With the reopening of Disney Springs and Disney World, we have face masks on the mind.
Balloons in Disney Springs
So far, all of the reopened Disney properties have the requirement of face masks for Cast Members, employees, AND guests. This has raised concern for some on the subjects of comfort and logistics for their time in Disney. We’ve taken a look at everything you need to know about wearing your mask in Disney World, but what if you refuse to wear one? Here’s what might happen.
Will we be wearing masks in all of Disney World?
YES, face coverings ARE required in most spaces on Disney World property. Walt Disney World Resort’s website states face-coverings are mandatory for Cast Members as well as all guests ages two and up (which has recently been changed from ages three and up).
Advent Health Cast Member at Temperature Screening
One of the only times that guests are permitted to remove face masks is while eating or drinking. Note! While dining outside of table-service restaurants, guests must be eating in a stationary position and physically distanced to remove their face masks.
Plus, in the Disney World theme parks, guests are permitted to remove face masks in designated Relaxation Stations. These are interspersed within the parks and feature socially-distanced seating and standing room so that guests can take a break from their face coverings.
Relaxation Station
Face masks are not required while guests are swimming at Disney World resort hotels.
Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk
At this time, we don’t know when Disney World’s water parks will reopen.
Disney World’s water parks won’t reopen right away and some transportation services may be modified. Learn more details here.
Similarly, Universal Orlando Resort reopened on June 5th, and masks are required almost everywhere there as well — even on attractions.
The Polite Pig Mask
Combine the statements from Disney leadership with the requirements already in place for other Disney and entertainment properties, and we get a pretty clear picture. Masks will likely be mandatory almost everywhere you go.
Learn more about Disney World’s “relaxation zones” here!
What if you refuse to wear one?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends and considers masks safe for anyone above the age of two and without underlying health conditions. This means that for most Disney guests and Cast Members, the mask recommendation applies. So, what if you refuse to wear a mask?
Mickey Balloons at Disney Springs
Beyond the recommendation, Disney has made a priority of keeping guests and Cast Members safe and making them feel safe. They consider masks a big piece of this puzzle and therefore will not be allowing those without face coverings to enter or remain in their parks and properties.
Get a first look at some of the new health and safety signage Disney World will be posting when the parks reopen here!
For Disney World specifically, Florida law maintains that Disney has the right to deny you service for any reason, including forgoing your mask. Enforcing such a condition may be difficult, but here is how Disney might handle those who refuse to wear a face covering.
Disney Springs Sign
If you don’t have a mask at the entry point or refuse to wear one, you won’t be allowed in. We’ve seen limited numbers of disposable masks available to guests who don’t have one at the entrances to Disney Springs, but this shouldn’t be relied on by guests. Plan to bring your own mask for the duration of your visit.
Temperature Check
Of course, entrances are a lot easier to monitor than entire properties. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the real difficulty will come when monitoring and dealing with guests who remove their masks once they are in the parks or properties. Currently, the only folks who don’t have to wear a mask in Disney Springs are children under two years old or guests who are actively dining.
The new Social Distancing Squad and Guest Relations Cast are on the lookout for guests who have removed their masks while they are not dining. We’ve noticed Cast Members are quick to approach guests with their masks off and ask them to re-cover, but most guests seem willing to comply with the new rules.
Guest Relations Cast Member
This system has continued in the reopened parks with Cast Members on the lookout for guests who have removed their masks. If you refuse to wear one or are noticed multiple times without a mask, there may be further consequences. We spoke to a Cast Member who told us that the ultimate goal is to get noncompliant guests to put a mask on, but if they won’t, they may be asked to leave.
It’s possible that not wearing a mask could be treated like any other offense or broken rule on Disney property (think smoking, soliciting, or entering backstage areas). If you adamantly refuse to wear a mask, you may be met by Disney security so they can handle the situation appropriately.
Contemporary Monorail Security Area
Overall, if any guest defies the mask rule, they will likely have to deal with some consequences, and could ultimately be asked to leave if they refuse.
Nervous about wearing a mask? Click here to check out all of our tips!
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Disney Parks Closure Extended “Until Further Notice.”
