The Latest on Walt Disney World Mask Policy Updates: 5 Things to Know

For 2020, wearing a mask at Walt Disney World is a must, apart from a couple of scenarios. But, with the constant updates and changes to keep everyone safe, what’s the scoop? From when you have to to when you don’t here’s the story on the Disney World mask policy.

Disney World Mask Policy: When You Have to Wear a Mask at Disney World

For all intents and purposes, here’s when you need to wear a mask at Disney World:

• On all rides and attractions – If you take your mask off on a ride and have Photopass, you won’t have access to that photo.
• While in common areas at Disney World Resorts
• While on Disney World transportation
• When walking into a restaurant and picking up a mobile order
• When shopping in a Walt Disney World store

Can’t make it to the Disney World theme parks, but still want to buy exclusive merchandise? Here’s the scoop on shopDisney MerchPass and how to use it. 

Disney World Mask Policy: When You Don’t Have to Wear a Mask at Disney World

Here are the Disney mask policy exceptions:

• When in your Disney Resort room
• When swimming at a Disney Resort pool
• When at a Relaxation Station in the theme parks (there are at least two in each park)
• When outdoors and socially distant

Relaxation Stations are large, dedicated indoor or outdoor spaces that allow gusts to sit, relax, take of their masks, and eat/drink. While in a Relaxation Station, you still need to maintain physical distancing from other guests. I checked out the indoor Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (in Pizzafari) and it was cool and refreshing. Since I wasn’t’ eating or drinking, I didn’t take off my mask, but I was told that it’s perfectly acceptable.

Update: Relaxation Stations have been removed from the parks. 

• When eating or drinking

For eating or drinking, WDW has recently changed the policy to state that if eating or drinking, you have to be stationary and maintain physical distancing from other guests. My take is that some guests were abusing the eating/drinking policy and keeping their masks off for mush of their visit, as long as they had a drink in their hands. So, WDW tightened the ropes.

What Masks Are You Allowed to Wear at Disney World?

Disney has some pretty strict standards for permitted masks:

• Two ply (two layers of) fabric that’s breathable
• Must fit snugly (but still offer comfort) along the sides of your face
• Must completely cover the mouth and fit under the chin
• Have ties or ear loops

Guests are not permitted to wear bandana/gator-style masks or costume-style masks. Also, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

How Is the Disney World Mask Policy Enforced?

It can get a little touchy, the mask enforcing. As someone that was in the parks for the Disney World reopening, I can assure you that folks are taking their own liberties by pushing the mask down below their noses, etc. While most of the guests are doing as told, there are a few that need some reminders.

So, Disney world has cast members (employees) whose goal is to make sure we all are keeping with its mask policy. You’ll see them at attraction and transportation entrances reminding guests to pull up their masks in the nicest possible way. They’ve also been spotted asking guests to move to the side of paths and remain stationary while eating & drinking.

Additionally, listen close enough and you’ll hear announcements reminding guests of the mask & physical distancing policies in place. Honestly, it’s not annoying at all.

If you Forget to Take a Mask to Disney World

Just in case you spaced before you headed out the door to a Disney World park or Disney Springs, you have a couple of options to keep in line with the Disney World mask policy:

• Head to Guest Services and let them know. They may have paper face masks to use for emergencies.
• Look for paper mask vending machines outside of the the Disney World Parks. I’e seen them at Epcot for $2 a mask.
• Ask if you can buy an official WDW mask at Guest Services. If they can’t help, they can direct you to the right place.