Masks at WDW

[Nadia D]

I can totally understand if you are a Florida resident who are a casual WDW goer and can go into the park for a few hours and ride a couple of rides and have a meal and leave than you can most likely tolerate the mask. Those coming from out of State or from another country and they expect to spend the entire day in the parks in the heat that just isn't going to work with a mask on all day. I voted no because I am from the latter.

I voted no as well for the same reason. I guess if the parks themselves (not just Disney Springs) re-open with the mandatory mask requirement and insist on it for a while, Disney will lose nearly half of its visitors. Some might change their minds one way or another. Some will come and realize how difficult it is to deal with masks on vacation and not come again as long as they are required. Then again it depends on the outbreak situation. Will be interesting to see how long this requirement remains in effect.

 

[Nadia D]

I voted Yes. My thinking is simple - If the performers wearing giant headgear and full body costuming can hack it, I can tough it out to simply enjoy the park. It's really not that big of a deal, and I think people are blowing masks out of a proportion because literally everything is so politicized now. For me, if my enjoyment of the parks outweighs any perceived inconvenience of wearing a mask, then I'm going for it.

I just need Dole Whip.

The performers do not wear those costumes all day long, especially not during the summer. They take them off every half-hour or so and take breaks. Or are replaced by others CMs. It's good if you are comfortable with the masks that it's only a "perceived" inconvenience. But the comparison you give is not quite correct.

 

[EmmieSue]

Are you expecting deep discounts? Like what?

It seems from the surveys they sent that they are actually planning to charge the same or more.

It really doesn't seem like Disney at all, based on what I have read. Their idea that there are NO EXCEPTIONS on the masks is so sad- and so un-Disney. They have always been over-the-top accommodating to guests- and now they have done a 180 and seem as if they are preparing to be more like prison guards than welcoming hosts.

As someone with medical reasons that I can't wear a mask in the heat or for extended time periods it is very upsetting. Honestly if I could safely wear one I would totally go even with the majorly modified experience.

 

[MyAdventureBook]

As someone with medical reasons that I can't wear a mask in the heat or for extended time periods it is very upsetting. Honestly if I could safely wear one I would totally go even with the majorly modified experience.

Me too. The policy is so exclusive- and Disney's lawyers claim they don't have to follow the ADA any longer because of the pandemic. It would be good to see a challenge to that.

 

[Chi84]

Me too. The policy is so exclusive- and Disney's lawyers claim they don't have to follow the ADA any longer because of the pandemic. It would be good to see a challenge to that.

Where did you find the information about Disney’s lawyers and the ADA? Sorry, I haven’t been reading all the news and I missed that.

 

[MyAdventureBook]

Where did you find the information about Disney’s lawyers and the ADA? Sorry, I haven’t been reading all the news and I missed that.

Their long list of rules has this to say about Facemasks at DS:

Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and older are required to wear face coverings when visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

All face coverings should:

• Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable

Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

Guests are required to wear face coverings at all times, except while dining. The use of face coverings should not be seen as a substitute for physical distancing. Guests must provide their own disposable or reusable face covering.


On the Disney Food Blog, someone answered a question about accommodations with this:

"With regard to masks, generally the ADA prohibits places of public accommodation having restrictions that would limit access to an individual with a disability. However, the ADA does allow restrictions when an individual would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

As of March 2020, the EEOC has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic meets the direct threat standard, based on guidance from the CDC and public health authorities regarding the risk of community spread and institution of restrictions. IMPORTANT – This standard may change and so businesses must stay up-to-date.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is currently considered a direct threat by the EEOC, a business would likely be on solid ground to require customers to wear face masks or covering when entering into their premises."


So I am sure that is the reasoning they have chosen to follow. However, that was a statement by the EEOC- which deals with employment. That's an administrative employment court. I think there is a strong argument under the ADA that a healthy person not wearing a face covering is not actually a direct threat to others. It would be a different court- not the EEOC- who would determine whether a guest has been discriminated against under the ADA. It is pretty crazy to think that the thousands of people in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida who are shopping and dining and playing on the beaches and enjoying the parks are considered to be "direct threats to others" because they aren't wearing masks.

 

[EmmieSue]

If masks become optional under an ADA ruling, masks would become optional for everyone, as people are not required to provide proof of medical conditions.

This inability to mandate masks would likely mean Disney could not operate.

If people want to return to theme parks, the best course of action is to follow the rules. They don't operate otherwise. Those who are unwilling to wear a mask can wait a while, Disney isn't going anywhere.

This is why I feel like proof should be allowed to be required. It would solve a lot of issues for people who actually have conditions that need the laws. I know plenty of legit service dog owners who would gladly show proof if it meant getting rid of fake services animals. I am sure a lot would be fine if it meant they could enjoy something like Disney too.

And I am also fine with waiting until the mask policy is up to return to Disney. I am not fine with the fact that I already paid for an Annual pass to not be able to go to the parks because of a policy not put into place when I bought it that physically prevents me from going.

 

[*Cinderelly*]

I live in Florida even though it is North of WDW, but it can still get hot. I definitely won't have an issue wearing a mask at the parks.

