Now that face coverings have become a part of our everyday lives and local health officials have mandated them in both Orange County, Florida, and Anaheim, California, it’s more important than ever to get CRYSTAL CLEAR on what constitutes an acceptable face covering before visiting Walt Disney World and, eventually, Disneyland. We’ve done the research and learned that not all masks are created equal — nor are all face coverings acceptable.
Rainbow Mickey Face Mask
We’d hate for your to go through the effort of traveling to Disney World and arriving at the park gates, hotel entrance, or Disney Springs only to find that the face covering you brought is not allowed. So we’re breaking down exactly what DOES NOT count as an acceptable face mask at Disney World right now.
There’s a huge huge variety of face masks out there — different styles, sizes, materials — you name it. By now, you probably have a favorite. But, what if the face mask you’ve grown accustomed to doesn’t get the green light at Disney World? Better to find out NOW rather than when you get there!
Cast Members
Check out these 7 helpful tips for wearing a face mask at Disney World!
When Do You Have to Wear a Mask at Disney World?
Disney World is requiring guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members to wear face masks at all times with just a few exceptions. You can take off your mask when swimming or eating and drinking (either seated in a restaurant or on-the-go).
DFB branded Orange Bird Mask
But you should definitely approach your time at Disney World with the expectation that you’ll have your mask on the vast majority of the day when you’re not in your hotel room.
In the market for a new face covering? Check out these Disney Food Blog masks here!
So Which Face Coverings Aren’t Acceptable at Disney World?
Disney World has detailed very specific guidelines on their website about what they consider an acceptable face covering. These two types don’t make the cut and won’t count as a face mask at Disney World.
Bandanas
Face masks must fit snugly around the nose and mouth to be accepted at Disney World. While most gaiters and face masks with elastic or tie-on straps will do the job nicely, bandanas have been deemed by several cast members we’ve spoken to to be too loose to provide adequate coverage.
Monsters Inc. Bandanas
There are ways to turn your bandanas into acceptable face masks and you don’t have to be a seamstress to do it! Learn how here!
We should point out that although we’ve seen many people wearing gaiters at Disney Springs, Disney World’s website clearly states that face coverings must be “secured with ties or ear loops.” To play it safe, if you’re going to wear a gaiter, make sure you choose one with ear loops (or add ear loops to the one you like).
Click here to learn more about Disney World’s proposed “relaxation zones” where guest might be allowed to briefly remove their masks inside the parks!
Face Shields
These plastic face coverings are becoming more common and some Cast Members are being issued them when they return to the parks. They’ve been popular with the medical community for some time since the shield acts as a protective barrier for the eyes as well as the nose and mouth. However, when worn without a mask, face shields are not an acceptable form of face covering at Disney World.
©Bauer
So if you want to wear a face shield for extra protection, they’re allowed — but you have to ALSO be wearing an acceptable mask underneath it.
Since Disney World is private property, they can deny any guest service if that guest does not comply with their policies. We understand it might take some extra convincing (and maybe a little bribery!) to get your 2-year-old to wear a mask at the parks all day, but we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to help you with that!
See which face masks are the most comfortable to wear during a long day at Disney World here!
Disney Cloth Face Masks
Because Disney World’s guidelines could change, we’ll make sure to keep you updated on what does and doesn’t count as an appropriate face covering at Disney World. If you’ve got any questions about what makes the cut, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we’ll get you some answers!
Click here to read what it’s like to wear a mask in a theme park all day!
What’s your go-to style of face mask? Let us know which ones you’ve tried and liked the best in the comments below!
From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, bring a face mask, disney springs, Disney World, face coverings, face masks, guests, how to wear a face mask, mandated face masks, mandatory face masks, not acceptable, reopening, theme parks, what counts as a face mask, what doesn’t count as a face mask