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Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
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Disney World and Disneyland Closure Questions Answered!
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Have any tips for wearing a face mask? Share them in the comments!
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I hope they do enforce the mask rule. Personally, I really don’t like having a mask on my face, particularly for long periods of time. But in a crowded environment like Disney parks, it’s the right thing to do. We all need to do our part to minimize the spread of this virus, and if you can’t go along with this, then please just stay home.
When will they allow us to make the choice of wearing a face mask?
Is there any world that disney may make exceptions similar to universal and provide wrist bands to those who cannot wear a mask? For example, my son has sensory issues and autism and he may not be able to wear the mask for the entire day?
I think for the most part people will just NOT go to WDW until this kind of environment changes. Nothing against it except Disney will always be there and I can choose to wait. I really don’t think people will just flat out refuse. I do think Disney will see wearing masks will not be a good idea for the length of hot/humid season. So most people that would “refuse” will probably not be going there til theres no mask requirement. Disney is not a grocery store it’s a vacation destination.
Mask thing is over the top. If someone has a highly contagious deadly disease, a mask won’t stop them from passing it on. This is lunacy. We regularly have spent over 60k a year at Disney and just wont be going AT ALL under these police state regulations.
Our whole family is coming down in October. If these policies are still in place we will be canceling our trip.
The face mask think is ridicules. You put a filter on your face that collects everything in the air and then you breathe through it all day long.
Not very healthy.
It’s just too hot and humid here in FL. to wear a mask all day. People are going to get overheated, their breathing hindered, and their going to pass out from the mask hindering their oxygen levels. Lawsuits will follow. . it’s going to be a nightmare. We have been passholders for years but if this mask wearing policy doesn’t go away. I think we will just sit this year out. No point of paying for something that you would only maybe use during the few cold days a year.
I am gong to go in with a mask and then eat popcorn and drink soda with a straw in my mouth all day as I walk through the park. I doubt Disney Cast Members are going to ruin my Disney experience by telling me to put on a mask while I am eating. Everyone who enters Disney should do this. This whole thing is crazy. We should only quarantine the sick and the healthy people should not be quarantined. If you are sick, do not go to Disney World or anywhere for that matter. Do not sneeze and cough on me and everyone needs to wash their hands before they touch their face or food. Common sense people!!
In the universe of This Sucks, this will reign supreme!
There is no way I will spend the day reminding my 4 year old to put a mask on
Here’s a simple solution. If you don’t want to, or refuse to, wear a mask, DON’T GO while this rule is in place. As someone earlier mentioned, Disney World is going to be there for a very long time.
It’s a freaking face mask, not a space helmet- just WEAR it until in the future and things simmer down. We created this ME generation that doesn’t know anything for its own good. Sad to see the new America that refuses to work towards a common good-
I’m pretty sure that’s what they’re saying Kathleen. They’re just venting about it.
Unless Disney are going to employ a lot more security they are going to have a lot of trouble, wearing masks just isn’t the norm in Western culture & would take years to get used to. It’s going to be more of an issue in the parks that sell alcohol, as soon as people have had a couple of drinks & are hot & sweaty the masks will be off. I think they would have been better staying closed until it could be optional.
This is of course a choice, to go or not to go while the mandatory mask wearing is in effect. So it seems to be counterproductive to then open at all. If you do not need to wear a mask while actively eating and drinking then it would lead one to believe the restaurants will become an epicenter of viral overloads due to not wearing masks…..like I said counterproductive. In the heat and humidity people will be constantly touching and readjusting the masks, it will be a fight for parents in these conditions to keep masks appropriately placed on their kids faces….counterproductive. The ultimate goal of keeping people “safe” will fall short due to the many variables that are present even in reduced capacity crowds. I feel the “magic” will be replaced by punitive measures. I wonder why the mask could be optional then all will feel happy. After all the person wearing the mask will have already protected themselves. So much to think about. If the majority choose to not visit; these new rules I am sure will quickly be revisited. After all this is a business.
I hope those who have concerns about wearing a mask (other than for medical/sensory issues) do elect to not attend as that will give others who are willing to follow Disney’s rules a better opportunity to obtain entry. It’s your right to not go to Disney if you do not want to follow THEIR rules.
