A number of changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks, and more have been announced recently.
Health and Safety Signs in Disney World
The Centers for Disease Control have updated their guidance regarding wearing masks outdoors, the Transportation Security Administration extended their mask requirements for planes and public transportation, and we’ve seen some health measures changed in Disney World. Earlier today, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order suspending local COVID-19 regulations and also signed a law related to COVID-19 restrictions, and now Disney has responded.
Earlier today, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order that suspends all local COVID-19 emergency orders. These emergency orders may have instituted specific COVID-19 rules and regulations, like mask mandates and other things, at the local level.
The Governor also signed into law a bill passed by the Florida legislature that, according to the Orlando Sentinel, gives the Legislature more power to “overrule any emergency mandates or restrictions by the governor, the governor the authority to overrule cities and counties, and city and county commissions the power to overrule mayors.”
©The Florida Channel | Courtesy of WTVT
Because that bill doesn’t go into effect until July 1st, this executive order suspending all local COVID-19 emergency orders (and the restrictions they’ve put in place) is essentially being used to “bridge the gap.”
It is our understanding that this executive order from Governor DeSantis would likely impact the enforceability of the local COVID-19 rules and regulations in place in Orange County, Florida, such as the mask mandate, which was created via an executive order from the Orange County Mayor some time ago. Orange County’s Mayor Demings has not yet commented on the impact of this executive order.
Florida Palm Trees
As a private business, however, Disney can continue to require guests to wear masks and take certain other actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, Disney World has issued a notice via the My Disney Experience app about the changes going on in Florida and the rules that continue to be in place in Disney World.
While one of our reporters was in the parks today, they got a notification from Disney indicating that Florida has announced plans regarding COVID-19 guidelines, but that Disney’s health and safety measures are the same for now, including their rules regarding face masks.
Screenshot of the My Disney Experience App Notification
Another one of our reporters also got a notification while they were in the parks. This one notes that Disney is aware of the state of Florida’s plans announced today to modify the COVID-19 guidelines. It notes that Disney will evaluate the latest guidance and maintain their current health and safety measures at this time.
The notice also states that Disney will continue to make more “thoughtful adjustments” to their policy in the future and it encourages individuals to get vaccinated as more vaccines become available.
Screenshot of the My Disney Experience App Notification
The Disney World website also now contains similar language.
©Disney
At the moment, Disney’s health and safety policies remain the same when it comes to masks and distancing. Face masks continue to be required to be worn by all Disney guests ages 2 and older at all times, except when specifically allowed to be removed like when swimming, eating/drinking while stationary and distanced from others, or temporarily while taking an outdoor photo. Guests not properly wearing an approved mask will be asked to leave.
Guests continue to be advised to maintain 6-feet of distance between them and other guests as well.
It’s Important to Follow Disney’s Mask Policies
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any updates from Florida officials and/or Disney, and we’ll let you know what we find.
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So sad to see companies act this way and not follow REAL Science.
Disney, you’ve lost so much. Now you’re going to lose so many more Guests.
So glad Disney is not rolling changes back. There is no efficient way to police who does and who does not have a vaccine after entering the park. Also, people come to WDW from all over the world. Florida vaccination rates have no real impact at the resorts.
If they had gone the other way, I would have considered canceling my trip that starts tomorrow.
Good for Disney, follow the CDC recommendation which is the real science
A previous commenter, Todd, may have cancelled plans if the mask mandate had been dropped but how many MORE people won’t go because Disney is being stupid!!??? Yet another bone head decision on Disney’s part.
I’m glad Disney World is taking a conservative and thoughtful approach. There is no vaccine available for young children. Since the parks are places where large volumes of young children congregate, it makes sense to retain the mask-wearing and distancing guidelines. While children are thankfully at less risk of serious illness, they are still at risk, and some children do get severely ill. I’m sure with time, and as vaccines get rolled out for children, Disney World will relax these rules justifiably. Also, as noted above, there are visitors from all over the world and all over the United States, and vaccination rates are not yet high enough to warrant an adjustment of the health and safety guidelines within the parks. I applaud Disney for this approach.
I’ve been to Disney World twice in the past five months, and while wearing a mask all day was a little annoying, I had a wonderful time and was thankful for the safety protocols.
Glad to see restrictions being loosened… Hopefully Disney follows suit sometimes soon. I just can’t bring myself to spend thousands of dollars on a Disney vacation then be miserable walking around in 90 degrees and 90% humidity with a mask on.
I really hate that Disney doesn’t follow science and they’ve gone down the path of following unsubstantiated Covid mitigations.
