Face Mask Compliance at Disney World
In this post, we’re going to take a fresh look at face covering rule compliance in the last couple of months. In case you missed what’s unquestionably the most controversial reopening policy, Walt Disney World is requiring guests wear masks at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels.
If you’re looking for info about these polices, consider beginning 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 pretty comprehensive look at everything you need to know, presented in question and answer format.
For the first month that Walt Disney World reopened, we presented a section on mask compliance in each of our park photo reports & updates. We haven’t done that recently, and with everything from school going back into session to the holiday weekend to off-season, we thought it’d be worth revisiting–especially as several readers have inquired…
Our initial concern was that after starting out strong in the parks, face mask compliance would dip for a variety of factors. Cast Members would (very understandably) grow tired of the constant conflict and behavior corrections, more guests would attempt to ‘test’ the rules, and there would be general fatigue with the new rules.
It’s entirely possible all or some of that will still play out at some point, but thus far we’ve actually observed the opposite. It should go without saying, but what follows are our anecdotal observations. The two of us are not in every single park every single day. Obviously, your experiences and observations may differ…
As before, mask compliance varies by park. Magic Kingdom, the park largely devoid of alcohol sales, is the best. Our observations have been that 98% of guests have adhered to the rules and are properly wearing masks.
With all of the parks, rule compliance varies by time of day and location. At Magic Kingdom, the worst spot is the Central Plaza and directly in front of Cinderella Castle, where some guests try to “sneak” photos with their masks off. To Walt Disney World’s credit, they’ve modified the in park rule spiel to address this, attempting to proactively correct guest behavior. It’s still not perfect.
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are about the same at around 97% compliance, which is better first thing in the morning and generally lower as the day wears on. That’s normal at every park.
Both of these parks lose a percentage point due to guests walking and drinking. It’d be easy to vilify alcohol here (and that certainly plays a part) but Starbucks patrons are just as big of an offender. Will mask compliance drop further as we enter the heart of PSL season?! Time will tell.
EPCOT lags further behind with compliance at around 95% or so. The discrepancy here is due to alcohol, specifically drinking around the world. As with the other parks, compliance starts strong and gets worse later in the day.
This split has nothing to do with daytime versus nighttime hours (EPCOT is not frequented by mask werewolves, at least not to my knowledge) and everything to do with the duration of time guests have been boozing. Not only does alcohol lower inhibitions–it also lowers masks.
There’s also a definite World Showcase and Future World split, with the latter being better.
Anecdotally, we’ve also noticed that mask compliance is worse on weekends (pretty typical of fall, but not nearly as bad as a Food & Wine Festival weekend during normal times).
Next up, Disney Springs. Here we have a bright spot where compliance has actually improved since our last check-in.
At that point, we noted rule enforcement had gotten lax as crowds picked up at Disney Springs. Since then, we’ve observed more Cast Members on “patrol” plus the addition of the same spiel that previously had only played in the parks, plus additional signage. Compliance at Disney Springs is still lower than any of the parks, but we’d put it at around 94%.
Finally, let’s turn to the resorts.
This one is tough to quantify, because there’s only one space that’s typically even moderately crowded, and that’s pools. Those have different rules (see below). As for lobbies, compliance is in at least the mid-90s. As for other common areas, we’ll call compliance “good enough.”
As covered in our Guide to Walt Disney World Pools: Rules, Info & FAQ, the official written rule on pools is that masks are required except while actively swimming. However, the unofficial rule that’s followed at every single hotel pool is that masks are not required within the gated boundaries of pool areas.
We have confirmed this with multiple Cast Members at different resorts, and this has been the consistent and clearly-communicated answer. However, this is not posted on signage or written online in any rules. In my view, this is a good compromise approach. Pool areas are entirely outdoors, capacity is kept lower at them, and chairs are appropriately spaced.
Part of me wishes the resorts would adopt unofficial policies akin to those of the pools. There’s absolutely no reason to wear a mask outdoors with no one else nearby. Many guests recognize this, and do remove masks when no one else is around, quickly putting them on with other parties approach (hence the “good enough” above). We often see this while strolling the resorts; having some discretion to remove masks in such scenarios would be nice.
