FAQ & Guide to Face Masks at Disney World
This guide to face masks at Walt Disney World offers info & tips, recommendation for best masks, rules & policy changes, and answers to frequently asked questions on wearing masks at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, plus traveling to and within Florida. (Updated April 18, 2022.)
The question of “are face masks required at Walt Disney World?” 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. If you want your voice to be heard about Disney’s rule in a meaningful way, contact Walt Disney World.
As of the latest rule change, Walt Disney World joins all other major theme parks in Central Florida as effectively eliminating their indoor face mask rules. Similarly, SeaWorld Orlando, Gatorland, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida all only “recommend” face masks rather than having actual rules–with only a few exceptions. There are a few places where you’ll still have to wear a face mask at Walt Disney World, as covered below.
April 18, 2022 Update: As of today, you’ll no longer have to wear a mask while flying to Central Florida. Earlier today, a federal judge in Florida vacated the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other forms of public transportation. The ruling found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had overstepped its authority, failed to adequately explain its reasons for the mandate, and did not allow public comment in violation of federal procedures for issuing new rules.
As a result, the Transportation Security Administration will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time. CDC recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
Already, United, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines have announced that effective immediately, face masks are no longer required on their domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s mask requirements), or at U.S. airports. All other major airlines are expected to follow suit very quickly, as the “Airlines for America” industry group had lobbied on their behalf to end the mask mandate before it was previously extended.
It remains to be seen whether Walt Disney World will likewise drop its face mask requirement on buses and the monorail. Disney’s mask rule for those forms of transportation is predicated on the same CDC order, so it would stand to reason that Disney will follow the lead of the aforementioned airlines. However, it wouldn’t surprise us if Disney waits a little longer to see whether the Justice Department will appeal. Our expectation is that there won’t be an appeal, and Walt Disney World will lift the bus and monorail mask rule by the end of the week–but that’s just a guess.
Now let’s take a look at Walt Disney World’s rules concerning masks; here’s the official face covering policy from DisneyWorld.com:
Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated 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 Disney buses and monorails.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) should:
- 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
Face coverings should not contain valves, mesh material or holes.
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with 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
Here’s a chart to help understand where masks are and are not required at Walt Disney World for all guests:
Face masks are now optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney Skyliner and on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser transport from Halcyon and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Face masks are still required for all guests aboard Walt Disney World buses and the monorail.
Next, let’s address some of the more frequently asked questions about face masks at Walt Disney World…
Will Walt Disney World be asking guests their vaccine status?
No.
Why not?
For one thing, there’s past precedent–Walt Disney World didn’t make any distinction the last time mask rules were dropped. Also, it’s prohibited under Florida law and other businesses have lost high-profile legal battles with the state.
For another thing, virtually no business anywhere—even in other states without Florida’s laws—is differentiating between vaccinated and unvaccinated guests beyond the honor system policy, unless required by the state (and as mentioned above, Florida does the opposite).
It’s simply not worth the hassle and headache. It would be asking a lot of Cast Members at a time when there’s already a labor shortage and frontline employees everywhere are at about their wits’ end. This is why the new rule is, essentially, “there is no rule.” (Outside of enclosed transportation, where there remains a face mask rule for all guests. You should expect that to be actively enforced.)
If my kids are under age 5, and thus cannot possibly be vaccinated, will they be required to wear masks?
Again, this is effectively the end of enforcement of rules by Walt Disney World.
Even though it can reasonably be deduced that a small child under 5 years old is unvaccinated, Disney will not be policing whether they wear masks in light of the above. Instead, all unvaccinated guests will be “expected” to wear masks. Likewise, I am expected to eat vegetables when I prepare dinner for myself, but you can guess how that goes when I’m left unsupervised.
Why are there still mask rules on transportation?
As best we can tell, that one is outside Walt Disney World’s control. (Honestly, I’m not sure how they’re lifting the rule on the Skyliner and Galactic Starcruiser transport–but this is a confusing of rules and regulations, so there’s probably some ‘exception’ I’ve missed.)
