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.
I don’t think this is a new rule necessarily, they’re just putting it in writing and likely to help out the cast members. When we were there end of Jan, early Feb we saw cast members walking around while we were eating (we never ate inside only at outside tables, quick service, so I can’t comment on anything else) reminding visitors to put their masks on if they were not actively eating, even if others in their party were eating. We saw this the most at Satuli Canteen. It was something we were practicing anyways, so I didn’t think much of it. We’d keep our masks on until we got our food, take them off to eat and then put them back on as we waited for our son to finish eating. I just kind of lumped that in with “mask on unless actively eating.” People were giving cast members pushback in these situations from what we witnessed so my guess is that Disney decided they had to spell it out for people. We also remasked if we ever had to get up and grab a napkin, fork etc. I think that’s what they were hoping people would do on their own but instead they had to change the language. Their second biggest issue I saw was people unmasking for photos. I lost count of how many times I saw poor cast members trying to handle those situations. My heart went out to the cast members. They’re there just trying to do their jobs in both masks and shields and people are so rude to them. I will say though that the anti-maskers are in the minority in the parks and most people were following the rules. Our crowds were very low when we went so my guess is that since crowds have increased again, noncompliance has become a larger issue as well. I am so glad we went when we did!
I’m so sorry for your loss Erik. My condolences to you and your family.
I love your Office reference at the end! Thanks for another great post.
Regardless of what Disney might have of mask policy, there’s still the problem with the virus. Even if Disney should remove all mask and social distancing requirements today, I still can’t go for fear of the virus. The safest way against the virus is to stay home and stay put and wait for the virus to go away.
So which is it- a few weeks ago there was there was article that Disney is allowing transparent masks to aid to the lip readers , and now in the article – it stated that no reason to accommodate as per ADA – well- that is BS because there will be lawsuit coming. Deaf lips readers has the right to conduct business as any other normal guests do and it not just Disney, but in other business places. Can’t wait to see how this is going to pan out- esp when there rumor going that the masks is going to be a new normal.
The virus is never going to go away. Not until humans are extinct, anyway. Viruses are like taxes; once they exist they are with us forever. Actually viruses are worse, some taxes get removed! But very, very few people can just sit at home and wait even for the positive infection rates to go down. People need to work and earn money to live.
Interesting comments. I think that more than a few people slept in Science class. Short comments. Try this outside – hold a spray bottle upwind from someone and spray. It can be felt up to 30 feet away depending on the wind. My neighbors were a bit surprised. This is an invisible virus that can travel on small droplets expelled from your nose – where it can live nicely. Yes – you absolutely must cover your nose (and not take your mask off if you sneeze. Wearing 2 masks (having the disposable on closest to be discarded if this happens. The bottom line is – if we had all been wearing masks last February when this started in earnest, we might not be having these comments today. (I love the magic of Disney and hope that we can all enjoy it all when are rates are low (below 2%).
Masks do not stop the virus. It only slows it down. Didn’t you learn that from your science class, or were you sleeping?
Water in a spray bottle isn’t infectious though. To get an infectious dose in your face you need close contact for 15 minutes. Just getting some of the virus in passing really isn’t the problem.
Also the sun and humidity play a role. If you read the studies you would see one case of transmission outdoors in China and it was between friends having a very long, very close conversation.
Masking outdoors is overkill except in very crowded settings.
Really? I guess we missed out wearing masks all this time during cold and influenza seasons throughout life. If you didn’t sleep in science class, maybe you would have come up a thought to wear masks years ago. Give it up! You only thought of this after this pandemic happened. Oh Wait, perhaps we wouldn’t had this pandemic only if……..So really, stop accusing others “slept” in science class . Apparently Fauci has too.
We have tried SO MANY MASKS and the only one I can get hubby to use consistently is: https://www.shopwayre.com/products/adult-high-tech-washable-mask
You can make the ear straps whatever length you wish. They are lightweight, washable and the fit is great.
I like the Suay you recommended, but he does not. Many others are “okay to very good” but Wayre is tops on our list.
We went in November and taking our masks off while sitting and resting was essential for us. No way we will be going again until they ease that mask rule up again. That’s a bit ridiculous.
so I guess the relaxation stations in parks will go away?…. We love and frequent often, the GF and being able to relax and talk at table; so no more expensive disney dining for us then.
I would think that the relaxation stations would stay because the tables are distanced more than in restaurants. (They were when I was last there – I assume that they still are).
