Looks Like You Will Have to Wear a Mask to Visit Disney World

Again I ask (rhetorically, of course), what would the rule be about walking around the parks with snacks and drinks? If the only place you’re allowed to take off your mask is in restaurants (that’s the deal in Shanghai), then does this mean no on-the-go drinks, ice creams etc etc? Disney without a dole whip just doesn’t bear thinking about!

Wow, if the behavior we've seen in Georgia in recent weeks is any indication, Good luck. A certain segment of our society (we all know which one) has appointed themselves freedom warriors and they are more than a little aggressive about letting thinking people know how they feel about their face masks. My sister was in line for the store last week and two red hats berated her for 10 minutes about the hoax and what a fool she is to wear a mask

Disney Shanghai can require masks because Chinese people play along. I fear in America it's going to be a very different story.

My concern with masks is that we don't know enough about the benefits vs. the drawbacks of them, particularly as it pertains to this virus. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe there is any industry that routinely requires workers to wear masks for 10-12 hours continuously in a hot and humid outdoor environment while performing a moderate amount of physical activity. Given that most guidelines I've seen specifically state that masks should not be worn when exercising or outdoors, wearing them for a day out at a theme park seems like it may increase health risks more than going maskless even in an environment containing COVID-19 (especially with the data on outdoor spread in an article recently posted here). The other issue is that masks become less effective as they get wetter, which will happen throughout the day just due to the moisture one exhales. Good luck keeping them at all effective after a water ride, and I'm sure very few guests will even think to bring spares.

Honestly, I hope Disney adopts a more sensible mask policy like most of the parks in Europe are doing: Required while in indoor or enclosed spaces, or areas of the park where physical distancing is simply impossible, but otherwise they are completely optional. I think that would be a fair compromise accepted by most, and would probably carry an almost negligible amount of additional risk over masks on at all times. Besides, from what I've heard, the blanket mask requirement in Shanghai is more a Shanghai requirement than a Disney requirement (though I've seen contradictory reports on that).

As for whether I'll visit a theme park with a mask requirement, here's how it stands: If I've already got a pass that allows me to visit, I'll make use of it, but if it expires I won't be renewing until the restriction is dropped. If I'd need to buy a ticket to visit, I'll postpone my trip until the restriction is no longer in place.

I sadly go along with idea of how certain guests are going to throw fits at their 'Freedoms" being infringed.

Even with all the safety measures in place I wouldn’t consider travelling to any American park prior to there being a vaccine available. That said I don’t think anyone will be travelling internationally (at least from Australia) for the rest of the year, especially not to America where the virus response has been so thoroughly mismanaged at the federal level. My wife and I had a trip planned for Tokyo Disney next month that we are still bummed about, but that’s life at the moment. We’re all in this together and it’s more important to be safe and stop the spread than to put ourselves and others in danger. I look forward to planning a big Disney trip when there’s a vaccine and international travel is deemed safe again, hopefully next year.

I have a season pass to Disney, but I’m unlikely to go since I’m high risk. I hate to lose the money, but some things are more valuable than money.

If I have dvc points that are expiring, I might go to Vero beach or Hilton head. Maybe animal kingdom lodge and watch the animals from my room.

There are lots of what-ifs here. Masks are not likely to come off during a ride cycle but what if you are dining and the mask you have set aside falls on the floor? There are 100 ways to lose a mask. Theme park regulars will likely bring extras in a ziploc bag but not necessarily the occasional visitor. And the what-ifs become more profound on water rides and / or water parks.

My gut feeling is many parks will require guests to be wearing a mask upon entry but after that they will not be able to enforce full compliance, unless the park provides them for free around every corner.

AJ, I agree completely. I think as science continues to win out, and panic subsides we will see these masks rules quickly adjusted. Colin, I also completely understand your perspective. Anyone at high rock should remain cautious for the time being.

I think masks are going to have to be a requirement. We're going to have to catch up with other nations on this being a normal thing. I've had many weeks now to, on the rare occasions when I DO leave my house, wearing a mask. But as a furloughed employee at my current job, I haven't had to wear one for 8 hours, or for a whole theme park day. But I think I can pull it off, based on the experiences I had had being out to run necessary errands. And if the people of Shanghai can pull it off in hot weather and heavy humidity, why can't I?

