Disney CEO: Masks Likely Required for Disney World Guests
New Disney CEO Bob Chapek just gave a wide-ranging interview to CNBC following Shanghai Disneyland’s successful reopening day. Topics covered included the future of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as the film slate, Disney+ and more. In this post, we’ll recap some of what was discussed and what clues Chapek gave about the Walt Disney Company’s roadmap for the next few months.
We’ll start with Shanghai Disneyland, the reopening of which was the likely impetus for the interview. Last night, we watched this 85-minute live stream of this Shanghai Disneyland’s opening plus a number of Instagram stories from people who know who live in China. By appearances, things went well. Attendance appeared modest, wait times were short, and guests were (mostly) complying with requirements of social distancing and wearing masks.
Watching Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening was probably the most excited and happy we’ve been in weeks. Even though we have “complicated” feelings about going back, it was nice to see. The entire world is going through a tough time right now, and it felt like a glimmer of hope during that. Having even one Disney park in the world open sends a symbol of returning to normalcy–people going back to enjoying fun and frivolous things…
Not to bring this crashing back to reality too quickly, but it’s worth emphasizing that Shanghai Disneyland is dramatically different from Walt Disney World and Disneyland for a number of reasons. Testing, tracing, and the prophylactic measures taken in China all differ from the United States. As do new cases–Shanghai was never the epicenter of the pandemic, and the city has had no new cases since March 3.
It also helps that the majority owner of Shanghai Disneyland is a state-controlled company, meaning the park has both the blessing and liability shield afforded by the government. There are myriad other cultural, demographic, and logistic differences between Shanghai Disneyland and Walt Disney World. All of which is to say that we don’t want to draw too strong of conclusions from that park’s reopening, even if the lessons there will undoubtedly be applied to the domestic parks.
During his CNBC interview, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke about the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland. He described the local market there as “short book,” meaning that most guests plan visits and buy park tickets with little notice, as opposed to booking vacation packages months in advance (like at Walt Disney World).
Chapek indicated that Disney is significantly constraining attendance, and that nearly all advance reservations have been booked. “We’re pretty much booked out for the rest of the week. We have a few tickets available on a few days, but essentially, everything is gone.”
This claim is dubious–as of this morning, every day after today (going by China Standard Time) for the rest of the month had both full and half-day tickets available. Despite initial widespread reporting that reopening day tickets sold out in minutes, more availability was released and tickets were available through the weekend.
In any case, Chapek reported receiving countless emails from guests eager for the parks to reopen (that’s undoubtedly true). Chapek noted that for many people, Disney represents “some semblance of normalcy.” He further stated that Disney wants to reopen as soon as possible around the world, but is moving cautiously, responsibly, and slowly.
Chapek pointed to the reduced capacity reopening in Shanghai Disneyland as a small step towards reopening other parks, a “stair-step” towards prudently ramping up to normal operations.
The plan at Shanghai Disneyland is to go slow and steady, increasing capacity numbers by 5,000 guests per week in compliance with government health and safety guidelines.
Chapek praised guest compliance with the new safety measures, before being asked a couple of questions about the timeline for reopening Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort.
(Nothing really substantive was said about either. We know from recent social media photos that HKDL is preparing the parks with similar infrastructure to what was installed in Shanghai two weeks before that park reopened. Japan just extended its state of emergency, so Tokyo Disney Resort is unlikely to reopen anytime in the next month.)
When asked specifically about Walt Disney World reopening in July, Chapek indicated that he wouldn’t comment on any specific dates. (In case you missed it over the weekend, Walt Disney World Delayed Bookings Another Month, suggesting that July 1, 2020 is now the earliest reopening date for the Florida resorts.)
Instead, Chapek said in large part it will depend upon guidance from the state and local governments, plus healthcare experts and hospitals in the area where Disney operates, plus their capacities.
Chapek did strike an optimistic tone when discussing the reopening of Disney Springs, which he compared favorably to Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort. He noted that Disney dipped its toes in the water with Disneytown, and will be doing the same with Disney Springs.
He indicated that the soft opening of Disneytown went incredibly well in terms of guest cooperation, and hopes that this has paved the way for a “great rebirth” of Disney Parks. Chapek also stressed guest behavior and compliance, intimating that subsequent progress will likely hinge on how well guests do with the new rules imposed at Disney Springs.