Masks DO NOT work, period. Biden’s Covid guy said it last summer, numerous studies have shown no significant difference in transmission between masks vs no masks. Lastly, the real world results show it. Heavily masked and locked down states are far worse off than unmasked and open states.
People really need to read Faucian Bargain, it just came out and is filled with data that shows how wrong Fauci and our CDC has been. It’s an eye opening book.
If you don’t like Disney’s rules, and are not willing to comply, just stay home. The current rules are not permanent. We hate masks, but we wear them and have no issue wearing them at Disney because the alternative of staying home maskless is not appealing. If you can’t suck it up and wear a mask for a few hours, it’s on you. We actually like that Disney and Universal both went over and above to create a straight and easy set of rules to follow in order to allow guests to visit. We don’t like the rules, but if they went on for the next five years, it wouldn’t be a deal breaker.
Thank you Disney for being patient, listening to real experts and not trying to quickly forget everything that has occurred. Florida’s governor is a dangerous individual.
I feel Disney is doing the best job because you don’t hear of people getting sick from being there….from the start of us going back!!! I have the vaccine but does the guy next to me? They say don’t take any chances and I’m not going to.
Keep doing what your doing Disney!! Thank you
Thank you Disney for listening to the science and not the loud people who pretend they know science.
I was hopeful that the Governor’s order and the bill would bring some positive changes to the experience. I would love to visit this summer but masks in the heat are not good for my health (and no evidence they even work).
Bravo Disney. DeSantis is an idiot. Aside from all of a sudden being ok with government telling private businesses what to do, the state continues to lead in new cases. What leadership says matters.
And wondering what the REAL science is that is being mentioned in another comment. As far as I can tell, all science points to masks working. And to be honest, you not going anymore already makes me a feel a little bit safer.
Not sure why Disney should be opining on people getting vaccinated. Are they also going to tell people not to smoke? Are they going to recommend eating right and exercising? If you’re worried about getting COVID at the parks then don’t go. Don’t force me to wear a mask to keep you safe, especially if I’ve been vaccinated.
So for Disney, it’s not about safety or science, it’s about fear of law suits and virtue signaling. Oh, and obedience. That’s sad.
TODD: actually it would be easy to identify those who are vaccinated. Show proof, get a wrist band. Just like they do for hard ticket events. Also I don’t believe world travel has been approved yet, so another non issue.
I will NEVER RETURN to the Disney Parks until they lift all mask mandates! Imagine paying a small fortune to go on vacation and then to be forced to wear a mask OUTDOORS, in the blazing Florida heat (when I can’t breathe while wearing them in normal temperatures). Not for me, OR my family. Would have given my son a Disney trip as a graduation gift this year, but since the masks are still part of the equation, we won’t be there again for a long while, it seems.
I find it disturbing that Americans think it will ever be appropriate to “police” who has or has not had a vaccination. The governor has already made it clear that no businesses, private or otherwise, will be able to make vaccination status a condition of park entrance. They will have to deal with this at some point. Outside is outside. There has never been any real enforcement of the “magical” 6 feet…now 3 feet and capacity says it’s still short of full but really…it isn’t. There has never been an outbreak attributed to theme parks. If people would just wash their hands frequently and follow pretty basic hygiene practices we could certainly continue to keep germs to a minimum. It’s time to get back to living our lives and stop clinging to security blankets wrapped around our faces. If you are afraid, by all means stay home. It’s time to get on with it.
I’m also glad to see Disney is not considering any reactive changes to the mask policy. Part of the reason my family feels comfortable going this year are because of the precautions Disney has taken to ensure guest safety. We have a couple one member of our cohort who is unable to be vaccinated right now, so these precautions are much appreciated. We are looking forward to our upcoming trip!
Totally support Disney. Keeping safety guidelines in place makes us feel comfortable visiting the parks.
If enough people get vaccinated, crowded outdoor places like Disney World can change their policy. Too many people are scared of vaccines still.
I remember when Disney was at the forefront of scientific advance.
And I hate the masks but if Disney want to continue to require them then its their right as a business to do so.
However, can we stop with darn Temperature checks at every enterence?!?
It’s been proven time and again that temperature checks do next to nothing to prove you have covid or are sick at all.
I look forward to the day to see Cast Member’s Smiles again to bring back the magic.
Mask policy lack common senses, bc according the the Pseudo Science that Disney is following you can’t get or give covid at a table, hanging out by the pool, or taking a stationary pic.
Florida has announced plans regarding COVID-19 guidelines, but that Disney’s health and safety measures are the same for now, including their rules regarding face masks. It notes that Disney will evaluate the latest guidance and maintain their current health and safety measures at this time. The notice also states that Disney will continue to make more “thoughtful adjustments” to their policy in the future and it encourages individuals to get vaccinated as more vaccines become available.
