As the situation with COVID-19 develops, we’ve seen a number of updates announced.
Face Masks
Recently, the Orange County, Florida mayor recommended that individuals wear masks indoors again, and noted that the county is in “crisis mode” due to the COVID-19 situation there. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also updated their guidance and are now recommending that vaccinated individuals wear masks in indoor, public locations in certain areas. Now, we’ve got an update regarding Disney World’s mask rules.
Currently, at Walt Disney World, masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests in most places (except transportation, save for the Disney ferry boats). Guests who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear masks in certain locations, including all indoor locations, including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary.
©Disney
Previously, the CDC’s mask guidance noted that vaccinated individuals did not need to wear their masks indoors in most places. As noted above, however, the CDC has recently revised its mask guidance. The CDC now recommends that vaccinated people who live in places with “high” or “substantial” COVID-19 transmission resume wearing masks indoors. The CDC has also recommended that vaccinated people who live with vulnerable household members, including young children and/or individuals who are immunocompromised, wear masks indoors in public spaces.
Fourth of July Masks
Recently, the Orange County, Florida Mayor (Mayor Demings) held a press conference and shared that he recently signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 situation in Orange County. Mayor Demings also shared that he is urging residents and visitors, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear a mask when in indoor spaces with others.
Rainbow Mickey
Now, Disney has announced changes coming to its mask rules.
Face Mask Sign
Beginning July 30th, Disney World will require all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in any indoor locations. This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions, either indoor or outdoor. However, masks will continue to not be required outdoors at the parks. Masks are also not required on pool decks.
©Disney
In a statement about the update, Disney notes, “As we have done since reopening, we’ve been very intentional and gradual in our approach to our COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Based on recent trends and regulatory guidance, Walt Disney World Resort will be making adjustments to these measures.”
Disney Mask
As with any other health and safety guidelines, Disney’s new mask policies are always subject to change. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for the latest Disney news.
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AP here. Went to WDW many times in 2020 and 2021. Mask on for hours no big deal. Was it nice to take it off? of course. We just don’t go when it 95 degrees….not fun to be there those days even without a mask.
I will say that before masks, it was not unusual for me to end up with upper respiratory infection after a WDW visit. Since masks….notta. So yes, masks and hand washing work.
We’re vaccinated and will get the booster. Again, no big deal and it’s safe. We’re protecting those around me especially grandkids who can’t be vaccinated for Covid yet. And we’re protecting ourselves against serious infection.
Stores, airplanes, the nursing home where Mom lives – we wear masks when required or asked and don’t complain. No big deal.
We go to Disney because we know it’s safe and we’re going to have a good time no matter what. To those that cancel because they would have to wear a mask, thank you. We won’t have to stand next to folks wearing their mask on their chins, cast members won’t have to constantly tell you to pull up your mask, and we love it when the parks are less crowded!
I don’t think there is any proof of a vaccinated person who is asymptomatic spreading the virus to someone. Sure, it’s possible that someone who is vaccinated could become a “breakout case” with full-blown COVID, but that would be extremely rare. Meanwhile, children are at far greater risk from the “common” flu than from COVID, yet we don’t wear masks all year all the time (before COVID). It’s all about the actual risk level vs. the perception of risk. The actual risk for someone who is vaccinated getting COVID and dying is far lower than the risk in dying in a traffic accident on the way to the park, or from a lightning strike.
Haven’t decided if we’re cancelling our October vacation yet. I just don’t see where it makes sense to wear a mask on a roller coaster but not when you’re standing next to someone in the park or in a restaurant where masks aren’t required while eating. Time to get rid of masks permanently and let those who choose to remain unvaccinated take their chances. The children will be fine, as most lack the receptors for COVID.