Walt Disney World has started a phased reopening with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom this week.
Gaiters at Chapel Hats in Disney Springs
Disney released guidelines set by the CDC for acceptable forms of face-coverings that are required for entry. One policy is that that masks should “be secured with ties or ear loops.” This caused some confusion as Neck Gaiters, a popular face covering that slips over your mouth and nose, don’t have earloops and are not secured with ties.
Disney didn’t explicitly mention a policy regarding the face coverings until now. Today, Disney has officially updated the website to state that Gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are NOT acceptable forms of face coverings.Â
©Disney
There have been many new health and safety measures implemented since the theme park’s closure in March. Every guest is required to wear a mask throughout the day with the exception of swimming, dining, and in the relaxation zones.
Relaxation Station
We will continue to inform you of updated policies while the parks reopen to the public. And if you’re looking for tips on wearing a mask ALL day in Disney World — click here!Â
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What do you think of the new mask policy? Let us know in the comments below.
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They don’t seem to have a problem with gaiters or bandanas in Disney Springs especially since that’s where I bought the one I wear! I get physically sick wearing regular masks so I guess we’re cancelling another trip since my gaiter that’s I bought IN DISNEY SPRINGS isn’t allowed.
I wear a normal mask with earloops and then put a gator over it to hold it security and as an added layer of protection. It doesn’t state If this is acceptable. Technically I’m following the rules, but you can’t see my earloop mask under my gator. I do however understand why a gator alone is not acceptable as they are extremely porus, however I think when paired with a normal mask it adds an extra layer of protection .
But some neck gaiters DO have ear loops AND filters!
What about guys with beards? Regular face masks will do nothing for them because they can’t go below the beard. This is why a *properly fitting* gaiter works…
I have a neck gaiter with ear loops. Is that acceptable? I’m taking other masks anyway, but just wondering because those keep us more cool in the heat.
So glad I have cancelled my passes. This is ridiculous!
We were at the preview yesterday and many people had gaiters on and no one had them take them off. So not sure about this post
I can see where they’re coming from with bandanas, but I’m not sure I fully understand the rationale behind not allowing neck gaiters.
This is really disappointing. I wear a neck gaiter because the traditional ear loop face mask knocks my CI processor (looks like a behind the ear hearing aid) off. I hope Disney reconsiders their policy, because this is the only thing I can wear comfortably and still hear.
Cathy, we’re reporting Disney’s new, published policy. We have seen people with gaiters and people asked to remove gaiters. It’s been fairly inconsistent. Now that it’s in writing, we’ll have to see how it’s enforced.
Mimi, we’re not sure on this, but it’s something we’re also curious about.
Lewis, I think that would be fine since you’re wearing a mask. You may be asked about it a lot, so be prepared to show lots of cast members your system. 🙂
What about face shields. They do the job but are’nt as hot and do not fog eyeglasses?
I purchased a number of gaiters when this whole thing started. They are comfortable, stay in place, and cover everything that necessary for safety from contaminants. Now I have to go out and buy something else?? Who’s to say they won’t allow whatever I purchase next? This is stupid. It’s also a moving target. They shouldn’t be allowed to change the rules when people already have made plans to come. Just who is this health authority? Are they going to buy me what I need? C’mon Disney. Do you want people to come back or not
This is so odd I work in a doctors office and wear a Gaiter every day it works better with my glasses the hospital that owns us has stated they are fine so I am confused
My children are on the autism spectrum and can’t wear masks. I called Disney today and spoke with a CM about exemptions for medical reasons and they told me they had nothing in their policy to exempt for ANY reason.
Ridiculous. We easily spend $10k a year at WDW, but we’re canceling our trip.
John, we’ve been told face shields are only allowed in addition to a mask, not as a replacement for one.
Mary, have you tried one of the solutions that allows you to attach the elastics behind your head? We also have masks that tie behind the head or that have elastic that loops around the head, which may work for you. The major reason we got some of the “around the head” ones are because my dad wears hearing aids and they kept falling out with the regular masks.
We have several masks one of which is very secure. It covers nose, mouth, chin, and has a filter. It secures safely with thick velcro around the back of the head. I WILL be wearing it along with others during our trip. It’s way more secure than some homemade mask with loop ties.
What if you have a gaiter with earloops can you wear them
Ridiculous. Disney must be making more money off of masks then gaiters.
Well, we are canceling. I ordered Gaiters for all five of us. They are the only thing my three year old can wear consistently. They are allowed in the clinic, and dentist office. What in the world! Having to ask my three year old to put her mask back on every five minutes would be torture for her, us, and anyone close by.
Thanks for the info. I see the publication. I was just surprised because so many were wearing them. I wouldn’t take a chance after reading the policy
I opted to do the extension for my AP passes, since we won’t be going back until and if masks are not required are we gonna get that parcel refund that we were offered to when this whole thing started. Disney can change their minds on anything at anytime and I am just not in the mood to play their game. I have bought several gaiters specifically for Disneyland and I had a feeling they were gonna do this. There is going to be no way that any place that has people going gonna be completely safe. We all know how many times we ALL touch our masks or gaiters or what ever we have on our face. Are they gonna start kicking people out for touching their mask too much too?
Jewel, as much as I don’t like govt involvement, the ADA requires reasonable accommodation and that definitely supersedes their policy.
Lord Vader, I don’t know the answer to this question. APs have had so many changes to policy recently, I think you’d need to call Disney for a confirmed answer.
Cathy, we are still seeing them, too. It’s very confusing.
Lorelei, we’re curious about this, too. I’ll see if we can find out.
I went to Disney springs today with my regular mask under my gaitter, as I normally do. I was stopped 3 times in 45 minutes to check my mask. I’m really glad that they are taking masks seriously (can’t say the same for universal) but I didn’t like feeling like I’m going to be stopped at any moment for not following the rules. I guess it is time to shave my caveman beard. In the time of Covid, we all just need to make the best of it.
Side note, about 1/4 of the people at universal are either not wearing masks or have their noses hanging out the top. We felt so unsafe there today, we didn’t ride anything and left after an hour or so.
Erin: I have tried it. It still knocks the coil off my head. Plus, my head is sensitive to certain kinds of pressure. I can’t wear Mickey/Minnie ears for more than 5 minutes without getting a headache. Cochlear implant processors are not the same as hearing aids, as I have a coil going up to connect to a magnet underneath my scalp.
Mary, that is too bad. I put the top elastic up over the top of my head, and the other one kind of hangs down near the back of my neck, so they aren’t anywhere near my ears. I hear you on the ears, too. I am ok with the Mickey ones, as long as they aren’t too heavy (like the old Glow With the Show ears), but the Minnie ones hurt the backs of my ears and give me a headache. I hope you are able to find something that works for you!