According to the US Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order requiring the wearing of masks by travelers on conveyances when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. The Order defines “conveyance” as including “aircraft, train, road vehicle (including rideshares), vessel…or other means of transport, including military transport.”
At present, it appears that this is set to expire on May 3, 2022. It could be extended, as that has already occurred several times in the past. (We didn’t dig too deeply on this one, so take this explanation with a grain of salt.)
This makes me feel uncomfortable to visit Walt Disney World, any risk mitigation advice?
The highest-risk activity at Walt Disney World since reopening has been dining indoors. That has remained true without regard for any past or present rule changes. The easiest way to reduce your actual risk is by eating outside. See our List of the Best Outdoor Dining at Walt Disney World for recommendations. If you’re comfortable with indoor restaurants, mask rules shouldn’t really change the equation much for you.
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.
(Here’s one high-quality mask we recommend. We don’t use it anymore, viewing higher quality masks as superfluous for two relatively young and healthy adults who are fully vaccinated and boosted, but they’re a good option if your personal profile or risk tolerances differ from ours.)
What’s the best mask for Walt Disney World?
We have bought many masks. The best option for personal protection that we’ve used is the Powecom KN95 Face Mask. (That one is often sold out, in which case we recommend this Powecom FFP2 Face Mask.)
After doing some research, I opted for the Powecom masks due to their high performance 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 high quality face mask standards.
Any other face mask recommendations?
My other favorite 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?
In outdoor common areas, we’d estimate that roughly 20% of all guests are wearing masks as of March 2022. We’ve noticed that this number fluctuates depending upon local case numbers. It was higher in August, significantly lower in June-July, and lower now once again.
During our time at Walt Disney World over the course of the last week, we didn’t observe any discernible differences among the parks. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios are all more or less the same.
Is the face mask rule being actively enforced on transportation?
That’s hit or miss.
You should absolutely bring a face mask with you to Walt Disney World if you’re relying on enclosed Disney transportation, but don’t be surprised if you see other guests not wearing masks. If that’s a concern, we’d recommend renting a car.
Are face masks be required on boats, ferries, and other watercraft?
No.
What are the face mask rule at the water parks?
Same as above, with one notable exception.
Face coverings are *not* permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water.
Does Walt Disney World sell masks?
Yes. Numerous stores around the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs sell a range of character designs and Disney patterns. These are now on clearance, and prices should continue to drop.
For now, there are still vending machines outside of each park that sell generic ones for $2 each.
Are the masks sold by Disney any good?
They’re actually not half bad. Still not our favorite option, but if you want something reasonably comfortable and cute, they’re a decent choice.
Plus, the Baby Yoda mask is the official “basic millennial” accessory, following the storied legacy of the blue Monsters U hat and Spirit Jersey. If you don’t Instagram yourself wearing a Baby Yoda mask, gazing off into space, and standing in front of a colored wall, did you really even visit Walt Disney World?! 😉
Any other mask-related accessories that are 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–but staying dry.
Another must-have accessory is the Life Straw Go Filter Water Bottle. Drinking fountain water at Walt Disney World is sourced directly from the swamp, and is actually 3% alligator urine. This bottle filters out the pee, and it’s 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 accessory we recommend is this USB-powered travel fan. It’s small, lightweight, and can plug into your external battery charger. 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 a trip to Walt Disney World.
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
Do you have any questions this FAQ failed to answer? If you’ve visited the parks since Walt Disney World reopened, what was your experience wearing masks? Do you think there’s anything else guests should know before visiting in during this ‘temporary abnormal’ time? Keep the comments civil, as this is not the place for politically-charged arguing, antagonism, personal attacks, or debating the efficacy of NPIs. We will be heavy-handed in deleting comments that cross the line, even if it’s only a single sentence. You are not going to change anyone’s mind via the comments section on this blog, nor are you going to change Disney’s rules or public policy. If you wish to shout your opinions into the internet abyss, that’s why Facebook was invented.