The solution is very simple, give people a choice. It’s my body it’s my decision. Wearing a mask in Florida weather with the heat and rain will be horrible uncontrollable and feel like being water boarded. Try breathing through a wet mask. Mask are dirty, hot and carry germs. If they are required I will spend my vacation time and money elsewhere.
@Sue When there’s a vaccine. Masks aren’t for your protection, they’re for everyone else’s. So it’s never really going to be *your* choice whether or not you need to wear one.
Waaaaaaahhhh! I don’t want to wear a mask! That sounds about like the typical response of our current society. Its pretty simple, don’t go if you aren’t willing to wear a mask. I personally hope they strictly enforce wearing masks. Hopefully it will keep the crowds down.
Can’t there be a happy medium. Health experts said it’s alot harder to catch outside.
They should just have people put them on when they are inside. Like for pre-shows for rides, stores, transportation, etc. But not on attractions.
And people will lose their masks. Not on purpose but it will happen.
Like getting in a one of the carts for the haunted mansion to find the previous party left their masks behind.
Because that’s not dangerous. Finding used masks laying all over the park.
I agree that the whole mask wearing business is ridiculous. Especially in the state of Florida, in the summer, where the heat index regularly reaches 112 degrees plus daily for several months, to have these ridiculous rules and restrictions, in what is supposed to be the happiest place on earth is asinine. All anyone wants to do is escape their reality, not continue to be slapped in the face with it while sweltering in 112 plus degree weather. So, here is a simple solution. Make everyone assume responsibility for themselves. Make face masks optional and instead Have every guest sign a waiver saying they won’t hold Disney, it’s affiliates, cast members, etc etc etc liable if they catch corona virus while attending one of their theme parks, resorts, etc., and that their family members, representatives, heirs, etc cannot sue or hold Disney, it’s resorts, parent company, etc. liable if they die from corona virus . Thereby those who want to wear masks can, and those who don’t want to wear masks can also have an enjoyable Disney experience. The same approach should go for any major event or occurrence. People are adults and capable of making the decision for themselves if they feel comfortable with the risk or not. So major venues are indemnified from risk and the vast majority of people are happy
The masks are necessary to protect others in case you have the virus but are one of many who show no symptoms. If you don’t like it, don’t go. Simple.
WDW just stepped over my line in the sand. We are a 4 generation Disney World family and I lost count how mIany trips we have made to Orlando. I always said that I cannot imagine any reason that would keep me from canceling a booking. Well, I just discovered that reason. We have reservations for October and I refuse to walk around with an idiotic ridiculous face mask that does nothing except collect bacteria. I have held my nose with continual price increases and this has done it. Until sanity returns to the parks, I will relinquish the space we would take up for someone else. Sorry, Mickey, you crossed the line.
For those who think it is self centered for not wanting to wear a mask, you apparently have not spent 12 hours wearing one . I’m choosing to just stay home. Not because I’m afraid of getting infected but I will not voluntarily wear a mask and have the skin on my face break down again. More power to those who think it won’t affect their vacations.
As a nurse, I can tell you i6t is possible to wear a mask in Florida forb 12 hours. If you are intelligent, you already know that up to 30% of people with COVID 19 have no symptoms. Nurses and healthcare workers are requesting N985 masks to better protect themselves from the virus. They are more complicated and the filters can be changed. The cloth and disposable masks are all that Disney requires. They are porous and should not impede your breathing. If you have a condition where you need oxygen or have difficulty breathing, you should be at home and not at a Park. The fact that it is hot in Florida is not reason enough to not comply. No Florida nurse would be uncomfortable enough to refuse to wear a mask when you know the alternative could be severe illness or death. If you have a problem wearing a mask, don’t go. You are the kind of people that will try to bring legal action agaInst the parks for opening too early. If you can not
be mature enough to follow rules put in place for your benefit, STAY HOME.
Disney Food Blog!!! Do you have nothing else to talk about??? You have run this face mask issue into the ground, and buried it many times over. We don’t care any more!!! If they require masks for the reopening phase, fine, if they don’t, fine too. Who the hell cares? Your column is obessed with this mask thing, get over it!