My worry is entitled people who will (a) take off masks as soon as they get in the gates, and (b) people who will argue about masks before getting in, and maybe spitting or coughing on cast members intentionally (we've already seen this happen in retail stores requiring masks, including the murder of a security guard who told someone they had to have a mask to enter). When I have to go out for supplies, I'm often literally the only one even bothering with a mask.

Americans are...not nice people. Before anyone complains about generalizations, I should state that I AM an American. We have fantastic people here, but we also have a lot of jerks. And I really wonder what life will be like when we reopen.

I will do whatever is necessary, within reason, and responsible to enhance the safety of myself and others at a theme park. If I think procedures are going too far (or not far enough), I will just wait until policies/rules are within my personal comfort level. However, my concern is that too many other people do not care or feel that a simple request to wear a thin paper mask over their mouth and nose on someone else's PRIVATE PROPERTY is somehow infringing on their freedoms. Disney (and other theme parks) required you to follow safety rules prior to this crisis like sitting upright in seats, wearing seat belts, utilizing restraints, wearing shoes/shirt/pants, not using selfie sticks, keeping your Bowie knives and AK-47s in the car, and numerous other safety-driven policies. Is wearing a face covering (even if provided to you by the park) that much of an ask not only for YOUR safety but the safety of others, including the employees that will have to politely remove you from the park if you choose to thumb your nose at the requirement?

We'll only get 1 chance to make these re-openings work, and the actions of a handful of morons and idiots is all it will take to put us back into full lockdown. Let's do this right the first time, and abide by the rules that are being imposed and already adjusted for the least-common-denominators out there. If you can't or don't want to play along for those of us that want to enjoy some of the pleasures in life because your own personal comfort is too important, STAY HOME, and don't ruin it for the rest of us.

The sense of moral superiority that I read in the articles and comments section is quite ridiculous. I never realized that this site would attract so many self righteous, intolerant bigots. Excuse me Mr Meyer, but how did you rise to such a level of being morally superior to the little people around you that do not desire to wear an uncomfortable mask while on a vacation outing at the Magic Kingdom. My partner and I would appreciate that if you feel uncomfortable congregating around the unwashed masses that choose not to wear the masks at Disney Parks, then just stay away. Bigots like you would be an unwelcome presence.

How is supporting a business to make and enforce safety rules on their property being a "bigot"? If Disney requires you to wear a mask on their property, you either comply with the rule, or don't visit. Is that so difficult to understand? This is about giving companies the latitude to determine what's best for their customers, guests, employees, and overall health of their business. Disney is understandably being conservative and cautious to make sure the re-openings don't result in further spread of the virus. It would be a huge blow to the company's reputation and value if that were to happen, and would likely cause Disney to go back to square one with who knows how many more weeks of the parks being closed and perhaps even more militaristic restrictions being placed on guests when they do reopen. Disney can't afford to get this wrong, and other entertainment companies around the world will be watching their parks very closely to see what does and doesn't work.

I'm concerned that people will show up and flaunt the rules that Disney puts in place not only for your safety, but the safety of others as well as their employees. If too many people choose to not follow the rules, then Disney will either have to make even more stringent/restrictive rules and policies, or close their parks again. Is that what you want ProgressiveMusicLover? I would much rather be slightly inconvenienced by wearing a lightweight paper mask to protect myself, my family, other guests, and park employees so that we can all enjoy theme parks again.

@ProgressiveMusicLover - Did you even read Russell's post? Try it again.

And arrogance is making your first post to a site a dunderheaded slam of one of the long-term leading contributors to the site.

Hey, ProgressiveMusicLover! I think Disney Springs is a theme park, don't you agree?

ProgressiveMusicLover writes: "The sense of moral superiority that I read in the articles and comments section is quite ridiculous. I never realized that this site would attract so many self righteous, intolerant bigots."

I Respond: Based upon the fact that you've been a member at TPI for a tenure of about twenty minutes I don't believe you enough insight to comment on the personalities that have built relationships and have participated in informed discussion on the site for going on two decades.

ProgMooLuv continues: "My partner and I would appreciate that if you feel uncomfortable congregating around the unwashed masses ..."

I Respond: I can assure you, Russell has no problem being around the "unwashed". Hell, he's been hanging out with me for a ridiculously long time.

