consider. Far better to have free circulation and good air filters.
Seriously? Masks are not required for VACCINATED guests….as if those who refuse to protect themselves and others will now where a mask? Nope…they always lied and will continue to do so….so hi risk vaccinated and boostered people still have to wear masks everywhere because these selfish people lie. I sat home for months until I could get vaccinated to be safe…now when I.can finally go out? Still can’t be safe.no one had a choice to get polio vaccine…required….you wanted to travel? Had to prove you had smallpox vaccine….we eradicated those things because people cared about someone other than themselves. Will you print this ? Or afraid to print the truth?
Its all very stupid. the air and “virus” is still pulled through the ventilation systems at indoor locations.
finally! 🙌🏻