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.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
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.
These new masks are extremely hard to breath through. I tried one before buying for the family, and good thing because I wouldn’t have been able to make returns on masks. Cute but NO!
I just think it’s a miracle that Covid skips everyone sitting around other people at a table in a restaurant with no mask on yet you’re doomed when you’re by yourself out side far away from anyone taking a picture with your mask down. Mask theater is wonderful.
I do love the Christmas masks though and will get them in a few weeks when I’m there.
well Amy, it actually doesn’t skip those people… which is why social distancing (aka NOT eating at restaurants with people who don’t live in your home) is still highly recommended as a way to help slow the spread….
i get the point you’re trying to make, that if you’re 6 feet away from someone what’s the harm. but the restaurant example is a very poor one since that isn’t recommended either lol
Hi, we recently visited Epcot for one day and I purchased several cute masks. At the beginning of the pandemic, I made our masks using 2 layers of cotton, metal pieces formed on the nose and elastic to go around our ears. We wear them everywhere, but not for hours at a time. Walking around all day in 90+ degree weather in masks is not fun. My husband was having a difficult time in the heat, so he tried one of the Disney masks and liked the lightness of it. But he did wear the same mask to a doctor’s appointment, and when the nurse checked him in, she asked him not to wear the Disney mask and gave him an approved mask!!! So, yeah, the Disney masks are cute and festive but I don’t believe they offer any real protection for the wearer! Because the layer (or layers) are so thin with no type of filter, how can they protect the wearer or anyone else? And the fit is far too loose. When we do wear these Disney masks, it will be OVER an approved mask.
It isn’t that the Disney masks are not good enough. They meet all guidelines presented for cloth masks. It is just that hospital systems/ health care in general is becoming much more strict on what is on/ not ok for masks. They used to let people wear their own cloth, but now, especially with fall coming and surges happening, are making sure that all people are wearing surgical masks.
At least this is how it is in my area/ at my hospital!
I must know which Christmas mask does not bring you joy!! Please, Tom!
I know from very early on WDW said you had to be sitting down to eat /drink and take mask off. They even announced spots where you could go to take off masks. Maybe with the 4-6k new cases per day, major increases in non resident deaths, increased hospitalization- the staff are wanting to stay safe.
Mine and my husband’s annual passes expired a month ago and we didn’t even realize it until a couple weeks later, because of the months that we weren’t charged and we lost track of when they would actually end. The thing is that we have have annual passes for probably 10 years and Disney always sends us a reminder in the mail or an email or both. This year we received no notification whatsoever. With all the hotel and park restrictions(we couldn’t order room service last time), store and restaurant closings, ride closings, mask rules(I don’t want pictures with everyone wearing masks, who wants to be reminded of that?), generally taking the fun out of everything as far as I am concerned, I wasn’t sure that I did want to renew until this mess was over. I GUESS THEY MADE MY DECISION FOR ME.
Also, speaking of cast members bugging you about masks. This was in August and I was waiting in my wheelchair to get on a bus from DIsney Springs back to my hotel and had just thrown my drink in the trash and this guy comes over not 5 seconds later telling me to put on my mask. GOOD LORD, GIVE ME TIME TO GET IT BACK ON! It was like he was watching me and got points for doing this. OVERBOARD MUCH!!
Tom,
I have a question for you.
We are going to be visiting Dec 21 through Dec 27. I have Thursday and Saturday Reservations for Hollywood Studios. I am going to switch one of those to EPCOT. I know over the last few months you have said that you might as well visit the Studios on a weekend since the park is at capacity regardless of day of the week.
I know EPCOT is mobbed over weekends now with Food & Wine, but do you think I would be better off going to Hollywood studios on Christmas Even and saving EPCOT for the weekend since Food & Wine will be over?
we are avid bi yearly vacation club and annual pass holders . To say we love Disney is an understatement. After cancelling our vacay and waiting patiently for 2021, we had an opportunity to go for a few days last week with friends. Sorry I did.
Friends spent close to $1000 for tix. We paid for a moderate resort to save our points. (Caribbean beach) there was only one restaurant for mobile order only and 4 tables at pool bar restaurant open.
