Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Disney Parks across the globe have seen multiple changes and regulations introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From plexiglass separators to face coverings, 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 have all abided by federal mask requirements and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) face-covering guidelines.
Guests at indoor locations in the theme parks and Disney Springs area must wear a face-covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In January, a COVID-19 testing site, operated in partnership with Northshore Clinical Labs, reopened near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida due to the Omicron spike in Osceola County.
Now, however, it seems Disney may be looking forward to a sense of normalcy once again.
Credit: Disney
We noticed an intriguing observation on shopDisney, Disney’s official merchandise website, that shows a surprising route for Disney’s merchandise department.
Since 2020, Disney Guests have been able to purchase cloth masks from shopDisney and from merchandise locations in the Parks.
From favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Figment to popular designs from Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar movies, there have been masks available for everyone.
Now, though, face masks are not available on shopDisney, with the site showing that there are “0 products” listed on the website in this category.
Credit: shopDisney
With supply chain issues affecting Walt Disney World and Disneyland recently, we may be looking at the pandemic ironically impacting Disney’s supply of masks.
Stores across the theme parks are seeing empty shelves, a lack of merchandise, and Christmas items still being sold to fill the shops. Even ‘Ohana is temporarily not offering its beloved famous bread anymore.
It is unclear if face-coverings will return to the shopDisney website or if this is a permanent change from Disney.
The Omicron variant is now seeing declining numbers after a winter filled with concern about a new wave of COVID-19, but the CDC recently updated its face mask recommendations to say that cloth face coverings are not as safe as medical masks.
Perhaps this is Disney’s way of encouraging Guests to follow the CDC’s guidelines and wear medical masks inside at the Parks?
Credit: Disney
Disney Guests should be aware that both Walt Disney World Resort in Flordia and Disneyland Resort in California have COVID-19 safety guidelines and face-covering requirements in place.
Disney World’s face mask policy can be found on the official website and reads:
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
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 not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
Credit: Disney
- To enter a theme park, Guests (ages 3 and older) will need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit.
- The State of California strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated or receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Disneyland Resort. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors, including on many attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.