Unfortunately, we understand Walt Disney World’s predicament here. If they give guests an inch, a few will take a mile. While acceptance of and acquiescence to the policies has improved considerably in the last few months, officially introducing discretion is probably too much latitude that some people would try to further exploit.
In terms of non-compliance, the most common thing is a nose sticking out. Sometimes this is intentional, and you’ll see the guest pop it back under when other parties approach in walkways. (While this is technically non-compliance, it doesn’t bother me. If you’re outdoors and physically distanced, as is very often the case with low crowds in the parks, this presents no issue. In queues or anywhere indoors is a totally different matter.)
The other primary thing is walking and drinking. However, due to changes with in-park signage and the overhead spiel, we’ve noticed less and less of this. Cast Members have also been good about “reminding” guests of the rules here.
On very rare occasions, there are guests at Walt Disney World who are just flat-out not wearing masks. Most of these people are in search of a confrontation, eager to unleash an outburst to any Cast Member who dares ask them to don a mask.
We just give ourselves some space, and ignore them. It’s not about masks, it’s about attention. They want the latter so they can record a tantrum to share on social media, further fanning the flames of controversy–even though the rules were made abundantly clear many times prior to entering the park.
It’s also worth pointing out that our limited experiences with mask compliance in Central Florida have markedly improved in the last couple of months. It’s now been nearly three months since Orange County issued a mask mandate, which was initially contentious and ignored by many.
We once described Publix as the wild west, and that’s no longer the case. There are still some shoppers who wholly disregard the mask mandate, but far fewer. Compliance is mostly good–probably around 90%. In general, it seems that the culture war component of masking has largely fizzled out, except at the fringe.
Ultimately, that’s what we’ve observed recently with face mask compliance at Walt Disney World and beyond in Central Florida. In light of all this, we’re no longer expecting compliance to decrease. Not only is the ‘honeymoon period’ with these rules already over, but there’s more widespread compliance outside the parks and the weather will soon start to improve. All of that bodes well for mask compliance for the next several months.
Now, here’s hoping that mask compliance serves its purpose, there’s an effective vaccine, and we can put this in the rearview mirror by Spring 2021. While we’re fine with masks as a short-term prophylactic measure, they’re obviously far from ideal. It probably goes without saying, but like everyone else, we’re ready to go back to normal.
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 about current mask compliance at Walt Disney World this failed to answer? If you’ve visited the parks since Walt Disney World reopened, what was your experience wearing masks? 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.
Tom, I love your blog for Disney info, but please ease up on the preachy-ness. Everyone has already established his or her stance on the efficacy of mask wearing. We get you are afraid of the virus, but there is no need to judge and cast aspersions toward those who aren’t. Please stick to what we love you for…we want to read about Disney info to escape all the silliness surrounding COVID.
Fair point.
I did not anticipate the lines above the Chicken Guy post would be this contentious given that they specifically address rule-breakers, but given the comments, I can now see that I’ve overstepped. I’ve edited that section of the post accordingly to make it less snide.
You have more compliance because everyone else is doing it. Regardless of where you are, even the pool areas, IF YOU FEEL SAFER WITH A MASK, THEN WEAR A MASK, NOTHING SAYS YOU CAN’T WEAR A MASK IN CERTAIN AREAS. I bet there are are other people who are more comfortable wearing a mask than not in all areas and if they see someone else wearing one, they will wear one also. Everyone needs to realize that germs are like air. Just because you can’t see them does not mean that they aren’t there. If you get sick and need to be hospitalized or die, everyone in your party will know that the virus was present.
DO YOU REALLY WANT THAT KIND OF PROOF?
