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.
Aside from comfortable shoes, Minnie Ears, and a Dole Whip (duh!), face masks have become a staple accessory at Disney World over the past two years.
Rose Gold Disney World Face Mask
The mask policy in Disney World has changed quite a few times, but there’s one thing that has remained the same — you’re going to need to pack one (or ten) when you head out for your trip. So, to help you navigate masking up in the parks, we’re bringing you a complete list of our BEST face mask-wearing tips!
WHEN to Wear Your Mask in Disney World
Before we dive into all the details, let’s first cover where exactly you’re required to wear a face mask in Disney World right now.
As of February 17th, 2022, masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests indoors and outdoors. Disney’s policy does say that they “expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations.”
©Disney
On April 19, 2022* the policy was further updated to reflect that face masks are no longer required on any transportation in Disney World. Disney World has updated their face mask rules to note that face coverings are “optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as Disney transportation.” The new policy does say that it is “recommended” that “Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters and on enclosed transportation.”
Please be aware that we have discovered that masks remain required in certain areas of First Aid Centers.
(Prior to April 19, 2022* the most recent policy change happened on March 16, 2022 when the policy was updated to reflect that “Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on Disney buses and monorails.” Face masks were previously still required on all enclosed transportation. But this policy change made face coverings optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney World Skyliner and for fully vaccinated guests on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser transport vehicle while traveling to and from the Halcyon starcruiser and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.)
Click HERE to find all of the information on the current face mask policy in Disney World.
These new rules are pretty different from the original mask policy that Disney World began its phased reopening with in 2020, but until February 2022, we hadn’t seen much change since the indoor requirement was put back in place in August 2021. Of course, Disney keeps a close eye on proper face mask guidelines and has been implementing best practices based on current CDC recommendations, so we could continue to see things change in the coming months (and years) as the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to evolve.
Face mask signage
When in doubt, ask a Cast Member! Don’t be shy — the Disney World Cast Members are generally super friendly and helpful. They want to help you have the best and safest vacation, and they understand that the face mask policy can be a little confusing sometimes.
Click HERE to See ALL the Current News and Information About Travel to Disney World and Disneyland in 2022
Tips
Alright, so now you know WHEN and WHERE you need to wear a face mask, but how do you make the game of putting your mask on and off in between rides, shops, and restaurants a bit easier? We’re in the Disney World parks every day, so we’ve got tons of experience with Disney mask-wearing — here are our top tips!
Use a Mask Chain/Lanyard
You might have noticed that the new policy involves lots of mask putting on and taking off. If you’re anything like us, it can be easy to have your mask accidentally land on the floor rather than in your pocket when you’re storing it away for safekeeping as walk outside. So, to help ensure that you don’t lose your mask in the process, we recommend using a mask chain or lanyard.
©Amazon
These handy accessories clip onto the ear loops of your mask and then go around your neck so that you can just leave it hanging around your neck rather than stuffing it away in a pocket or bag. Then it’s ready for you again when you need to put it back on! These have been life-savers for us because it’s so easy to set down your mask and forget about it. Plus, they’re especially useful for kiddos!
We like this colorful set of seven for $9.98 from Amazon.
Check Out Some of Our Favorite Mask Chains on Amazon HERE!
Clip Your Masks On
Sometimes, even a mask lanyard isn’t enough to keep the mask on during fast rides and roller coasters. For those rides, we clip the ear straps into our hair using normal hair clips or bobby pins so that our mask doesn’t slip off.
Be sure that mask stays on!
Some rides in Disney World will delete your ride picture if guests are not wearing their face mask in it, so for your sake and for everyone around you on the ride, make sure that mask stays on!
Read About 10 Face Mask Accessories You’ll Need in Disney World
Bring Extra Masks
When we’re planning to spend a full day in Disney World, we ALWAYS pack extra masks. We’ll bring at least two or three masks into the parks so that we can switch them out if some of them are too hot, uncomfortable, or if they get sweaty or wet.
Disney Face Masks
Disney has masks on sale at many gift shops, but it’s better to be prepared with your own so that you have an extra mask on-hand for any situation. Plus, this will save you some big bucks, as Disney’s face masks can cost anywhere from $9.99 to $14.99+.
Mickey mask
You also should be prepared in case one of your masks doesn’t fit the requirements for face coverings in Disney World. Disney previously clarified what is considered a face mask a few times. If mask requirements are re-implemented, these rules may come into play again (and/or they may be important in areas like first aid where masks may be required).
©Disney
As of the last updates, acceptable masks had to be made with at least 2 layers of material, fully cover the nose, mouth, secure under the chin, fit snugly against the side of your face, and be secured with ties or ear loops.
Curious About What Else We Bring to the Parks? Take a Look Inside a DFB Reporter’s Bag HERE!
Bring a Ziploc Bag for Dirty Masks
We mentioned bringing multiple masks, but what happens when you’ve switched out your dirty mask for a fresh one? We like to bring Ziploc bags to hold onto those dirty masks!
