After relaxing mask requirements just 1 month ago for outdoor locations, Disney has now made it official that beginning on Tuesday, June 15 face masks will be optional in most areas of the Walt Disney World Resort (including most indoor areas) for all vaccinated guests.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions. Although you won’t have to wear a mask in most indoor areas, masks will still be required on Disney transportation including Disney buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner.
In addition to the indoor mask requirement being phased out, there are some additional updates you need to know about:
Physical Distancing
Disney has already announced that they would be relaxing physical distancing in some spots (like queues) but this latest move goes a bit further by relaxing physical distancing in places like shops and restaurants as well as in spots like queues, attraction boarding areas, on transportation, and in some theaters.
If you’ve tried snagging dining reservations lately, that might be welcome news. The reduced capacity in restaurants has made it difficult at times to secure Advanced Dining Reservations, especially at the most popular locations.
But, after a year of seeing everything spaced out, the change might take a bit to get used to.
Disney does note that “It’s important to remember that some experiences and entertainment may still be operating with limited capacity or may remain temporarily unavailable.”
While we can’t say for certain, we do believe that the elimination of the physical distancing requirements may help to pave the way for the return of nighttime entertainment and fireworks. And from all the recent reports of testing of Harmonious at Epcot, we do think that Disney is probably as anxious to bring the nighttime shows back as we are to see them.
Character meet & greets
Unfortunately, we are going to have to wait a bit longer to hug our favorite characters.
Although we have seen a lot of progress in the phasing out of masks and the elimination of most of the physical distancing efforts, Disney is explicit in saying that character meet and greets aren’t coming back quite yet noting “we are optimistic and look forward to the day when Disney pals and princesses are able to hug once again.”
Hand sanitizer stations
Another thing that will stay are hand sanitizer stations.
While we at times have struggled to find one that has been filled, at least for now, the stations will remain.
Honestly, this is one of those additions that we hope never leave. We bring our own hand sanitizer with us, but there are always times when we run out or can’t get to it quickly. While not as good as soap and warm water, the hand sanitizer stations are a decent alternative.
Who can go without a mask?
Remember: according to Disney’s policy, only guests that are vaccinated should be going without a mask while at Walt Disney World.
Disney says: “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.“
And, please keep in mind that this latest update doesn’t start until June 15. Until then, guests may remove their masks while outdoors but they will be asked to put them back on when they move inside.
As always, we will keep you apprised of any further health and safety updates across Disney World.
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