Walt Disney World Has Announced ANOTHER Update To Their Mask Wearing Policy

Walt Disney World reopened fully on July 11 and as you would expect, in the unprecedented times that we are in, certain guidelines may have to be updated based on guests behaviors.

Last weeked, Disney quickly announced updated mask wearing guidelines, which included clarification on the exact types of face coverings that are required inside the park and when and where these need to be worn.

Mandatory mask wearing has been the one measure, I feel confident to say, that has caused the most controversy between guests out of all the health and safety guidelines that have been put in place in order to keep guests as safe as possible at a time when COVID-19 is still present.

Walt Disney World have now made another announcement to clarify the ruling of removing your mask when eating and drinking…

Wording has now changed to ‘stationary’ in official guidelines

Since Walt Disney World has reopened it appears that some guests have been somewhat taking advantage of the ruling which says that masks can be removed when “actively eating and drinking”. Some have been choosing to purchase either a large drink or something like pop corn and then wandering around the parks with their mask pulled down or removed, saying to any cast member that approaches that they are “eating or drinking”.

So, Disney has added into their Face Covering policy on their official site that:

“You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.”

The “should be stationary” wording is the new addition and will hopefully combat those guests that are trying to find the loop hole in the guidelines.

Previously, the guidelines simply stated “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.”

It has been generally reported that Disney are doing a very good job in enforcing the mandatory mask wearing rule, something which some other theme parks have come under scrunity for.

With the addition of this simple wording into their policy, it will hopefully erradicate certain guests who are currently roaming around the parks without wearing masks claiming they are eating or drinking. It’s not to say it will stop people trying, but cast members will now have the back up of the official policy to try to stop this unwanted behavior from continuing.

At a time when Florida is unfortunately still seeing an upsurge in the number of reported COVID-19 cases and with all eyes on Walt Disney World as to whether they will or won’t make the decision to reclose in the near future. They are having to ensure health and safety measures are being followed to the letter, which is why this change has been made, so no one can argue the point.

Cast Member mask wearing, Disney — Image: Disney

Let us know what you think about this change in our comments section below or on Facebook Page.

Now that all the central Florida theme parks are reopen we have started our popular Big Updates article again, which summarises all the latest weekly news from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and other popular Orlando theme parks. To read our latest Big Updates article, which includes a brief overview of this mask update, click on the link below:

The 8 BIG Updates from Walt Disney World (And Beyond) This Week (July 13-19, 2020)

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, check 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 of our new 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.

For our latest Big Debate click on the link below:

The Big Debate – Which COVID-19 Change At Walt Disney World Would You Like To Become Permanent? Part 1: FastPass+

Under the Sea, Fastpass+ — Image: Theme Park Tourist

You can read our latest Results and Discussion by clicking on these links:

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: