Walt Disney World Resort recently announced that face coverings will no longer be required in outdoor spaces within the theme park.
In a new post shared on its website, Disney World revealed that as part of its updated policy face coverings will still be required for all guests ages 2 and up and cast members in all indoor locations at the Orlando, Florida theme park. However, guests who are actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing are allowed to remove their masks.
The park also confirmed that face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Disney World, but are still required upon entering and throughout all attractions, theaters and transportation within the resort. The post also clarifies that "the use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing."
In the post, Disney World released a list of requirements that all disposable or reusable face coverings worn to the park must meet. The list can be read below:
- 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.
Face coverings may also have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer's mouth. These face coverings must:
- 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.
Per 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 at the park. Additionally, costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn.
Disney World's updated policy on masks was announced days after the CDC shared new guidelines regarding masks. In its May 13 announcement, the organization stated, "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance."
While Walt Disney World reopened to smaller crowds last summer, its California counterpart, Disneyland, reopened for the first time since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shut down on April 30. Since reopening, visitors to Disneyland's ticket website have been experiencing massive delays. At this time, tickets can only be purchased through the online reservation system and are limited to only California residents.
Source: Disney World, CDC