 

[EmmieSue]

I purchased some "ice silk" face coverings in hopes that they will be the fabric that doesn't bother my skin as well as not causing me to overheat, if even just to make grocery runs easier. I will report back for my fellow disability peeps who struggle with masks for similar reasons on how they work.

 

[Kate F]

If you have no problem walking around WDW with a mask, good for you. I don’t care how normal it is in other countries, I don’t want to have to wear them and will happily wait until this pandemic has blown over to go back to Disney.

 

[*Cinderelly*]

Been outside for 10+ hours in July in one recently?

I’m not doubting your willingness - or anyone else’s - I’m saying no one has any experience in this in a high cost, leisure environment.

I can remember barley completing the country crawl in 98 (was much a much younger dude then) because it was 97 in the shade. Almost fell into the lagoon with the nuclear ducks and fish

And more recently...I was at the poly from July 20-28 in 2016 and I’d go running at 7:30 am and come back 6 lbs lighter. The heat/humidity never broke. Low was 86 at 5 am...close to 90 by the time I got back at 8:45 or so.

I think the environment is being forgotten by a lot of people who have seen an unusually mild spring this year in Florida.

Remember last year? Hot as hades stones from March to November.

Now take your bathing suit, sling it around your ears with rubber bands and breath through it...all day. For 7 days.

Enjoy.

I hear ya. I plan on taking lots of breaks. Also my vacation is planned for the end of December/beginning of January at WDW so not gonna be the almost 100 degrees.

I do know what ya mean though and if the heat is something that is a major issue for someone than I definitely suggest rethinking changing the vacation plans to a time where it would be cooler or when no mask would be required.

 

[networkpro]

Yes. I frequently wear a mask, bandanna, long sleeves, and a hat while mowing the fields in 100+ degree weather in Texas 8 to 12 hours a day.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I'll wait until this stuff wears off and people's paranoia wears off so that when Disney is back to the Disney we all know and feel is worth our money, we'll go. Hey, I still want to go in 2020, but it isn't worth it if you go only to be reminded of the paranoia that lies outside of the doors (masks, being fearful of a flu-like virus, etc.). None of that sounds like a whole lot of fun in the Florida heat. I am guessing if the media starts talking about something else and it isn't front page news anymore that people will sort of forget about it too. It all depends on how long they want to milk this thing and instill fear.. Always the best customer service and I prefer not to go when there will be shabby customer service. I've gone during flu season before, never asked once if I had the flu, which is good. So yeah, when Disney and our society finally grow tired of this whole paranoid approach I'd love to go back.

 

[CLEtoWDW]

Received a survey from Disney the other day regarding my feelings for a park reopening. I made sure my point was absolutely 100% clear that the required mask policy would be a completely unacceptable policy IMO. Allow me to explain... I had a case of heat stroke in 2003 and one of the many symptoms is the inability to catch your breathe. If I was wearing a mask that feeling would have only been exacerbated. Luckily I recognized the symptoms quickly and received medical attention. The required mask policy in the summer months will lead to an explosion of heat related illnesses in the parks. Additionally, good luck enforcing the policy among children under 12. I get it the virus is contagious but proper social distancing is the key to its containment.

 

[King Panda 77]

It’s basically the equivalent of wearing a light scarf in the summertime in central FL. Would I wear a mask on the flight to MCO? 100% yes. But to wear a mask in a climate where a heat index of 110 is not outside of the norm is lunacy.

So you won't be going then ?

 

[Chi84]

I think the mindset is that the people who have no problem wearing a mask to WDW are more “obedient” than those that don’t want to wear them. A person states they don’t like the idea of wearing a mask and they’re like “Oh, you don’t like the rules? Don’t go.” Which I’m pretty sure doesn’t need to be said in most cases because it’s obvious they will wait it out.

Absolutely. Our May 2020 trip obviously did not happen and we will cancel our October 2020 trip if masks are required. It's not because I disagree with the policies, but simply because I don't plan on spending that kind of money for a less than optimal experience. I personally don't believe the masks are doing all that much to prevent the spread of the disease based on what we know and particularly based on the type of masks people are wearing and how they are being worn, but it's not my call. We elect representatives to make the judgments for society as a whole, and Disney is a business that has every right to make decisions for what happens on its property. Disagreeing with the necessity or wisdom of a policy is not the same as saying you won't follow it.

 

[Lilofan]

 

[The Mom]

The original question posted is " Would you go to WDW if you had to wear a mask?" Yes/No and give a reason why you would or would not wear one at WDW.

Saying that you would or would not be comfortable is OK, but debating whether or not you believe masks should be worn by others is not. Debating whether or not they are effective goes beyond the original question.

The experts don't agree on the subject, so there is no chance that random people on a message board can get it right.

Any future postings beyond the original question, and a brief explanation of why you would/would not go to WDW if masks are required, will be deleted.

 

[Pyromonkey]

Wont visit any theme park if you have to wear a mask.

 

[NickMaio]

Wont visit any theme park if you have to wear a mask.

Ditto........
It's just not worth it to me.....even if there was not a virus floating around.
Just too uncomfortable to travel the distance and spend that kind of money.....even though it is my happy place.