News Disney mask policy at Walt Disney World theme parks

[Figgy1]

I disagree. There are a whole lot of people who significantly altered their lives for more than a year to fight this virus. Now that the vaccines are available and people have the ability to protect themselves, the rules have to start changing to accommodate what we have learned. One of the things we've learned is that outside transmission is not nearly as prevalent as inside transmission, so the rules need to change. We can't be so cowed by the possibility of rule-breakers that we paralyze ourselves into inaction.

It's still not easy to get an appointment in all areas yet and you're not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks post 2nd shot. IMHO we're not where we need to be yet. Spread is still also too high in many not all places. I see a gradual end some lifting sooner and some later.

 

[mickeymiss]

I'm a pesky person who actually understands the logic too. I also read that the variants are not evading the vaccines and that it does cut down transmission. I'll say it again, I take science seriously. I even did the trial for the sake of the world, I'm not okay with doing unnecessary things though. I'll follow rulesm, but outdoors I find this pointless now. From the beginning we had outdoor visits distanced without masks due to distance and we were told that's okay. Now we have science agreeing and people keep wanting to keep things in place when it isn't necessary. I stopped wiping my groceries and letting mail sit for 3 days months ago. I move with what science says is all. Contrary to your implications, I'm not dumb or ignoring science.

I'm proud to say that we never wiped our groceries You'd have thought I was a homicidal maniac with how people acted about doing that until the CDC said to stop. As someone with actual OCD, it was surreal to see how even I wasn't going that far. I think we should move towards relaxing rules but not necessarily too quickly at crowded theme parks. I worried about what it was going to be like when the same people who sprayed lysol on everything (not directed at you) wanted to scrap all precautions because of a vaccine that we are still learning new things about. I'm advocating for a gradual and data based crawl towards "normal" specifically in crowded settings. Some states aren't even allowed to visit other states. I think a lot of local restrictions like domestic travel bans should have ended months ago and they are still in place. Disneyland won't even allow anyone from out of state when they open. Disney World had been a success story and I don't want to jump the gun.

 

[GaBoy]

What strikes me most on these threads is that people can disagree about so much, yet still come to the same conclusion. I could write a response disagreeing with some of what you said but in the end I agree that waiting until July is just fine.

Oh yeah. July sounds right.

 

[danlb_2000]

I thought I made this clear in previous posts, but I'll say it again. For Disney, if you are in line, or at/in an attraction (inside or outside) you are masked. Anything that is inside (like a building) you are masked. Riding transportation would be masked. Walking from attraction to attraction not inside a building? No.

What about Tom Sawyer island, do I need to ware a mask all the time there, or only when I go in the caves? What about the Morocco pavilion, do I need to wear a mask in the marketplace area, or only when I cross the threshold into a shop area? Same issue with the Galaxy's Edge markerplace. Do I need to wear a mask in the American Gardens Theater? Just a few examples of the grey areas.

 

[Robbydj13]

As long as were mostly back to normal at Disney (no masks, dining plan, more capacity) by December, then Ill be fine with it LOL

 

[Chi84]

I'm proud to say that we never wiped our groceries You'd have thought I was a homicidal maniac with how people acted about doing that until the CDC said to stop. As someone with actual OCD, it was surreal to see how even I wasn't going that far. I think we should move towards relaxing rules but not necessarily too quickly at crowded theme parks. I worried about what it was going to be like when the same people who sprayed lysol on everything (not directed at you) wanted to scrap all precautions because of a vaccine that we are still learning new things about. I'm advocating for a gradual and data based crawl towards "normal" specifically in crowded settings. Some states aren't even allowed to visit other states. I think a lot of local restrictions like domestic travel bans should have ended months ago and they are still in place. Disneyland won't even allow anyone from out of state when they open. Disney World had been a success story and I don't want to jump the gun.

That's true, but I believe Tokyo Disneyland is allowing people to remove masks when outdoors during the summer. Also, I think I just read that Cedar Point and Kings Island have dropped outdoor masks as long as social distance can be maintained and don't require masks for guests under 9 years old. There's a thing such as moving too slowly, too. People will disagree on what is acceptable, and WDW will have to decide for itself when to relax restrictions.

 

[correcaminos]

I'm proud to say that we never wiped our groceries You'd have thought I was a homicidal maniac with how people acted about doing that until the CDC said to stop. As someone with actual OCD, it was surreal to see how even I wasn't going that far. I think we should move towards relaxing rules but not necessarily too quickly at crowded theme parks. I worried about what it was going to be like when the same people who sprayed lysol on everything (not directed at you) wanted to scrap all precautions because of a vaccine that we are still learning new things about. I'm advocating for a gradual and data based crawl towards "normal" specifically in crowded settings. Some states aren't even allowed to visit other states. I think a lot of local restrictions like domestic travel bans should have ended months ago and they are still in place. Disneyland won't even allow anyone from out of state when they open. Disney World had been a success story and I don't want to jump the gun.

When we didn't know we wiped groceries. We put packages aside for 3 days. Not judging either way honestly. People have to do what they felt was right you know? For me it has been gradual. So maybe I am ready for the next step. I do worry people will have a hard time readjusting. I mean it is a change so it will be hard. I do think we need more gradual and to me this is the next step. Obviously will comply but we need to learn to ease back so people can be reintroduced to more normalcy eventually.

In Ohio our two amusement parks are no masks when outdoors as long as one can maintain distance. This is what it was at the Cbus zoo (massive zoo) last year too so I bet it will be fine there.

What about Tom Sawyer island, do I need to ware a mask all the time there, or only when I go in the caves? What about the Morocco pavilion, do I need to wear a mask in the marketplace area, or only when I cross the threshold into a shop area? Same issue with the Galaxy's Edge markerplace. Do I need to wear a mask in the American Gardens Theater? Just a few examples of the grey areas.

You will only see gray if you want to. Seriously. They want tight places with masks, they will just tell you before you enter.

I really do believe people aren't ready for change and that's the real hang up. Remember you are free to wear masks if you feel the need to. I'm just ready to move to the next step. I comply, but if no masks are required, I won't be pressed to put one on.

 

[trainplane3]

That's true, but I believe Tokyo Disneyland is allowing people to remove masks when outdoors during the summer. Also, I think I just read that Cedar Point and Kings Island have dropped outdoor masks as long as social distance can be maintained and don't require masks for guests under 9 years old. There's a thing such as moving too slowly, too. People will disagree on what is acceptable, and WDW will have to decide for itself when to relax restrictions.

Yep.

Looks like Cedar Point (like Dollywood) is doing what a lot of users here want. I'd guess Disney is going to be watching how this goes.

 

[correcaminos]

That's true, but I believe Tokyo Disneyland is allowing people to remove masks when outdoors during the summer. Also, I think I just read that Cedar Point and Kings Island have dropped outdoor masks as long as social distance can be maintained and don't require masks for guests under 9 years old. There's a thing such as moving too slowly, too. People will disagree on what is acceptable, and WDW will have to decide for itself when to relax restrictions.

Yes, just posted about KI and CP. Big news for us Ohians. I expect the zoo to drop masks outdoors like they had half the summer too.

 

[Tom P.]

In addition to what was already said, King's Island is dropping all capacity restrictions on rides, operating them at full capacity this year.

 

[HairyChest]

I wonder how this will affect the Disney parks. I’m thinking no outdooor masks required by memorial weekend for the parks.

 

[mickeymiss]

I do worry people will have a hard time readjusting. I mean it is a change so it will be hard. I do think we need more gradual and to me this is the next step. Obviously will comply but we need to learn to ease back so people can be reintroduced to more normalcy eventually.

I agree that adjustment will be hard. I think a lot of people are traumatized by both the disease and the reaction to the disease. Myself included. I was reluctant about masks because it's symbolic of a very advanced type of anxiety which I was already suffering with. I slowly came on board and now I want to see consistent application of the logic we've had to abide by for a year. I think July is a good point to start removing some of the measures that are more on the arbitrary side: optional masks outside, removal of temperature checks, removal of plexiglass, resuming fireworks and parades, etc.

I think it's a good middle ground since we've been marinating in fear and changed our entire society over this dirtbag virus.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I agree that adjustment will be hard. I think a lot of people are traumatized by both the disease and the reaction to the disease. Myself included. I was reluctant about masks because it's symbolic of a very advanced type of anxiety which I was already suffering with. I slowly came on board and now I want to see consistent application of the logic we've had to abide by for a year. I think July is a good point to start removing some of the measures that have no basis. Optional masks outside, removal of temperature checks, removal of plexiglass, resuming fireworks and parades, etc.

I think it's a good middle ground since we've been marinating in fear and changed our entire society over this dirtbag virus.

Dirtbag virus. I like that.

 

[G00fyDad]

I wonder how this will affect the Disney parks. I’m thinking no outdooor masks required by memorial weekend for the parks.

