Disney World Mask Update: New Signs, Christmas Designs & Big Price Increase
There have been some changes on the face mask front at Walt Disney World, with new Christmas designs, a big price increase, new material, another rule change, more signage & announcements. This post will take a look at all of that, plus a brief update on guest compliance at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.
If you’re looking for info about Disney’s face covering polices, begin with our FAQ & Guide to Face Masks at Walt Disney World. For a seemingly simple topic, there have been a lot of questions, policy tweaks, and more. That’s a fairly comprehensive look at everything you need to know, presented in question and answer format. This is also a topic we touch upon from time to time, as appropriate, in our Walt Disney World photo reports.
However, face masks have come up less frequently because there’s less reader interest. It seems that most Walt Disney World fans have embraced or at least begrudgingly accepted face masks as part of the temporary abnormal Walt Disney World park-going experience, or are staying away until the rule goes away. There’s been far less debate, which is fine by us. We can finally move onto more important debates, like who is the best Country Bear? (False alarm, that’s not actually up for debate at all–it’s Big Al.)
Moving along, there are “new” Christmas masks now available in the parks. Four designs, three of which are awesome. (Sorry, the final one brings me no joy.)
These holiday masks are not totally new, as these have been available on shopDisney since last month. They’ve just now made their way to Walt Disney World, along with the rest of the holiday merchandise.
Unlike the first batch of masks released over the summer that were cotton, these are polyester. They definitely feel nicer to the touch and are more breathable. However, it’s worth noting that online reviews are all over the place. Most complain about inconsistent sizing (the widespread belief among reviewers is that these are larger than the earlier designs) or being too thin.
While we’re still very satisfied with the masks we use, they’re a bit boring and we’re also total suckers for Christmas. As such, we’ll probably pick up a couple.
If you do opt to buy them, we’d recommend buying the 2-packs on shopDisney, which are only $11.99.
There are also four packs, albeit not of the holiday designs, for $19.99.
At Walt Disney World, the individual face masks have increased in price. Previously, Disney’s face masks were $6 each or 4 for $20.
Now, the bundle deal is gone and the individual price is $9.99.
The Spirit Jersey ones are $12.99, which isn’t totally surprising since all Spirit Jerseys have absurd pricing; how they manage to sell so well is one of life’s great mysteries.
While I firmly believe that Spirit Jerseys are overpriced sweatshirt imposters, I can’t say the same about the face masks.
Honestly, I thought the previous pricing was a steal, especially as compared to what we’ve paid for other reusable face masks elsewhere.
This is definitely a big price increase percentage-wise, and there’s some shock value from that perspective. With that said, it doesn’t seem totally out of line to me. If the face masks started at $10 each when the parks reopened this summer, I probably wouldn’t have batted an eye. It’s just the jump that’s attention-grabbing here. Your mileage may vary.
Next up, it’s been almost two months since we posted our previous Walt Disney World Face Mask Compliance Report and part of the reason we haven’t done a follow-up is because not much has changed. As before, our original concern was that face mask rule compliance would dip over time due to fatigue and other factors.
If anything, we’ve noticed increased diligence among Cast Members in actively enforcing the rules and politely reminding guests to pull up their mask, not walk and drink, wear masks while taking photos, etc. For their part, most guests also at least acquiesce with the rules.
Anyway, face mask compliance remains more or less the same as before. Magic Kingdom is the best park at around 97-98% compliance. We’d peg Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios as tied for second at around 96%. EPCOT and Disney Springs both average around 95%.
Note that these numbers vary by time of day (mornings are better across the board), area of the park (in front of Cinderella Castle is the worst area of Magic Kingdom), and various other factors. Even at their worst, the theme parks remain significantly better than anywhere else in Central Florida.
Obviously, our observations of compliance are entirely anecdotal. What you notice or experience might be entirely different, especially if you visit on busier weekends. As crowds increase, mask compliance seems to decrease. This is presumably due to Cast Members being stretched too thin and guest patience wearing thin, among other things.