Please talk about something else except this stupid mask issue.
I have news for everyone. Viruses have been in existence for billions of years, and will continue to live far beyond humanity’s lifetime. For you demanding everyone wear a mask everywhere you go, I ask you… when does it end? Should you simply stop wearing a mask even if we discover a vaccine for this one, when another virus could be lurking right around the corner? And when that second virus hits, can we then blame YOU for not wearing a mask in the months leading up to that point?
Looking at the comments on here a lot of people are stating that wearing a mask is to protect others which is correct, however this is only be the case when worn and used properly. Most people will be either wearing something home-made or breathing into a single-use mask all day. As humans we tend to constantly touch our face (especially in the heat ad humidity) massively increasing the potential to transfer from mask to hands to whatever we touch – CDC have a page with mask techniques & it states hands should be washed whenever a mask is removed or touched, what do you think people will do when they sit down to eat or have drink? Of course – they will take it off & then touch multiple surfaces.
I think they would have been far better putting emphasis on good hygiene and cough etiquette, masks are going to give people a false sense of security and may even encourage people who are unwell to go out.
I am in the UK and have been debating this mask issue many times.We were due to visit WDW in Sept and have rescheduled for Sept 2021 masks being one of the reasons. There is no way on earth I am walking around all day with a smelly wet ( from perspiration) cloth on my face.As for making small children wear them I foresee tears and temper tantrums instead of smiles and happiness. The magic has gone and so have I until they do away with masks.
I can’t breathe with one on. Walked from car into a restaurant and had to remove cause I could not breathe. No way I could wear one all day at Disney. Guess I won’t go.
A visit to Disney world is not a need or a right. I you don’t want to wear a mask, don’t go. It’s just that simple. You wear it for other’s protection and especially employee’s protections. We are in a global pandemic.
Bacteria/Virus was the only thing that killed the martians in War of the Worlds. 😷 Wear your masks.
I can’t imagine enjoying my vacation by walking around in the Florida heat with a mask on! I don’t even believe the cast members should have to wear a mask. The joy of Disney is seeing all the SMILING FACES enjoying the MAGIC of Disney!! What kind of a vacation or in that matter what kind of a world is it when you can’t see or exchange a friendly smile! WAKE UP !
What are the requirements if someone has an underlying medical condition where they can not wear a mask?
Ron, the only answer we’ve gotten from Disney cast members so far is that there are no exceptions.
Guess I have to re cancel my re booked trip 🙁
My son has medical conditions that he won’t be able to wear a mask. We have been planning his birthday trip on feb 2021. Do due to his disability and medical conditions he may not get to go? Doenst sound far with all the other precautions in place. Not a happy disney mom when it just will never happen 🙁
When we went to Disney Springs most wore masks however there were a few with defiant looks carrying drink cups supposedly drinking but were not. I followed a couple and a child and when I just looked at them, they glared at me and continued to walk without the masks. They never did drink and no one stopped to question them.
It’s pretty simple. If you want things to reopen, you have to wear a mask and keep social distancing in place.
Those who refuse to wear one and create drama about it are awful people. (Except for those with legitimate medical conditions that prevent them doing so.)
It’s a free country, and you’re free to stay home if you don’t want to comply with a private business owner’s decision. Can you tell I’m OVER the anti-maskers?
What do you do if you have asthma or breathing difficulties
Why is there a different polici about maak in disney paris. The mask is a must drom age 11 and above. Is covid in europe different than in the rest of the world?
Yes. Covid is different elsewhere. The USA cases are very high compared with Europe.
Simple, France isn’t the country with the most deaths and cases (statistics) USA is. So no, virus is not different in France, people are.
We were in Disney Springs two weeks ago and I can tell you we will not return to Disney until they do away with this mask rule! This is a shame because my family and I always look forward to spending time there as we are DVC members. It was so hot and humid which alone is bearable and typical for Florida Summers. However, when you have your route of oxygen covered it was impossible for us to enjoy ourselves. I believe masks should be optional at best! I feel like Disney is punishing people with sensory issues, asthma, and claustrophobia, just to name a few. Feeling really sad about Disney’s recent decisions!
Hard to believe that people don’t understand that since everyone has not been tested that we/they don’t know if they have Covid 19 or not. Moreover we do know that it can be passed on to others, even without the person feeling sick. I guess they didn’t like dealing with facts.
I totally agree with you. There has been research done on the ineffectiveness of wearing a mask. See below. This was done before this whole pandemic and pressures from governments to wear masks. I’m a doctor and have seen many respiratory issues arrising in people wearing masks all day. Toxic Shock Syndrome is common in children. Masks should be optional. It’s funny because in March the rule at Disney was no masks allowed. Further proof is that you can take a mask off in certain areas and in restaurants. These are not magical places where the virus doesn’t attack. In fact, viruses do not go around jumping from one person to another, you exhale, your breath evaporates and this kills any virus you may have breathed out. Now the spread comes from someone touching their eyes nose or mouth even ears then touching an object and someone else touching same object then touching their ears nose or mouth. This is actually now happening more frequently with people wearing an uncomfortable annoying mask. Notice that the uptick in cases occured after the strong urge and compliance of people wearing masks all the time. I’m just sickened at how Disney has handled this. They never should have closed. It could have been the one place people could go in this world that’s normal and not so weird about everything. If Disney feels like they have to open the park like a hospital, than they should not open at all and just wait. I am required to take a physical for a hobby and job. I did not wear a mask and the doctor did not wear a mask. I have been all over the place in public water parks and theme parks walking in restaurants without a mask and have not been ill. my wife and I even have compromised immune systems. We know how to keep ourselves healthy . So does everyone else. Only you can make yourself sick. Only you can keep yourself healthy. Please send this well respected research paper around and hopefully we can all stand as one to get Disney to alter this mask rule .
PREVENTING TRANSMISSION of PANDEMIC INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY DISEASES. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE of the NATIONAL ACADEMIES. Sorry I can’t attach the PDF
I went to Hollywood Studios with my husband and our daughter. Our daughter is 35+ so we are seniors. I wasn’t sure how I would handle wearing a face mask in 94+ heat with a real feel of 105° but ya know what, it is doable. During our entire time, 10 am til 7 pm we wore them with the exception of dining for 45 min at the Sci Fi diner. With the very limited capacity of guests and EVERYONE wearing facemasks I felt soooo safe. It was a magical experience and soooo nice to be able to get my Disney fix. We bought some masks from Adidas which are lightweight yet cover your nose and mouth securely enough to stay snug while on Slinky Dog coaster or any ride we went on. When we left the park and returned to our car we were both amazed that we didn’t feel totally uncomfortable wearing a mask all day. In fact, we almost got to the point where we forgot we were wearing them. So if you need your Disney fix, I would suggest finding a comfortable mask and enjoying a very magical time in one of the parks.
P.S.
I guarantee you will love the short wait times for basically any ride in the park due to the limited amount of guests.
I don’t know, but isn’t it possible that the mask rule is in place because the state required such a large venue to require masks? I’m not the biggest Disney supporter right now , nor am I the biggest mask supporter, but it’s a choice. If you don’t want to wear it during you’re trip, don’t go. Simple as that. They’re refunding money. Changing trips. It’s no big deal, don’t go.
Not sure why everyone is so heated about a decision that a company has made on how to operate their business. Take it, leave it, or find a new mask-free vacation spot. The complaints and threats fall on deaf ears. Disney will not remove their policies based on internet comments. Anyway, is anyone else envisioning multiple self-made “relaxation stations” all around the parks with the new eat and drink while stationery rule? Guess I’ll find out!
Disney is giving the middle finger to any family with a child or adult who can’t tolerate a mask for hours on end. Couple that with their latest rules about no eating/drinking in outdoor lines (where you’re spaced 6ft apart!) and it sounds pretty un-magical. Try keeping a mask on a sweaty 3 year old who wants a drink but can’t have it bc you’re in line…good job Disney. 🙄
WDW’s rules are over the top. We won’t go back until this craziness is over with.