When asked about health safety protocol and potential impediments to reopening Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Chapek spoke of cultural norms and environment.
He also broached the topic of face masks, which have already proven to be a lightning rod for controversy among some Disney fans.
Regarding face masks, Chapek said: “one of the things we’re likely going to require is masks for both the Cast and for the guests. And I think the masks for the guest will be something that culturally is different. In Asia, as you know, it’s fairly commonplace for folks to walk around in public with masks on.
That is not the case in the United States. So that will be something that will be a little trying for some of the guests, particularly in the hot, humid summers that we tend to have.”
From there, the interview bounced to the topic of Disney’s upcoming Mulan release, which Chapek confirmed will go forward with its July 24, 2020 release date. He believes there’s sufficient pent-up demand for the release, and it will be sufficiently safe for film-goers to return to theaters.
There was also talk about releasing more on Disney+ (or not), the stoppage of film production in California (including the upcoming season of the Mandalorian), live sports on ESPN, the Chapek-Iger relationship, and more.
You can watch Chapek’s full CNBC interview for yourself:
Overall, it’s interesting to hear directly from Disney’s CEO as to what’s on the horizon, and what the internal thinking is right now within the Walt Disney Company. While a lot obviously remains unknown (and is still subject to change) this is the second straight time we’ve found Chapek’s words encouraging (the first being the recent earnings call).
Chapek once again reinforced Disney’s resilience, and pointed to the (many) bright spots for long-term success even as many of Disney’s business units are hit especially hard right now. We’re not exactly “Chapek cheerleaders,” but we are certainly rooting for the company’s ongoing success. He’s demonstrated more poise and eloquence in the last couple weeks than we’ve heard in any previous interview, which bodes well. Some leaders are forged in crisis…maybe that’s exactly what’s happening here?
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of this news? Think this bodes well for the reopening of Walt Disney World’s parks & resorts within the next few months? Are you excited to see that Shanghai Disneyland has reopened, even if you won’t be visiting anytime in the near future (or ever)? Any questions? Keep comments respectful, apolitical, and on topic. Anything not following these requirements will be removed.
The problem lies in that our family purchased our tickets last year for an early May 2020 date, which Disney would only honor a date change and not a refund.
With these lack of activities and the mask requirements we don’t want to visit anytime soon. Yet we still can’t get a refund.
I understand if Disney wants to have rules that they feel will make people believe they are “safe”, it is their business. But I purchased advanced tickets for an experience that is now not being offered.
(Masks don’t keep you safe, I’m a ER nurse, so please don’t preach to me. Many of my fellow colleagues have gotten Covid and they wore masks)
Just sad! So sad.
Thank you for saying that about the masks. 🙂
Been trying to make the false sense of security argument all day. RN-BC (Public health and Infectious disease) The “public” has decided that a face covering makes you safe, no government official or corporation is going to argue with public sentiment, it’s a losing battle.
@Tim
No, the public was SOLD that masks will keep you safe by the self same officials you mentioned. As a former paramedic with an additional 600 ER hours per year I can attest to the fact that NO PPE is 100 percent safe. As well, PPE has to be worn as a set. Masks, gloves, gowns, shields et al are part of a protocol that includes proper wearing, donning, doffing and types.
As a civilian now I wear an N95, mostly indoors, and sanitize my hands often while being as situationally aware as possible. I realize the limitations but I feel safe enough. You are correct about one thing. Once a person “believes” something you can’t usually change their minds, facts or not.
Jack, thank you. Even the CDC which I trust about as much as a cheating husband says that masks are basically pointless because the general public doesn’t know how to wear them and unless they are medical grade they don’t do much. Imagine people in a an amusement park for 12 hours touching and adjusting and taking on and off a mask for those 12 hours? The only reason I wear any kind of face covering is that the state in which I live, almost all businesses that are essential won’t allow me in without one.
Oddly, we have been told touching your face and mouth is a strong cause of infection. However, nowhere have we been told to wear gloves. So why the masks that most experts deem pointless and no gloves?
Wolverine – wearing gloves is a bigger waste of time than wearing a mask! Gloves only protect you from contact transmission and must be changed frequently. If you touch something contaminated while wearing gloves, The skin of your hand is protected and that’s it. If you touch something with gloves and then touch your face, its no different than not wearing gloves.
