Latest Changes to the Disney World Health and Safety Policies

There have been so many changes at Walt Disney World over the last year that it can be hard to keep track! From face covering rules, physical distancing, temperature screenings…. it can be overwhelming. Since we are travel agents and Disney bloggers, we’ve kept a close eye on all the changes that have been taking place. In the last few weeks alone, major changes have been announced at Disney World. Here are the top things you need to know about the latest Disney World Health and Safety Policies!

1. Face Coverings Are Optional in Outdoor Common Areas

Recently, the CDC announced that vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks in most situations. Following that announcement, many companies – from theme parks to hotel companies to stores – including Disney, updated their policies. Disney continues to require masks while indoors, on transportation, on attractions and in theaters. This also includes the queues for these areas as well. Aside from those designated locations, masks are now optional for guests. You don’t need to wear a mask in outdoor common areas or on pool decks unless you want to.

Several people have asked us if these rules only apply to vaccinated guests. While the CDC guidelines were updated for vaccinated individuals only, Disney’s rules apply equally to all guests regardless of vaccination status.

2. No More Temperature Screenings

Earlier this month, Disney also announced they would be phasing out temperature screenings. This was another big change to the Disney World health and safety policies! Temperature screenings have been required for guests and cast members since WDW reopened last July. Temperatures were taken using no-touch thermometers upon entrance to the theme parks, Disney Springs and restaurants at Disney Resort hotels. As of May 16, this is no longer taking place.

3. Physical Distancing Reduced

Another change that has taken place at Disney World is the change in signage and promotion of physical distancing. While still encouraged, most signs related to physical distancing no longer refer to 6 ft. Six feet distancing may still be in place in certain areas, but it seems Disney is reducing distancing in some areas gradually. In some cases, spacing markings have been reduced to 3 ft. Here is a section of the current official physical distancing policy:

While we will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach, six-feet distancing measures will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks.

4. Mask Relaxation Areas Removed

Since masks are now optional outdoors, the mask relaxation areas have been removed. Hopefully this means that some of the restaurants and areas that were used as relaxation areas (like Akershus in Epcot) will be reopening!

5. Hand Washing Stations Removed

Another change that has taken place is that the temporary hand washing stations throughout the theme parks have been removed. We were a bit surprised by this change! While there is no official policy regarding this, multiple outlets reported that they were removed. Hand sanitizer stations remain available throughout the parks, as well as plenty of restrooms where guests can wash their hands.

What Disney World Health and Safety Policies will change next?

COVID-19 case numbers and death rates continue to drop, and vaccination rates continue to rise. We expect this will continue to mean more changes will be taking place at Disney World! The Disney World health and safety policies will continue to evolve with changes from the CDC and local authorities. We are eager to see what changes will be implemented next!

Here is the link to Disney’s Know Before You Go page. This is the best way to monitor Disney’s latest updates!

Which of these Disney World health and safety policies surprised you the most?

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Latest Disney World Health and Safety Policies

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