I agree with wearing masks while people are around or in close area’s,, but I’m probably like a lot of people, if no one is around me,and I’m outside walking Around , I’ll pull it down for a bit, or until I see someone walking in my direction or I there’s, or in a closed Or close situation .. and being honest, I’d probably try a photo or two with it off.. as long as people were far enough that I felt comfortable enough that it wouldn’t bother them.. we all have to respect one another.. this whole ordeal has changed everything and everyone for quite sometime… I wouldn’t be a jerk if I saw someone trying to take a photo And wanted there mask off for it.. I’d keep my distance and wait.. I’m sure there are a lot of people that feel the same.. but I do agree with what you had said on those who just want attention and refuse to wear one just to get a rise and some social attention and cause problems.. I really don’t like wearing them either but we have to think of others.. wouldn’t you agree? I’m planning a trip myself, I’ll be wearing mine, and like I said, I’ll sneak a photo or two with it off if I’m able To and safe enough … but I really hope people for the time being while at Disney or just out, try and comply to and respect one another.. this won’t last for ever and we’ll all be back out and Disney well bring it all out,, or at least I hope..
Those were great comments Jon. A lot of it is about respecting others and doing the right thing. To add and this is now my opinion, I’m so happy for the masks because we can actually do things! We can send our kids to school a couple of days a week where I live so it is awesome for everyone and society. Who wants to be locked down again?
There are legitimate medical conditions that prevent people from wearing masks its not just assholes. Not everyone can afford the ridiculous surcharges on delivery or curbside pick up and we still need to eat. Also the change in seasons can aggravate most lung conditions and it can be hard to predict when exactly that will happen. I started out wearing a mask at my local store this week but I had to remove it by the end because it was giving me an asthma attack. I don’t get why anyone would go to Disney right if they have a medical issue that prevents mask usage but I wouldn’t assume every in public not wearing is doing it for attention either.
I can understand that when it comes to grocery stores or certain other circumstances.
When it comes to Walt Disney World, the rules are repeatedly made clear up front.
I have severe asthma and scaring in my left lung. I wore the mask all day at Disney with no problems at all. I was very worried it would be an issue but never once did I feel like I wasn’t getting enough oxygen. I also brought my oximeter to ensure I was getting enough oxygen. It was at 98% all day even when wearing a mask. If you decide to go to Disney bottom line is follow the rules to protect and respect others. If you can’t wear a mask then just don’t go. Simple.
I’m aware that masks have become incredibly divisive in the US – and that the blame for that originally rests with a small, angry group refusing them under any circumstances – but I think Americans should be aware that this applies in both directions and that many voices in favour of masks feel quite extreme and strange to read for someone like me who lives in Europe.
Over here, the only commonality across all member states is enforced masks on public transport. Enforced masks in shops is mixed, enforced masks in outdoor contexts of any kind (even crowded ones) is rare. The Dutch government (where I spent a few months recently) continues to cite the mixed scientific opinion as to their benefits and drawbacks, and only requires them on public transport and a few other niche situations, where the benefits are believed to greatly outweigh the drawbacks.
I will of course respect the social consensus when I next visit the US – and if that means masks outdoors, so be it – but I’d suggest both sides need to moderate their opinions somewhat. The US is rapidly becoming one of the most polarised places in the world and it’s quite painful to watch “from the outside”. In view of which, I’d gently suggest that using insulting terms toward people whose actions are out of step with the US consensus (but in line with many other countries in the world) may be counterproductive.
The United States is unquestionably polarized–there’s little denying that. However, I also think what can be observed–both from afar and within–is a byproduct of the loudest voices being the most extreme. That’s true on both ends of the spectrum (which are really more like a semi-circle in a lot of ways). These same elements exist throughout Europe, they’re just not given as much oxygen, so to speak. And in fairness, it’s also not as divided there.
When it comes to masks, there was a ton of confusion and poor messaging early on that proved incredibly detrimental, and persists today. That coupled with general polarization is probably why we don’t have more nuanced rules. I’m personally fine with physical distancing and no masks anywhere outside, but “go with the flow” because I think that might present more challenges and further confusion. I’d hazard a guess that the majority of Americans simply “go with the flow” and are not the ones expressing strong opinions online about much of anything.