Tom, I am seeing that Carnival is going to start in Aug as long as everything is a go with gov . Any idea when Disney will start the cruise line again. Thanks for your post. I look forward reading it.
100% canceling our trip in July with the FDrecovery offer. We’re not going to be wearing masks in the Florida Heat & Humidity. The fact that fireworks & shows will be canceled as well is just a deal breaker… So sad but we’ll have to wait til things return to normal…
I’ve gone through all 5 stages of grief since Chapek’s comments. I’m 100% ok with wearing a mask, but realize that this (along with other social distancing measures) will be near impossible to enforce. Especially since mask wearing/not wearing now has political undertones. The parks will be empty which will be great for locals who are happy to comply with mask & social distancing rules. But the cost/benefit analysis for your average resort guest, who arrives for a week with their family, clearly lands in the “not worth it” category. Even for diehards. The stress of flying, viewing other guests as potential virus carriers, cutbacks in parades, fireworks, meet & greets– and possibly closed pools/water parks….I just can’t see the average tourist determining that it’s worth it. It would have to be a deal akin to “Buy a 5-day ticket and your resort stay is FREE.”
Agreed!! Honestly the Free Dining offer which they now canceled (a joke) doesn’t even motivate me to bring the family. Sad but we’re canceling in July…
I just read that Naples is closing their beaches again, and for the usual reasons. Everyone I spoke to who lives in Florida said they will not (cannot) wear masks during the stifling heat. I live in a northeastern coastal state and can hardly stand wearing a mask for longer than a half hour to an hour, and it’s cold here, cold enough that we had snow over the weekend.
A guest couldn’t possibly do a one day theme park visit with just a single mask. I’m not sure how often you’d have to change it. What about when you’re in a store like the Emporium? Will you be able to touch anything? How often will cast members sanitize the stock on shelves? How will people (especially kids) avoid running into each other?
I have questions regarding air transportation. Some hotels are thoroughly scrubbing and sanitizing their carpeting and furniture, with three to four days passing before allowing guests in. How will this work at the airport? Will they do the same? What about security lines, restrooms, the gates and of course, the plane itself? I’m all for reopening, but evidence has shown escalating virus numbers in places that have started to reopen, many of which are closing down again. Those who will tell me to stay home, don’t, worry, I’m already doing that. I just hope all of you going back to Disney as soon as it reopens will be savvy enough to follow the rules and stay safe.
the main reason they closed the Naples beaches again is because no one and I mean on one was complying with the social distancing. I don’t think they expected them to wear a mask considering they were outside, but they were all in large groups and there was too many people all over the beach. That is what the papers said here in FL.
I wonder why they don’t social distance? I mean, you would think they would be so happy to be out, that they wouldn’t chance being told to stay home again. I guess you can lead a horse to water, but can’t make him drink it – so to speak. Disheartening to hear about.
Barbara all EXCELLENT points you make! I’m in Northern NJ, freezing here the past few days, 27° Saturday morning. Today avg low of 48°. Today I was interacting with a customer with my N95 mask and at one point I literally had to step away and lift the mask away from my face to BREATHE! I Cannot imagine doing this, walking miles a day, (we avg 20k steps per day our last trip over THANKSGIVING) sometimes Quick walking to make a fastpass/dining reservation etc. Now to imagine doing this with a mask on in high heat humidity, NOT POSSIBLE!
I have a trip to Disneyland California in July for a week in the Disneyland hotel…club level . The face mask is a deal breaker for me. I also wonder about the club level service, or lack thereof and pool access. No doubt we will need to postpone. Bummer
My family has a trip scheduled in September and haven’t canceled yet, but I’m sure we will. The masks are not necessarily a deal breaker for us, but I have allergy-induced asthma so a mask in the heat and humidity would definitely be a struggle. The plan is just to reschedule for January or February when it’ll be cooler and a mask more comfortable. It’s exciting to see Shanghai opened because it gives us hope that Disney World will be next to open. Everyone have a wonderful vacation whenever you get to go and remember to spread kindness and magic even to the people who share different beliefs than you do.
To everyone championing “China” – I’ll remind you that it is a Communist Country – where non compliance isn’t “a thing” Tienanmen square anyone?
Literally no one in these comments has championed China.