Something that many people forget about when wondering why face masks may be required is insurance. I know my place of employment wanted to open without face masks (in my state there is no mandate), but the insurance company required them. People are litigious, especially when it comes to Disney, so it’s no wonder that they are being extra careful. Florida can say the state is open, but if your insurance company says no-go – it’s a no-go!
Well, giant companies like Disney don’t need to worry about insurance. They are self-insured. Some even form a separate company they still own for insurance or equipment rental, etc as a tax writeoff.
As far as liability, the only liability they might have is to their cast members. If you tried to sue and claim you contracted the virus while in a Disney park, you’d be laughed out of court and likely countersued for expenses. There’s no way to even try to prove you got it there and not the airport or grocery store, where it’s far more likely.
Will masks be required while waiting in line for a water slide at Blizzard Beach? I’m hoping not because the masks would get wet after going down the water slides. I have the resort package with water park and park hopper tickets for my family when we go in June but I’m wondering if I should take the water park option off now.
I think that is the point, if you are entering, buying merchandise, buying food, mask should be on, but if you are going to go into the water, off. Mainly because once the mask is wet it’s compromised. I’m wondering about the group tube slides. We have 3 in our family, will we be able to go on it since they normally add extra parties to it? Will the weight be messed up if there’s less people on it? We have the water parks package and are still planning on using it.
We have dining reservations tonight at Epcot. Meh.
Anyway, we think this change is taking place, when you factor in the other things that they are emphasizing, because they want to increase dining density in the restaurants.
Outdoors, when you are seated, and social distancing is being enforced, you can take your mask off. In lines and in common areas, where social distancing is much tougher, masks must stay on.
Our theory: they are tightening mask rules indoors at dining locations because they want to open more tables. Crowds are increasing, and Disney doesn’t have the room to feed them all. In order to accommodate more diners, they will have to start opening up more tables. And the only way to keep those diners safe (they think) is to increase mask usage.
That’s my thought, anyway, based on what I see in the parks and what they are enforcing.
That was my theory too- they have indeed seemingly started putting tables closer together- some instances I noted there was no way to distance 6′ from another seated table.
There is another way to increase dining capacity: open up the restaurants that remain closed.
I’ve been and will continue wearing my mask until such time as the CDC says it’s ok. But I do wear what was called a lipstick protector under my mask because of my anxiety and asthma it helps the fabric off my face.. this is the link to what I have and it has been a game changer for me and those I have gifted the, too.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B088CT535G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
An ear saver is okay, right? The little strap to hook the mask to, so it doesn’t go around your ears?
Ear savers are okay, so long as you are saving an approved mask. Many of the cast members around the park wear them regularly.
Chapek’s statement makes me really hopeful we can go on our trip this December! I really don’t want to cancel again if masks are still a must. My assumption is they’re hoping to go optional with masks by October for the 50th. Sounds like vaccines might widely available for those that want them in summer so it’s possible. Happy Disneying everyone 🙂
I cannot imagine anyone tolerating mask mandates as far as October. We’re all long tired of it, and it’s simply not sustainable.
http://www.timeanddate.com shows Orlando weather to be hotter than Tokyo Disneyland weather. Both can be oppressive with summer humidity.
Here is a quote from Tokyo Disneyland’s website: https://faq.tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdr/en/faq_detail.html?id=21350&category=&page=1:
“Guests are required to wear masks at all times inside the Parks (optional for Guests under the age of 2), except when dining. However, to prevent heat stroke during the summer season when the temperature and humidity are high, masks may be removed if Guests are outdoors with adequate distance from others.”
Interesting that heat stroke is a concern in Tokyo but not in Orlando and that masks can be removed based on Guest’s decision of the weather’s impact on their health.
Perhaps there’s more to it.
They also close Tokyo Disney during Covid spikes. They are only open when cases are low to begin with.
I’m sure Orlando would do the same if positivity rates were incredibly low.
The Tokyo parks are not owned by Disney.
I just came back from Disney World (our first visit!) and at least during the week I was there (President’s Day week) cast members were NOT enforcing proper use of masks. I would say about 30% of guests did not wear a mask at all and/or had masks covering only their chin or neck. When redirected by a cast member, they would properly place masks covering their nose and mouth, just to displace the mask again as soon as the cast member would look the other way. Also, everyone was eating and drinking while waiting in line. Cast members would be right next to us and never said a word to guests not wearing masks in line while casually sipping their beers and snacking on popcorn or ice creams. I’m really surprised to read about how “strict” mask policy is because in my experience, it was not strict at all (particularly at Magic Kingdom). Lastly, no social distancing either. Ok, I went during the busiest week to date since the pandemic. But there are clear marks directing people to wait 6 feet apart from the party ahead of them in line. I would say only 10% of guests were following the 6 feet social distancing “marks” while waiting in line. So basically we had people breathing over our neck, without a mask, in pretty much all the lines. I mentioned it to a cast member who just seemed overwhelmed and had given up redirecting people. Despite all that I had a blast! But the thought of potentially becoming a carrier (I’m vaccinated so not too worried about getting sick myself) hunted me each time the party behind us would insist on staying close to us with no mask on.
It’s not super important outside. I feel like CMs pick and choose their battles. Outside is not as important as indoors (think ventilation). Outdoors may in fact be a bit of overkill.
I know it’s a bit of a shock for the WFH set getting out for the first time. Disney is better than 90% of places around Florida.
When I started reading your post, I thought of MK. As a local, I have experienced this (improper/no masks plus no distancing) in many areas of MK in the times (about 6) I’ve visited. However, as a local, I can leave when I see this behavior getting more severe–around 11AM. I have been lucky enough (I’m 73) to get the vaccine, but because of the slack behavior of many people in Florida plus the new strains, I double mask: Disney mask over KN95. BTW, Disney masks don’t pass the “can’t blow out a candle” test. If distanced, that really wouldn’t be a problem. However, I am often surprised (pleased) to see a high level of compliance related to both proper mask wearing and social distancing in the other parks and resort areas (we’ve had Dec and Feb on-site stays). I still feel safer at WDW than my local (south of Orlando & rural) Home Depot. I prefer shopping where my son lives in Orlando as compliance is excellent. Glad you had a blast, anyway!
Very interesting to hear that around 30% of people don’t wear their masks properly. Makes you wonder how many of those who do wear masks are wearing non-compliant models. What are the workers supposed to do, make people take off their masks and check to see if it’s N95? I would think that in time (like by summer, when cases are way down), this 30% will push its way up to majority until Disney is forced to ignore the rule. Ultimately, the people decide and there’s nothing Disney can do against the people’s will. Of course, on the other hand, if cases start climbing at some point for whatever reason (new strain, vaccines wear off, cold weather), then the mask thing will come back. It’s really impossible to tell until Christmas.
I’m not a fan of mask wearing but I do what I have to… REALLY hoping vaccinations make a huge difference by the the summer!
Hoping all this will be in our “rear-view mirror” by end of year! Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing?
My absolute favorite face mask is made by Columbia Sportswear. It’s very breathable, keeps my glasses from fogging, and completely covers a surgical mask when double masking. Another big plus is that they’re only $7 each.
Not surprised. We were at Paddfish and a party was waiting indoors for a table (sitting) with no masks.
It’s a pretty common thing in Florida for people to not wear masks before entering restaurants or to take them off in waiting rooms because of magical thinking (yeah it’s 6ft away but that’s not his aresol works)
Mask compliance has also gotten…interesting at Springs. I feel like this rule is targeting springs specifically.
Can you elaborate on that please? To what end, good or bad? We’re due to arrive next week, springs is our first stop. Thanks!
We saw people changing into unapproved mask types once inside Springs, a few guys were walking around without a mask on at all, people with older kids without masks, people eating and walking etc one woman stormed off because they wouldn’t let her in with a LACE mask (really)
But that outdoor stuff is really low risk. It’s not worth getting upset over except maybe at the selfishness of people because obviously no one wants to wear a mask. Why they think everyone has to except for them is really astounding.
The bigger problem was people waiting for tables without masks. I disagree with Tom I don’t think the rule means you have to wear a mask at the table. People are sitting in waiting areas without masks or walking to the bar for a refill without masks. Technically in the old loophole you could as long as you were stationary and 6ft from others.
We have a toddler and I won’t even take her into the grocery store. We take her to Disney. We take her to Springs. It’s a lot safer than any other indoor space in Florida.
Can you wear a mask that covers nose and mouth that Velcro’s in the back? Not tie or ear loops but Velcro’s?
My guess is that they would think it was a gaiter because it would look like one. You could put a surgical mask under it or get an ear saver for a mask if that’s the issue.
Hi Jen, 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 also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with Walt Disney World’s existing rules.
I would think that a Velcro strap would be an acceptable substitute for a tie or an ear loop.