Face
If you are planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, you need to know, face coverings are required for everyone over the age of 2. All cast members and guests will be required to wear a covering. It is important to note, this is not optional, you will not be allowed around the parks without wearing a mask.
We had the pleasure of spending 7 magical days at Walt Disney World upon the reopening of the parks. I have the complete 101 on my personal tips as well as Disney requirements for wearing masks around the parks.
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. You will need to bring your own face coverings, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least two 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 badanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
Some common questions about masks:
- Are masks enforced at Disney Springs? Yes, you will be required to wear a mask while enjoying Disney Springs. You may remove your mask while dining.
- What happens if you forget your mask? Masks are available for purchase.
- What happens if I do not want to wear a mask? Here’s verbiage right from Disney.
Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges as responsibly as we can. With our robust measures in place, we believe a key factor in our success in reopening Disney Springs will be our Guests’ acceptance and adherence to our new protocols. Guests without masks will not be allowed entry to Disney Springs.
Without a doubt, one of the number one things I am asked is about how it felt to wear a face covering in the heat in July. I will be honest, it was hot but it was not bad. Wearing a mask would not detour me from visiting Walt Disney World in the future, in fact, I am going back for 10 days real soon.
With that said, it is nice to have the option to be able to remove your mask when in certain locations. Here’s a list of place you can go and relax mask-free.
- Dining Locations-You will need to wear your mask until you are seated at your table. Once you are sitting, you may remove your mask. If you leave the table to go to the restroom, you will need to put your mask back on.
- Eating On the Go– If you stop for a drink or a snack, you may remove your mask to enjoy. However, you must be stationary. This means you cannot walk and drink or eat. With the crowds at bay, it is very easy to pull over in a socially distant spot and enjoy your snack or beverage.
- Pools-You do not need to wear a mask while in the pool. You will need to have your mask on to enter and as you find your chair but once seated, you can remove your mask. If you get up to go to the pool bar, you must do so with your mask on. While in the water, you do not need to wear as mask.
- Relaxation Stations-Disney knows you need a break. We loved spending some time with our Starbucks at the various relaxation stations throughout the parks. Some are much better than others but the important thing to know is, you can go in and get a spot and remove your mask.
I think of it like this, I have to wear shoes and I’ve done my research as to what shoes work best for me in the heat, and walking almost 11 miles a day. I now do the same with masks. Here’s what I did to find the perfect masks for me!!
- Practice Makes Perfect- This is true. You would not take a new pair of shoes to Disney, you need them broken in. The same goes for a mask. Make sure you have tested out the masks at home. I took my daily walk in various masks until I found one that worked well for me.
- Research-My personal tip is to wear only 100% cotton. This has helped me not to break out and also with sweating. I found someone local who makes masks and I purchased from her. Best purchase ever!
- Inventory-You will need more than one mask per person per day. For example, if you are using the medical masks, the ear loops stretch and then break, make sure you have extra with you for those. Even with the cotton masks, if you are sweaty, you may want to change it out after a meal.
- Storage-Have a clean space to store your masks…I had baggies for each person in my group.
- Electrolytes-You need to stay hydrated. My family would add electrolytes into our water first thing in the morning. Liquid IV is my personal favorite. One serving is equivalent to 3 bottles of water. That is a great way to start your day. Be sure to see my tips on free water at Disney.
- Cleaning-Make sure you bring dawn dish soap with you. You can get a small bottle at the dollar store. We stayed in a villa this time so we had a washer and dryer and cleaned masks every night. But you will want to be able to clean and hang dry your masks if they are reusable.
The
The million dollar question is, did masks ruin our trip? The answer is, absolutely not. We had a wonderful time, enjoyed the very low crowds as well as the slower pace. I have to say, it was refreshing to be able to take it slow. My family honestly has not had that much of a relaxed trip to Walt Disney World in years.