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.
Does anyone know what Disney is doing about the people who enter the park and then remove the mask? Is there any “policing” of masks?
When we were there in September, they were on your butt very quickly about it. Nobody would be allowed to walk around without a mask at all for more than ten seconds or so.
No one is insane for making a prediction, crazier things have happened already. It’s just so weird that the county thinks it can justify keeping businesses limited, since the least affected parts of the world have the same climate as WDW does most of the year. Suspension of disbelief is Disney’s forté tho, I suppose.
Now that Florida has lifted all restrictions I am hoping Disney will also. Masks should be a personal choice. Our kids have been wanting to return. I would love to bring them back to Disney World, but not until things are back to a semblances of normal, and not a “new” normal.
Masks are to save other people’s lives and the virus won’t end until everyone wears one. As a Nurse my daughter wears a mask 12hrs a day 3 days a week. I think wearing one at WDW shouldn’t be a big deal.
Agreed, Jocelyn Wilmot. Nothing to hide behind now. Unless they are being subsidized by the government that claims not to influence them any longer. I pray this isn’t the case.
I agree, we have plans for Disney next April but i medically can’t wear a mask over my nose at all and below for minutes before i have a panic attack. Really hoping masks requirements go away soon
I visited WDW a few days ago. It was a pretty hot and humid day. I started off wearing a mask from Boomer Naturals. About an hour into the day the mask was getting really too hot to wear. I switched over to a mask from Old Navy and it was much better. The mask sits off your nose and mouth a little more than the Boomer Naturals mask making it much easier to breathe in the heat. My son also wore an Old Navy mask all day.
I ordered some Suay masks. My family has tried them out for a while now and there is no way I’m wearing them at Disney. Too hard to breath in, they collect a lot of moisture. I do like the nose piece but thats about it. I’m a nurse and I’m used to wearing masks for 12 hrs straight. I still haven’t found a mask that holds up better than just wearing and tossing the disposable mask. Any other suggestions before I leave for Disney in 12 days?!?!
“ Disney will eliminate this rule the minute they get the green light. Walt Disney World isn’t keeping any of these new rules a day longer than necessary.” – Unfortunately mask wearing and opening of businesses (in California’s case) has now become political and Disney is trying to balance the making money side vs. their political views side. It seems this post did not come to fruition because Disney World already could have removed the mask and social distance policy.
There is still a mask mandate in Florida’s Orange County and it’s highly unlikely the health agencies and panel of health experts that Disney consults has given the green light for removing any of the current rules.
We discuss Florida’s reopening v. Disney’s policies in greater depth here: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/florida-lifts-capacity-limits-on-theme-parks-restaurants-more/
Karen Tom has suggested Suay masks and I am here to tell you it is great. I bought one for my husband who is a mask hater and he says it is great. Ordered then for others in family. Expensive but worth it to finally not have to listen to whining husband.
We have to go WDW in January. Are the rides themselves socially-distanced (like destiny every other row or empty seating or not filling single riders)? We went to Hershey recently and the lines were horrendous because they weren’t filling the rides.
“Have to go to WDW” oh, terrible news! Right now (Labor Day Weekend, anyway) they are not filling ride vehicles up. Most are keeping at least every other row empty.
KJ Safaris has plastic partitions up between rows, which makes sitting away from the sides of the truck a waste of time.
Jungle Cruise is doing about half capacity, with space between parties and no one sitting in center of boat at all.
Pirates is leaving a couple empty rows between parties in boats.
Space, Big Thunder, Everest and others are filling every other row.
All single rider lines are closed right now.
Has anyone worn either of these masks to the parks? We’ll be visiting at the end of October and would like to be comfortable.
https://boomernaturals.com/collections/featured/products/adult-multi-use-protective-face-cover-in-stock-now?variant=31998127931510
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/product/airism-face-mask-pack-of-3-437784.html
Do you know how crazy they are about the 2 year olds wearing a face mask? We are bringing my grandson and there’s NO way he’ll leave a mask on! We can hardly get him to leave his clothes on haha!
Karen Tom has suggested Suay masks and I am here to tell you it is great. I bought one for my husband who is a mask hater and he says it is great. Ordered then for others in family. Expensive but worth it to finally not have to listen to whining husband.
How are they treating mask use on the running trails at the resorts?
We stayed at the Swan over Labor Day weekend and didn’t get to any of the other resorts except for paths to Epcot and DHS. I’m only running if the beer cart is about to close…
But on the walks to the Skyliner stations, front of DHS, Epcot Intl Gateway, we only put our masks on while walking in the crowded(ish) area right on the boardwalk in front of Abracadabar, etc or going into the General Store there. And then while waiting in line at Skyliner stations, removing masks while on the Skyliner. They are loading only one party per cabin, so that’s good.
We are headed to our “happy place” this week and your post was very helpful. Thank you! And to me, there is NOTHING that could make Disney less magical.
In the last month, I’ve tried 18 different masks from 14 different companies (not including several from Etsy) and the Suay surgical wrap masks are the most breathable of any mask that I’ve ever tried. They would definitely be my number one pick for being outside in Florida in Summer! Overall top choices of my family are: husband- Tom Bihn V3, daughter (18yr old): Tory Burch, daughter (16yr old) Baublebar (cute but bulky) and Vistaprint and my overall favorite is the Ola face mask from Saint Ola. We all keep masks from target in our cars and bags as back ups. They’re better than disposable and 2/$4.
Tom, a little more snarky than usual, I like it!
Got the Suay masks per your recommendation and as a non-medical field essential worker, these are the best masks I’ve worn during this time.
So thank you for that.
While staying at Pop Century this weekend we had to order everything from a bottled of water to meals thruogh the app and it could take an hour for your order”window”, another wait for them to prepare it, and then waiting in another line to pick it up. Let your guest be forewarned.
Skyliner from Pop Century broke down but in Disney style they got us to Hollywood Studios in record time by double loading buses and sending so many they were circling the parking lot in a loop.
We got the Suay masks a couple weeks ago, and I agree, they’re great. One thing about them I found that’s also helpful – they are by far the easiest I’ve found to talk in – both for ease of talking and for not muffling as much. When I wear a mask at work when meeting with people (attorney doing real estate closings and estate planning consults/signings), I spend the better part of an hour doing most, if not all, of the talking. I don’t feel the need like I did with other masks to constantly pull them away (not down, but away) from my face so I could talk more easily and be less muffled. I will say that I’ve still had a bit of a hard time getting the positioning of the ear loops quite right. I have the large, which does feel a bit too large, but my wife’s small doesn’t seem to get under my chin well enough or cover enough of my cheeks – so I’m in no man’s land on that one. I also have a hard time with mine and the adjustments to not have it riding up into my eyes, so it’s taken quite a bit of adjusting (for me, it’s having it pulled tighter on the lower portion, looser on the upper – that’s made a big difference).
I did get the Under Armour Sports Mask last week. I did all the measurements, but this is another one where I’m not so sure about the size. I got the L/XL, but I feel like it’s a touch big, particularly where the bottom falls on my chin. Since the UA outlet about an hour away sells them in store, I may be having someone pick up the next size down for me to try, so I’ll report back if that’s the case.
On the UA mask though, initially I was rather unimpressed with it – it’s certainly more breathable than most, but not as much as the Suay, at least at first. It seems to hold in more warm air it seems at first too (which is arguably good, since that’s the purpose of the masks), but the “IsoChill” interior doesn’t seem cool to the touch as claimed. However, I wore it last weekend while mowing the lawn and doing yard work for a couple hours in 90+ degree, 100+ heat index weather, and it actually was much better in that situation than it was trying it out indoors. At that point, I did not ice that the interior felt cooler to the touch on my face than a usual mask, so that was especially interesting. Honestly, as well, the $30 price tag seems ridiculous at first, but when compared to most cloth masks, it’s not all that much more, and so far I’d put it #2 behind Suay, but may feel differently the more I actually use it outdoors.
Be sure to allow for enough time to receive your SUAY LA mask. Unfortunately we won’t be able to use ours for our amusement park visit because 10 days after ordering, it still hasn’t arrived. They did ship it quickly, but the USPS says it’s delayed.
“…3% alligator urine?” Tom, I love your posts! Extremely informative and entertaining… reminds me of an old Dan Aykroyd skit from SNL, “It’s a dessert topping and a floor cleaner!“ Seriously, you provide really great information. I’m a non-Florida AP holder looking forward to a visit 2nd week of September. Your posts have been extremely helpful.
Is the comment about the 3% alligator pee a joke?!? Because if not, I would love to read the source on this fact.
THANK YOU for calling it the “temporary abnormal”. Nothing makes me more upset than hearing the current state of affairs referred to as the “new normal”. It just IS NOT.
It’s the little things.