Thank you for your fair observation. Our media does not portray Europe that way, so a lot of Americans are misled. We were a country built on freedom and many people are holding to that principle. Being forced to wear the mask in every situation, without being given the chance to do the right thing, is like a slap in the face to many Americans. Especially when mask are mandated on beaches as well as transportation and indoors, but our gyms, salons, pools, malls, theaters, schools and restaurants are not allowed to open. Millions of people are unemployed, small business is dying – businesses that people put their whole lives into, gone because they can’t open. Large companies have filed bankruptcy. I don’t know if this was the case there, but here in most states peoples lives were put on hold for 6 months. We can’t survive with no income, financially or mentally. This country needs to get back to living. Our media has politicized this way to much and many are suffering. Unfortunately Americans do not have the respect for their country or their family like Europeans do. It’s sad. With each generation it gets worse. I pray we can get it together, sooner rather than later. God bless.
You’re probably absolutely right – my only exposure to the US for the last 6 months has been via online media, so I hear the extremes more than I used to, which is affecting my perception!
This comment section feels straight out of Parks & Rec. I didn’t see anything offensive about this post, the Guy Fieri photo is funny because they put a face mask on his cutout in Chicken Guy, his restaurant in Disney Springs. We wear masks and are on the west coast waiting for DLR to open, and wearing masks or grabbing a mask before heading outside has become normal. Currently we are dealing with horrible wild fires and masks have become necessary to breathe. No windows open, no hanging out outside, because the air quality is horrible. We are anxiously waiting for rain and for this pandemic to go away.
Stay safe out there! The photos and video look surreal. Hopefully better weather comes soon and things improve quickly.
“On very rare occasions, there are guests who are just flat-out not wearing masks. Most of these people are very obviously just strutting around in search of a confrontation, eager to unleash an outburst about fear & freedom to anyone who dares ask them to don a mask.
We just give ourselves some space, and ignore them. It’s not about masks, it’s about attention. They want the latter so they can record a tantrum to share on social media with their fellow living embodiments of the Dunning-Kruger Effect.”
Truer words were never written.
As for us, we’ll hold off visiting for a year or two. Not worth it for us (live in Canada) to go during this mess. Plus we’d have to quarantine for 2 weeks upon return. Might as well just wait until the expansions are done and the pandemic is under control.
Who is the guy with the chicken and why was it necessary to post that pic? I am vegan for my health and the animals and object to the pic, knowing that person probably kills chickens. I read this blog because I’m interested in Disney news. I don’t need to see representations of animal cruelty.
that is Guy Fieri. he’s a world famous food guy (chef?) and mega tool. i think he own restaurant in Disney Springs
While this blog has been critical of Planet Hollywood (one of his restaurants), Guy Fieri actually seems like a pretty cool dude. Self-deprecating humor on his social media accounts, lots of low-key charitable work, and interviews suggest he’s very down to earth and good. The persona and look might give off “mega tool” vibes, but I don’t think that’s accurate or fair.
Rita Fazio, I don’t think the Disney Tourist Blog posts articles strictly for vegans. If you are offended by a picture of a chef holding a chicken, I can’t imagine how you feel when you see a farmer standing next to a cow or pig. That said, I’m not sure Tom can tailor his blog to suit every person’s dietary habits. I’m sure you understand this is a generic blog (sorry Tom) and not specific to any one group.
Reading Rita’s comments just brought back images of the South Park Prius episode. Smug alert!
Guy Fieri actually set up a COVID-19 relief fund for restaurant workers and raised millions of dollars. He seems like someone with a big heart. I’ve also made some of his recipes from the Food Network website and they have all been delicious.
Tom –
While we recognize that your blog is simply a representation of your own opinions much of the time, and you have the right to express yourself, please refrain from tossing insults at those who may have different opinions than your own. I get that it might be fine to do that back in California, where folks preach “tolerance” and “acceptance“ until you don’t agree with their opinions, most people would rather you stop the assumptions about the motives of others and name calling. Please practice kindness going forward. If you’d like me to expand on this and have an intelligent discussion around it, you have my email.
