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So, Where Are Face Masks Required Now at Disney?

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Credit: Disney

We’ve loved to see Disney Parks returning to normal, international borders opening, and the travel industry finally booming after a long two years of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed so many things for Disney fans at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. From social distancing and quarantining to face masks and travel policies, health and safety regulations altered our Disney Park and Resort experience.

The removal of the indoor locations face mask rule at Disney’s theme parks last month led to a sense of normalcy returning to Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And now, another Disney policy has changed at one of Disney’s most sought-after Deluxe Resorts.

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Credit: Disney

The COVID situation continues to change on a daily basis for those wishing to travel. Tourism is increasing after a quiet two years, with sold-out Park Pass Reservations at the Disney Parks and record-breaking crowds at airports.

During the pandemic, Disney followed all federal mask requirements and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) face-covering guidelines. Back on February 17, Disney made a dramatic change to its indoor locations’ face mask policy, following Universal Orlando’s sudden face mask rule change back on February 11. A sense of “normalcy’ returned, and vaccinated Guests found themselves able to properly smell the famous scents on EPCOT’s Soarin’ attraction and the beloved Disney water smell on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Now, Disney has changed its health and safety policy at a major Disney vacation destination – Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa.

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Credit: Disney

According to the Aulani website, fully vaccinated Guests are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor locations at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Additionally, face masks are not required for Guests outdoors.

This face mask policy change will be a warm welcome to Guests at the Hawaii Disney Resort Hotel looking to travel soon during the hot summer months. Basking in the sun next to the hotel’s lazy river, Waikolohe Stream, with a face mask on is definitely not the most ideal comfort level, believe us!

This change comes shortly after Hawaii modified its travel policy for domestic visitors. As of March 26, 2022, Hawaii’s Safe Travels program ended, and “there are no COVID-related travel requirements for arriving domestic Guests,” according to the Aulani website:

Face coverings are not required for Guests outdoors, and are now optional for fully vaccinated Guests at most indoor locations when visiting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings when indoors. All Guests may be required to wear appropriate face coverings at select indoor locations.

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Credit: Disney

Disney does expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings when indoors.

So, with all these changing face mask policies at Disney properties, where do you need a face-covering now? Well, we have the breakdown of all the places at Disney where a mask is required.

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

Masks are required at all indoor locations, including restaurants and attractions, for Guests who are not fully vaccinated. Face coverings are optional for Guests ages 2 and up at Disney’s theme parks who are fully vaccinated.

All outdoor areas, including outdoor experiences, queues and theaters, have an optional face mask rule for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated Guests.

Transportation

It is now optional for Guests who are fully vaccinated to wear a face mask while boarding the Disney Skyliner. Those who are not fully vaccinated must still wear a correct face covering while aboard this mode of Disney World Resort transportation. Additionally, masks are still required for those boarding a Disney bus or Monorail, despite vaccination status.

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Credit: Disney

Disney Cruise Line

On Disney’s Cruise ships, face coverings are not required for Guests outdoors while onboard the ship and at designated locations on Castaway Cay.

Face masks are optional in most indoor locations throughout the ship. Guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, will still be required to wear face coverings in the Walt Disney Theatre. Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activity spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Face coverings are also required on transportation and in the Disney Cruise Line Terminal and may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.

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Credit: Disney

Disney Parks Abroad

Tokyo Disneyland

Guests are required to wear masks at all times inside the Tokyo Disney Parks, except when dining. To prevent heatstroke during the summer season, however, when the temperature and humidity are high, Disney allows masks to be removed if Guests are outdoors with an adequate distance from others.

Shanghai Disneyland

Due to the current pandemic situation, Shanghai Disney Resort, including Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park, are temporarily closed as of March 21, 2022. Before it closed, Shanghai Disney Resort required Guests to wear a face mask at all times during their stay.

Disneyland Paris

In line with French government guidance, face masks are no longer required at Disneyland Paris, except for on transportation (including hotel shuttles), in which wearing a mask is still mandatory both for Guests and Cast Members. Face masks remain recommended for crowded experiences such as the parade and nighttime spectacular ‘Disney Illuminations’.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Guests at Hong Kong Disneyland are required to wear a face mask during their visit, except when enjoying food or drinks at a Disney dining location.

For more information on Disney World’s current COVID-19 policies for both unvaccinated and vaccinated Guests, visit the Walt Disney World website here.

About Melissa Cannioto

Melissa is an author, adventurer, and chatterbox, who has worked at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Adventures by Disney! A British native, she has traveled the world seeking new experiences, and now resides in Florida with her husband, an Air Force pilot. Find her children's book at @bear.hug.book