For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
New recommendations from the CDC indicate great news for the state of Florida. Is Disney World closer to dropping the indoor mask policy?
Face Mask Policy
For many months, the mask policy at Disney World was simple: everyone must wear a mask at all times unless you are eating, drinking, swimming, or in your hotel room. Back in April, we finally saw this policy relax with Disney allowing Guests to remove their masks while taking an outdoor photo.
Along with changes to the Guest face mask policy in June, coverings also became optional for vaccinated Cast Members in all indoor and outdoor locations. It was a welcome respite from the summer heat.
Unfortunately, the state of Florida experienced a surge in cases in late July and August, prompting Disney World to require them again in indoor areas.
The policy has remained the same for the last few months, but a new policy affecting Cast Members recently went into effect. Not only that, but the state of emergency in Orange County expired. This left us to wonder if Disney would be following their guidance.
New guidance
Disney has been following local officials versus national leaders and the CDC. It’s been over two weeks since the state of emergency ended. Still, no changes to the guest policy have been made. All guests are required to wear masks indoors.
Orange County now falls under the moderate category according to the CDC. When that happens, the CDC recommends only unvaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor spaces. According to the CDC, it is not necessary for vaccinated people to wear a mask.
Here is a look at the recent data:
As of November 15, 2021 there are 518 cases with a case rate of 37.17 per 100k. That equals a 2.48% positivity rate. Anything under 5% is considered good!
So, will Disney drop the masks?
However, that does not necessarily mean Disney is closer to dropping the mask policy. With indoor character meets returning and the cold winter months approaching, Disney may continue to require everyone to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
I (Monica) predict Disney will be much more cautious with the face coverings given the flip flop they did this summer. It’s possible they may wait until this spring to see how numbers look.
What are your thoughts? Is Disney closer to dropping the mandate or will masks be around for a while longer? Join the conversation in the comments below and on Facebook.
Share the love!
Iwant Nomask
Tuesday 8th of February 2022
AMEN!
Iwant Nomask
Tuesday 8th of February 2022
When Disney drops ALL the Covid requirements, I will return. Until then, I will spend my entertainment dollars elsewhere. I won't wear my mask...or my star!
dan
Saturday 5th of February 2022
Thank you. I still have to be counted as disabled in some places because I can't wear one. I'm sick and tired of it and it seems ridiculous and unnecessary to continue these policies nowadays
dan
Saturday 5th of February 2022
I truly believe that any company that still requires this always will. Nothing will ever be good enough for them to drop the requirement. Unless people stop going in droves, which is unlikely, the policy will be forever. That does not mean I support the policy. I truly believe that a major driving force in transmission is self infection with people wearing them. Not breathing normally, excessively touching your face, and reusing disgusting masks (not to mention them being thrown on the ground). If we want the shot to have any significance beyond the basic health benefit, we should try to normalize things to how they used to be, at least for people who have gotten the shot, if not everyone. After all, that was a major driving force in its development. Many companies and areas have already done so. But those who stick to ultra strict policies always will, I believe
Sue
Saturday 22nd of January 2022
Unless it’s a well fitted N95 mask which is helpful, the rest are a waste of time. This has been proven time and time again