This is unquestionably most noticeable in World Showcase at EPCOT on evenings, weekends, and especially the double threat of Fridays through Sundays at night. We’ve covered this elsewhere, and it probably shouldn’t be a huge surprise to anyone reading this. Most people visiting EPCOT on weekends during Food & Wine probably know what they’re getting themselves into.
As has been the case since the summer, Walt Disney World continues to evolve its mask messaging, and add new rules as necessary. We heard yet another modification while standing in line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
I’m not sure of the specific verbiage, but it stated that eating and drinking are not allowed while standing in line. This is a new rule, and likely due to guests being too lax with masks while eating or drinking in line. We’ve noticed this several times, and typically just give guests “sipping & strolling” while in line a bit of extra space. That’s not always possible though, particularly when they’re behind us in line.
Honestly, I didn’t even hear/notice this rule change announcement–it was all Sarah.
The announcement is literally 30 seconds long at this point, and I’ve heard it enough that my brain just tunes it out (except when it’s a new voice, for some reason). They could throw in some nonsense about Dino-Rama having a brilliant backstory mid-spiel and it probably wouldn’t even catch my attention.
Speaking of announcements, there are also pop-up notifications in My Disney Experience about mask-wearing.
We first mentioned these in passing a couple of weeks ago, assuming it the notice was a one-off. Since then, I’ve received the push notification over a dozen times–occasionally multiple times in the span of an hour. I don’t think that frequency is necessarily deliberate or consistent with others. I also used to receive “do you want to Mobile Order?” push notifications literally every time I walked past the Lunching Pad.
There are also a slew of signs that have recently appeared in the parks.
These include ones indicating that masks must cover the nose and mouth, that guests not properly wearing an approved mask will be asked to leave, and that face coverings are required at all times–including while taking photographs. The last one follows a similar announcement playing around Cinderella Castle, stating the same.
I give huge kudos to Walt Disney World when it comes to face coverings. Both in terms of rule enforcement and adapting to increase compliance. They’ve deftly handled what has become a contentious issue without much in the way of in-park backlash. It’s actually pretty impressive.
Nevertheless, part of me wonders what incremental compliance gains are coming from the ongoing additions to signage, announcements, and so on? After seeing and hearing the same message a dozen times, is the thirteenth time the charm for some people? Or is there a point when only targeted enforcement with Cast Members delivering individual “reminders” to guests breaking the rules going to be effective?
I truly don’t know the answers to those questions, but I pose them because the cumulative weight of this all does impinge upon the guest experience a bit for those who abide by the rules and don’t try to exploit loopholes or test the limits. It’s a given that these are abnormal times and it’s necessary to accept compromises and changes to the guest experience–including the face mask rule.
However, some degree of balance is also necessary. Not in terms of the substance of the rules, but in their presentation. Obviously, Walt Disney World is not going to have its trademark escapism right now (at least, not nearly to the normal degree) but there’s a fine line between firmly presenting and enforcing health safety rules, and getting heavy-handed. That’s especially true when the signs have become so frequent and the announcements so long that they’re potentially ineffective because many people just tune them out anyway.
This is undoubtedly a tough needle to thread and Walt Disney World is in a tough position; I’m just not entirely convinced that another sentence to the in-park spiel and two dozen new sandwich boards each week is an effective answer. With that said, the Incredi-Crew Cast Members have been doing a phenomenal job addressing rule-breaking guests, and that one-on-one approach appears to be highly successful in correcting noncompliant behavior.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your thoughts on the face mask price increase? Are they still reasonable even after the jump, or too much? Thoughts on the length of the announcement or increasing number of sandwich board signs in the parks? If you’ve visited the parks since Walt Disney World reopened, what was your experience wearing masks? Observations on compliance? Do you agree or disagree with any of our assessment? Please keep the comments civil. This is not the place for arguing about efficacy, politics, and so forth—all such comments will be deleted, irrespective of perspective. You are not going to change anyone’s mind via the comments section on this blog, nor are you going to change Disney’s policy.
