DiningNews

There’s Been an Update to Disney’s Mask Policy

Dani ,
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There’s been an update to Disney’s mask policy. According to Disney’s website, guests will now be required to wear masks at any dining location, other than when actively eating or drinking.

Here’s the exact verbiage from Disney’s website:

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that you’ll need:

Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas and can only be removed while actively eating or drinking. Face coverings must be worn while standing, waiting or sitting in dining locations.”

It’s important for guests to know this update in policy. Prior to this update on the website, guests could remove masks when seated at their table. Many guests consider being at a dining location as a place to take a break, including from wearing a mask. Each park does have multiple Relaxation Stations at which guests can remove their mask regardless of if they have any food or drink.
Relaxation Station at Pizzafari Animal Kingdom
Relaxation Station at Frontierland
Our team is in the parks every day and we notice that mask compliance is weakest with guests eating and drinking while walking around, as well as while in line for attractions. We’ll keep an eye on how this change affects the dining experience and keep you updated.

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Dani

Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando Native who loves sharing her hometown with others. She's worked in nearly all of Orlando's theme parks, on board Disney Cruise Line, and in hotel management. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @thisfloridalife

14 thoughts on “There’s Been an Update to Disney’s Mask Policy”

  • Randy
    February 27, 2021 at 1:51 pm
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    Why is it that everywhere else in Florida the rules are being relaxed, but here in WDW, they tighten up even more?
    As long as masks are mandatory I will never visit WDW again. We did it last November because of a prepaid nonrefundable DVD rental. It was an awful trip. The Magic was gone… Long lines, few CMs about but plenty of mask police, lots of view-blocking plexiglass. Most guests where skittish and nervous about distancing, not much dinning choice. … a lot of attractions and experienced unavailable. Yet the same super high costs.
    I had purchased three eight-day park hopper tickets before Covid showed up. Disney would only comp me $100 them… Rip off.
    Had bought regular travel insurance, but it would not cover Covid unless I actually caught it. Advise all to pay the extra money for “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. The trip was a waste of time and money.

  • Banjoman
    February 27, 2021 at 4:28 pm
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    I’m surprised they’re satisfied enough with their attendance to make a move like this.

  • Kelly James
    February 27, 2021 at 5:24 pm
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    Does this include Disney Springs restaurants?

    • Hey Kelly, our understanding is this would apply to all dining locations at Walt Disney World. Chrissy on our team had brunch today at BOATHOUSE and practically everyone who was seated at their tables throughout the dining room, removed their masks.

  • Michael Adams
    February 27, 2021 at 10:10 pm
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    What’s the science behind this policy?

  • Well, I think I will be canceling my dining reservations. We will be eating elsewhere. Florida is opened. Disney continues to play dictator. I am sitting at a table with my family. The same family I am sharing a hotel room with. I don’t need a mask. How stupid. You can’t sit at a table with your family but you can play in a pool with hundreds of strangers. Disney keeps finding new and creative ways to tick people off. I’m often asked what it would take for me to stop going to Disney. This is it. This policy makes no sense.

  • Jules
    February 28, 2021 at 1:19 pm
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    Not a problem. Happy to keep my mask on until I eat to help lessen the germs in the air so that Disney does not turn into a super spreading location.

  • I just googled “coronavirus spread in restaurants” and skimmed through a couple of things.

    Here’s the CDC’s take on it for restaurant and bar operators, saying indoor dining is higher/highest risk: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/business-employers/bars-restaurants.html

    Page 1262 of this shows significantly increased odds of exposure in restaurants and bars/coffee shops: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6936a5-H.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3E3-BiWu5CERowrpnKtuQJAibFzDLWGIg-3Ija_CoKO-k3UH4O-zzT0DI

    I mean, anywhere where you’re near other people and without a mask, seems like it’s obviously going to lead to more exposure risk.

  • Deb, I think they’re worried about the people around you transmitting the virus to you, not the family you’re in your hotel room with. And that seems like a reasonable policy for indoor dining to reduce risk, right? When you’re around strangers, who’ve been doing who-knows-what, keep your mask on as much as possible.

  • Michael Adams
    February 28, 2021 at 8:59 pm
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    This is just not evident, Les. You need direct exposure for at least 10-15 minutes. We need to stop spreading misinformation.

  • Michael Adams
    February 28, 2021 at 9:01 pm
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    I’ve been out to eat at least 50 times since the outbreak, and I have not yet caught coronavirus. Explain that, please.

    • Michael, there is nothing anyone could say that would sway your mind. This blog post simply shares what the Walt Disney World website states is their policy for dining locations during this time. Thanks.

  • Ate at Homecomin last night after this change, it’s no big deal at all and just normal. Also I want to go back to Homecomin…

  • Would love to go back to Disney, but will hold off until masks are not required. I
    Just can’t see wearing a mask in Florida in ANY season for that long. It’ll be bad enough if the airlines are still requiring it, can’t see spending my whole vacation with a mask on my face. Disney must be cool with their current attendance to tighten up mask policies. Sad, but we will spend our money elsewhere.

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