Face masks have in many ways become a regular part of our everyday lives. And with some private businesses requiring the use of face coverings and masks for their employees and customers, we have all needed to become experts on the do’s and don’ts of masks!
Disney World
Mask rules at Disney World have changed over the past several months, so we’re taking this opportunity now to review exactly what face mask requirements are in effect right now at the resort as well as some useful tips that you should be aware of if you’re heading to Disney World soon.
Mask Requirements in Disney World
To start off, it’s important to know the exact protocols and regulations at Disney World when it comes to face coverings! Keep in mind that these rules can change.
We’re regularly looking for updates to subscribe to our newsletter and look for our latest posts on any changes. If you have any questions or concerns, look for the park signs during your visit or ask a Cast Member for assistance.
Here’s a screenshot of Disney’s current mask policy. We’ll break it down below.
©Disney
Outdoors
Masks are optional for all guests in outdoor areas in Disney World, which includes outdoor queues, outdoor attractions, and outdoor theaters.
Magic Kingdom!
Indoors
Masks are optional in all indoor locations. Guests who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to keep wearing masks in indoor locations (including restaurants, except when actively eating and drinking while stationary; and including ALL indoor attractions and indoor queues).
Transportation
Masks are no longer required in Disney buses, the Disney Skyliner, and the Disney monorail.
Age
As noted above, wherever masks are required on property, they will be required for ALL guests ages 2 and up.
Where Masks Are NOT Allowed
Masks are not allowed while on water slides or in the water.
Click here to see Disney World’s Health & Safety Guidelines for 2022.
CDC Mask Recommendations
If you want to continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has certain mask recommendations.
When to Wear a Mask
Outdoors, the CDC notes that people generally don’t need to wear masks.
Whether individuals need to wear masks in other areas can depend on the Community Level of the area they are in.
In areas with a “low” COVID-19 community level, the CDC merely recommends that individuals stay “up to date” on their COVID-19 vaccines. In “medium” areas, the CDC notes that those at high risk for severe illness should talk to their healthcare provider about whether to wear a mask. For “high” levels, the CDC recommends that all individuals wear a mask indoors in public.
©CDC
Note that masks continue to be required in certain places like planes, buses, and other public transportation.
The CDC defines being “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccines as having received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the primary series AND one booster dose, when eligible.
Note that both Orange County and Osceola County (the two counties where Disney World is located) are in the “low” community level category.
What Type of Mask to Wear
The CDC also has recommendations about what types of masks to wear. Specifically, the CDC states, “Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection.” Additionally, the CDC notes that “well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.”
©Grace Cary via Getty Images
Click here to see where to get these FREE N95 masks.
Where Can I Buy Masks in Disney World?
Face masks can be found at a variety of stores throughout the Disney theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Previously, more general cloth masks were available (like the ones pictured below).
Masks in EPCOT | September 2021
However, recently (as of around February of 2022) we’ve generally only seen masks like the ones below sold in stores. The style of the masks available in stores seems to be significantly more limited (at least from what we’ve experienced). This is something to keep in mind as it might mean you’ll only have very limited choices when it comes to buying a mask in the stores.
Face Masks
In some locations (especially in front of some of the parks or at Disney Springs), you may find a vending machine with disposable masks available. These will likely be more expensive than what you would pay at a local store or online, but they are available if you need them.
You may also find disposable face masks for sale inside some of the stores in Disney World.
Mask Vending Machine
Within Disney Springs, you may also find a number of third-party retailers with face masks of their own. In the past, we’ve seen masks sold at places like Vera Bradley, American Threads, Sephora, The Polite Pig, Everglazed, and even Gideon’s Bakehouse.
Availability of these masks can vary and some stores may not have these face masks for sale when you visit. Be sure to check during your trip.
Vera Bradley Face Masks
You may also see masks available at some third party stores or restaurants in the parks, like the Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
shopDisney previously sold face masks online, but none are in stock as of February 2022. You can, however, find a number of masks online at other places (and we even have our own DFB masks!!) — more on that in a second.
Click here for the complete timeline of Disney World’s face mask policies.
Mask Tips and More Places to Buy Them
Keep in mind that the CDC notes that an N95 provides the highest level of protection. KN95s and well-fitting disposable surgical masks provide the next best level of protection. And layered finely woven products offer a lower level of protection, but are still better than loosely woven cloth.
So you’ll want to look for a mask that is both lightweight and breathable, but also effective (whether that means a KN95, a surgical mask, or another option).Â
American Threads Face Masks
One common type of mask you may find are cloth masks. These can often be the most comfortable. The CDC says that (per their recommendations) cloth masks should have a proper fit to prevent leaks, multiple layers of tightly woven fabric, a nose wire, and fabric that blocks light.
©CDC
Not all masks are created equal. Some masks are going to be comfier than others. Some will be more protective than others. Do your research and shop around. Try different fabrics as well as different elastics (also try masks that tie around your head!).Â
You can buy a number of masks online. For example, click here to see 7 masks your kids might not hate wearing on your Disney trip.