The newer masks are so cute! Still affordable and even more so with your AP discount or seasonal discount.. I think I got my initial masks for about $2 a piece when they had the sale in the parks with a stackable AP discount. It would be nice if they were made with a pocket for an additional filter, but either way I am content to purchase more with cute designs which are keeping up morale during tough times.
I just got back from going to the parks for a second time during Covid (three of my prior trips we canceled out of abundance of safety in the early months, which leaves me eternally grateful to even be able to go now), and my friend’s mom had to ask a few times not to ride with other groups because she was nervous that the people would take their masks off and ruin our pictures.
We watched one guest be told by 4 different CM to not take her mask off for selfie photos while we were in line for FoP. It got to the point where I approached her and politely, but sternly, and had to ask her to be respectful of CM and keep her mask on. We heard the couple behind us laughed in our favor, talking to each other about how they were glad someone finally said something so they didn’t have to because of social distancing meaning they’d have to pass us or yell over us to the woman.
We eventually got into the enclosed ride que, and my friend’s mom mentioned to a CM about the disrespectful woman not keeping her mask on; they finally pulled her to have a conversation, which, I don’t think she liked because she wasn’t returned to line.
If you think the CMs are being rude to you about the masks.. it is not on them, it’s on you.
For example: No one gets mad when CMs who are maintaining lines so no one is skipping them except the guilty party. If you are unhappy about having to wear a mask, think about CM in the sun all day not having FUN while wearing their masks… They are there to make sure masks are worn for safety during scrutiny about keeping the parks open. You are well aware of the expectations and mask wearing ahead of time. WDW is working hard to keep things safe and to remain open.
Walking and eating was ruined by outwardly, belligerent “finding loopholes” of walking around with a half full cup of coffee with intent to not wear a mask the entirety of someone’s visit.
Every time I head a CM enforcing the rules I turned around and sincerely thanked them.
Having to ask people all the time at my job for them to continue to wear their mask correctly is incredibly frustrating, and no one wants to have to police people for their own good.
I applaud Disney for their stern and forward expression of signage around the parks as that takes a lot of courage for them to request their expectations so blatantly.
They tried for months to be nice and kind about it, but it is the guests who need more magic in their hearts to understand empathy that need reasons to comply with the rules who can wait until there is no longer a mask mandate to visit.
Disney is a privilege, not a right! We are very lucky, and need to show a little bit of gratitude and solidarity in something as simple as a face covering.
No one is going to tell me how to wear, not wear, pull up ,pull down,what color I can or can’t wear in dealing with masks. If I purchase a ticket and my mask or lack of it is not to your liking, that’s definitely on you. I will ignore another patron. .I have not had to consistently wear a mask in my area ,so this is totally going to be new to me. I don’t need others to tell me how or what to do. I think it’s rude and impolite. And I’m not afraid to tell you. We will be in Disney in 2 weeks and honestly not being able to eat and drink in the parks is seriously making me rethink this.
I completely agree! Everyone should know prior to arrival (if they do their homework at all) what Disney’s expectations are during the pandemic. If people resent the rules put in place for the safety of everyone then they should stay home.
Stephanie,
If you don’t like the rules don’t buy a ticket.
I don’t want your germs on me and I’ll tell you if you are breaking the rules around me or get to close.
I wouldn’t go if I was you. It’s Disney world not “all about me” world. You have to respect other people who don’t want your droplets all over them.
Thank you @CattyBats! You could not be more right on.
It’s time to stop thinking only about yourself @Stephanie. Mask wearing protects everyone.
If you are going to Disney, you know you will be wearing masks. And please be kind to Cast Members. There is not excuse not to.
Props to @Jayne and @Maria as well.
If you have questions about the benefits of mask wearing, take a little time and do some research. Our school district just announced we have no known community spread within schools because of masks, hand washing and social distancing. Maybe that’s why surgeons and doctors have been wearing them for centuries.
Mask up Disney!
