Walt Disney World Has Announced Updated Mask Wearing Guidelines

After over three months of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World has reopened its gates this week, firstly to Cast Members then to Annual Passholders and finally on Saturday to the public.

Due to the rising number of reported COVID-19 cases in Florida over the last few weeks, there had been a lot of speculation as to whether it was the right decision for Walt Disney World to continue with its planned July 11 reopening date.

Early reports from opening day show positive signs. There are guests posting about small numbers of people in the park, compared to the usual crowds that would be the norm to see, mask wearing by all, short wait times, rides being disinfected and sanitized at regular intervals and social distancing happening throughout the park.

We all know that Walt Disney World is a place to escape the stresses and strains of life and some guests reported that with low capacity within the parks, you could take a more relaxed pace, due to short wait times.

Ride sanitization, Disney — Image: Disney

The COVID-19 world we are currently living in obviously couldn’t be escaped for long, due to social distancing in queue areas and on rides and most prominently of all in the wearing of a face covering by all cast members and guests. This has undoubtedly been the most controversial and talked about measure that has been brought in due to COVID-19.

New announced guidelines regarding face coverings

Cast Member mask wearing, Disney — Image: Disney

We know that all cast members have to wear a mask and in most cases a face shield (visor) at all times. We also know that all guests (aged 2 and up) are required to bring their own face coverings and must wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming.

Walt Disney World has now updated their Face coverings policy with more specific guidelines as to what face coverings are allowed and how they should be worn.

Here are Disney’s new official guidelines which start by saying all face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

Be made with at least two 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
It also states, at this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings.

It ends by outlining that costume masks are prohibited from being worn and the use of face coverings is not a substitute for social distancing.

These updated guidelines must be followed for anyone who is looking to return to Walt Disney World now it has reopened.

For all the latest news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and all other theme parks in the US and around the World, by checking out our News Page and Facebook Page.

To read two of our top articles this week, click on one of the links in the content box below, and if you click on page 2, you can find out what else Theme Park Tourist has to offer to help you plan for your next theme park trip. We have also included a list with links to our recent featured articles for you to check out…

What Else Does Theme Park Tourist Has To Offer?

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or a trip to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Disneyland or any other theme park in the US, UK or across the world, take a look at our Park Guides and Reviews page. We have over 80 parks listed worldwide with ride information, ratings and reviews!

Our Special Offers page gives you a list of special offers for all the top theme parks around the world. These are currently being updated as the parks start to reopen again.

Even though, due to COVID-19, there have been many projects that have been cancelled, delayed or slimmed down, our New Attraction Watch Page lists when the new attractions are announced to be open and Rehab Watch, which lets you know what rides or attractions will see down-time in the future due to refurbishment.

You can read our latest Big Debate Results and Discussion by clicking on this link, The Big Debate RESULTS: Do YOU Think Walt Disney World Should Delay Its Reopening?

Walt Disney World, Disney — Image: Disney

There is still time to vote in our two current debates, The Big Debate – Do YOU Think Splash Mountain Should Be Rethemed? and The Big Debate – Should Screaming Be Banned on Roller Coasters?

During a time when your favorite theme park isn’t quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below: