Disney World has changed their face mask policy a few times over the last few months.

What Do You Think of This Mask?

Recently, Disney announced a BIG change in its mask policy when it comes to photos. Previously, guests had to keep on their masks at all times (except when actively eating and drinking while stationary and physically distanced from others) — and that meant that masks had to be kept on while taking photos. Disney just made a change to that policy when it comes to outdoor photos and today we got to experience it in action.

Recently, Disney announced that, starting April 8th, guests will be allowed to temporarily remove their masks to take pictures while outdoors, but they must remain stationary and maintain an appropriate physical distance from others.

Updated Mask Policy ©Disney

And while the Disney World website still reflects that this change is set to begin on April 8th, when we visited Magic Kingdom on April 7th the change had already begun. As we walked around the park, we saw PhotoPass photographers already allowing guests to remove their masks for outdoor photos.

You Can See the Guests Holding Their Masks in Their Hands

Let’s say you want to take a photo at the Partners Statue. Once you’re at the actual photo location — meaning it is your turn to take your photo and you are physically standing where you need to stand for the photo, you can remove your mask, take the picture, and then you must promptly put your mask back on.

We saw a number of PhotoPass photographers already allowing guests to remove their masks temporarily for these outdoor photos.

New Photo Policy in Place

You can also take your own photos (meaning, not using PhotoPass) and temporarily remove your mask for your photos, but make sure you are stationary and distanced from others when doing so.

In the park today, we saw the PhotoPass photographers and other Cast Members asking guests to stay physically distanced and trying to keep that space between them.

New Photo Policy in Place

Update: Previously, some trash cans around Disney World contained a sign on them reminding guests that masks had to be worn even when taking photos. You can see a picture of that sign below.

Face Mask Signage

As we walked around Disney’s Hollywood Studios on April 8th, however, we noticed that most trash cans were either plain…

No Signs Here

…just had signs regarding social distancing…

Social Distancing Reminder

…or had signs with general COVID-19 reminders. 

Health and Safety Reminders

So, it seems many of those signs reminding guests to wear their masks when taking photographs have been removed from the trash cans in the park due to the change in policy.

Just keep in mind that this updated policy about being able to remove your mask temporarily for pictures only applies to outdoor photos, and Disney does continue to note that guests who fail to wear their masks properly will be asked to leave.

Disney Mask Policy Sign

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find.

Click here to see one the Orange County mayor’s comments on when the mask mandate in the county may end.

Are you planning to visit Disney World soon? Tell us in the comments.