US Disney Parks Relaxing Facial Covering Regulations

Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Disney theme parks located in the United States, such as Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, have mandated that visitors wear facial coverings at all times (with the exception of dining). This regulation has been adjusted and reinforced multiple times during the pandemic as COVID cases fluctuate, but with a gradual decline in COVID cases across the nation, this latest relaxation might just be the final one.

Walt Disney World Resorts disclosed on their official website that commencing on February 17, fully inoculated guests at any US-based Disney park will no longer be mandated to wear a facial covering while on park premises, although they retain the option to do so if they choose. Non-vaccinated individuals will still be obligated to wear a facial covering consistently, whereas all park visitors must wear masks when utilizing enclosed park transportation like buses and monorails.

BREAKING: Facial Coverings Now a Choice at Walt Disney World Starting February 17https://t.co/ctglrzKF0W

— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) February 15, 2022

“We have been deliberate and gradual in our approach to our COVID-19 health and safety protocols since reopening. Considering recent trends and regulatory advice, Walt Disney World Resort will be modifying these protocols, subject to potential changes without advance notice,” the announcement clarifies.

Industry experts speculate that this decision is in response to Universal Orlando’s recent choice to eliminate facial covering requirements for vaccinated guests this past weekend.