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We know that everyone is anxious to get back to travel and visit Walt Disney World once again, but is also concerned about the safety precautions put in place to protect guests and cast members. We totally understand and want our guests to be prepared before they travel. Below we have highlighted some of these safety measures that Walt Disney World has already put in place.

As you prepare to travel to Walt Disney World, please know that Disney has put these precautions in place based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. This blog was updated as of August 6th, 2020 and is subject to change as new guidelines become available.

Enhanced Cleaning

Cleaning procedures are enhanced throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Extra attention is given to high-traffic areas, including public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, transportation vehicles and more. Additionally, housekeeping services have been modified at Disney Resort hotels to include enhanced cleaning and reduced contact. Learn more about updates at Disney Resort hotels.

Physical Distancing

Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing. Physical distancing measures may include:

• Signage and Ground Markings: Please follow directional signage and ground markings, which have been installed throughout Walt Disney World Resort to help Guests better navigate common areas while practicing physical distancing.

• Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help promote proper distances between people.

• Parking: Cashless payment is recommended at the auto plazas. Cars will be directed to park in every other parking space at the theme parks.

• Training: Cast Members are trained to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.

Reduced Contact

Experiences may be modified in order to reduce contact.

These include:

• Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options—such as mobile wallets—or use cash to purchase a Disney Gift Card at Guest Relations and select merchandise locations. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their Disney Resort hotel folio.

• Modified Housekeeping: Housekeeping services have been modified at Disney Resort hotels to include enhanced cleaning and reduced contact. Learn more about updates at Disney Resort hotels.

Face Coverings

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. 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 should 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 the 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 Disney's existing rules, the use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

Can we remove masks for PhotoPass?

No. Per Walt Disney World policy, these photographers are not allowed to take your photo while mask-less.

Are we allowed to remove masks on rides?

No. In fact, if anyone in your ride vehicle's mask is removed during an on-ride photo, you will not see or receive that photo.

If I walk around all day with a Mickey ice cream bar, can I keep my mask off?

No. In response to guests attempting to exploit this "loophole," Walt Disney World has updated the text of its official policy, updated in-park audio messages, sinage, and deployed Incredi-Crew Cast Members to enforce the 'no walking and eating/drinking' rule.

Where in the parks can masks be removed?

Each park has three official ‘Relaxation Stations’ where guests can sit with their masks removed. Most of these are outdoors, but in covered locations. Perplexingly, a few are indoors–we strongly recommend avoiding those and question the judgment of those locations. Our favorite Relaxation Station is Tomorrowland Terrace, which offers views of Cinderella Castle and a nice breeze off the water.

Is Walt Disney World offering any medical exemptions on the mask policy?

At present, Walt Disney World offers no exemptions to the above policy for disabilities or medical conditions. (Universal allows face shields–Disney does not). It’s worth noting here that the ADA requires no “reasonable accommodation” for face masks, as doing so would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others. This comes directly from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

For more information and up to date details, please visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/.