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Disney World isn’t the only Disney theme park making adjustments to its face mask policy. See here for all the details.
Disney World face mask policy
Guests are required to wear face masks indoors for just a little bit longer.
Effective February 17, face coverings will no longer be required for fully vaccinated Guests in both indoor and outdoor locations. Face masks will still be required on Disney transportation like buses, the monorail, and skyliner.
There are still federal mandates for transportation in place, so this is why we still see the transportation rules in effect.
This also means indoor character sightings will now offer maskless photo opportunities.
Changes at another park
The state of California eliminated its mask mandate yesterday, February 14. Now, both parks on each coast can present a cohesive mask policy for its Cast Members and Guests.
We speculated that this change could potentially lead to a complete drop in the mask policy. I (Monica) personally predicted a drop maybe sometime in March before the Spring Break crowds arrive. However, it has arrived a bit sooner than I thought. Also effective February 17, Disneyland Guests that are vaccinated will not need to wear a face mask indoors.
Official Disney Statement
COVID‑19 has been a constantly evolving situation, and for nearly two years, we’ve been very intentional and gradual in our approach to COVID‑19 health and safety protocols. Given recent community trends and the availability of vaccines, we are positioned to responsibly adjust our health and safety protocols for fully vaccinated Guests.
Beginning Thursday, February 17, the following health and safety updates will be in place at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. Guests who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters.
Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.
There you have it. Disney was likely waiting for positive cases to decrease and mandates to relax in California before offering a change. What do you think of these changes? Are you more or less likely to visit now? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.
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Jim
Wednesday 16th of February 2022
I'm glad Disney finally got with the program and started relaxing their outdated rules. My AP is due for renewal in March and if masks had still been in place, I would have let it go. I think Disney realized that a lot of people were in the same boat, and while they cater to resort guests, they know losing a substantial amount of APs would cripple them. Chapek finally made the first smart decision of his entire tenure.
Tami
Tuesday 15th of February 2022
I’m a little annoyed but only because I just bought a whole bunch of Disney masks for our trip next week. lol