Cast members have turned into mask , unable to ride Star Wars Resistance after being consumed by many attempts. Long lines…. Epcot lost all its charm with closures and rule upon rule to stay put to drink etc.
we were a party of 8 and no one was happy. We left early, cancelled magic kingdom and threw in the towel.
Hoping 2021 holds the magic.
Buyer beware! Disney masks are very inconsistent in sizing so it’s a total gamble when you buy one. They will not refund you if the mask doesn’t fit and you have to beg and plead to even exchange one. They act as if they don’t have about 1,000% margins on the masks anyway.
I agree, buyer beware. It’s best to make your own or buy from someone you know that makes them the right size. I would venture to guess all the masks at WDW are made in China – and sizing, well, if you have experience with other products, it’s up for grabs. (again, I am guess here)
Compliance of mask wearing rules has been wonderful this past week in all 4 parks, with the exception of Epcot After Dark! Then it’s pretty much masks off and try to avoid being seen by “the mask mouse police“! We couldn’t get out of the park fast enough. Just a heads up!
Do you think that doing the world showcase early in the day and the other parts of the park are better after dark? Since they’re open til 10pm, I want to maximize our day. But don’t want to be with those you mentioned. Thanks
We have been DVC for 18 years . Since this virus has been with us we have decided to NOT take part. I hate the masks and would not do well in Florida heat. Also they have cut park hours hugely, no parades, shows, fireworks. The worst part is it costs the SAME!!! Who is thinking this is a good idea? So banking points here along with a trillion other dvc members. This will develop into a monster mess in the next 2 years or so. I see this actually being the death knell for most, if not all theme parks. Folks like myself will not keep paying dues for this !
I agree. I think the masks are ridiculous, and I wont be back until they are gone. Its hot enough in Florida without the masks. I also refuse to pay the same amount for tickets when not everything is offered like: the parades, shows, attractions (some are closed), etc. Less offerings should result in lower ticket prices.
Totally agree, I regret going for Halloween, my granddaughters did not even get a Happy Halloween much less a piece of candy but I still had to pay full price for everything. The cast members definitely took a mask oath on constantly fussing at a 4 year old not having her mask on above her nose, like really Disney, she is 4. I will definitely not return during these ridiculous rules. Skipping seats on rides causing longer waits in line is ludacris! As a nurse, standing in crowded lines (even with mask on) is worse than letting everyone on a ride to keep the line moving faster! Also, covid does NOT go away by closing parks down early! Think logical Disney, crowds are the same after 6pm. Ticket prices should be half the price for giving half of the Disney magic.
We will also not be going until the mask requirements are dropped, fastpass is back, and most of the attractions are open, as well as longer hours. It is ridiculous that it costs the same for a modified, reduced and probably downright uncomfortable experience with the mask on all day. For the kind of money we pay to fly cross-country to WDW, we are not willing to do it, as much as we love Disney.
I wonder if the signs are more so when someone complains about “not knowing” when told by a cast member, the cast member can point like “see that sign right there?”
Tom, your posts demonstrate acceptance of credible science, so I am surprised and disappointed that you allow the posting of factually incorrect and potentially dangerous statements such as “masks are proven not to work.” Please don’t let people disseminate falsehoods here; there’s enough of that everywhere else.
âš¡ï¸âš¡ï¸âš¡ï¸Agreed !!! ✌⚡ï¸
Thanks to your article, I called my closest Disney store to see if they had any original masks left & they did, so I drove there today & was able to get original fabric & price! I also got a Christmas one, that was the same price as the others ($5.99)! And, I got 25% off with my friends & family coupon. I was originally planning to just wait until our trip next month to buy masks, but am so glad I came across your article & got some great deals today!
My daughter has to attend kindergarten remotely this year. I don’t understand why everyone can’t act like adults. It’s like some people never got passed being a spoiled child.
It’s too bad she can’t enjoy kindergarten like in the past. There really isn’t any reason why children cannot attend school in person. The virus doesn’t affect children like it does the elderly.
Tom, few if any of the masks in your pictures seem to have bendable nose pieces to ensure a tight fit around the nose. Is that true? If so, not only are they expensive, they won’t be effective. What seems like a small gap to us is a chasm to virus particles.