AMOMMABEAR: “Maybe that’s why surgeons and doctors have been wearing them for centuries.” Surgeons wear surgical masks to protect the patient’s open body cavity from the big stuff they might spew out of their mouths and noses during surgery. They do nothing to protect the surgeon.
I am so glad they have added the extra verbiage about eating in line! There is a big difference between a bottle of water and lunch. I have watched on several occasions guests berate CM’s who nicely asked them to pull their mask up. Once while in line for Mickey&Minnie Railroad. The posted line was 80 minutes and this couple had a pizza (not a slice-but a full pie in a box) and never wore their masks for at least 30 minutes. They also weren’t great about watching ground markers. When up by the building a CM finally saw them and nicely asked them to put their masks on. The woman was extremely nasty and said “you can’t expect us to stand in line for 3 hours with no food or drink”. Ummmm, seriously? My daughter and I go about once a week and every visit we have apologized to CM’s who have been treated rudely by guests. CM’s are human and they have limits too. Remember, they are wearing a mask all day long just like guests.
@DebC
What you say is correct. When I wear a mask, I protect you from any virus I may expel when I breathe, just like a surgeon protects a patient. When you wear a mask, you protect me from any virus you expel, just like that surgeon. That is why we all should be wearing masks properly in the parks, so we protect each other. I totally get why people don’t want to wear them. I spent ten days at WDW in August and wearing one was brutal, but I survived. But if wearing one is an issue, people shouldn’t be going to WDW until they are no longer required by Disney.
How are the supposed to be handling New Year’s Eve and Close early ??? No Fireworks & Can’t you still have New Year’s with a Mask on ???
Of COURSE the masks have increased in price! Those upper executives HAVE to get their bonus for the year!! I was SHOCKED at Disney’s initial price of 4 for $20. It was way too low, considering! I spent $80, and I have no intention of purchasing any more masks until the pandemic is over! (And, unlike most reviewers, I like the original ones a lot!)
We were just there. The cast members are not friendly or nice especially when “ reminding” guest to not walk and drink water. The magic is definitely gone hopefully it will return.
From the (many) conversations we’ve overhead, that’s almost entirely on the guests. Most have petulant or snide responses when reminded, and I’m frankly not sure how much friendliness they should be expecting after disregarding a dozen-plus signs and announcements.
I don’t know how hard it is to remember. Stop walking to take a sip. Pull mask back up and keep walking.
Maybe it’s because we are AP but people were milking the walking and drinking loophole for all it was worth a few months ago. One family carried around Italian iced and ate them in line, sealed them on the ride, pulled masks down and walked with them in between rides.
I am currently staying at Art of Animation, 5 days into a 12 day trip. Been to Disneyland or DisneyWorld at least 100 park days since 1972. Very quiet at the resort during the day. So we go back after lunch and hang out there. Great theming and fun just to visit just to take pictures of the cars. Monday at EPCOT was relatively low crowds compared to the past. On Tuesday at Magic Kingdom, crowds were back, lines were long. People have figured out the timing of the mini parade of 2 floats that come by. Very crowded and can’t social distance on the parade route. At night we had reservations at Cinderella’s castle because we wanted to see the castle lit up. Cinderella did visit on the balcony twice during our dinner. Was worth the price of admission. Definitely crowded on Main Street with people staring at the castle lit up at night. Wednesday went to DHS managed to Snag Boarding Group 27. Long lines and crowds everywhere. But not an expert at DHS and I suspect this is normal after RofR. The park was already open when we arrived at 9:20aam. No lines at all to get in. The least mask compliance is on the Bus. Crying babies and tired parents make it tough for mask compliance. I would recommend double masking while on any bus.
Is there a rough estimate of what park capacity is set at currently for the WDW parks?
Those Christmas one are wonderful. If they have to exist, then it’s great that they at least look nice.
How many people in WDW wear Disney branded ones based on others’ observations? In DLP it was almost all generic disposables. I think that makes a big potential difference to the Disney bubble.