Ziploc Bags
This way, you can keep the dirty masks away from your clean ones, and you’ll remember which ones you need to wash once you get home.
Get some Ziploc Bags at Amazon Here
Break-In Your Mask Ahead of Time
Masks are like shoes in Disney World — you need to break them in ahead of time. Don’t save that brand-new mask that you’ve never tried for your vacation. You seriously do NOT want to find out it’s too uncomfortable or hot when you’re halfway into your park day and it’s too late to change it!
Jungle Cruise
You’ll want to check to make sure that your mask of choice isn’t pulling at your ears after a few hours of wearing it, ensure that it’s not fogging up your glasses (or sunglasses) when you talk, and generally know if it will be good in the heat. Disney World is only requiring that face masks be worn indoors, but you might find yourself in an outdoor crowded area and want to put your mask back on, so checking to be sure that you’ll be able to wear the mask comfortably in the Florida sunshine and humidity can be useful.
See How To Choose The BEST Masks for Summer in Disney World HERE!
Pack Chapstick
From all the mask-wearing around Disney World, you’ll learn pretty quickly that good chapstick is worth its weight in gold.
©Amazon
We love Burt’s Bees Lip Balm for wearing under our masks because it’s not goopy or sticky. Plus, it also has a nice, strong smell, which is great for when we enjoy an afternoon coffee break or when our mask starts to get a little bit of that used-mask smell (y’all know what we’re talking about).
Buy Some Burt’s Bees Lip Balm on Amazon Here!
Bring Mints
Speaking of that used-mask smell, we’ve made it a priority to always have mints on hand ever since we started masking up in the parks. After all, we really don’t want to be smelling our own breath right after we’ve polished off a delicious lunch of battered and fried fish or mini corn dogs. So, a couple of mints after we eat are essential.
©Amazon
We like these basic ICE Breakers Mints for $2.39 from Amazon but there are plenty to choose from at your local grocery store.
Grab Some ICE Breakers Mints Here
Bribe Your Less-Willing Companions
We get it, the thought of needing to wear a mask in Disney World can be daunting, especially for your little ones. So, instead of having to bicker back and forth on whether the mask really is over your kiddos nose or not, we suggest introducing some good old-fashioned bribery into the mix.
Tie-dye Mickey Face Mask
One of our favorite ways to remind the kids when and where a mask needs to be on is to bring in a Mickey Mouse plush with his own mask. When we go inside, we put Mickey’s mask on too. Once we’re back outside, we can take it off!
Hi, Mickey!
So, whether it’s a Dole Whip treat or an extra souvenir, sometimes a little incentive works wonders for rule enforcement.
Click Here to Read About How to Get Your Young Kids to Wear a Mask in Disney World
Want even more tips and tricks for face mask-wearing in Disney World? We’ve been updating our tips and then updating them again ever since the parks first reopened, so you can check out some more of our best practices in the DFB video below!
We also really like the masks from Old Navy — they’re breathable and comfortable, even when you’re wearing them all day. Plus, the masks that you can buy in Disney World (or online at shopDisney) are great for breathability, but they tend to stick to our faces when we’re sweaty (which, let’s face it, is a lot of the time in Florida).
Check Out Three More Tips For Wearing a Mask in Disney World!
So, now you’re prepared with all the face-mask-wearing knowledge for your Disney World vacation! Keep following DFB for more tips on preparing for your Disney trip.
Click HERE to see a Complete Timeline of Disney World’s Face Mask Policies
Want to Learn More About Face Masks in Disney World?
Our Tips for Wearing a Mask in Disney World
Everything You NEED to Know About Wearing a Mask in Disney World
Which Face Masks Are the MOST Comfortable to Wear ALL DAY at Disney World...And Which Should You Avoid?
10 Face Mask Accessories You’re Gonna NEED in Disney World!
How Many Face Masks Do I Need to Bring on My Disney World Trip?
8 Ways to ACTUALLY Convince Your 2 Year Old to Wear a Mask in Disney World
See 7 Masks Your Kids Won’t Hate Wearing on Your Disney Trip
Look at a Complete Timeline of Disney World’s Face Mask Policies
Click HERE for the Current News and Information About Travel to Disney World and Disneyland
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What’s your best tip for wearing a mask in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
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Yes, we used those lanyards on our last trip to Disney and they were a lifesaver! Not only do they keep your mask around your neck when you take it off, if your ears get tired of wearing a mask….and they do!…..you can pull the lanyard tighter and take the pressure off of your ears for a little while. I wouldn’t recommend doing that too much, as your face ends up with a rash if you do since that pulls the mask tighter on your face as well. Totally agree with bringing some chapstick – I like the little tube of Vaseline – and breath mints or mint chewing gum. And we always bring plenty of our own hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes in a ziploc bag. They come in so handy for wiping off dirty outside tables!
Simply yet ANOTHER way for WDW to sell MORE product!!!!!