Guide to Face Mask Rules at Disneyland

This guide to face coverings at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure details official mask rules, info & tips, our recommendation for the best masks, recent policy changes, and answers to frequently asked questions on wearing masks in the theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney. (Updated April 24, 2022.)

The question of “are face masks required at Disneyland?” has been a controversial topic among fans for months, since before the parks reopened or the rule was even announced. We are not here to relitigate the topic. If you want to argue about the mask policy, join a local debate club.

As of the latest rule change, Disneyland joins all other major theme parks in Southern California (including Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, etc.) as effectively ending all outdoor and indoor face mask rules. Instead of requiring face coverings in certain circumstances, they are now only “strongly recommended” in some settings.

Now let’s take a look at Disneyland Resort’s face mask rules. Here’s the current official face covering policy from Disneyland.com:

It is strongly recommended that Guests wear face coverings when indoors and in enclosed transportation. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and older), regardless of vaccination status, in certain indoor health settings, such as in First Aid. Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas.

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

• Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
• Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free

At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin, triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings should:

• Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
• Meet all face covering requirements listed above

Next, let’s address some of the more frequently asked questions about face mask rules at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure…

This makes me feel uncomfortable to visit Disneyland, any risk mitigation advice? 

For those who are still concerned about face masks, the silver lining is that One-Way Masking Works. High quality masks are now widely available, so your safety is no longer dependent upon what others are doing–your health is in your own hands.

If anything, wearing a properly-fitted N95 or KN95 mask offers greater individual protection than you and others around you wearing cloth masks. A growing number of experts have said cloth masks are inadequate to protect from Omicron and other more highly-transmissible variants. At this point, the onus is on the individual to properly protect themselves, if they so desire.

What’s the best mask for Disneyland?

That depends upon your goal. If searching for a face mask for personal protection, you should aim for something higher quality. Our recommendation for this is the Powecom KN95 Face Mask. The CDC has provided guidance on their use and testing results for over 120 KN95 masks.

The Powecom masks offer high performance (over 99% filtration efficacy in testing results) and scratch-off anti-counterfeit label on the package that provides codes to verify authenticity on the company website. Additionally, they’re comfortable, offer a snug fit, and are relatively inexpensive by KN95 standards.

Any other face mask recommendations?

If you don’t really care about personal protection and are just wearing a mask to satisfy Disneyland’s rules, you should go for something more comfortable. Just keep in mind that cloth masks are only effective as source control, meaning that they are protecting others from you, not the other way around. (The theory being that your mask protects others, and vice-versa.)

Our favorite “middle ground” option is from Suay LA. These are still a great, breathable option, especially for hot weather when the KN95 mask might be more uncomfortable. These are constructed from medical grade non-woven polypropylene surgical wrap and have a nosepiece. They should offer a degree of protection to the wearer. Both of us prefer the small. It’s a snugger and cleaner fit, especially above the nose and under the chin.

Do many guests wear face masks indoors?

We’d estimate that roughly 25% of all guests are wearing masks.

There has actually been a fairly significant increase in the last week or so as cases have surged. During our visits back in June, the percentage was around 10% or lower.

Any other mask-related accessories worth carrying?

Essentially anything that will help cool you down. Another absolutely necessary accessory is the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad. We’ve been praising these things for years, as they’re basically some sort of mix of science, technology, and magic. Great for keeping cool. If you want something dryer, the GAIATOP Personal Neck Fan is an exceptional option. This device looks almost like headphones that you wear around your neck, but with targeted blasts of air that hit and refresh your face.

Another must-have accessory is the Life Straw Go Filter Water Bottle. Drinking fountain water at Disneyland can taste stale, and this removes that funky flavor. The bottle is also BPA-free! It also uses a 2-stage activated carbon filter to reduce odor and chlorine, leaving zero aftertaste! (If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Brita Filter Water Bottles are great, too.)

Another essential accessory that we highly recommend is this external battery charger. It doesn’t relate to masks in any way, but you can thank us later. This is one of the main recommendations in our Unique Disney Packing List, which is where you can find our all-purpose top picks for things to pack for visit to Disneyland.

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!