Several people commented about Shanghai and the heat and it being comparable to Orlando with the clear implication that if China can do it, so can we. That’s what I meant by championing China. People do not have a voice there, we do here.Disney has the right to impose whatever policy they want. We, as Americans and consumers have the right to accept those terms or not. I will not spend the $ it takes to go to Disney and be forced to wear a face covering. I wholeheartedly agree that anyone who who thinks that makes them safe, please go right ahead, but to impose that on others is wrong. If the mask makes you safe then you’re safe. why should anyone else be forced to tow another persons beliefs?
Tom and Will, The media champions China all the time. I wear a mask when I go out because I feel it’s the common sense thing to do. However, with a n95 it can be very hard to breathe and I have a feeling many folks do look to China and want to be like them. I just wish people had common sense. This virus is so contagious that even following all the steps to be careful, one can still catch it. I just pray that more meds will be readily accessible to everyone when they need it. It’s not a question of if you are going to be exposed, more of a question of when. I hope I’m wrong about that assumption.That’s what this entire shutdown is about. Slowing the spread of the virus to the point where the medical community can play catch up since China and the WHO were not forthcoming with just how contagious this virus is. I was at the ER at the beginning of this for a non-related issue, however, I could hear everything that was happening to another woman whom was being transferred to another section and I’m pretty sure they thought she had Covid19. The staff was screaming at her to put on her mask as they had to yell to be heard over the coughing, wrenching and otherwise horror movie like sounds emanating from this poor woman. I also believe that many cases are not testing positive. Not just my opinion, but that of medical professionals I know as well. Someone I know was tested for covid and came back negative, but that person had never experienced any flu, cold, bronchitis, strep throat or anything that compared to what he/she suffered. Compared breathing to trying to fill an air mattress with several holes in it for days, extreme chest/lung/back pain with each ragged breath, fever, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue. Just horrible.
Here in NYC, most people now wear masks, but not everyone. Even before this started, it was normal to see Chinese and Korean Americans walking around the city or in their work places wearing masks. It’s an embedded cultural practice based on their own previous experiences with preventing the spread of disease. They’ve been there done that. My mother asked me once, why do they do that? I can imagine if you don’t see this on a daily basis that it seems odd or even off-putting. But it stems from a perspective of consideration for other people. That’s just how it is. It’s not anyone being political or weird or trying to be less “free.”
I’ll reiterate that I’m very happy Disney is taking their time with reopening, and using caution to guide.
@Will/Tim/whoever you are: Who is suggesting that wearing a mask keeps you safe? The *primary* function of wearing a mask is to avoid infecting others, not to avoid getting infected. You wear a mask to protect everyone else from you, in case you are an asymptomatic carrier unknowingly exhaling the virus everywhere you go.
EXactly
Ok so it’s how it is, but you aren’t questioning WHY it is how it is…and if there is a way to prevent it. One country has now set a precedence for the world, when perhaps its practices could be different. I’m not picking on China, but it’s a fair question. Especially now. Masks or no masks for a season, I’m not wanting this to be a new way of life forever. And yes, I mean when going to Disney, as well as in general. I can’t imagine anyone does?
Our family of 8 has been eagerly anticipating our 2 week trip to Disney this September. If they are still requiring masks by then we will definitely be canceling. I hope they also stop requiring employees to wear masks.
I feel sorry for Cast members having to wear masks in the heat and don’t be surprised if heat strokes increase…
not one of my disney blogs has commented on % capacity still being really crowded. We avoid peak times but even when we do visit–first week of december, early february, non spring break march/april, early october–it is still REALLY crowded. i can’t imagine “at capacity” and have no desire to ever be at the parks those days. If my normal park crowd level is only at 70% capacity or so, and it’s still wall to wall people, i’m not seeing how a restriction in capacity will make the parks less crowded than they ever are, since it’s rare to actually hit capacity at the parks. What capacity do you think the parks are at on a typical day? is 50% capacity still going to feel like any other crowd day?
