It’s been a long two years living with this, am I right? New developments could potentially point to changes in Disney’s face mask policies. Time will tell!
Face mask policies
As Disney Parks around the world reopened, big changes became the norm. Temperature screenings, social distancing, and face mask policies became a part of our every day vocabulary here at Kenny the Pirate. We did not see any changes in the face mask policies until last spring when Disney announced they could be taken off while outdoors.
Then, they announced a complete drop for face masks: indoors and outdoors. This was a welcome change as touring Disney World in the summer can be brutal. Guests could decide on their own what they felt comfortable with.
That was short lived as cases spiked in late July and Disney reinstated the indoor mask policy. Since then, masks are required at all indoor locations. That includes restaurants, shops, and attractions that are indoors or partially indoors.
Mask Mandate Changes
The state of California will do away with its mask requirements beginning February 14. While this may or may not affect Disneyland, the more I (Monica) keep thinking about it the more I ponder the current reasoning for mask policies at Disney Parks.
California will no longer require masks beginning February 14.
First, let’s look at Florida. The state of Florida has close to zero requirements for masks, vaccines, and everything else pandemic related. This is the complete opposite of California. Is Disney planning to drop the mask policy soon now that both states no longer require face coverings? Are the US Disney Parks waiting to make any changes until both governing mandates allow it?
Best Guesses?
We know Disney World dropped its policy once already despite Disneyland not being able to do so. I really don’t foresee this to be the reason why Disney World still has a mask requirement.
When the state of emergency was lifted in Orange County late last fall, I wondered if maybe then Disney would no longer require masks. This would have been great timing that coincided with indoor character sightings.
Omicron is past its peak and headed back down. After Disney did nothing with the policy in November, I assumed maybe they would announce something in the spring. Winter is always a bad time for germs, and this last wave affected more people than previous variants.
My personal thinking is that Disney may consider dropping the masks again this Spring. This may ensure cases remain low and the germy season is behind us before possibly dropping a mask requirement.
With both California and Florida now on the same page regarding mask requirements, will we see a united front for US Disney Parks? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.
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Kathy B.
Tuesday 8th of February 2022
Time to move on, it's been 2 years, if you get sick you get sick no mask is gonna prevent it. You still get sick if vaccinated or not, time to make your on decision on your own. If you want to wear it do so, but I say people are tired of it ,NO MORE MASKS live your life people and enjoy fresh air indoors and out.
Rooster Cogburn
Monday 7th of February 2022
If one feels like the mask is what is making the difference on catching an airborne virus, maybe Disney is not the place for you
John
Monday 7th of February 2022
Nailed it! Get rid of them!
Jennifer Richards
Monday 7th of February 2022
Drop the mask requirements! They don’t work. I know so many triple vaccinated people who wear masks all the time who still got it anyways. Please drop the requirement!! We need to move on.
James A Tighe
Monday 7th of February 2022
I am ultimately fine with whatever Disney decides as I hope they are basing the decision on facts. But please, for the love of God, do not surprise everyone suddenly with a change in policy without any notice. The last two times we have been to WDW, they changed their mask policies with less than 24-hours notice. This does not allow folks ample time to adjust their plans if their personal views or comfort level do not align to the new policy.
I am going to Disney next week, so odds are they will announce a major change effective immediately while we are there giving no time to evaluate our comfort level with the new policy.