Walt Disney World Updates Mask Policy While Eating, Drinking, and Walking Around

Walt Disney World Updates Mask Policy While Eating, Drinking, and Walking Around

Before the Walt Disney World Resort began its phased reopening, one of the policies they put in place was guests were required to wear masks at all times, except when eating and drinking. This was a very broad rule that was left up to interpretation and abuse by many guests. Guests who were adamant about not wearing a mask figured out that if they walked around with a beverage in their hand or a snack, not actively eating or drinking it, they could claim they were “exempt” because they were “eating” or “drinking.”

It was not a question that some guests would abuse the policy, but when Disney would take action to correct this selfish behavior. Now they have.

The other day, as guests continued to flout the mandatory mask rule, Disney Cast Members were seen stopping guests who were eating, drinking, and walking while mask-less and asked them to either remain in place to enjoy their food.

Now, Disney has officially amended their rules on their website under “Know Before You Go” regarding face coverings.

You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

updated walt disney world resort face mask policy

If guests would like to remove their masks Disney has opened up “Relaxation Stations” in each of the parks. In each of these “stations,” guests can sit down, relax without their mask on. Each are is set up so guests are a proper distance from each other.

Images: Left – Golden Oak Outpost/DisneyFoodBlog, Top Right: Pete’s Silly Sideshow/Allears.net,
Bottom Right: Tomorrowland Terrance/DisneyFoodBlog

In the Magic Kingdom there are three “Relaxation Stations.” One is located in Tomorrowland at the Tomorrowland Terrace. It’s an ideal space as it is not enclosed, but is covered to protect guests from the Florida sun or rain. Additionally there is hand sanitizer (as is available at all stations) located just before entering.

One is between Adventureland and Frontierland at the Golden Oak Outpost (Frontierland). This station is also an open air location next to A Pirates Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas entrance.

The third one is in Fantasyland at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus. This location, which replaces the character meet-and-greet, is air conditioned.

Image: Left – Rise of the Resistance/DisneyFoodBlog, Right – Star Wars Launch Bay/DisneyFoodBlog

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has two Relaxation Stations: one is located at the Star Wars Launch Bay. This air-conditioned location was a former character meet-and-greet.

The second location is an open air location just past the Rise of the Resistance attraction entrance.

Image: Top Left – Akershus Royal Banquet Hall/Disney, Bottom Left – UK Pavilion/ DisneyFoodBlog, Right – Future World East/Disneyfoodblog

Three Relaxation Stations are located at EPCOT. One is in the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase. This air-conditioned space is typically a all-you-care-to-eat character dining location.

On the opposite side of World Showcase in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Umbrella-covered tables, in this open air space, is typically seating for dining.

The third location is the only space available in Future World (East). It is an open air area between Mission Space and Test Track.

Image: Left – Upcountry Landing/AllEars.net, Right – Pizzafari/AllEars.net

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has two Relaxation Stations: one an air-conditioned space in Pizzafari, typically a quick-service restaurant on Discovery Island and the other is open aired spot at Upcountry Landing – across from UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

Although the Relaxation Stations cannot be found – yet – on the My Disney Experience app, they are noted on new park maps.

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