Walt Disney World Makes MAJOR Mask Rule Change – What Does This Mean For You?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many new changes and regulations to Disney vacations.

From plexiglass separators to lowered capacity in the theme parks, Guest experiences at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort have been altered for the health and safety of Guests and Cast Members.

Throughout the pandemic, Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom all followed federal mask requirements and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) face-covering guidelines.

Now, Disney has made a dramatic change to its face mask policy, following Universal Orlando’s sudden face mask rule change back on February 11.

For a long time now, Disneys Guests at indoor locations in the theme parks and Disney Springs area have had to wear a face-covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, regardless of vaccinations status.

The new Omicron variant of the virus led to many pandemic restrictions across the nation coming back into play, with a COVID-19 testing site reopening in January near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida due to the Omicron spike in Osceola County.

Since 2020, Disney Guests have been able to purchase masks from shopDisney and from merchandise locations at Walt Disney World, but we noticed last week that face masks are not available online, with the site showing that there were “0 products” listed on the website in this category.

From favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Figment to popular designs from Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar movies, there were masks available for every Guest’s taste – and now it seems this online change was foreshadowing Disney’s newest rule alteration.

Walt Disney World has today officially updated its face mask policy for vaccinated Guests.

Starting February 17, 2022, masks will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both indoor and outdoor locations. All Guests will still be required to wear masks on Disney transportation including buses, Monorails, and the Skyliner.

The Orlando Sentinel reported last week that, “Universal Orlando will no longer require fully vaccinated visitors to wear face masks indoors at its Resort starting Saturday (February 12, 2022).” Universal confirmed they came to this decision “based on local trends and conditions.”

The Omicron strain is now seeing declining numbers after concern about a new wave of COVID-19, with cases nationwide dropping. The United Kingdom recently ended all pandemic regulations, pulling the need to test before entering the country.

So, if you’re fully vaccinated, with both shots and/or the booster, it is now optional whether you wear your face covering at indoor locations like Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, Be Our Guest, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Walt Disney World’s face mask policy can be found on the official website and reads:

Beginning February 17, 2022:

Face coverings will be 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 will still be required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.

Current Face Covering Requirements Through February 16, 2022

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all indoor attractions and indoor queues and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas.

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