UPDATE: Despite earlier reports from Guest Relations Cast Members stating that guests requesting alternative accommodations would be able to wear face shields in lieu of face masks (with some restrictions), Walt Disney World has issued clarification stating that all guests will still be required to wear standard face masks. You can find the full details here.
Walt Disney World is currently requiring face masks for all guests visiting the theme parks, but like Universal Orlando, Disney will soon be providing face shields for guests who are unable to wear the mask all day and request accommodation.
Guests with disabilities who are unable to wear a mask for an extended period of time must visit Guest Relations, where they will be provided with a face shield. Either a face mask or a face shield is required to be worn at all times in the park. Many Cast Members are already required to wear face masks and face shields.
Certain attractions will require guests to remove the face shield and put on a mask, but the guest may wear the face shield in the queue before boarding. Guests utilizing this accommodation should ask Guest Relations which attractions require a mask instead of a shield.
At Universal Orlando, guests wearing face shields are given a wristband to indicate they are allowed the accommodation. We do not know if Disney will be providing something similar. Disney has not announced when this policy will go into effect but we expect it will be any day now.
For more information about wearing a face mask at Disney, check out these articles:
- Walt Disney World Officially Updates Face Mask Policy to Exclude Gaiters and Bandanas
- Guests Not Wearing Face Masks on Attractions Will Not Receive On-Ride Photo at Walt Disney World
- Guide to Wearing a Face Mask at Walt Disney World – Tips and Suggestions
Yikes! Now this is a game changer … and in a bad, bad way! I chose Disney over other destinations because they are enforcing safety measures. Compromising on the mask policy makes me want to stay home.
Another brilliant idea by the mask police, that is Disney. Protecting the most vulnerable from the virus with masks, for sure, for STOP PUNISHING THE HEALTHY OF US!!!
New research is indicating that asymptomatic people cannot easily transmit the virus, so why punish me for being healthy? Disney won’t get a dime from me until masks are done away with and parades/fireworks are back. Looks like a 2025 trip!!
I think this would be great for those of us who suffer from severe anxiety/panic attacks and have other health issues as to why we can’t wear the masks. Please allow this to take place.
Thanks Disney, I’ll just keep my hard earned money and not visit your park or buy any of your over priced stuff. Thanks for helping me make that decision with your forced mask policy for those of us who CANNOT wear a mask!!
They are NOT letting anyone wear faceshields (EPCOT)…I had a big dispute with the guest relations “manager” and I talked to the head of security. He said he will bring the issue up but I have to either wear the mask or go home….that’s not a fair solution, especially since masks provide no real protection from the virus…just to keep the droplets from going in the air.