FAQ & Guide to Face Masks at Disney World
This guide to face masks at Walt Disney World offers info & tips, recommendation for best masks, rules & policy changes, and answers to frequently asked questions on wearing masks at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, plus traveling to and within Florida. (Updated April 18, 2022.)
The question of “are face masks required at Walt Disney World?” has been a controversial topic among fans for months, since before the parks reopened or the rule was even announced. We are not here to relitigate the topic. If you want to argue about the mask policy, join a local debate club. If you want your voice to be heard about Disney’s rule in a meaningful way, contact Walt Disney World.
As of the latest rule change, Walt Disney World joins all other major theme parks in Central Florida as effectively eliminating their indoor face mask rules. Similarly, SeaWorld Orlando, Gatorland, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida all only “recommend” face masks rather than having actual rules–with only a few exceptions. There are a few places where you’ll still have to wear a face mask at Walt Disney World, as covered below.
April 18, 2022 Update: As of today, you’ll no longer have to wear a mask while flying to Central Florida. Earlier today, a federal judge in Florida vacated the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other forms of public transportation. The ruling found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had overstepped its authority, failed to adequately explain its reasons for the mandate, and did not allow public comment in violation of federal procedures for issuing new rules.
As a result, the Transportation Security Administration will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time. CDC recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
Already, United, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines have announced that effective immediately, face masks are no longer required on their domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s mask requirements), or at U.S. airports. All other major airlines are expected to follow suit very quickly, as the “Airlines for America” industry group had lobbied on their behalf to end the mask mandate before it was previously extended.
It remains to be seen whether Walt Disney World will likewise drop its face mask requirement on buses and the monorail. Disney’s mask rule for those forms of transportation is predicated on the same CDC order, so it would stand to reason that Disney will follow the lead of the aforementioned airlines. However, it wouldn’t surprise us if Disney waits a little longer to see whether the Justice Department will appeal. Our expectation is that there won’t be an appeal, and Walt Disney World will lift the bus and monorail mask rule by the end of the week–but that’s just a guess.
Now let’s take a look at Walt Disney World’s rules concerning masks; here’s the official face covering policy from DisneyWorld.com:
Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on Disney buses and monorails.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) should:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
Face coverings should not contain valves, mesh material or holes.
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with existing rules.
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings should:
- Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
- Meet all face covering requirements listed above
Here’s a chart to help understand where masks are and are not required at Walt Disney World for all guests:
Face masks are now optional for fully vaccinated guests on the Disney Skyliner and on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser transport from Halcyon and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Face masks are still required for all guests aboard Walt Disney World buses and the monorail.
Next, let’s address some of the more frequently asked questions about face masks at Walt Disney World…
Will Walt Disney World be asking guests their vaccine status?
No.
Why not?
For one thing, there’s past precedent–Walt Disney World didn’t make any distinction the last time mask rules were dropped. Also, it’s prohibited under Florida law and other businesses have lost high-profile legal battles with the state.
For another thing, virtually no business anywhere—even in other states without Florida’s laws—is differentiating between vaccinated and unvaccinated guests beyond the honor system policy, unless required by the state (and as mentioned above, Florida does the opposite).
It’s simply not worth the hassle and headache. It would be asking a lot of Cast Members at a time when there’s already a labor shortage and frontline employees everywhere are at about their wits’ end. This is why the new rule is, essentially, “there is no rule.” (Outside of enclosed transportation, where there remains a face mask rule for all guests. You should expect that to be actively enforced.)
If my kids are under age 5, and thus cannot possibly be vaccinated, will they be required to wear masks?
Again, this is effectively the end of enforcement of rules by Walt Disney World.
Even though it can reasonably be deduced that a small child under 5 years old is unvaccinated, Disney will not be policing whether they wear masks in light of the above. Instead, all unvaccinated guests will be “expected” to wear masks. Likewise, I am expected to eat vegetables when I prepare dinner for myself, but you can guess how that goes when I’m left unsupervised.