I loved your earlier reply, Tom: “You’re not changing any minds via the comments section of a Disney blog.” Absolutely true and no reason why we can’t be civil. Reasonable people can disagree and should be able to do so reasonably. For us, we won’t go back to Disney while masks are mandatory for guests. For those of you on this blog who have expressed bafflement as to why, I’m happy to share our thinking. An enjoyable Disney experience for our family is “rope drop to kiss goodnight” several days in a row. Masks are uncomfortable; they are hot; they muffle voices and hide smiles; and despite our best intentions they get touched by less than perfectly clean hands multiple times an hour. Masks block some transmission of germs and give people a tangible way to feel control over a scary situation, but there are a myriad of other ways most of us are potentially exposed to the virus. Given the current projections, the odds are our family will be exposed to the virus long before there is a vaccine. As long as the hospital systems are not overwhelmed, we are comfortable with the risk. Our family would rather do what we can to strengthen our bodies to face the almost inevitable exposure. And for my Disney friends that are not comfortable with that risk, I see your point (some people will manage to escape exposure and I truly hope you are the ones who do) and I would never mock you for coming to a different conclusion.
Well said Karyl, eventually Herd immunity must run its course however cruel that may sound. I think Barbara said it best, imagine the heat and sweating, potentially soaking the mask and then we are constantly fidgeting touching our faces, either removing the mask to replace them with new ones or just removing them to speak and then reapplying them over the mouth this to me poses more risk with dirty hands near the mouth, nose and eyes. It just doesn’t make much sense except to give people a sense of security no matter how false it is… Kind-of like leaving liquor stores open but you can’t buy seeds for a garden or paint for your home, but I digress. I do not mean to insult anyone please do not misunderstand me, just trying to insult anyone here. Masks are a deal killer for me and it seems many here & if anyone from Disney Corporation with the powers that be are following this blog and methinks they might be, I hope they seriously reconsider…
I appreciate the fact that Disney is putting safety for all visitors/cast members at the forefront. I am surprised that so many of the posts indicate family members with medical conditions that I would view as compromised immunities and that a theme park visit with no mask is on your list of summer plans. In reviewing many other themeparks in the U.S. it would appear they are moving in the same direction with advanced reservations into a theme park (lower attendance), ppe (mask), no shows, parades, etc. My family is cancelling our early August trip to Disney not because of wearing a mask, but because of the spread of the virus with such small numbers of testing nationwide and no vaccine. And our season passes to our local theme park are on hold at this time. I do not plan on visiting there once they open either. But this is our choice and we will look forward to visiting our favorite vacation spot since 1996 in the near future. Until then, my R.N. daughter, First Responder son-in-law and First Responder husband will continue to provide assistance to all in our communities because that’s what we do no matter what disaster strikes.
Hey Frank stop imposing your views on the rest of us! If a mask makes you *feel* safe then by all means wear one. The rest of us can make decisions for ourselves. Thanks! That’s called FREEDOM folks, don’t give it away so easily. It won’t come back to you anywhere near as easily as you give it up.
A) my 18 month and 2.5 year old boys would never keep a mask on.
B) Coronavirus does not typically affect young children.
b- young children can absolutely have coronavirus, just more likely to be asymptomatic, but that’s why it’s more dangerous to have them gather and potentially expose others. that’s why schools have closed.
Laura…just fyi…that’s not technically true. Lots of evidence coming out of Switzerland, France, Australia, and other places that young kids (10 and under) are just not vectors here. If they’re getting it, it’s from adults in their lives, not other kids, and they are not passing it to adults much. Hopefully they continue to see that pattern holding!
I guess my question is, how can masks NOT be required for children? Children are humans and thus can also be asymptomatic carriers. Isn’t the entire point of wearing masks to slow the spread and prevent transmission from person to person? If you are going and are required to wear a mask, shouldn’t you want that same level of protection for the children? Or if the reasoning is ‘doing it for others’, shouldn’t you want to stop them from spreading it as well? I understand that kids will not want to wear them; adults don’t want to wear them either. It just won’t make sense to me if kids are excluded; what will be the point besides creating an illusion of safety?
Hmm…social distancing and wearing masks seem to be working. When you head to a doctor I’ll be interested if they’ll see you when you tell them that you won’t be wearing a mask.
There is science behind wearing a mask. It’s too bad you’re in denial. That makes you a danger to yourself and to others.
So, if masks won’t be required while eating, does that mean theoretically I could avoid wearing one altogether if I just carry around a churro all day and say I’m ‘eating’?
My husband made the same point. I am concerned about remaining hydrated in the summer heat. Obviously, you see folks roaming around the parks constantly drinking from their bottles of water. Well, you have to remove the mask to drink the water. I’m assuming drinking water wouldn’t be discouraged.