Regarding Bob Chapek's interview: So Chapek gets stuck telling everyone they gotta mask-up, and then Mr. Smooth gets to glide onto GMA this morning and announce that Disney+ is going to start streaming 'Hamilton' on July 3rd.

Also, for the record: 'Hamilton' is Broadway's answer to 'Pandora: The World of Avatar.'

TH, I would call Rise of the Resistance the new theme park version of Hamilton, given how impossible it is to see either of them in person.

Damn it, Trexen! The sense of moral superiority that I read in that comment is ... well, frankly it's hysterically funny. :o)

While I completely understand that Disney can and will set their own rules and requirements as they see fit for their business and no one has to go (although when they wont refund money they do make that point a little hard to swallow). That being said I believe the enforcement of mask is a big deal and for me and my family the idea of July with a mask in Disney doesn't sound like a fun time, no matter how much I love Disney World. If you want to wear a mask and it doesn't bother you then that's awesome and more power to you, but don't judge the folks that don't want to or make light of their opinions. The world has always been a risky place and it is even more so now, everyone and every business just need to find their risk tolerance and respect everyone else for theirs.

Um, I'm baffled at how pointing out certain people upset about wearing masks makes me a "bigot." I wear one at my job and going out and would wear one at the park to go along with requirements. I'm pointing out the reality of some folks who seriously contend having to wear a mask is "like being in Nazi Germany" and we've seen folks on threads pushing some goofy takes on all this. You disagree, fine, but a bigot is just baffling as an insult.

“Two red hats”
“entitled people”
“morons and idiots”
The entire insipid comment by Mike W.
What ever happened to tolerance and keeping an open mind to someone else’s point of view? I speak up over the rash of hateful and close minded comments and I’m immediately preyed upon by a pack of jackals.
I would never criticize those that decide to wear a mask to a theme park, however if I choose not too, I immediately merit derision.
By the way, the individual that commented about the “two red hats” should have his credibility seriously questioned. My partner and I have never experienced any negative behaviors from the “red hat” crowd. And this is coming from someone that did have concerns once they began to emerge.

>> Excuse me Mr Meyer, but how did you rise to such a level of being morally superior to the little people around you that do not desire to wear an uncomfortable mask while on a vacation outing at the Magic Kingdom. My partner and I would appreciate that if you feel uncomfortable congregating around the unwashed masses that choose not to wear the masks at Disney Parks, then just stay away. Bigots like you would be an unwelcome presence.

Let’s calm down here.

We know that there have been several outbreaks linked to asymptomatic people. I ask if you understand and agree with this?

Do you agree that you have to interact with people who may not have a full and free choice to interact with you. As a necessary part of being a human in a society they need to shop and work to eat?

With this virus, we have the following options.

1. Do nothing, accept a huge body count
2. Take measures to reduce it

The economy does not win on option 1. Option 2 causes short term pain, but avoids more long term pain.

I am a skeptic when it comes to face masks. It’s my understanding from listening to the experts in daily briefings by ScotGov and UK Gov that the evidence to protection to the wearer is at best inconclusive but to protection to those around you there is some weak evidence that it may help stop transmission. But as any true skeptic (and not someone who means denier) I’m happy to change that on evidence.

However, if I was told to wear a mask to access some property, I would. If someone didn’t feel comfortable interacting with me if I wasn’t wearing one, I’d understand.

How would that person be bigoted, bearing in mind there is no way to be 100% sure you are not a carrier?

Progressivemusiclover is a troll on Disney fan sites, please don't feed the troll. We don't need him around here.

I'm ok with wearing a mask, at least at first. All eyes will be on Shanghai and the gradual reopening of states, there will probably be a spike, but if virus cases generally decline, we can hope for reopening of the parks.

Having spent two weeks in Japan right before this all started (with an amazing couple of days at TDL and TDS) I think comparisons to any other country opening their parks aren't helpful. The cultures are just too different. This pandemic is bringing out both the best and worst of America. I keep thinking back to that fist-fight that broke out in Toontown at Disneyland before all this happened. Disney security didn't even step in to stop it and it went on for a long time. How is Disney going to stop some jerk from taking his mask off and getting in people's faces to prove some political point? If someone did that to me or my family while I was in line and following the guidelines, you bet there would be a fist fight. I've been reading all of the articles on here about what steps the parks should be taking but really, the biggest threat to the parks not being able to open safely is the American public's own behavior.