Why are there still mask rules on transportation?
As best we can tell, that one is outside Walt Disney World’s control. (Honestly, I’m not sure how they’re lifting the rule on the Skyliner and Galactic Starcruiser transport–but this is a confusing of rules and regulations, so there’s probably some ‘exception’ I’ve missed.)
According to the US Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order requiring the wearing of masks by travelers on conveyances when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. The Order defines “conveyance” as including “aircraft, train, road vehicle (including rideshares), vessel…or other means of transport, including military transport.”
At present, it appears that this is set to expire on May 3, 2022. It could be extended, as that has already occurred several times in the past. (We didn’t dig too deeply on this one, so take this explanation with a grain of salt.)
This makes me feel uncomfortable to visit Walt Disney World, any risk mitigation advice?
The highest-risk activity at Walt Disney World since reopening has been dining indoors. That has remained true without regard for any past or present rule changes. The easiest way to reduce your actual risk is by eating outside. See our List of the Best Outdoor Dining at Walt Disney World for recommendations. If you’re comfortable with indoor restaurants, mask rules shouldn’t really change the equation much for you.
For those who are still concerned about face masks, the silver lining is that One-Way Masking Works. High quality masks are now widely available, so your safety is no longer dependent upon what others are doing–your health is in your own hands.
If anything, wearing a properly-fitted N95 or KN95 mask offers greater individual protection than you and others around you wearing cloth masks. A growing number of experts have said cloth masks are inadequate to protect from Omicron and other more highly-transmissible variants. At this point, the onus is on the individual to properly protect themselves, if they so desire.
(Here’s one high-quality mask we recommend. We don’t use it anymore, viewing higher quality masks as superfluous for two relatively young and healthy adults who are fully vaccinated and boosted, but they’re a good option if your personal profile or risk tolerances differ from ours.)
What’s the best mask for Walt Disney World?
We have bought many masks. The best option for personal protection that we’ve used is the Powecom KN95 Face Mask. (That one is often sold out, in which case we recommend this Powecom FFP2 Face Mask.)
After doing some research, I opted for the Powecom masks due to their high performance and scratch-off anti-counterfeit label on the package that provides codes to verify authenticity on the company website. Additionally, they’re comfortable, offer a snug fit, and are relatively inexpensive by high quality face mask standards.
Any other face mask recommendations?
My other favorite option is from Suay LA. These are still a great, breathable option, especially for hot weather when the KN95 mask might be more uncomfortable. These are constructed from medical grade non-woven polypropylene surgical wrap and have a nosepiece. They should offer a degree of protection to the wearer. Both of us prefer the small. It’s a snugger and cleaner fit, especially above the nose and under the chin.
Do many guests wear face masks?
In outdoor common areas, we’d estimate that roughly 20% of all guests are wearing masks as of March 2022. We’ve noticed that this number fluctuates depending upon local case numbers. It was higher in August, significantly lower in June-July, and lower now once again.
During our time at Walt Disney World over the course of the last week, we didn’t observe any discernible differences among the parks. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios are all more or less the same.
Is the face mask rule being actively enforced on transportation?
That’s hit or miss.
You should absolutely bring a face mask with you to Walt Disney World if you’re relying on enclosed Disney transportation, but don’t be surprised if you see other guests not wearing masks. If that’s a concern, we’d recommend renting a car.
Are face masks be required on boats, ferries, and other watercraft?
No.
What are the face mask rule at the water parks?
Same as above, with one notable exception.
Face coverings are *not* permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water.
Does Walt Disney World sell masks?
Yes. Numerous stores around the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs sell a range of character designs and Disney patterns. These are now on clearance, and prices should continue to drop.
For now, there are still vending machines outside of each park that sell generic ones for $2 each.
Are the masks sold by Disney any good?
They’re actually not half bad. Still not our favorite option, but if you want something reasonably comfortable and cute, they’re a decent choice.