Agreed. I was actually pretty taken aback in reading this article. He goes out of his way to make assumptions that, in addition to being almost certainly inaccurate, reveal an intent to vilify people whom he presumably hasn’t ever interacted with. Then again, this isn’t uncommon. The pandemic seems to have inspired a “holier-than-thou” attitude in a great many online personalities. I can’t count the number of people who, let’s face it, are little more than highly informed Disney fans (not that there’s anything wrong with that), have suddenly begun to fancy themselves experts in virology, medicine, and human psychology. It’s fascinating, actually.
Perhaps a couple of paragraphs towards the end are a bit sharp, but my intent is only to vilify those who go to the parks with the deliberate intention of breaking the rules, recording their interactions with Cast Members, and then fanning the flames of controversy on social media. There have been a few such videos go viral in the last few weeks, and they do not sit well with me. They’re clearly done in bad faith–you cannot purchase tickets, make Park Pass reservations, or even park without seeing the mask rules a half-dozen times–and the ones left to deal with the fallout are frontline Cast Members.
I totally get some Disney fans not visiting in light of the rules and other circumstances. No criticism there. There are plenty of things I won’t do right now either due to rules or a lack thereof. But my recourse is not to go anyway and throw a tantrum–it’s to avoid said activities or locations.
Totally agree with your very reasonable perspective tom!
I don’t want to wear a mask at WDW, so I’m going to wait to visit.
I didn’t take offense to your commentary because I too have issues with people that know the rules and intentionally disobey the rules. I’ve seen a few viral videos of people getting irate at cast members, which makes me so sad for the Cast Members and it’s clear the “guest” is doing it for attention.
just wear a mask. It’s not hard.
California bashing again. Please Gail, provide source of your ridiculously dumb comment.
I’m sitting next to splash mountain while I type (baby sleeping and husband has other 4 kids on rides) and I’m seeing most people around me keeping masks on – even when stationary and social distancing. Have seen cast members cheerfully nudge PLENTY of walkers to pull up over the noses though.
Our biggest concern has been our 2 yo who keeps it on for about 30 mins and then needs a break so we stick him in the double stroller with the baby, and pull the cover as far down as possible until he will put it back on. At Hollywood studios yesterday, cast members were fine with him having it off while out and about at age 2. Like…oh he’s 2? Ok that’s fine. Today at magic kingdom they are saying anyone over 2 needs to wear it. To be clear – we want him to wear it. The 1yo too. For their safety as much as anyone else’s. But there is an interesting disparity of rule interpretation between the parks.
We’ve heard similar scattered reports from other readers on this. I had assumed Cast Members would give a bit more latitude to families with small children that look like they’re in the ballpark of 2 years old, but that does seem to be hit or miss.
Hopefully that improves going forward. I think even non-parents understand this can be like trying to herd cats. I know when I see small-ish kids without masks on, I don’t even think anything of it. I cannot fathom how tough it is to be a parent right now.
Bonjour Jesse.
En France, POUR L’INSTANT, le masque est obligatoire Á partir de 11 ans….
Nos cinémas, théâtre, restaurants et bars sont ouverts avec le port du masque. Mais pour combien de temps car la contamination repart de plus belle. Uniquement les discothèques sont toujours fermées. Vivement que les laboratoires trouvent un remède ou un vaccin….. Nous attendons pour aller Á Disney Land Paris car je ne veux pas faire de jolies photos avec nos masques……..patience !
Céline
Celine,
Patience est le mot parfait pour 2020!
What is PSL? Man, I consider myself a pretty avid WDW fan, but all these acronyms that people just make up and expect other people to know is ridiculous sometimes. I went to three (3) different popular websites to look this up and still couldn’t find it. In professional writing (yes I know this is a Blog) you have to spell out your acronym the first time you use it.
It’s not a Disney acronym; it stands for Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s a very popular Starbucks order from August through November.
My only thought, this being fall and a football fan, is Personal Seat License (which many NFL and some college teams require you to shell out $$$$ for, in addition to the actual ticket cost).
If not that, then I’ve got nothing â€â™‚ï¸
Don’t know what that symbol at the end of my post is, I had hit a shrug emoji.
Not being big on Starbucks or pumpkin flavored stuff, I never even thought of pumpkin spice latte. I was thinking more of drunk football fans.