Disneyland and Walt Disney World should allow neck gaiters once in their lives because it doesn’t hurt them but they’re acting like neck gaiter is their fear but it’s not a fear it’s just Disneyland and Disney World should allow neck gaiters immediately at once and are going to accept allowing neck gaiters at once
I’m still waiting to see the data and proof that a cloth mask that people put in their pockets protects others. A mask may protect someone who is being operated on in a sterile operating room from bacteria. Also, since you can get a free vaccination from your local krispy kremes for the past 3 months, shouldn’t your health be your own responsibility and not mine, like it has been forever until 2020?
Tom, sometimes the “conspiracy theorists” are those who have eaten up the gaslighting without even realizing it.
Sooooo you don’t have to wear masks at the water park except walking in and in retail areas but you have to wear masks while in line, even outdoors at the regular parks… Makes sense…
Will they notice and/or address you if they think your mask only has 1 layer?
Mark Kwast – Bwahahaha!!!!!
How dare Disney mandate that I wear a comfortable mask. My discomfort is non of Disney’s business. If I want to be uncomfortable in the Florida summer and make my misery even greater by wearing a scratchy, extremely hot, unbreathable, and uncomfortable mask, that is my own right.
As of the other day you don’t have to wear the face masks when you’re walking around outside. You have to wear them when you’re in line or in a store.
This still has not answered my question
.
if you have a medical condition that makes it so you can not breath with a mask will there be a problem with rides and other establishments
Hi,
Just wanted to answer some questions about 2 year olds and masks as I searched blogs tirelessly for answers to the same questions. We just went to Disney last week and took our two year old twins. We practiced for months, and it didn’t matter, the best we could keep them on was maybe 30 seconds to one minute. Tickets were non-refundable so we went ahead and took our chances. We actually didn’t even put them on them one time, I had them in my diaper bag but I suppose that since they looked two, it wasn’t even an issue, we did go with family who had a 5 year old and if her mask even slipped, there was ALWAYS a cast member at the ready telling her to keep her mask on, I want to be honest, that part was just overwhelming. But as far as the twins, it was no problem, in two days to Disney (magic kingdom and animal kingdom) we were asked one time their age, they were much more strict with kids looking 5 and older. I was so relieved we weren’t harassed about the boys because it was 90 and they stayed in their strollers for the majority of the day and I would have just worried about them overheating with the masks (please note I am not trying to be pro or anti mask, all the adults in our party complied and maintained social distancing as required by Disney). Also, our twins are both very tall making them look even older than two if that helps, both in the 90th percentile for height.
On another note, this was our first ever trip to Disney and it was underwhelming and I am so sad to say that. We saw ZERO characters, very little shows were available, the heat and mask combo was very difficult to deal with, and the constant reminders to parties around us about wearing masks, got very old very fast. There were signs everywhere and announcements constantly throughout the day. We also paid for the photo pass, I do not recommend this at this time, we ended up with 10 pictures in two days and tried to get our picture taken everytime we saw a photo spot, in magic kingdom, the majority of those are just at the castle. On the same token, another family we know was there the same week and had an entirely different experience and saw character parade pop ups and random character dance pop ups, we saw nothing. When I spoke to a guest services rep, she said, if you hear music gradually getting louder, run to the streets, because a character is coming, but we didn’t even remember hearing music getting loud? I hope this helps those with little ones!
We are taking our 2 year old to Disney next week. She only keeps her mask on for little periods at a time. Will they be strict with her? I am hoping they aren’t mean about it, we are hoping to get through 2 days at the park without being hounded about her not wearing a mask.
Every person 16 and older who wants a vaccine has had an opportunity to get one by now, and people who don’t want one have made their choice. There are more vaccine doses than people who want them now. There is no longer any rationale for mask mandates. Trust your customers to think for themselves and make their own decisions. My family has spent a fortune at Disney Parks, going every summer until this all started. We will not return to spend a dime until masks become optional. I’m not spending thousands to walk around trying to draw breath through a stupid mask when I and my wife and older kids are now fully vaccinated, it’s illogical.