If you are traveling to WDW w/o a vaccination that is your choice just as it is my choice to travel w/o a flu shot, pneumonia shots, or hepatitis vaccine. Please remove the mask mandates ASAP. And for distancing: There was an update made weeks ago that three feet is as effective as six feet. Why is science not followed when it is modified and updated? I understand some folks may wish to cancel their trip if outdated restrictions are lifted. That is their choice. If you have not gotten the vaccine by now, that is a personal choice. However, the rest of us should be able to return to “normal”. I am traveling in July with good friends to WDW. A couple will NOT have vaccine and have clearly stated they will never get the vaccine. Yet they wish the outdated restrictions to be lifted. They are making a conscious choice.
Sean Mickippie you are 100% right
Maybe ease up on the 2 year old part. Very hard to keep a mask on a 2 year old.
So glad Disney are doing their best to protect their customers.
If you can’t be bothered just go to Universal.
Yeah for Disney! The Governor is only concerned with tourism. Disney is concerned about the healthy and safety of their guests. I think they will retain more visitors than they will lose. You feel safe inside Disney.
Yay, Sean Mickippie, finally I don’t feel alone in all of this nonsense. I won’t be going back to Disney until they change. I doubt that this will ever happen, but I can hope. I really WANT to support them.
Last time I checked, it’s a free country! You want to wear a mask, wear it! You don’t, then don’t wear one. Don’t make us all suffer in masks. If the vaccine works, then why do you even need a mask??? Disney will lose a lot more families over forcing mask requirements. No magic left at Disney with these masks!
Todd, your comment makes no sense. If YOU have the vaccine, YOU are protected, no matter how many other unvaccinated people are around you? What is the point of the vaccine if it doesn’t protect YOU from the virus? I don’t understand this line of thinking at all. What is the point of the vaccine if it doesn’t do anything to protect you and you still have to be scared of people. You had a 99.6% chance of surviving anyway, even without a vaccine. So this whole thing makes ZERO SENSE
Disney needs to follow the science and lift the restrictions that have been proved to be ineffective and unnecessary. Most people have been vaccinated and anyone who wants to be vaccinated can be. There are plenty of doses available. If you are vaccinated you have nothing to fear. If you have not taken the time to get vaccinated then stay home. Anyone who fears the virus can still wear a mask if it makes you feel better. Wearing a mask outdoors is completely unnecessary.
Thank you, Disney, for following the science and erring on the side of safety. It is almost impossible to socially distance at Disney now, and unless everyone has been vaccinated, it is not safe to be so close, even outdoors without a mask. According to the CDC, for FULLY VACCINATED people: You can gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask EXCEPT in certain crowded settings and venues.
I, personally, prefer to wear a mask and probably will for some time. As a now retired nurse, I’ve said for a number of years that Disney tends to be a petri dish of infectious bacteria and viruses, especially from all the kids with runny noses who don’t know how to practice proper hygiene or cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing. Since these precautions (masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer stations) have been implemented, I have not returned home with a cold or other illness in the 4 times we’ve been there since reopening–something unheard of before! These precautions obviously prevent the spread of other diseases.
Thank you, Disney, from an annual passholder who will continue to visit frequently!
I believe Disney is doing the right thing! I back them 100 % because of the anti-vaxers!
As long as they don’t require a vaccine passport I will go, mask and all. The second they require that, they can kiss my money goodbye. Times that money by 9 because that’s the rest of my family who also won’t go.
My family is in the park today, and we are glad Disney is putting our safety first!!
Glad Disney is staying with their current policy… but lets be honest, can we keep the 6ft rule while waiting in the queues? LOL! I’m glad to have my space.
Ugh….first thing that should happen is take the masks off 2 year olds! They are babies and is damaging to their development to be masked and also to not see the faces of those around them. No one wants to address this issue because they want to follow a false narrative that 2 year olds are spreading COVID.
SO PROUD OF DISNEY!!!!!
SCIENCE supports use of guidelines and restrictions, and Disney is doing what they need to do so support and protect the health and safety of guests and cast members. There is no way to guarantee someone waltzing into the parks has actually been being a decent human being and following the guidelines set in place to reduce the spread. This is the only way to guard those who do not deserve to be infected because of the carelessness and thoughtlessness of others.
Your right to govern your body ends at my right for mine to be protected. NO you do not deserve to not wear a mask because you don’t feel like it and NO you do not deserve to just not get a vaccine and not do anything to avoid the spread because of your warped views.
