Though Walt Disney World hasn’t been open for even a month yet, with the COVID-19 situation in Florida getting more serious by the day, Walt Disney World has been adjusting its safety measures frequently to try and keep guests as safe as possible. We’ve already seen Disney change its policy not once but twice in regards to face mask usage in the parks, and now we are seeing even more adjustments not only to this policy, but to their temperature screening policy as well.
Disney continues to tighten mask restrictions
Because there are a wide variety of face coverings available (and some seem to be more effective than others at preventing the spread of COVID-19), Disney has once again tightened its mask-wearing policy, to officially ban masks with breathing valves and/or holes. With this new addition, that means the following types of face coverings are all banned now:
- Neck gaiters
- Open-chin triangle bandanas
- Face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind
In addition, Disney has clarified that alll face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- 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
Guests who arrive at the resort wearing a face covering that does not meet Disney’s standard will be directed to purchase a face covering that is compliant or will be refused entry to the theme park and/or hotel they are trying to visit.
Temperature screenings will now take place at resort restaurants as well
Though temperature screenings at the theme park gates have been a fixture of the “new normal” Walt Disney World experience since its very first phases Disney has announced that it has now expanded temperature screenings to guests dining in table-service restaurants at Disney Resorts, effective immediately. According to the official Walt Disney World website guests dining in table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels will undergo a temperature screening prior to entering the location, and if a guests’ temperature falls outside the acceptable range, they will not be allowed to enter.
Other parks are changing mask policies too
Last week Universal Orlando Resort updated their face mask policy, stating that masks must be worn at all times, unless guests are eating or drinking distanced away from other guests, mirroring the same update that Disney made just a few days prior. And we expect that the ban on specific masks, including ones with valves, mesh and/or holes will be another policy that Universal would be wise to duplicate in the coming days, in an effort to keep all guests who visit their park as safe as possible.
In addition, earlier this month LEGOLAND Florida announced that visitors ages 8 and older will be required to wear a face masks in all enclosed areas of the resort as well as on all attractions, a reversal of their previous optional mask policy. Fortunately the park will be providing complimentary disposable face masks for guests who do not remember to bring one from home.
Though there have been plenty of rule and policy changes across theme parks already we expect there will be many more in the coming weeks and months as Walt Disney World (as well as other theme parks) continues to adapt to the “new normal” when it comes to keeping guests safe.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
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