Even Rizzo wears a mask!
Want to get some unique Disney masks? Check out our DFB Mask collection! We’ve got an online store FULL of masks inspired by all kinds of Disney things including the Purple Wall, the Dapper Dans, the lanterns from Tangled, and SO much more!
If you want a mask that will add some more Disney style to your look, these could be a good choice!
Plastic Cheese!
When it comes to staying comfortable once you have your mask on, we recommend you take your masks on a test run BEFORE you leave on vacation. Wear them around the house, go for a long walk outside, and get used to the feeling of wearing a mask for a prolonged period of time.
Performers wearing masks
You’re going to want to be prepared by packing extra masks for you and everyone in your family, or be ready to wash those masks! The CDC recommends that you wash your face mask at least once a day.
You will need to hand wash your mask (or machine wash…but hand washing works fine), or you will need at least one face mask per person per day.Â
Read the CDC guidelines for washing your face mask here!
We’d recommend bringing MORE than 1 face mask per person per day as you never know if something could spill on the mask, it might get dirty or sweaty, or you might just want a new one to feel fresh and clean.
We also recommend that you bring a couple of masks in your park bag per day in case it rains. A wet mask is considered no longer useful, and who wants to wear a wet face mask around all day?
Guests with Face Coverings in Disney Springs
Other great mask accessories to buy and bring include mask chains to help keep your masks in an easy-to-reach place (right around your neck), a bag to hold your clean masks and a bag for dirty masks, and mask extenders to help take off some of the pressure from your ears.
Click here to see our NEW tips for wearing a mask in Disney World if you’re traveling soon!
With a bit of research, you can make the best choices to ensure you’re comfortable. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon, you’ll need to do the extra work to be READY with your masks. We’ll keep you posted with the latest Disney news so be sure to check back for more!
Click here to see where to find mask chains in Disney World!
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I think it is sad that people are excepting this to be a normal thing now wearing masks. I don’t agree with companies saying you need to wear mask to protect others. It is not my responsibility to protect you. You are responsible for yourself. I think it should be a free choice for every individual and not to be forced to wear to help with the social distancing and to help companies from being sued. Have them sign a waiver.
What about the population on the autism spectrum which do not tolerate wearing any mask or shield?
Ada, so far the cast members we’ve spoken to have said “no exceptions.” But we’ll keep asking and report if there’s any change.
I can wait.
What will happend if some family members are not wearing the mask or is wearing incorreclty under the nose for exaple? Are they going to be ask to leave the park?
I totally agree. It should be a freedom of choice. I have a child with an immune deficiency and I have had to live in a world for the last 10 years where I protect myself and my family so I definitely don’t need an education on that now. I can’t fathom how we are supposed to sit by the pool with a mask on… If that is truly the case I will definitely be canceling my trip in July!
Do you know if the plastic face shields qualify as an acceptable face covering? Or does it have to be a mask? We spent a good deal of time outside in the heat and humidity of Houston today with masks on and it was not super comfortable.
What happened to us looking out for the greater good of everyone and not being selfish, like the other person commenting on not being responsible for others? I just can’t believe how selfish people are! I will wear a mask because it’s the right thing to do and because it’s not just for me but for the good of all!
Shayne, Disney cast members have specifically told us that face coverings need to cover the nose and mouth. And we’ve seen employees in third-party-operated stores wearing the shields. Those facts would lead me to think shields are acceptable. But I will see if our team members on-site can specifically ask.
Tony, when we spoke to a cast member about masks that weren’t acceptable, they mentioned the only experience they had was with guests who had them only covering the mouth. I know that in Disney Springs, guests not wearing masks were simply asked by a cast member to put them on. In the instance I’m specifically thinking of, they simply put them back on and went about their day. I don’t know what would happen if someone refused; in all likelihood, they would be asked or told to leave. But I honestly don’t know how that might impact the other people in their group or how that would actually be accomplished.
I just don’t understand it. Stay home if you are not happy with the way things are. No one is forcing you to go to Disney and I live in Florida and if you feel that you are being imposed upon by all means don’t come!!
I wasn’t trying to start an argument with anyone about the mask situation I was just saying what my opinion was. And I do understand that if masks are required at places I don’t have to go. However I do work at a large tourist theme park and yes I have to wear a mask and gloves and glasses plus my uniform. I was just trying to say that people posting about there masks and how comfortable they are to them . I just hate the idea of everyone becoming so use to them almost like it’s a part of them, like it’s becoming part of the everyday life. There really is no right or wrong feeling about them. I personally disagree with having to wear them and for why business are saying why you have to wear them that’s all
I am someone who believes that it should be each individuals choose on whether to wear a mask or not. No one cared or respected not to give me the influenza I got at the beginning of February and ended up with Pneumonia. I am sure I picked it up off someone. Everyone’s life should not be put on hold if they do not want to wear the mask. For those that fear getting sick, please wear it, but do not make those that are not in fear have to stop living their normal lives. I am not trying to say I do not respect others, but I think at this point it needs to be each individuals responsibility on their life choices.
