Disney Makes Another Change to Face Cover Policy

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in the near future, you’ll want to keep an eye on the latest face-covering requirements. On May 15, Disney announced they were no longer requiring Guests to wear masks outdoors. On June 15 face coverings became optional both indoors and outdoors for fully vaccinated Guests in most areas except on Disney transportation. Disney did not require proof of vaccination but did expect unvaccinated Guests to keep their masks on particularly while indoors. Unfortunately, with the rise of COVID cases, Orange County (which encompasses much of Walt Disney World) is in a state of emergency. Disney responded on July 30 by once again requiring masks to be worn at all indoor locations as well as outdoor queues, attractions, and theaters. Today, we’re learning that beginning August 19, face masks will now be optional for Guests when riding outdoor attractions, standing in outdoor queues, and while seated in outdoor theaters.

As reported by InsideTheMagic: “Per Disney: Since May, face coverings have been optional for Guests in outdoor common areas, and beginning Thursday, August 19, face coverings will also be optional for Guests in outdoor attractions, outdoor queues, and outdoor theaters at Walt Disney World Resort. As a reminder, face coverings remain required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail, and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.”

It sounds like Guests will now be able to keep their masks off at all times while outdoors. Keep in mind, you’ll still need your mask for all indoor attractions, resorts, shopping, etc. According to the Walt Disney World website, All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) should:

• Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
• Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
• At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin, triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
• Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
• Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings should: Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching; Meet all face covering requirements listed above.

We will keep you posted as Disney continues to make face cover policy changes.