It can be tricky to stay up-to-date on Disney World’s face mask and social distancing policies, especially since they’ve been changing a lot recently!

So we’re laying it all out for you here. Here’s everything you need to know about Disney World’s newest mask policy before you take off on your next trip!

PLEASE NOTE that Disney World has updated its Mask Policy since this post was written.

As of February 17th, masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests indoors and outdoors. Disney’s policy does state that they “expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations.”

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.)

As mentioned above, Disney World has updated its Mask Policy since this post was written.

The Mask Policy Depends on Vaccination Status

The first thing you need to know about this policy is that it is different for guests depending on whether they’re fully vaccinated. Disney is not requiring proof of vaccination, though.

Instead, Disney notes that they “expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings” where required (we’ll get to where they’re required in a minute). So, things are currently operating on an honor system basis.

Guests Who Are Fully Vaccinated

First, let’s go over the rules for fully vaccinated guests. Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a person to be fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their 2nd dose in a 2-dose vaccine series (such as Pfizer or Moderna) or 2 weeks after their single-dose vaccine (such as Johnson & Johnson).

If a guest is fully vaccinated, they are still required to wear a face mask on Disney buses and monorails.

Face masks were previously still required on all enclosed transportation. But a March 16, 2022 policy change makes face coverings optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney World Skyliner. Disney states that masks are also optional 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.

So, fully vaccinated guests must continue to wear masks on Disney buses and Monorail. But masks do not need to be worn by fully vaccinated guests on Disney’s ferry boats or the Disney Skyliner.

In all other places in Disney World, fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear masks.

Those are the rules when it comes to fully vaccinated guests, but what about guests who are not fully vaccinated?

Guests Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated

Different rules apply for guests who are not fully vaccinated. Keep in mind this applies to any guest who is not fully vaccinated, including children who are not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time due to their age and thus cannot be fully vaccinated at this time. Personally, we haven’t noticed this being heavily enforced with kids who, in this case, can’t have been vaccinated.

Guests who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face masks on Disney transportation (just like guests who are fully vaccinated), except for Disney’s ferry boats. So, guests who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face masks on things like Disney buses, the Skyliner, and the Monorail. But, guests who are not fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks on Disney’s ferry boats.

In addition, guests who are not fully vaccinated are still required to wear masks upon entering and throughout all attractions, in all indoor theaters (including theater entrances), and in all indoor locations (including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary). 

Guests who are not fully vaccinated are not required to wear their masks in outdoor common areas or pool decks.

Essentially, guests who are not fully vaccinated are operating under Disney’s older policy which allows all guests to remove their masks in outdoor areas and pool decks but requires masks to be worn in all other circumstances.

What Masks Are Allowed

Keep in mind that when and where you DO need to wear a mask, you need to make sure it is an approved face mask. Under Disney World’s rules, all face masks must be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material, fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin, fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, and be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to be hands-free.

Additionally, face coverings with valves, mesh materials, or holes are not allowed. If you want to wear a mask with a transparent panel to help in viewing the wearer’s mouth, there are specific rules for that as well which you can see below.

You can use reusable or disposable masks. Just be sure the masks meet Disney’s requirements.

So Basically…

So basically, ALL guests (vaccinated and unvaccinated) do not need to wear masks in outdoor common areas or pool decks. Additionally, ALL guests (vaccinated and unvaccinated) MUST wear masks on Disney transportation (including transportation entrances), except for Disney’s ferry boats. In all other locations (other than Disney transportation and transportation entrances) fully vaccinated guests don’t need to wear masks. But, guests who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue to wear their masks in other places in Disney World (such as indoor theaters, upon entering and throughout all attractions, and in indoor locations).

Still worried you’ll get confused while in Disney World? Cast Members throughout the parks have been reminding guests of the new policy, so don’t worry if you forget — the Cast Members are there to help.

Mask policies could continue to change in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. We’ll continue to keep you updated as Disney continues to make changes!

Click Here to See Our NEW Tips for Wearing a Mask in Disney World if you’re traveling soon!

Are you planning your next Disney vacation?? Let us know about it in the comments!