Disney World’s health and safety measures have changed a lot over the past year.
Back in May, we started to see mandatory temperature checks removed, physical distancing measures reduced, and face mask policies relaxed in the parks and resorts. But, in response to a growing number of COVID-19 cases in Orange County (where most of Disney is located) and CDC recommendations, face mask policies have changed once again and we’re bringing you a first look at what it’s like in the parks as the policy goes into effect today.
Beginning today, July 30th, Disney World will now require that ALL guests ages 2 and up wear masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. This includes while in line for and during all attractions and on most transportation, though masks remain optional in all outdoor locations.
In Disney World today, we noticed that health and safety signage had returned to many locations including at park entrances…
…and as you enter locations where they are mandated.
We stopped into The Emporium at Magic Kingdom to see what it was like and found that a Cast Member was stationed at the door greeting guests and enforcing the new indoor face mask policy. And, all guests and Cast Members inside were wearing masks.
Plus, the plexiglass barriers that have been at registers throughout the past year remain as an extra precaution.
And, it’s not just Cast Members who are working indoors that we noticed had masks on, we also spotted many PhotoPass Photographers, Custodial workers, and more masking up once again. Though, some outdoor Cast Members are not wearing masks, as they’re only required indoors.
Ride queues also have new signage reminding guests that masks must be worn at all times and no food or drink is permitted when waiting in line…
…though there was a mix of enforcement of the policy in the outdoor queue areas, with some lines requiring guests to put their masks on only after passing through the official entrance (usually where the wait time is posted).
And, if you’re planning to visit the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, one thing to keep in mind is that masks are not required to be worn when ordering from the outdoor booths, though they are mandated at indoor locations like Appleseed Orchard in the Canada Pavilion.
So, there’s your first look at masks being required indoors at Disney World again! We’ll continue to update this post throughout the day as we explore more of the parks, so be sure to check back later! And, stay tuned for more Disney news and updates!
So does “all attractions” mean all attractions or just the indoors ones like Space Mountain? I assume it means “all attractions”, even if the queue is outdoors, but I think the wording is kind of confusing when the sign says masks worn indoors, but the verbage in the statement says all attractions.