Current Disney World Face Mask Rules

All face coverings should:

• Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
• Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn as face coverings.

In addition to the park requirements, many hotels and businesses in the Disney area may have different face mask policies compared to what you’re experiencing at home. For example, some hotels are still requiring them on pool decks or while ordering from pool bars/restaurants. Call your resort and know their policies before you book if this will be an issue for you.

If you plan to visit Disney Springs or frequent other businesses in the Orlando area, bring a mask just in case that store or restaurant requires it. 

Tips for Wearing Face Masks in Florida

We have two fully dedicated posts about the heat in Florida – All About the Temperature at DisneyWorld and 10 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat at DisneyWorld. This is not a drill!

Wearing face coverings in the Florida heat adds some unique challenges, but there are a few ways to make it a bit more bearable:

• WEAR YOUR HAIR UP – If you have any length to your hair, you will find having it up in a ponytail will make wearing the mask a little more comfortable. Wear some Mickey Ears if you want to look cute!
• PUT ON SUNSCREEN 
• BRING EYE GLASS CLOTH OR WIPES – If you have to wear glasses or plan on wearing sunglasses, you will want to be sure to have some glass wipes/cloths on hand. Your glasses will fog up. It is quite annoying, but keeping them cleaned throughout the day will help a lot.
• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER– Florida is already hot enough but adding the mask only increases the heat. So make sure to stay hydrated. Bring your own water bottles to refill throughout the day or make sure to stop at any quick service location and ask for cups of ice water (THEY ARE FREE). Staying hydrated is important anytime you are in the parks. Wearing a mask that we are not used to only increases the heat and makes staying hydrated even more important.
• TAKE A BREAK– There are going to be times you are not required to wear your mask. Take advantage of these times when you can throughout the day, as this helps!

Do Kids Need to Wear Face Masks at Disney?

Children under the age of 2 and fully vaccinated children do not have to wear face coverings except on shared Disney transportation.

Unvaccinated children over the age of 2 will still need to wear face coverings indoors – for example, indoor dining, on rides, in shops, etc.

While many of our children are used to masks by now – for many of them, they have been allowed to go without for several months. One nice thing about the current regulations is that kids no longer have to wear masks outdoors, which was particularly uncomfortable in the Florida heat.

(I’m not saying your children shouldn’t still wear a mask outdoors – that’s your personal decision – but it is nice that they can take breaks from the masks when they get too unbearable.)

Tips to Get Kids to Wear a Mask at a Disney Park

1. For the little ones, (throw-away) disposable masks may not be the best option for them since the elastic ear loops may start bothering the back of their ears. A better option may be the small cloth Disney masks with the cloth ear loops.
2. If you do opt for disposable masks, bring extras as they can start to disintegrate and smell as the day wears on.
3. Plan for plenty of snack or water breaks so children can remove their masks and have a bit of a breather.
4. Let your child pick out a fun Disney-themed mask that is special just for wearing at Disney.
5. Experiment with different mask types. While Disney no longer allows gaitor-style masks or bandanas, there are still so many options available to find one that your child finds comfortable.

I hope this guide helps you with a bit of your Walt Disney World vacation planning in knowing how to handle wearing masks in the Florida heat and knowing when you will be expected to wear a mask.

If you have any tips that we didn’t mention, I’d love to hear them! Join us over at Disney Express Lane, on Facebook to share your experiences and tips.

The post A Guide To Wearing Face Coverings While Visiting Disney World appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

It is Worth Visiting Disney World

Let’s just admit this first thing. Over the years, Disney World has COMPLETELY spoiled us. Yes, I admit I am a spoiled brat when it comes to my Disney World vacations. We make our dining reservations in advance and get the most sought after dining experiences. At 60 days in advance, we fight for those fast passes that our family “just has to have”.  We have an app that acts as our own personal tour guide. Then, once you arrive for your vacation, the fun begins. The parades, the meet and greets and the shows. Of course, this is not even a fraction of the magic that awaits you when you visit Disney World.

Then Covid-19 Happened

This virus has changed the way the world looks right now and has put a temporarily halt on a lot of travel plans. But, but, but…things are heading into a brighter and more magical direction. Our favorite Orlando destination has announced reopening plans and they DO look a lot different right now. I like to say that Disney World is going back to the old school style. For awhile, there will not be any “extras” such as parades, fireworks, etc. That doesn’t mean the magic is gone. It just means it’s going to look different for a little while. The safety of the cast members and guests IS the most important thing right now. In my opinion, it’s very comforting to know that Disney World takes my health and safety seriously.

Will this last through the end of 2020? We have no idea. Will things change as we progress towards a new normal? You can bet on it! Here are my thoughts on that change and how our family will proceed.

I am a travel planner and wrote this to my clients. This is truly how I feel.

Covid-19 has changed A LOT for all of us and our favorite travel destinations. One thing I have realized, is that Disney World has totally spoiled us over the years!! Big changes were released last night and although we aren’t very happy about them, it is what it is.

Will I stop going? NOPE
Will I stop feeling the magic? NOPE
Will I stop promoting Disney World? NOPE
Will I stop working for my clients? NOPE

The post Is it EVEN Worth Visiting Disney World Right Now? appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Fingers crossed, it won’t be long until we know for sure!

Disney World Announces Plans

We have been waiting on this moment since the closure was announced, back in March! Yes, we are THAT serious about our love for Disney World. Here are all of the details that have been released so far. As more details are released, we will update this blog.

On May 27, 2020, Disney World presented it’s plan for a phased (and very limited) reopening. The plan was voted on and approved and currently waiting on the governor to give final approval for the plan. Here is what we know as of right now.

• Face masks will be required and temperature checks will also be a new normal for awhile.
• Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 11, 2020.
• Hollywood Studios and Epcot will reopen on July 15, 2020.
• Limited guest capacity for the parks, once they are reopened. Including possibly a reservation system in place, meaning you will need a reservation to enter the parks.
• NO fireworks shows, meet and greets or parades during the phased reopening. We are not sure when these “extras” will be back for us to enjoy. We will definitely keep you posted!

Per Disney Parks

Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold; we’ll be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details.

Resort Information

• DVC resorts and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds will reopen on June 22

We are sure there will be more stipulations and rules as things become more clear with this reopening process.

For a peek into what Disney Springs looked like when they reopened on May 20, just click that link!

Are you super excited about Disney World reopening? We would love to hear your thoughts about the process. Head on over to our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE and let us know!

The post Disney World Announces Plan To Reopen On July 11 With Phased Openings appeared first on WaltExpress.com.