Sorry–I thought this was a fairly ubiquitous acronym!
In every pool I’ve ever been in at Disney, quiet or otherwise, there were groups of people standing in the water and not swimming. There is not enough room to allow for sufficient distancing when one person (or group) passes another. I think I’d feel safer wearing a mask while standing in the pool. I know they say face masks shouldn’t get wet, but usually, while standing in the water, my face didn’t even get wet. Swimming laps, on the other hand, is a different story.
Now that I’m out and about after being locked down for five months, I’ve noticed that, for the most part, people are considerate of spacing. However, there are times when they (including me) get a little too close. For instance, in the produce aisle at the supermarket. I actually feel safer at Macy’s (less crowded) than at the grocery store.
We’ve read that a second wave is coming. Since we’re all high risk, we canceled our end of November trip and booked for end of April. Keeping fingers crossed.
Publix didn’t mandate masks in all their stores until about a month or two ago. Orange County may have been different.
The Orange County mandate took effect June 24 and I think the Publix rule was about a month after that.
Neither have ever been actively enforced by store employees (I don’t blame them there). Anecdotally, it seems like compliance there really started to increase around mid-August. We’re not spending a ton of time at Publix, though.
While I’ve read about the mask policy , exhaustively, I don’t think I’m alone in pointing to that as a reason why we’ve just stayed away. While I personally think wearing a mask outside makes very little scientific sense, at all, I also see where it’s giving others a sense of safety and calm. Between face shields, masks, social distancing, over signage, and nearly no events, shorter hours And the ridiculous humidity , summer showers and the heat? Disney is one divisive decision away from losing another chunk of otherwise lifetime patrons, I know, because I am one 🙁
Totally agree with you.
Couldn’t agree more. They have gone out of their way to make rules stricter than government mandates require. We tried going twice since they reopened and it was miserable. No more annual passes for us 🙁
I agree with Melissa and the others . I had posted to that effect, and that the real story here is how many people are cancelling and postponing trips, cancelling annual passes, and some writing Disney off completely due to their “over-the-top” militant policy. Mr. Bricker has chosen to censor that comment, since it doesn’t fit his agenda.
It has nothing to do with an agenda. As you can see here, there are comments from a variety of viewpoints–including those disagreeing with me. Some are auto-flagged for moderation, and of those, a small percentage end up not being approved. That usually only happens when there’s ‘charged’ language that seems like it’ll breed arguing or more controversy. (And it has happened with both with those in favor of and opposed to masks. The intent is to be viewpoint neutral with moderation.)
With all of that said, I absolutely agree that people are cancelling trips to WDW because of the mask policy. I’d hazard a guess that others would cancel if there were not a mask policy. There are also a number of other reasons why people are cancelling right now.
Y’all will be back. Believe me.
I went to Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure the first week of September. In my experience, Disney was more strict about keeping masks on at ALL times. At Universal there were a few rides where we were told that we could remove our masks. That was wonderful! Another difference between the two companies was hand sanitizer. Disney has it throughout the parks and line queues for guests to use as they wish. At Universal an employee was at the end of every line queue actually pumping hand sanitizer into everyone’s palms. It wasn’t optional.
Yeah, we’ve been to all parks (except HS) and Disney Springs and have had about the same experience with masks. One other factor to mask compliance is social distancing. On labor day weekend, the highest attendance yet, we were at AK. With mask rule breaking and not being able to distance as well, we didn’t feel safe. But my wife and I are higher risk so we are very aware of any faults.
While the crowds were higher, obviously this would be pushing safety limits. Outside of labor day, generally it has been fine, minus Epcot’s World Showcase. In fact, our first visit at MK, and basically anywhere, we actually felt we were relatively safe.
Let’s see what happens when the public becomes more comfortable going out, what the crowd will be, how mask and distancing compliance holds and attendance with the holidays do….