There is ZERO threat of the coronavirus outdoors. 1. Sun and wind are virus killers. 2. Open air allows it to not be contained at all. 3. Even indoors the virus is microscopic, when you breathe in and out the air partices still go out the side. Doors open on both sides right. The idea that masks keeps people “safe” has statistically been proven wrong now the virus case rates vs when and where mask mandates occurred. Also 90+ % of people who get the virus said they wore masks regularly still. Its all lies and propagand to get society to comply and become mindless and faceless (literally on that one) sheep.
The best way to fight the virus is mainly through high daily intake of vitamin C and vitamin D (D you can get through sun exposure in addition to milk or orange juice).
With that said, my family is going to Florida in June 2021. For now Disney is not on the iternary. Legoland is. Their mask policy seems to be the smallest. Disney Springs and University City Walk is free at least so if they want to kick me out then I’ll leave without complaint. I’ll at least bring a plastic face shield, will see if that slides by.
Peachy, I agree with you. I do the whole mask thing but refuse to make my toddler because I feel it’s a form of child abuse for small children who can’t comprehend why they are being forced.
@Maria – Oh the insanity! Why people would pay full – and now engorged – prices to visit WDW while getting only half of what they used to – AND be told they are too dumb to decide for themselves whether or not to “mask up” is beyond me! We had 7 families booked for July (booked in November because we thought for sure this mask nonsense would end by July). We have now all canceled and are heading to Gulf Shores – for a LOT LOT LOT less money! And anyone who thinks they can be happy with those masks on in 100+ degree heat & humidity is either foolish or simply justifying to others their decision to go. We did it last summer in early June at Universal and it was HORRENDOUS! As an aside, the percentage of the US population that has died from this is .0017% (POINT 0017%). That is soooo far from even getting to 1%!!! Why, why, why would anyone pay a company thousands of dollars after they remove half of the perks they used to get, raise their prices ridiculously, and tell them they are not smart enough to take care of themselves?? What kind of people are ok with this? â€â™€ï¸
Small children shouldn’t have to wear masks. Not only is it a pain to try and make them keep them on but it ruins the experience for them with constant arguing. We won’t be back until this rule if lifted. I’m sure ours is not the only business they’re losing due to their unreasonable demands.
We are elderly and can not tolerate wearing masks all day. It is more dangerous to a persons health to walk around in the heat with a mask on than to not wear a mask. Wearing a mask has caused my husband to have a severe sinus infection which has lasted 4 months now. He is currently on medication (prednisone) and an anti-biotic to hopefully clear this up. Disney should have had a much better plan before reopening. They should also allow the clear breathable masks, and they don’t! We are going there at the end of May only because my son and his wife booked a trip with them and I am not looking forward to going to Disney for the first time in my life.
FAAFO and creedthoughts had me laughing. You’re the best, Tom.
We’ve been to WDW two different weeks since it reopened and are going again in May. Masks are an uncomfortable but necessary nuisance in order to have the parks open – for now. When our sons and daughters are off in Iraq or Afghanistan do they P&M about the heavy packs, protective gear, etc. We have become a weak, petty and dependent society with a “me” mentality. If you say you are being a standup strong “no masker” then do it in DC at the compound not at a private business.
Carissa – Just thought I’d let you know that I took my 8 year old grandson to Universal when it reopened mid-June last year (Disney had not yet reopened). I was able to get a deal where I paid for 2 days and got 2 days free. We barely lasted the first two days and went home, leaving 2 free days on the table. It was absolutely horrendous with the masks. We currently have 5 families booked for Disney after the 4th of July but if masks are not made optional, we are canceling, getting refunds, and going to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. We have until June 10th to cancel with full refunds. Masks in 100 degree heat are truly horrible (no matter how magical the place is).