For the first time since theme parks reopened, guests will no longer be required to wear masks outside at both Universal Orlando and Disney World.
In line with the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Friday’s decision by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to lift the outdoor mask requirement, both parks announced modifications to their mask policy will go into effect on Saturday.
While guests will not have to wear masks outside at both parks, face coverings will not be eliminated altogether. Both Universal and Disney are still requiring masks to be worn when guests are inside and in any outdoor line for an attraction.
Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said that while the mask policy has changed, guests will still be expected to wear them in certain places throughout the park, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
“Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel areas,” Schroder said. “Face coverings are also required at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience.”
Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said to the Sentinel he believes an even more relaxed mask policy could be making its way to Walt Disney World this summer for guests.
“Anybody [who has] been in Florida in the middle of summer with a mask on, that can be quite daunting,” Chapek said. “We think that’s going to make for an even more pleasant experience.”
Disney will be increasing the attendance level past the 35% cap that the parks started at last summer when they reopened, but did not provide additional details, the Sentinel reports.
Below are the new face covering guidelines for each park.
Universal Orlando Resort
- Face coverings are not mandatory while outdoors.
- Face coverings are still required in all indoor locations including shops and restaurants.
- Face coverings are required at all attractions—from the moment the queue begins until the exit of the experience.
- Guests must still provide their own face covering.
- Social Distancing between travel parties remains at three feet (1 meter).
Walt Disney World Resort
- Face Coverings Required:
- Upon entering and throughout all attractions.
- All theaters, including theater entrances.
- All transportation, including transportation entrances.
- All indoor locations, including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary.
- Face Coverings Optional:
- Outdoor common areas.
- Pool decks.