“How many people in WDW wear Disney branded ones based on others’ observations?”
A lot. Maybe 20-25%. The Universal Studios Florida masks are also incredibly popular.
It’s funny- when we planned our trip and had to keep adjusting with all the changes (not the dates, just all of the other things we had to switch around with dining, resorts, etc) I was so hopeful that the mask mandate would be gone by the time we went. However, now, I feel much better actually having the mask mandate and that Disney is enforcing it like they are. It’s actually pretty comforting. So we’ve embraced it and have purchased masks to go with our outfits, even custom ones for my daughter’s bday. We leave in 9 days. Honestly, had they done away with the mask mandate or increased capacity, we probably would be rescheduling.
Do you know if Universal, Sea World and Busch Gardens are enforcing masks like DW?
They are enforcing mask as well. Neck gaiters are allowed at Universal and SW though. They are not allowed at Disney. That was the only real difference.
Cast members were extremely rude and impatient when I pulled down my little daughter’s mask when it got soaking wet on a ride. They started yelling at us and wouldn’t let us leave the ride. It was very upsetting. Wouldn’t the right training be to step away from us and indicate the nearest spot where we could replace the mask?
You have to wear the mask off the ride and then find a secluded place off the ride to change it. Mine got wet on Splash Mountain. I bring a few disposables for water rides. I had to wear it until I got out of the ride and back to a stationary place 6ft away. Everyone thinks they have a good excuse but if everyone’s excuse was valid no one would be in masks.
I’m so over all of this mask crap. I WAS an AP who flew in 3+ times a year from St Louis and did races but will not step foot at Disney until they ease up on the ridiculousness of this. It’s gone from hey let’s be safe to hey, let’s alienate a lot of people and make them completely disgusted by the safety theater they’re putting on. NO THANKS.
Sad. I hope the real Disney parks will open soon.
A million % agreed as a DVC (X2) OWNER they ALREADY have my $ so I am stuck either use what ive paid for, try and rent rent my 450 total points or lose them. We opted to make lemons out of lemonade. We will just be happy once the public comes to its senses regarding COVID and Disney dispenses with this nonsense
I could see the masks going up a dollar or two in price because of the new fabric but a penny short of four dollars is ridiculous.
Glad that I had a combination of Disney masks ( bought at The Pop Century Resort, The Emporium and The Riviera Resort during our September trip), mask that we normally wear at home and disposable masks.
Hope you or anyone you love doesn’t get or worse die from Covid. Not being with that loved one or able to say goodbye is horrible.
Deni: Surgical masks are not providing the protection someone needs against covid. Otherwise, where there are strict mask requirements there would be nearly zero cases. Even the CDC has said that masks don’t really protect the wearer. Read the packaging on these surgical masks and you will see that they don’t protect the wearer from disease.
I love the mask mandate. I’m a public school teacher, and since schools are the one place (in my state) where you can guarantee universal mask wearing, we have had no instances of community spread within our school community. We’ve had three isolated cases (two unrelated students in different buildings, and one custodial staff member) but every case was quickly identified, isolated, and school was able to continue without interruption. Mask wearing is undoubtedly the number one reason our schools are functioning without interruption, and it is the only reason we are willing to consider vacationing at Disney World right now.
Michelle: We have schools in Florida where masks are not required and there has been no increase in cases.
DebC, respectfully, that is wrong. Many many many studies have been conducted, and mutual masks along with social distance absolutely reduce risk of transmission. The virus is incredibly reduced when impeded by 4 layers of mask (your 2 and my 2) in addition to traveling a wider distance between the two of us. The fabric catches the virus as well as dispersing it in different directions rather than potent clouds. There is ample evidence from around the world that universal masking is a basic and effective measure for everyday citizens. While literally no one wants to wear one or will miss them when we’re past this, it is a small, simple way for each of us to support a balance of safety and a semblance of normalcy. It will help keep our kids in school, our store workers safe, and lessen the burden on our healthcare workers. It is a simple way to show that I and respect my neighbor, my kid’s teacher, the cashier at the grocery store, the nurse working extra hours. It has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with factual science and basic humanity.