Plus, the Baby Yoda mask is the official “basic millennial” accessory, following the storied legacy of the blue Monsters U hat and Spirit Jersey. If you don’t Instagram yourself wearing a Baby Yoda mask, gazing off into space, and standing in front of a colored wall, did you really even visit Walt Disney World?! 😉
Any other mask-related accessories that are worth carrying?
Essentially anything that will help cool you down. Another absolutely necessary accessory is the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad. We’ve been praising these things for years, as they’re basically some sort of mix of science, technology, and magic. Great for keeping cool–but staying dry.
Another must-have accessory is the Life Straw Go Filter Water Bottle. Drinking fountain water at Walt Disney World is sourced directly from the swamp, and is actually 3% alligator urine. This bottle filters out the pee, and it’s BPA-free! It also uses a 2-stage activated carbon filter to reduce odor and chlorine, leaving zero aftertaste! (If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Brita Filter Water Bottles are great, too.)
Another accessory we recommend is this USB-powered travel fan. It’s small, lightweight, and can plug into your external battery charger. This is one of the main recommendations in our Unique Disney Packing List, which is where you can find our all-purpose top picks for things to pack for a trip to Walt Disney World.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you have any questions this FAQ failed to answer? If you’ve visited the parks since Walt Disney World reopened, what was your experience wearing masks? Do you think there’s anything else guests should know before visiting in during this ‘temporary abnormal’ time? Keep the comments civil, as this is not the place for politically-charged arguing, antagonism, personal attacks, or debating the efficacy of NPIs. We will be heavy-handed in deleting comments that cross the line, even if it’s only a single sentence. You are not going to change anyone’s mind via the comments section on this blog, nor are you going to change Disney’s rules or public policy. If you wish to shout your opinions into the internet abyss, that’s why Facebook was invented.
Hi Tom.
My family and I are planning on going Feb 2023 or May 2023.
Just wondering what the masking situation now in WDW is?
As a family that has had multiple bouts with COVID already, we still mask religiously everywhere, whether indoors or out.
How many percent of guests would you say still mask up these days? Or does anyone still mask up at all?
Thanks!
Probably a good idea to redirect or delete this now-outdated post…
Thanks for the updates, there very useful.
I m flying over from the UK in June, do you know if that pre flight Covid testing prior to arrival in the US is also something that there looking at dropping soon to
Paul
I’m surprised it hasn’t been dropped already. Airlines and travel industry groups have been pushing for it to be dropped for the fully vaccinated since early February.
I’d expect the pre-testing to end any day now, but then again, if you asked me the same question in March, I would’ve had the same answer. So who knows!
It made no sense to require the masks inside commercial airplanes (where high tech filters recycle and clean 100% of the air every 3 minutes) vs allowing packed bars and restaurants across the country to have no masks.
It’s the same thing at WDW, the risk is no different on the bus vs waiting in line inside a crowded ride queue. I’m glad to not have to participate in the mask theatre but I certainly respect anyone I see that still wants to wear a mask on the plane or at WDW… that’s the beauty of a free country!
My brother and sister-in-law have an immunocompromised kid. She was confronted by an anti-masker accusing her of child abuse. (This did not happen on Disney property.) Mother and child were both traumatized by the episode, and my nephew is afraid to leave the house. So the “free country” spiel rings hollow to us.
It is wildly funny how anti-maskers and anit-vacers continue to assault those who “choose” to wear a mask. Go on with your own business already. Keep to your own ignorance.
The end of the senseless mandate is an excellent thing. People please do not hassle those who decide to continue wearing them. It does not affect you in any way and makes you look like a horse rump. If someone who likes masks hassles you for choosing not to wear one, simply smile and enjoy your day, being happy you are at WDW and not at work!
