Disney World Drops Mask Requirements, Allows Character Hugs Again
Walt Disney World will no longer require guests to wear masks inside of its parks anymore as of Tuesday.
Disney made an update to the resort's website that states that masks are now only optional. The mask mandate has been in place since the parks reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Face coverings are optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as Disney transportation,” the update said.
“It is recommended Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters and on enclosed transportation,” it added.
The removal of the mask mandate comes a day after Disney announced it would also be bringing back its usual character meet-and-greets where people can interact with and hug the dressed-up characters. This will also be applicable on Disney Cruise Line ships and at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
Due to the pandemic, guests were required to follow social distancing restrictions with the character meet-and-greets before.
Disneyland will have similar updates but will still require guests over age 2 to wear a mask "in certain indoor settings including Disney shuttles and in health settings, such as in First Aid," the parks’ update said.
The move comes following the federal mask mandate being voided by a U.S. District Court judge in Florida on Monday.
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