Walt Disney World Resort has updated its face covering guidelines as it continues to analyze and adjust its health and safety protocols as the COVID-19 pandemic continues on. An update to Walt Disney World’s website indicates that now face coverings must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking. This change means that now when guests sit at tables to dine they will be required to keep their face covering on until they actively eat or drink. Then the face cover may be removed to eat or drink actively. This applies to all guests age 2 and up.
Before this update, guests could remove their masks once seated at a table. This was treated much as the Relaxation Stations were throughout the parks. However, this is no longer the case. This applies to all dining locations, both sit-down table service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, and also any outdoor dining locations or options.
What do you think about this update to the face covering policy? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Walt Disney World Official Face Covering Guidelines
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- 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
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:
- 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
The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