Mike, seriously? Talking smack about some nebulous group you know nothing about while misspelling it and calling them ignorant, SMH…
My question is in regards to the water bottles that you recommend- we are coming Easter week (I know …insane!) I expect it to be crowded and my attitude is ‘a bad day at Disney is better than a good day at work’ so we will make due. My question is – are the lines to buy bottled water long? I mean will we be wasting too much time buying water vs bringing filter bottles and filling them at fountains? Money and environmental issues aside, I want us to stay hydrated but also want to spend time wisely. Thanks
Diane, we always bring our own insulated water bottles. Plastic bottles will lead to warm water right away. We like Hydroflask and Yeti. You can get free cups of water at most quick service places and we just top off our bottles all day long.
Another option (if you like plastic water bottles) is to buy a case of water from Garden Grocer or somewhere like that and keep your fridge full. Grab and go for the day.
Just my thoughts. Have a magical trip!
Put a number of the cheap bottles from cases in the freezer and grab one from fridge and one from freezer. Then it will slowly melt and when you need it, will still be nice and cold.
How is the transport thing from the Halcyon to Galaxy’s Edge different from a bus? Must be harder to catch a virus in space…
I’ll book when this silliness is over with.
Right? Its nonsense. But can we really be surprised? The whole company is a joke anymore.
Disney Hilton Head Island Resort just today (2-17-22) lifted ALL mask requirements, indoors or out, for all guests and cast members. The resort once again has that vibrant, laidback feel, and cast members are jubilant!
I’m just not sure what else Disney needs to see to abolish mask mandates. The default position should never have been,”If you don’t like masks you can stay home.” It should always have been,”If you’re afraid of the public and the diseases they may be carrying, you can stay home.” I was told that a smile means friendship to everyone. Masks mean something else. Making someone besides yourself wear a mask is a monumental overstep. It’s beyond time to move on.
Indeed. We’ve been DVC members since 1996, and we’re at the point where we’re seriously considering selling our membership. Never in our 40 years of being patrons and former cast members have we ever questioned the aptitude of management… until this bizarre Covid over-reaction. It’s VERY disheartening to the majority of Disney loyalists among those we’ve polled! Mind boggling that they’re willing to give the impression that they simply don’t get it! Mind boggling!
Jim, I feel the same as a former CM at MK. I said many times it was a mistake to halt construction during the overreaction closures, and a huge wasted opportunity to perform needed maintenance without the pressure to get a ride back online RIGHT NOW like normally is the case. MASSIVE mistake. And there is no valid reason why the trains aren’t running now.
I guess they read my abyss shouting huh? Lol
Absolutely! Well said!
There’s a notable difference between airline mask mandates and Disney’s mandate – namely, exemptions.
Disney doesn’t allow exemptions at all, period. This is even though the Orange County and Osceola County mask mandates (back when they were in place) allowed exemptions. (Interestingly enough, Disneyland Paris allows exemptions for guests that have proper medical documentation.)
If WDW allowed exemptions, I would definitely have visited by now – perhaps over a year ago.
On all US airlines and many foreign ones, on the other hand, an exemption process usually exists for those who are genuinely unable to wear a mask (some airlines used to have Disney-like no-exemptions policies before the feds stepped in). Some airlines require up to a week advance notice for an exemption, and some also require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for mask-exempt guests. Please contact the airline to learn more about its exemption process.
ONLY USE AN EXEMPTION PROCESS IF YOU ARE GENUINELY UNABLE TO WEAR A FACE COVERING. MISUSING THE PROCESS IS EXTREMELY DISRESPECTFUL TO THOSE WHO GENUINELY CAN’T WEAR MASKS, AND MAY RESULT IN BEING BANNED OR OTHER CONSEQUENCES.
The only US airline I’ve flown on during the pandemic is Delta. Their mask exemption process is fairly simple, just arrive early, bring proper medical documentation and visit the special services desk. (The site claims the process can take over an hour, but it took less than 20 minutes for me. No guarantees.)