HAHAHAHA!! This is the Solution!! Love it!
No way we will wear masks in Central Florida for a week. I asked every member of the family and it was unanimous. We’re going somewhere else. I am now seeing people sneeze into their masks at grocery stores. Beyond disgusting.
So you would rather have them sneeze all over you?
Yea. I was wondering the same thing. If someone removed their mask even to sneeze into the crook of their elbow, others in the vacinity would probably complain.
But … isn’t the point of the mask to capture the spray from the sneeze? I think that’s less disgusting then spraying stuff all over the place! But I agree, I couldn’t wear a mask to Disney in summer.
The thought of Disney “never being the same” has struck fear in alot of our hearts. We want Disney to go back to being the same, and I don’t know when, if ever, that will happen. Wearing a mask is something alot of us cannot fathom, especially at our happy place. If Disney requires masks, I will at least give it a try in order to get there within the next year. Definitely might be easier in the cooler months. We went to Disney earlier this year in March, and 5 days after coming home I got sick with suspected Covid. Impossible to tell where I got it, since I was all over Orlando, but it’s stuck in the back of my mind that probably alot of other people came home and got sick also. I am obviously better if I’m trying to figure out how to get back this year. Stay safe and take care of each other!
When I read the disclaimer on Disneyworld website about not all attractions will be available for guests, it leaves me questioning whether or not our experience will be worth the mega bucks we shell out every year to visit. Our teenage daughters will come away with disappointed and tarnished memories of their happiest place on earth if they are required to wear a mask, which will keep that constant reminder of the deadly virus threat foremost in their minds, and if they are cut short on experiencing their favorite rides, like Rise of the Resistance, and Flight of a Passage. Given that scientific research shows that only the N95 masks provide any real degree of protection from CONTRACTING the virus, and those type of masks feel suffocating after wearing them for more than an hour, I’ll wait for a widely available vaccine before I visit. Hopefully by 2021 things will have relaxed. I’m looking forward to returning to Disney when we can experience the magic in full.
I’m more worried about YOU giving it to ME. I wear a mask to prevent me breathing on you.
I suspect what those who balk at masks (and insinuate that Disney are therefore making a mistake) are missing – and I have sympathy for those who view masks as antithetical (though I don’t think they’d have that view if they had visited the Asian parks!) – is that those who will be put off by a mask requirement are being factored into Disney’s plans. Attendance will need to be held down for the foreseeable future, so those who mind more about masks than Disney will be among the guests deterred to ensure the parks are at a compliant level of crowding while minimizing hitting hard attendance caps. Combined with the suspected health benefits (and definite PR advantages of being perceived to put safety first), this is a “no-brainer” decision for Disney.
We have a trip planned for September. I have 2 kids and trying to keep a mask on them for a week does not sound enjoyable at all. If masks are required, we will be cancelling. I have emailed Disney my thoughts on this and hopefully others will do the same.
Thanks for the reminder! I will indeed email Disney to commend them for requiring masks.
I will also email Disney and thank them for requiring guests and cast members to wear masks.
Just emailed them myself – to abandon this pointless idea!
I hope Disney tells you they’re sorry, but them’s the rules! Some things are more important than comfort and convenience, and until we get this thing licked, we have to all pitch in and do our part to reduce the spread. I wouldn’t want to wear a mask either, but I don’t blame and in fact applaud Disney for planning on requiring them. I just wouldn’t go until it’s not an issue, whenever that might be. I’m not sure we’re going to vacation at all this year, so no real loss in my mind. Just a bigger, better trip in a couple of years!
Tom Bricker, how are these comments respectful? They aren’t, they are rude and off-topic. You simply asked how people feel about it, and if they will still go or not. Criticizing somebody who chooses not to is not the place of any of these people. If you are going to delete comments, please be consistent.
I have tried to be consistent, but with ~150 comments in the span of a couple hours (plus comments on other posts), it’s easy to miss some.
Well, then sincere thanks for doing so. We are all not on the same page, and that is ok. Attacking people who choose not to visit Disney right now doesn’t help anymore than attacking people who do. We all have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”, and that includes visiting the happiest place on earth on our terms, when it is the right time and circumstances for each of us.
So if you disagree with the orthodoxy – you’re rude…… ?