I agree, it should be your own choice to wear a mask.. It costs a lot of money to come on your holiday. I wear a mask in my job and i know how uncomfortable they are in heat.. Don’t want to get into an argument with anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I agree that wearing a mask should be your choice. I understand wearing a mask or shield in a gift store but not outside. I have plans to go to Disney in November, hopefully things will change.
Bottom line is that masks help in preventing the spread. The mask dose not protect me it protects you, so when you cough or sneeze it won’t spread.
Does anyone know if mask are required at Vero Beach or Hilton Head? It’s way to hot and uncomfortable wearing a mask to go back to Orlando.
Not sure why there is a debate on whether to wear masks or not? At their properties this is Disney’s call, and it’s based on requirements and recommendations from the states, counties, and health organizations involved, as well as their own best interests. Disney will either discover there’s enough demand for this to work or not.
Jack, this is the only info I see in a quick search. You might need to call the resort(s) to ask.
People are not getting used to this! In fact, people are tired of them. Why do you think people aren’t going to universal. It will be the same at disney when they reopen. People are tired of these restrictions. If they actually would just open up with some common sense hand washing and no masks, I guarentee they would actually get some crowds. People aren’t staying away from universal because they are scared and people wont stay away from Disney because they are scared. They will stay away until the extreme unneeded restrictions such as masks are lifted.
Re: reservations only. What do guests do if they want to visit 2 or more parks in one day ?? Will they be allowed to do so ?? It’s a pretty hefty amount of money to spend on 2 different daily park passes for most families. For example, we like to do Animal Kingdom in the morning and then hop over to Hollywood Studios or Epcot in the evening. WITHOUT having to purchase to different theme park tickets, what can we do ?? Will any kind of hopper passes be available at some point ??? Your response is greatly appreciated and could potentially make or break our decision on our vacay this fall. Thank You !!!
Hi, Carolyn. We don’t have official word from Disney about Park Hoppers one way or another thus far, but it’s one of many things we’re watching closely for.
have a July trip for disney orlando scheduled with the insurance to cancel which is what i will be doing if masks are required.
too hot… i would pass out
not enjoyable for the family either
Hi there!
I was wondering about the 12-in-1 Cooling Neck Wrap/Gaiter, Face Mask & Head Cover. I have been looking at those. They cover the nose and mouth and are similar to the cooling towels we wear when we go to Disney in summer. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed.
Angela, the word from Disney (we’ve asked in person and online) is that as long as the gaitor fits close to the face and covers the nose and mouth, it’s acceptable. We have seen LOTS of people wearing gaitors in Disney Springs, too.
Thank you so much Sarah! We truly appreciate it. I am going to purchase two and try them out. We are suppose to be going to WDW October and November, which will be slightly cooler but I’d rather be prepared. I hope you all have a great day! Thank you again.
In regards to masks, we are going in early September and my grandson will be turning 2 in July. Since they just changed it from 3 year olds to 2 year olds wearing masks I now have a problem since he’s mildly autistic and non-verbal, basically you can’t get near his face with a mask. I went out and bought protective bucket hats, which is a hat with a full face shield in the hopes if we sew in ties on the hat we can tie it under his chin to keep it on his head BUT need to know for sure that the face shield on a child will be allowed. Technically it covers way more than a mask but my only hope in not having to cancel our trip. Please let me know, we really want to still go and were able to reserve our park passes yesterday. Thanks!
Debbie, we have gotten mixed responses from cast members at Disney Springs and at the Resorts regarding face shields. In some case we are told there must be a face covering that ties so that it’s close to the face; others have said a shield alone is enough. I think we need to wait and see what is enforced as time goes on. Hopefully when the Parks open, we can get a fuller sense of what is accepted universally.
Debbie, an additional thought: if you contact Disney and ask about this make sure you get a written (at least email) response so in case there is confusion you have an audit trail of who you spoke to and what they said.
Sarah and Paul, thank you both for the responses. I’m sincerely hoping they are allowed or make exceptions for children who are not able to wear masks since I don’t think you’ll find a 2-year old out there honestly able to wear one for long if at all, not to mention doctors are stating they should not be wearing them at that age. At least we have a bit of time but please let me know if you hear anything in future. Thanks!
what about face shields? are they considered good to wear?
Bob, so far no. We’ve checked on this multiple times. Face shields can only be worn if the wearer is also wearing a mask under it.
Do you have to wear a mask while camping at ft wilderness? We have had this booked for about a year and now we are worried that even camping they will enforce the mask rule.
Genni, it’s my understanding that you do have to wear masks when not in the pool, seated for dining, or in your own space (in this case, your campsite).