I wonder how Disney will be able to tell the guests walking around with a vaccine from those without one. They won't. Unfortunately I think this CDC guideline will make little difference with Disney. But hey, I could be wrong and they may just lose it a little and decide to forego masks outside altogether.

 

[correcaminos]

I agree that adjustment will be hard. I think a lot of people are traumatized by both the disease and the reaction to the disease. Myself included. I was reluctant about masks because it's symbolic of a very advanced type of anxiety which I was already suffering with. I slowly came on board and now I want to see consistent application of the logic we've had to abide by for a year. I think July is a good point to start removing some of the measures that are more on the arbitrary side: optional masks outside, removal of temperature checks, removal of plexiglass, resuming fireworks and parades, etc.

I think it's a good middle ground since we've been marinating in fear and changed our entire society over this dirtbag virus.

I get it too! As one who deals with a few disorders revolving around trauma, it is very real. Some will be anxious about this for a while. As one who has had to work through traumatic experiences (and still I fail at times even at Disney) I have used similar techniques to effectively tell my mind to shut up even with covid. I'm sure as one who also deals with anxieties that you get what I mean.

I actually think Memorial Day works to remove some things that are more obvious like outdoor masks like many amusement parks are doing. Then throughout the summer remove some distancing and plexiglass and all that. Eventually remove the masks indoors too. That timeline I won't guess on. Some will feel the need (or have an actual need) to wear masks longer and we need to respect that too.

 

[Tom P.]

I wonder how Disney will be able to tell the guests walking around with a vaccine from those without one. They won't. Unfortunately I think this CDC guideline will make little difference with Disney. But hey, I could be wrong and they may just lose it a little and decide to forego masks outside altogether.

I think the updated CDC guidelines will have less to do with Disney changing than the fact that the amusement/theme park industry as a whole is rapidly moving in the direction of no outdoor masks. From King's Island to Dollywood, we're seeing that happen already. I don't think Disney (and Universal) will be far behind.

 

[danlb_2000]

I agree that adjustment will be hard. I think a lot of people are traumatized by both the disease and the reaction to the disease. Myself included. I was reluctant about masks because it's symbolic of a very advanced type of anxiety which I was already suffering with. I slowly came on board and now I want to see consistent application of the logic we've had to abide by for a year. I think July is a good point to start removing some of the measures that are more on the arbitrary side: optional masks outside, removal of temperature checks, removal of plexiglass, resuming fireworks and parades, etc.

I think it's a good middle ground since we've been marinating in fear and changed our entire society over this dirtbag virus.

Saw this article the other day on thus topic

"A survey released last month by the American Psychological Association found that 48 percent of adults who have been vaccinated said they felt “uneasy” about returning to in-person interactions once the pandemic is over."

This is why just getting people who want it vaccinated isn't enough, we need to get the case count down so that people will feel comfortable doing things again, because if these people are still "hiding at home" they aren't contributing fully to the economy.

Even after being fully vaccinated, many still wrestle with a fear of catching Covid

“I don’t want to be sitting in a movie theater with ‘patient zero’ of a variant that bucks the vaccine.”

www.nbcnews.com

 

[dreday3]

Saw this article the other day on thus topic

"A survey released last month by the American Psychological Association found that 48 percent of adults who have been vaccinated said they felt “uneasy” about returning to in-person interactions once the pandemic is over."

This is why just getting people who want it vaccinated isn't enough, we need to get the case count down so that people will feel comfortable doing things again, because if these people are still "hiding at home" they aren't contributing fully to the economy.

Even after being fully vaccinated, many still wrestle with a fear of catching Covid

“I don’t want to be sitting in a movie theater with ‘patient zero’ of a variant that bucks the vaccine.”

www.nbcnews.com

Okay. I'm all for following science and understand why at this point we still have restrictions, but I'm not for keeping any restrictions longer than needed because some vaccinated (or otherwise) people are still scared to go back to normal.

I mean we are still basing this all on science, right?

 

[dreday3]

And people are getting very excited about this announcement tomorrow about mask guidance from CDC - it's going to be something like "vaccinated people don't need masks as long as they can social distance or are around other vaccinated people outdoors" - so if you can't social distance, they will say we still need masks outdoors. Which won't really result in any change at all.

 

[tpac24]

I wonder how Disney will be able to tell the guests walking around with a vaccine from those without one. They won't. Unfortunately I think this CDC guideline will make little difference with Disney. But hey, I could be wrong and they may just lose it a little and decide to forego masks outside altogether.

And out of principal even though I am vaccinated if they asked me I would very politely tell them it is none of their business .