When Disney World reopened last year after the pandemic closures many new features were introduced including Park Pass reservations and relaxation stations.

At the mask-free relaxation stations, guests were allowed to sit or stand on a designated distancing marker (or a table/chairs in that space) and remove their face coverings. They could then eat a snack or simply relax in the area while distanced from others. But now, the mask-free relaxation stations in the parks are changing.

Disney recently changed their mask policy to allow all guests to remove their masks when outdoors (except in certain situations) 

Because of this change, it seems the need for mask-free relaxation stations has generally disappeared since guests can remove their masks in almost all outdoor locations. Now we’re seeing some BIG changes made to the mask-free relaxation stations around the parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Upcountry Landing

We first noticed this change at the relaxation station that was previously located at the Upcountry Landing seating area in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. Relaxation stations are typically marked as such by a sign on the outside and there is typically a Cast Member patrolling the station out front, checking how many guests are entering to monitor capacity, etc.

But, today there was no signage in front of the area indicating that it is a relaxation station. We also noticed that there was no Cast Member patrolling the area.

The tables and chairs were all still there and available for guests to use, but it appears as though it is no longer being treated as a “true” relaxation station. Guests were entering and leaving as they pleased throughout the time that we were there and we did not see a Cast Member monitoring the space while we were there.

Click here to see more about Disney’s updated mask policy.

Pizzafari

Pizzafari was also previously the location of a mask-free relaxation station. When we passed by today, however, Pizzafari was closed.

The tables on the outside of the restaurant were still available…

…but you could not go inside the building any longer to sit there and use it as a relaxation station.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Launch Bay

One of the biggest changes was made over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Previously, Star Wars Launch Bay was a relaxation station where guests could rest, get some AC, and take off their masks. When we visited recently, however, Launch Bay was not being used as a relaxation station.

Guests are allowed to enter the space, but they must keep their masks on at all times and they are NOT allowed to eat or drink.

If you want to get some air conditioning and check out some of the props and exhibits there, however, you can go into Launch Bay.

There are no characters available to meet, the movie is not available…

…and the store is closed.

Several of the exhibits are also blocked off so you won’t be able to get to some of those areas with the lightsabers or helmets.

But if you are a big Star Wars fan and you want to see some of the items in here that are available to look at, you can still go inside.

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

The relaxation station at the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is roped off and no longer being used as a relaxation station.

Now we’re wondering when the show here might return.

Magic Kingdom

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

The signage indicating that Pete’s Silly Sideshow is a relaxation station has been removed.

Guests, however, can still sit in the shade.

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

At Magic Kingdom, we noticed that Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, part of the seating for which used to be used as a mask-free relaxation zone, was no longer being used as a relaxation station.

However, the restaurant here is still open.

Golden Oak Outpost

The area around Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland is also roped off.

It does seem that some guests are still taking advantage of the seating here, though.

EPCOT

Morocco

The signs in Morocco indicating the relaxation station there are now gone. The area is still open to guests, though, who want to sit and relax at the tables there.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

The relaxation station at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway is now closed.

We expect more changes like this may be on the way as a result of Disney’s updated mask policy. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find.

Click here to see the MAJOR physical distancing changes that have been made at Rise of the Resistance in Disney World.

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