Disney World dropping mask mandate in most areas

Disney World announced Friday that fully vaccinated guests will no longer need to wear masks in most areas of the Orlando, Fla., theme park, and also said it would be relaxing some social distancing guidelines. 

The park said in a statement on its website that the changes, which officially go into effect Tuesday, were made “based on recent trends and guidance.” 

Disney said that while “face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in most areas,” they will still be required for all visitors using Disney transportation, including park buses, monorails and the Disney Skyliner.

“While we will not require proof of vaccination, we expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation,” the statement added. 

Disney also said Friday that it would be “relaxing physical distancing guidelines” in areas such as shops, restaurants and attraction boarding. 

However, the theme park added that “some experiences and entertainment may still be operating with limited capacity or may remain temporarily unavailable.” 

“We’re not quite ready to bring back everything yet, but we are optimistic and look forward to the day when Disney pals and princesses are able to hug once again,” the statement said. 

Disney added that cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer stations will still be available throughout the park, and that it will “continue the high standards for cleanliness and sanitation we’ve always set for ourselves.” 

“We encourage people to get vaccinated,” Disney added. 

The relaxed measures come after Disney CEO Bob Chapek said last month that the company would be examining its mask policy at parks following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks in most settings. 

Days later, Disney announced that masks would no longer be required outside for fully vaccinated individuals, but said they would still be mandatory in indoor spaces. 

Disney previously required guests to wear face coverings at all times, except for when they were actively eating or drinking, or taking a photo in an outdoor portion of the park. 

Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have also recently dropped their indoor mask mandates for fully vaccinated guests.