People deserve to vacation safely and that means following rules. It is idiotic of people to say if others want to be safe, they should just stay home and let people live. That is asinine thinking. That’s like saying if people don’t want to get murdered we shouldn’t put the murderers in jail, we should put everybody else in jail and let the murderers run around free. IF YOU AREN’T A GOOD ENOUGH PERSON TO PROTECT OTHERS THROUGH A FEW SIMPLE, UNCOMPLICATED CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE, YOU DON’T DESERVE TO LEAVE YOUR HOME OR INTERACT WITH OTHERS. It is truly that simple.
And, by the way, you have been following the government dictating what you do and what you wear your entire life. If you have ever worn clothing outside of your home or put on a pair of shoes to go into a store or restaurant, you are following government-established laws regarding what you put on your body. So don’t moan and groan and throw around the word “freedom” about a simple piece of fabric over your face.
I am a Disney freak(absolutely love Disney). But Disney needs to bring Disney back. The masks are too much it’s been over a year now. It is hot and uncomfortable and at times causes family to be unable to be in the parks together because of the 2 and up mask rule. It’s hard for an adult to wear that thing all day much less try getting a 2 year old to want to. I feel like if people want to wear masks because that makes them feel safe they absolutely should. However, I don’t want to wear a mask and I would like to be able to use my freedom of choice. By the way that is what this Country use to founded on! If people are uncomfortable in a Theme Park setting without wearing a mask and everyone else around them wearing a mask……then maybe going to a theme park is not a good idea.
I say Disney please, please, please bring the Disney that we all know and love BACK PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugging characters, shows, no masks required, no temperature checks. You can do it I know you can, before we Disney freaks loose all our Disney hope for the Magic you normally provide us!
Can someone ask Disney Corp. why are we getting vaccinated? I can’t imagine wearing a mask in July and August.
@Todd,
There is no reason you need to “police” people about their individual vaccination status. If you’re vaccinated, then you should feel safe around those that aren’t.
I totally agree with you
I was at Magic Kingdom today and was really frustrated to see so many rude guests tugging masks down under their chin without a care, and no Disney employees asking them to correct this. None of us enjoy wearing them, and yes it’s hot, but it’s the right thing to do to have consideration for other people. I normally enjoy my days out at Disney, but I left today feeling upset to see so many rude and inconsiderate people there and I don’t think I’ll be booking in for awhile as I like to think of humanity as being generally kind and caring toward others and today really made me feel like many people are selfish and rude. : (
Disney will do what is best for thier cast members and guests. I do however feel that perhaps At the end of this year They may relax the masks.
We are currently at Disney World. We have noticed several people eating and drinking while walking through the parks and not wearing masks. It does not seem to be getting anyone’s attention. Social distancing in lines is completely out the window.
@Todd most of the world still has their own quarantines in effect. Just ask an international DVC Member how much money they’ve lost. I guess you won’t be going to a pool.
@Sean you are correct! But they’re double dipping in empty DVC resorts . As members are unable to occupy rooms m, but still paying dues, taxes, etc, they’re renting those b/c other resorts are closed. It’s not like they’re staffing places fully w/o reservations.
Kudos to Disney for taking a cautious, science-based approach to COVID-19 safety measures. FL Gov DeSantis has repeatedly ignored CDC advice, effectively pushing to normalize business at any cost. He’s another Bolsanaro, endangering public safety.
Sonya, since you feel your health is not my responsibility. Get vaccinated and If you’re still afraid don’t go.
Rebecca, FYI….the whole world is a petri dish!!! To single Disney out is ludicrous! As a nurse you should know this. If you get a cold every time you go to Disney, maybe your health is questionable to begin with.
@Vanessa – If you and anyone else is worried about getting or spreading Covid and being protected from others who may have it, then you have every right to get vaccinated and/or wear a mask, or 2 or 3. No one is stopping you. A “simple piece of fabric” might seem insignificant to you, but for many of us, it is a stifling piece of fabric in the heat which, if you follow the science, is unnecessary in uncrowded outdoor environments (or in the sun) anyway (according to the CDC & science). Anyone who isn’t vaccinated and refuses to wear a mask risks taking their own health in their own hands. It’s their choice. Everyone else should be FREE to CHOOSE to protect themselves (and others) by getting vaccinated and/or wear as many masks as possible. Otherwise, what’s the point of getting vaccinated or even having a vaccine available? If you wish to get vaccinated but can’t, then wear lots of masks and wash your hands often, and keep your distance. There comes a point that the government, Disney, or any other business or entity shouldn’t be able to be our nanny, hold our hands, or just plain control or micromanage our every move beyond a certain reasonable point. We are adults, not children.