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After a few back and forth changes for the mask policy, will Disney World drop its policy altogether soon? What would this mean for character meets? Here is what is happening in Central Florida that may impact the decision.
Disney’s mask policy
Masks have been a main-stay for the majority of Disney World’s reopening phase. We finally saw a small change in May of this year which allowed Guests to take them off when outside in common areas.
Then in June, we saw a complete drop of the requirement for vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated people were still required (but not asked to prove) to wear them indoors.
Shortly after, Disney required masks indoor once again after seeing a rise in positive cases in Orlando County and Florida. This is the current policy: that all guests regardless of vaccination status wear a face covering indoors.
State of Emergency
Disney World has been following guidance from Orange County and Mayor Demings. Back when the state of emergency was reinstated in late July, Disney quickly reinstated the indoor policy.
Although Florida mayors cannot require mask mandates, they can still recommend it. And for the most part, theme parks in Orange County have complied.
Things are looking up for the area as Covid rates have decreased. Mayor Demings is about to take action that could change the mask policy at Disney (and quickly).
That State of Emergency is set to expire today, October 27 at 3:04 pm. The positivity rate has been below 5% for 17 consecutive days.
Additionally, the CDC changed the community transmission rate from “high” to “substantial.”
What does this mean for Disney World?
As stated above, Disney has been following guidance from Mayor Demings and Orange County instead of solely what government officials and the CDC recommend.
With no State of Emergency, there is also likely to be no further recommendation from Mayor Demings for businesses to require face coverings. Could Disney drop its policy (again)? How soon will this take place?
Character meet and greets (now called sightings) are returning next month. Could maskless photos be on the horizon?
What do you think about all these changes? Do you think Disney will not require masks indoors anymore? Join the conversation in the comments below and on Facebook.
Share the love!
Steve Lentzberg
Sunday 21st of November 2021
i have been wearing fake masks (panty hose)
LA
Friday 5th of November 2021
100% agree
Molly
Monday 1st of November 2021
I am going to Disney on Saturday. I do not want to wear a mask. It is ridiculous to force vaccinated people to wear a mask indoors when there are so few cases in Orange County. I made these vacation plans when they dropped the mask rule for vaccinated because I have asthma and wearing a mask makes me cough and cough. No fun. So to pay this much for a vacation and be forced to wear a mask when no one else is requiring a mask, just suggesting it, is so unfair. Going on vacation is not a necessary thing for the unvaccinated. They made their choice so why punish the vaccinated for their bad choice. Disney please drop the masking indoors this week!!!!
Baghette
Friday 29th of October 2021
To those who believe masks help, wear your mask if you want. If you believe in them it doesn't matter what everyone else does. This is the most ridiculous mandate I've ever seen. Football stadiums are packed weekly with 40-100K fans and somehow the world goes on. Please get rid of this immediately so we can freely enjoy your very high priced 'magic'
Lookin Good
Friday 29th of October 2021
They cannot legally ask you to provide proof in FL