@STLDis, you & me both! Every time Tom gives a new mask “update”, I get excited that maybe mask requirements have been changed to ‘voluntary’. Nope. I’ve been repeatedly lured in by the headline, only to be let down that nothing’s changed…absurdity continues to reign.
@STLDis
Do you wear mask at home in STL?
It’s the equivalent of giving a fine to a person in a unapproved mask. We saw a guy try to get in with a valve mask. He was stopped by security and told he needed a different mask. Someone in his party had an extra disposable mask. But if he didn’t that would have been $10 for not having an approved mask to get an approved mask. Seems fair.
I wear a Vogmask or surgical mask (when I need a break from the Vogmask) in the parks. It’s $33 but it has a coconut fiber filter. It wouldn’t kill Disney to put in a filter or at least include a filter pocket for $10. Etsy sellers will do it for you with Disney fabric.
We still see a lot of photo violations.
What I find incredible is that I NEVER see a single CM wearing a mask incorrectly. They are perfect even in the heat, even outside at Animal Kingdom. That beats any store in Florida.
Florida numbers are spiking. Expect more messaging. Particularly since the CDC changed an exposure from 15 minutes of close contact to 15 minutes over the course of a 24 hour period. That means 15 one minute encounters with unmasked guests could get a CM sick. Definitely not a thing you want to risk.
I am glad to see another guest noticing the mask compliance with Cast Members. I have been in the parks and resorts several days since re-opening and have never seen a Cast Member wearing his or her mask incorrectly. I had “culture shock” after my trip when I went to Sam’s Club. It was 50% mask compliance, and employees were talking to each other while standing close together with their masks around their chins. I have not seen anything like this at any Disney location.
I just have to say if the CDC is changing it’s stance (yet again) to this limited amount of contact, then it stands to reason they think the virus is aerosolized. If that is the case, there is no simple mask (filter or no) that will actually work. You need a fitted N95 mask like we wear in the hospital. When I say fitted, I mean it will leave marks on your face. The general public is not going to tolerate that. I can barely handle my 4 12s a week. Then again, I’m just a FL RN.
“But if he didn’t that would have been $10 for not having an approved mask to get an approved mask.”
There are mask vending machines outside the parks and TTC that sell disposable masks for such circumstances. Last I checked, those were $2 each.
Maria: Doubtful that a one minute exposure would result in covid. It takes a bit more exposure time to catch the virus. More like like over 15 minutes to an ill person. Even then, a person might not have any serious consequences. If you read the message on the package of disposable surgical masks, it will tell you that the mask will not prevent exposure to disease. The cute fashion accessories probably provide as much or less protection than the disposable surgical masks. Like someone said, you need to be fit tested with a respirator. And even the N95 might not provide the protection needed against the virus. If short exposure resulted in the disease, the number of cases in Orlando area would be much, much higher than it is with all the front line employees at the theme parks.
The Vogmask works fine. My wife has had several exposures. She works in residential healthcare and has not tested positive. The residents don’t wear masks because they are in their own homes. So that’s another added tricky layer.
Tiny particles still have a hard time getting into a mask. You at least get a smaller dose of the particles many get stuck on the mask and in the mask before they get to your face. If both people are wearing a mask it’s so much better.
As usual, Disney is over-pricing their merchandise. $10 for one mask is unreal! I buy Disney-licensed fabric at JoAnns at full price, not wholesale, and it costs me $3.50 to make two masks from 1/4 yd of fabric and it takes a whole whopping 15 minutes to make one. The Disney masks aren’t made in the U.S., so labor won’t be much. And remember, the CDC has recommended 100% cotton for masks, not blends. Polyester fabric isn’t as safe as the cotton ones because the weave is looser, allowing droplets through the fabric. So you’re basically over-paying for inferior quality & safety.
Whatever you are paying you are overpaying for what is a false sense of security!
