Walt Disney World Changes Mask Policy For Restaurants

by SharonKurheg

As we all travel down this path of COVID-19, rules change and are updated. This is either because of overall changes (i.e., the advent of COVID testing and vaccines, the scientists have more understanding due to ongoing research, etc.), new people in charge (i.e., one of the first mandates the Biden administration established was wearing masks on planes. Although multiple entities in the airline industry have requested that, former president Trump refused to make such a ruling), or discovering that an established rule could be made better.

In late January, Walt Disney World changed their rules about mask use due to the former. And now they’ve just changed some rules about eating in restaurants due to the latter.

Before the new rule, when Disney guests sat down to eat a meal, they were allowed to take their masks off as soon as they were seated. Welp, not anymore. If you search for RESTAURANTS COVID on the MyDisney app, you’ll see Disney has now clarified that to read:

a screenshot of a phone

Excerpt from above (italics are mine, for emphasis):

What You’ll Need

Before you dine at Walt Disney World Resort, please be aware that:

  • Face coverings must be worn for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas and can only be removed while actively eating or drinking. Face coverings must be worn while standing or sitting in dining locations.

This is new for Walt Disney World. However, as per friends who live on the west coast, ever since the pandemic began, this has been the rule at Disneyland for as long as restaurants have been accessible by guests (Fall, 2020). Interestingly, the rules weren’t the same for the two entities, but there ya go.

Now, I’ll be honest – Joe and I have not gone out to eat very often since the pandemic (and never, ever indoors; only outdoor locations). But when we have, we’ve always kept our face masks on until our food has arrived. It makes the most sense; even when tables are socially distanced, diners might not have those 6 or more feet between them and others as they walk to/from their table. And the people who take and/or serve your order are definitely are much close to their seated patrons. And we all know that both people wearing masks is the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus. So for their safety, we’ve always kept our masks on until our food has arrived, replaced them if we’re between courses and not actively eating, etc.

This rule is not on Walt Disney World’s website yet; only the app. We also haven’t seen any signage at the resort – but the last time we were there might have been before this new rule went into effect.

But now you know 🙂

Feature Image: Disney

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#stayhealthy #staysafe #washyourhands #wearamask

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

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