Hi Kathleen!
I’m so glad you stopped by planDisney with this question, as I think many Guests have the same concerns. As a nurse who has worked through this pandemic in a hospital setting, I too am very conscious of safety measures, and I carefully watched the
Walt Disney World Resort's reopening procedures last summer. After seeing many reports of positive experiences, we decided to take our family last October, and I was blown away by what an amazing job the theme parks are doing!
I truly shouldn’t have been so surprised, because Disney has always made safety for Cast Members and Guests their top priority, and it shows in how things are running in the parks. Masks are the new Disney bling, aren’t they? Show off your favorite character or attraction, and your personal style with your mask!
Face coverings are required for all Guests ages 2 and older, and at Disney, this policy is taken seriously. Masks must be 2 layers thick, secure around the ears or head with loops or ties, and be worn over the nose and mouth. Options such as gaiters or bandana styles are not permitted. Guests may remove their masks for photographs, or eating or drinking, as long as they are stationary, and socially distant from other Guests, and not in a ride queue. There are also designated air-conditioned areas where Guests may sit and remove their masks when they need a break.
There is signage throughout reminding of the mask policy, overhead announcements, and Cast Members who stroll the parks to help remind Guests of the policy should they forget. More than once on our trip we overheard a Cast Member politely instructing another Guest to wear their mask properly. I truly felt safer at Walt Disney World than I had at any other place during the pandemic. We will also be returning this summer, and I have every confidence that Disney has my family’s safety as their priority. While we don’t know how long the mask policy will last, it is anticipated that it may continue for most or all of 2021.
I hope this helps offer some reassurance, Kathleen. Have fun picking out your family’s favorite masks for your upcoming trip! If you need some inspiration, there are
many cute patterns and styles available on shopDisney!-Kate