I also had a trip on JetBlue that I had to cancel because JetBlue requires exempted guests to wear a face shield. This is not mentioned ANYWHERE on their website and is only mentioned after contacting them and receiving an opportunity to submit medical documentation.
Here’s someone else who had the same problem.
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=126224.0 (see reply #15 for their solution)
I just wanted to note that your information that you referenced in regard to whether Disney is allowing for medical exemptions for face masks, specifically that the ADA states that “no reasonable accommodation” is necessary is incorrect. Directly from the link you provided, in section G.2 for employers states directly have employers should accommodate those with disabilities that need an accommodation. You can also find information here on the topic at https://adasoutheast.org/disability-issues/ada-and-face-mask-policies/ which states “mandates do not override the consideration of reasonable modification”. So even though you are correct in stating that Disney is not allowing medical exemptions, it is not based in ADA policy for this.
Facemasks are required on boats that have indoor areas. We went last week. They will not publish pics when guests do not have masks on (certain rides – like splash mountain).
I was there earlier this week and did not get a RRC pic because a couple people in my party pulled their masks down for the pic after I told them not to do it. Unfortunately for me, I guess a very strict CM was doing the screening that day.
I have Galactic Starcruiser reservations for June 2022, and we won’t be going unless the mask rules are gone by then. I was at the parks for four days in early November and was very surprised that the indoor face mask rule is still in place. After spending several weeks in another part of Florida where masks are nonexistent, and the past year in London where we haven’t been wearing masks indoors since the summer, I was very shocked at how compliant all the guests were at Disney World. From abroad, Florida had the reputation of being a lawless land where anything goes, but it was extremely interesting to see that’s not the reality at all in Orlando.
They are definitely still strict about people having masks on during rides. We were there the week before Thanksgiving and had a Pirates picture not show up in our Photopass. When I finally got someone on the phone, he said it was because someone in the back of the boat had their mask off…..but he could put in a request to have them cropped out and the picture still added for me.
Oh interesting! Must be hit or miss, because we’ve received peoples–even from PotC–where people in our ride vehicle weren’t wearing masks in the last few months. Have also seen them on the display kiosks where those still exist. Maybe like the policy in general right now, it depends upon the Cast Member doing the image review.
So helpful, thank you!
Thank you for the update! Will Disney still not allow ride photos where masks are off to show up in your account? How strict are they about taking off masks for the indoor character sightings? We’ll be there next week!
“Will Disney still not allow ride photos where masks are off to show up in your account?”
I don’t think those have been screened since the rule was originally dropped at the start of summer, but I’m not 100% sure. I’ve noticed plenty of mask-less photos at the review points.
“How strict are they about taking off masks for the indoor character sightings?”
My guess is that they’re very strict. There are multiple Cast Members in the room and I suspect they’ve been instructed differently than regular ride ops.
Stay tuned! We just made reservations for two weeks in March ‘22. We’ve decided that if WDW still has ANY mask requirements in place, ANYWHERE on property – AT ALL – they’re losing a family of lifetime loyal customers. We’ll be selling that trip and NEVER going back. It’s (long past) time for Mickey to stand up for common sense and logic and end the mask nonsense!
We cancelled our Feb trip after trying the mask thing in December. It sucked. And we ended up with the stomach flu…so much for all the extra cleaning the resorts are doing. We washed our hands like crazy and still got it.
You’re not missing much right now. Housekeeping is nonexistent, parks need some cleaning and TLC. A lot of stuff is still not open…it’s not the Disney we loved right now. Sadly.
THANKS TOM FOR ALL YOUR AWESOME WORK ON KEEPING US INFORMED ON EVERY ASPECT OF DISNEY PEOPLE NEED TO JUST AGREE TO DISAGREE AND MOVE ON AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER!! WE NEED TO TRY AND REMEMBER
WALTS ORIGINAL VISION FOR A PLACE FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY TO HAVE FUN TOGETHER
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2022 FOR A FUN FALL VISIT THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS YOU !!