Father and son walking through BOG
  • On Mar 29, 2021
    Deeanna from AL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My son is 5 years old with Down Syndrome. We are looking into coming in July. He will NOT wear a mask. Will not keep it on and cries and screams. So people with disabilities get any leeway on the masks?

    Hi there Deeanna, and welcome to planDisney! Thanks so much for stopping by with your question, and I'd be happy to assist you today.

    During the current phase of reopening, Guests ages 2 and older must wear a face covering at all times unless actively eating or drinking in a stationary, physically distant location. At this time, there are no exceptions to this rule.

    I wish I could predict the future and know exactly when face masks will no longer be part of our world, but the best advice I can offer is to continue practicing with your son, as you never know when a breakthrough will occur, and to monitor the Experience Updates page for any changes to the current health and safety measures. My fellow panelists and I have shared numerous tips over the past nine months for wearing face coverings in Walt Disney World, and I recommend checking them out here. One of my friends, Samantha, shared her experience helping her special needs son adapt to his mask.

    If wearing a face covering proves to be an impossible task for your little guy, I suggest postponing your trip to a date in the future when they are no longer required. While we have no idea of when this will be, expect the Disney Parks Blog and Walt Disney World main page to share this news when the time comes. There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon in the Disney Parks and Resorts, so even if you aren't able to visit this summer, there will be so much to zip-a-dee-do when you decide to travel. From the launch of the Magic Kingdom Park's TRON attraction to the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT, 2022 and beyond are looking pretty fantastic in Walt Disney World. Stay tuned for that and more as you await the day you finally return to a world of magic.

    I hope everything works out for you and your Mouseketeer, Deeanna. Thanks again for stopping by, and if there's anything else we can do to make this or future visits even more magical, come back and see us again. 

    Wishing you a great, big, beautiful tomorrow,
    Betsy
thumbnail image for Betsy

Meet the Panelist: Betsy, Maryland

Greetings! I'm Betsy, a middle school teacher, wife, and mom of two. My family and I love to travel the world, but our best memories are those made when we're visiting Walt Disney World. No matter how many times we visit, there is always something new to see, ride, or eat at the Disney Parks. Learn More About Betsy

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