I noticed the worst offenders at Animal Kingdom, too. More people seemed like they would do so at Epcot, but at Epcot I noticed plenty of cast members walking around with signs enforcing the rules. At Animal Kingdom I didn’t see any extra staff wandering for this purpose. Maybe I just missed them? I also heard a spiel at Animal Kingdom that didn’t include the ‘while stationary’ part at the end, so maybe guests just thought they could get away with walking and drinking. I’d even be okay with this if they just took the mask off for a moment to sip a drink while walking, but it was always mask down, defiantly strolling while holding drink when I saw it. I wish there had been a few more cast members around to report them to.
I noticed that at AK. It seemed cast members were less diligent about telling guests to put their masks back on or to remain stationary. But again, that was over labor day. We’ve been to AK a couple of times and it wasn’t too bad then. Only problem we had then was the lack of distancing on the safari.
Thanks Tom for the update and for providing logical and reasoned discussion!
We have a trip coming up beginning of October and I’m so excited to get pictures with all of the Halloween decorations; however, I am also ready to put the masks in the past. I absolutely do not want pics of us in our masks to remind us in the future that any of this happened.
Does anyone have ideas for poses that will keep the masks out of the picture? I know we can do some “from behind” pictures and I’m thinking a picture or two of us sitting somewhere posing with a Halloween treat. I’ve also seen pictures of CMs with the Mickey smile props. I’ve been trying to find some for us to use but no luck so far.
So, if anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated, and if anyone knows where I can find a photo prop like the CMs have please let me know!
I am hoping Disney changes this rule, quickly. If we are outside and socially distanced why can’t we have a picture taken without masks? Seems like a safe way to do it. â€â™€ï¸
You mean you will actually be able to forget this all happened, as long as you don’t have family photos to remind you?
This is a big issue for me too. Photos are a huge part of any trip for me, and I don’t want every Disney vacation photo to contain masks. I think Disney would make a lot of people happy if they would allow families (6ft or more apart from the photographer and other guests) to get some unmasked photos in certain outdoor locations. This would be no more dangerous than allowing guests to eat unmasked at outdoor tables. With the current rules, however, the only way to get unmasked photos are to take them at “relaxation stations” or while stationary eating a treat.
I just heard on the news today about a clear see through mask that is being produced. The idea originated from someone who had trouble hearing people wearing regular masks. Then they realized people who are hard of hearing need to read lips. The news didn’t mention if they are ready for sale yet but when I heard this I immediately thought about taking pictures at Disney.
When I look at the pictures of us at Disney in August, the ones where we’re kissing look like something out of Dali’s An Andalusian Dog.
Clear masks sounds to me like the answer.
Really you are that vain about a picture in a mask. OMG.
@joeykon1 when did anyone express vanity concerns regarding masks? All I read were preferences to get shots without them. I prefer to see my family’s smiling faces so I wouldn’t be at all interested in mask photos, even in front of the castle. Some people obviously feel different and that’s ok. Not wanting mask photos isn’t vanity, it’s a preference. If you want mask photos in Disney that’s great. But while I won’t be forgetting this year of craziness, I personally don’t want or need any Disney photos of my family in masks. We don’t get to come to the parks often, so we are hoping this rule changes soon too!
We were there from Aug 12 to Aug 22. I agree with your assessment.
Mask compliance was excellent. Funny, we weren’t looking for people disobeying but they stick out like someone wearing a bathing suit on a nude beach.
I think the more we wear them and the longer we wear them we’ve found they’re really no big deal so why bother trying to skirt around their use.
I still jump out of my car and get a few feet before I realize I have to put one on but I’m ok with them now. That doesn’t mean I like them but I can live with them until the day we don’t need to..
I agree with all you said, Tom. We just returned last night from Disney World and I have to say my husband and I were amazed at how well the mask policy was followed. We saw very few that didn’t comply. One day we only saw 2 people that didn’t have them over their nose. While my husband and I don’t necessarily agree with the need for masks when there is physical distancing in place, we do understand that Disney has many reasons for this rule and chose to go and comply. We had a great time. And we too look forward to the day when Disney is once again ‘normal’!
Thanks for the informative information.
Exactly Stephanie! Good response. If you can’t comply, don’t go. Those would be the first ones to sue Disney.