Look wear a mask if you want – If makes you feel safe go ahead. But IF it indeed DOES make you safe – then why should someone else have to wear on too? Now think about that for a minute……
I think it’s great that you email them your point of view. That’s what makes America…America! We can all have an opinion. My opinion is that I would rather not wear a mask and suffocate in the Florida heat. I have the right to email my opinion, just like you do.
Exactly!
Shanghai summers are also hot and humid, and regularly over 100F. Very few folks there are complaining about having to wear masks and how uncomfortable they are. Of course they’re uncomfortable — that’s how they work, by filtering the air. And it is just a very, very small slice of what the doctors and nurses are going through – they are wearing those extremely uncomfortable masks for 12+ hours a day to save Covid patients. (Wearing a cotton mask is extremely comfortable when compared to wearing N95s).
Choosing not going to Walt Disney World because they require masks is someone’s own prerogative, and is a valid choice. But wanting to go to Disney World unmasked, and protesting mask requirements, is nothing but entitled people being selfish.
Those who are medically unable to wear masks should contact their physicians as to what to do, how to protect themselves, and how to protect others in crowded spaces. There are many different mask and face covering options, and there’s no doubt that Disney will be open to medical accommodations.
So well put I need not comment.
I’m all for sanitizing surfaces, social distancing and even temperature checks upon entering the park. I draw the line at masks in hot, humid Florida in the summer. If heat and humidity kills the virus, I don’t see a point. We cancelled our April trip back in February and won’t reschedule for awhile. Unless you’re wearing the M95 masks, they’re providing a false sense of security. For the huge price of a magical Disney vacation, we’ll wait till it’s magical again. I believe the liberties we so freely gave up, aren’t going to come back so easily.
Chronic illness blogs like The Mighty have great recommendations for masks for people with serious allergies and sensitivities. Many are elastic free, and they also filter out allergens. People with asthma actually like wearing them.
I agree. Completely. If Disney requires a mask and you don’t want to wear one, then guess what? Don’t go.
I have no concern wearing masks at all, and I will wear one. My concern is for my 6 year old son with Down syndrome. I can’t see him being compliant in wanting to wear a mask. I just wonder how Disney will work with guests with special needs?
Well I can tell you this, they won’t be able to enforce it, as someone else said, it will give the illusion of safety. So all these people who think they can now safely make their plans to go to Disney are kidding themselves. You are at risk in a crowd. Period. You must be an adult and decide on the degree of risk and if it’s one you choose to take.
Well said. Make the mask a fun Magical adventure for you and your children. There is no magic when you get sick. Have a magical day
I keep looking for an upvote button to mash but can’t find one. Right on, Aj.
People are ranting about their freedom to not wear a mask. Yes, you do have that freedom at HOME. If Disney makes the rule that you need a mask, then you have the freedom to stay out of the park if you won’t comply. You do NOT have the freedom to impose your rebellion on others by sending your possible covid19-riddled sneeze across many feet in the park on a breezy day infecting others that in your perspective don’t have the same freedoms as you.
AJ – calling people entitled because they have an opinion does not make your opinion right. I think it’s quite rude to say that to people, simply because their thoughts do not match yours.
There is a lot of controversy on whether masks work, the WHO has flip flopped on them quite a bit over the span of this virus. Perhaps you should call them entitled as well.
My family was anticipating this and we’ve been investigating best masks for Disney (a great post idea if you want to do it) we’ve looked at N99 style like Cambridge and Vogmask, neoprene bike masks, and the possibility of using a cooling gaiter as a face covering. I really hope Disney gets into matching ears and masks.
I’m glad they are doing this, not for us, because our contact with other guests is pretty limited and we are outdoors a lot, but for the cast members. No one should worry about catching this at work. Anything we can do to make them safer is fine by me.
Maria — what a great idea about adapting a cooling gaiter as a mask! And so many potential fun combinations with ears and masks — this could really work! I know a lot of the young girls around here are pairing headbands with masks to help keep them on. I applaud Disney for doing this to keep guests and their cast members safe. I’m fully anticipating our kiddos will be headed back to school this fall (IF the schools open this fall) with face masks, so we’ve been wearing them regularly on walks. The kids definitely grumbled the first week, but now they don’t even blink. They don’t view it as any different than putting on sunblock or sunglasses. If anything, our three year old was the first/easiest to adapt to them.