NEWS: Mask and Distancing Requirements May Change SOON in Central Florida

When Disney World reopened last year, they introduced a requirement that all guests wear face masks when inside the park unless stationary and actively eating or drinking to help maintain the health and safety of guests.

Face masks have been required at Disney World since it reopened last year

We recently saw an update to that policy in Disney World, as they announced that guests can now remove their face masks to take photos in the parks (so long as appropriate physical distancing is maintained). And, now it seems that the face mask policy within Orange County, Florida may be changing soon too.

Today in a press conference with Orange County Mayor Demings, he announced that face mask requirements and social distancing guidelines may be changing in the near future. During the conference, he stated, “we are working with the Department of Health on a plan to phase reducing requirements of wearing facial coverings and social distancing.

Face mask signage in Magic Kingdom

Mayor Demings shared that they are taking into account the changing CDC requirements, the number of COVID-infections in the county, and the vaccination rate as they move forward in reviewing their current policies. He hopes to announce an official plan “soon.”

Face mask signage is abundant in Disney World so guests know the latest policies.

When asked about what the new guidelines could look like, Demings said that they will be “looking at a phased approach at reducing the restrictions” which will be specific to gatherings both inside and outside separately. He also reiterated that they will not be eliminating face mask requirements immediately, as he believes that “we are still a few months away from that.”

Resort Health and Safety Signs

It’s important to note that, even if the requirement is relaxed in Orange County, it would not necessarily mean that Disney World would follow suit.

Health and Safety Signs in Disney Springs

Currently, President Biden has mandated that all states make COVID-19 vaccinations available for all adults by April 19th and Florida is well ahead of that date, having already opened up eligibility earlier this month. We will continue to keep track of any more major changes to the health and safety regulations and keep you updated. Stay tuned to AllEars for the latest!

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5 Replies to “NEWS: Mask and Distancing Requirements May Change SOON in Central Florida”

  1. We have a trip planned in January 2022. We have both been vaccinated. We decided if we have to wear a mask in the parks then we’ll just cancel our Disney trip and make other plans. It’s Disney’s right to require masks as it is ours to seek other vacations.