Face mask rules at Disney World have changed a number of times over the past few months.
Mask signage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Most recently, Disney updated its rules to require masks be worn indoors, upon entering and throughout all attractions, and in select other locations, regardless of vaccination status. Since the introduction of this policy in late July, masks have been required on ALL attractions (including those that are entirely outdoors). But now, that’s about to change.
According to an update shared today with travel agents, starting on August 19th, face coverings will become optional in Disney World for all guests in outdoor attractions, outdoor queue areas, and outdoor theaters.
Face Masks on Dumbo
Masks will, however, still be required for all guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorails, and on the Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.
Disney Skyliner
Again, note that under the current mask policy, guests have been required to wear masks before entering queue spaces and boarding rides, even if the queue and ride are both outdoors. We’ve also seen masks required at some theaters that are predominantly outdoors/open-air, like the theater where Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage is located, despite Disney’s current rules indicating that masks are only required in indoor theaters. It appears this updated rule, however, will change that.
Jungle Cruise line
Again, this new rule will go into effect starting tomorrow, August 19th. If you’re curious to see what the current face mask rules look like (before tomorrow’s change), click here to see photos. And click here to see the indoor mask recommendations that were announced by the CDC in late July.
Indoor Mask Sign
We’re keeping a close eye on updates about COVID-19 case numbers in Florida and mask changes throughout the Disney parks and beyond. Disney Cruise Line recently updated their rules for masks as related to photos. We’ve also seen Disney announce that vaccines will be required for many of its employees and heard from Disney’s CEO regarding this vaccine requirement. Disney’s CEO has also commented on the Delta variant and its impact on the parks — you can click here to see more about what he had to say.
EPCOT Mask Sign
We’ll be sure to look for more details and Disney news, and we’ll let you know what we find.
Click here to see an update that was recently made to Disney Cruise Line’s mask policy.
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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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I’m unclear why the mask policy is getting more lenient when the virus is geting more virulent. i suspect and hope this will change back and get more stringent.
Wow! How ridiculous!
Money over lives!
One step forward three steps back.
Good. It’s stupid to wear masks outside.
Good. It’s ridiculous to wear masks outside. Hope they go back to no masks needed at all. Those who do not feel safe with that can delay their trip till they feel safe.
Seriously?!?!?! Optional? Masks being optional is how the Delta variant is causing more havoc than Loki!!! Why Disney?!?!? Why??????
Disney hotel cancellations are currently climbing,
Thank you DFB. I got this covered.
We are in the parks right now. Cast members are so busy barking at people regarding masks you can barely get a good morning from them. We’ve found the employees at SeaWorld and Universal to be far friendlier. That makes me sad!
Interesting. We just got back from a 10 day trip and we encountered the same thing. Not everyone was hyper-enforcement but there were some who I think felt it was their personal business to make sure those masks were on every single persons face or they would make you feel their disdain for you being there.
I don’t think Disney is too popular now so maybe they should ask their cast members to back off of the tough guy stance.