Only if you don’t believe in Science and people trained in infectious diseases & prefer to ignore the data that shows how quickly the virus spreads among groups who don’t wear masks & how much slower it spreads among those who do.
Isn’t it the other way around? Polyester is a closer weave than cotton.
Just an FYI for anyone looking at Suay…the Universal ‘tie strap’ masks are ridiculously small – not even close to what the website lists as the measurements. Don’t even bother given the price for the 3-pack and how long they take to get delivered via USPS. Given that some guy was wearing the ear loop style at Narcoosee’s the other night, that one appears to be a little more appropriately sized.
I do hope that *a little* leniency in drinking while in line happens. It’s actually not that hard to take a sip while still wearing your mask (if not fully, then at least mostly).
While I think all the signage and announcements have become white noise, I do think that is only AFTER it is effectively drilled in. Someone who is only visiting for a week will notice the first few days of the trip. By the end, the white noise occurs, but the masks are proper habit.
We’ve been passholders for 16 years and live in Fl , we’re so tired of all the people complaining about wearing masks. Just wear them correctly or stay home, we’ve gone to the parks a few times since they opened and have noticed Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reinforces the rules so much better than Hollywood Studios. At Hollywood we saw so many people wearing the masks on their chin during the first 30 min that we chose to leave and we know better than thinking of going to Epcot now. There are local ladies that make beautiful masks for $6 that have a filter compartment that we have decided not to buy the Disney ones, if they’re thinner than how is that safer? and why wear one in the first place at that point?
Anecdotally, I’ve noticed increased compliance since Disney added the signs and announcement about guests being asked to leave if they don’t wear an approved mask. It seems very un-Disney to make a threat so explicit, but it’s effective. Hard to argue against it.
That’s a fair point about that particular sign/announcement change–we noticed a guest behavior shift after that one, as well. I think some people realized “Disney isn’t playing around” after hearing/reading that.
It’s easy to argue against it if you’re honest about reality.
We were there last week when it was so hot and humid. I was surprised at both the frequency of mask announcements and the high rate of compliance. The only people we observed not following the rules were some ladies behind us in line at HS who ate and drank the whole time as we moved. And admittedly, us Midwesterners were dying and needed water in line so we took quick sips here and there . Bonus- wearing masks at school all day seems easy now: if we can wear a mask for 12 hours in 90 degrees and high humidity, we can do it anywhere!
There was bloooood on the sad-dle.
Considering I paid $50 for a 3-pack of Suay masks (and a ridiculous $30 for an Under Armour mask that I don’t even like that much), the Disney price seems reasonable. DO they have adjustable ear straps? That’s the biggest key to me for the Suay masks.
Our anecdotal compliance was much higher than yours. Aside from 2 photo-taking couples (castle, Tree of Life – both corrected by CM’s), I probably saw 1 person over the age of 4 incorrectly wearing a mask in the time we were there.
I wouldn’t buy the Disney masks if they’re not made out of 100% cotton fabric. Polyester is not as safe as cotton because the weave is looser, allowing droplets through the fabric
The Under Armor mask is very breathable though. It’s moisture wicking and that helps a lot at Disney.
Agreed on the breathability of the UA mask, Maria. It just doesn’t fit my particular face very well – it’s always sliding down my nose and has to be adjusted frequently.
I wonder if the updated mask signage and new rules have anything to do with the Orange County Economic task force. I’m not excited to hear they now don’t allow people to drink in line since we spend so much of our day in it.
A lot of people going to the parks right now are locals. Orange County local government and residents are a bit hysterical over Covid, IMO. Some seem intent on being the mask police everywhere they go. I don’t know how Disney would do anything else.
I hate the new Disney mask. I was hopeful, but polyester does not breathe, and I don’t find the mask particularly comfortable.
I was really surprised at how cheap the masks were two weeks ago…probably the most useful and fun souvenirs one could get! Not at all surprised they’ve gone up in price. But thanks fo4 th3 heads up!
If masks weren’t such a fashion item, I’d bet compliance would be even less.