These Disney masks are the ONLY masks my family wears because THEY STAY IN PLACE OVER THE NOSE. We have bought dozens and I mean dozens with the clip on the nose…they shift, then fall under the nose, we are constantly touching and adjusting them and pulling them back up. My elementary age kids wear them to school each day and love them. Sizing is huge on the new adult ones and does not match the previous too small sizing. The new fabric is ok…but people buying these based on the original (smallish) Disney sizing will be dissatisfied. I ordered six new ones for my 10 year old that wore the old adult large and only 1 was the size of the old ones…so we have 5 she can’t useâ€â™€ï¸.
Getting tired of people complaining about the mask requirements. It is a rule that you know they have so don’t go if you don’t want to follow the rules. The only thing that irks me is they don’t lower prices for tickets since certain entertainment and attractions are closed.
We follow the rules and that’s why we are not going (flying). And the price being the same aside from the masks is the biggest reason.
I think people are getting tired of all the rules, especially the masks. I have a trip planned in 2 weeks, and have COPD. I am going to enjoy myself no matter what, but I do have to lower my mask sometimes just be able to breath fresh air. I also so think this “pandemic” has been blown way out of proportion. The media is not reporting all the truth. they want to scare people. I live in a small town, nobody wears masks . I think it is somewhat ridiculous. But you do what you have to do to be able to leave your house and do anything. Humans need interaction with other people and have to try to live their lives.
Overblown? Yesterday (today is not yet over) 102,831 new cases were reported and 1097 people died. The data are VERY strong that when masks are worn by all or most of the people in a location, the incidence of the disease is MUCH lower than when compared with locations with few to no masks. It’s not opinion; it’s fact. I understand your issues with COPD, but I can assure you that under those conditions, if you contract this disease, it will, almost certainly, be fatal. So wear the mask – and when you need fresh air (and I recognize your enhanced need) get away from people and take a bit of relief. Be sure you are well away from folks, and perhaps get your water bottle or a soda out so you can be “drinking while stationary.” It’s not just me I’m concerned about here, and do not think this disease is “overblown.” Nothing that kills 284,876 people in less than a year can be considered overblown. Take care of yourself – and those around you.
I live in uk we all wear masks and try to keep social distances when possible, but most people think Covid is not as bad as they say yes I know people have died and that’s sad for those involved, but my family would all be happy to comply with Disney rules but dnt think I would buy a whole heap of Disney masks at nearly 10 dollars considering how many we would need a day
LOL Paula…OVERBLOWN by the media.
Tell that to the 100,000+ positive cases each of the last couple days.
Tell that to my neighbor that lost both of her parents to it and COULD NOT HAVE A FUNERAL FOR THEM. Tell that to my son’s friend that lost his father(age 39, NO PRE EXISTING CONDITONS)
Keep believing the hype of the head liar that is only worried about money instead of people’s lives. The virus will not rule my life, but I will remain diligent to protect myself and my family.
I too suffer from COPD and have cancelled my AP as I could not wear a mask. I’ve researched mask fabric and silk is by far my first choice. Even I can tolerate a silk mask. They are more expensive if bought but are easy enough to make. There’s a good article on Google explaining why silk is the best fabric to use for masks.
Hang in there Paula:)we’ll get through this and get back the magic someday soon! Have an amazing time:)
Buzz LIghtyear – I have also lost both my parents, they died about a month apart from one another. I was not able to be with them – they lived in Russia, and I was here in the US pregnant with my 3rd child. That was the year before the pandemic. I was not able to go to their funerals either, because I had a troubled pregnancy and doctors advised against it. Both my parents were in their late 70s and died from causes related to old age, Covid has not emerged yet at that time. Things like that DO happen, to many people, Covid or not, just because that’s life. Forcing everyone to stay home, wear masks, and undermining the country’s economy, unfortunately, is not going to change that. We do need to be vigilant, follow rules and protect the vulnerable, but be reasonable and not live in fear. The pandemic IS overblown by the media and fear-mongering does take place.
Yes to more Cast Members enforcing the rules directly with those needing reminders and fewer signs and announcements!