I think what's being missed here in regards to masks is that the purpose is the opposite of typical PPE. PPE (personal protective equipment) is typically what it says it is, something worn to protect the wearer. Even in usual medical settings, PPE like gloves, smocks, face/splatter shields, and masks are used to protect the person wearing it from fluids and particles that may be in the area. However, the reason for wearing masks in response to the coronavirus is to prevent particles that you might be carrying unsuspectingly being exhaled into the atmosphere, onto surfaces, and transferred to another person. While masks do provide protection to the wearers, the primary purpose is to protect others nearby or who may pass in your wake.

I think that's why people have issues with the masks, because they feel healthy and don't perceive the risk to themselves from an invisible, microscopic contagion that a rather small minority of the population is carrying at any given time. A mask feels like the "security theater" that has become all too prevalent in society instead of a reliable and effective measure to protect us. However, the common view of PPE as a personal choice to protect myself doesn't work for masks that are as protective of others as they are for you. It's insulting and disrespectful to others to not wear a mask in a setting where you're being asked. Would you want a doctor to operate on you without wearing proper PPE? If the answer is no, then respect this simple request from business owners. If the answer is yes, then I can't help you, and I hope you find a deserted island to live out the remainder of your selfish life.

Chriswaffle....another tolerant, understanding individual. What gall to comment about how this is bringing out the worst in people, then state that he would respond with physical violence if he observed someone not wearing a mask at a theme park. You should be ashamed.

Once again please do not engage with the troll or he will not go away.

ProgressiveMusicLover needs a lesson in reading comprehension...

"How is Disney going to stop some jerk from taking his mask off and getting in people's faces to prove some political point? If someone did that to me or my family while I was in line and following the guidelines, you bet there would be a fist fight."

Where in those 2 sentences does it say he would use physical violence based on an observation without being personally threatened. They clearly stated that if an unmasked person was getting in people's faces to prove some political point...to me or my family while I was in line then violence would ensue.

That's the exact scenario that many reasonable theme park fans are worried about. These "protests" are occurring all across the country with individuals and small groups openly protesting and flaunting the guidelines as some righteous demonstration of freedom over tyranny, when in reality the rules are there to protect us ALL. I don't want theme parks to turn into places where people feel the need to make political statements, and if that means establishing more rules to keep them from becoming stages for intolerant, selfish jerks, then so be it.

Mr. Meyer, your response is reasonable and valid. Just refrain from the name calling and belittling of those that do not see your point of view, they all aren’t vile individuals that you and others on this site make them out to be.

@chriswaffle does raise a point I've made, there are clear differences in Asian and U.S. theme parks in terms of customers and behavior. So Disney, Universal and the rest are going to need to observe this but also know park goers in the States won't behave the same way.

BTW.....name one credible time that some individual took of his mask and flaunted it literally in someone else’s face to prove a political point?
Other than in some crazed individual’s imagination, it hasn’t happened. The straw man arguments presented here are quite dull. And the fear that people are going to swarm the parks when they open to strictly flaunt the fact that they are not going to wear a mask is ludicrous. Also your lack of self awareness is quite amusing, it’s individuals such as yourself Mr Meyer, to make constant and subtle insults towards those that have a viewpoint other than yours. You sir are the intolerant bigot.

One of the most widely publicized incidents of the flaunting of rules was at a Flint, MI Family Dollar Store where a security officer was shot and killed because he was trying to enforce the store's mask policy with an individual whose child was not abiding by it.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/04/security-guards-death-might-have-been-because-he-wouldnt-let-woman-store-without-mask/

There are others out there, including the defiant protests in Madison, Wisconsin where karma took care of things...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/04/25/wisconsin-protestors-attack-stay-at-home-orders-unnecessary-or-government-cabal/

I don't necessarily think that theme parks, or WDW in particular, will turn into platforms for protest groups. However, there will be that tension between guests that either deliberately (out of comfort or an open act of defiance) or inadvertently fail to abide by a mandatory mask policy. I'm the kind of person that will mind their own business in a public setting, so when I see someone not wearing a mask, I will just steer clear if possible (like I used to do when smoking was allowed everywhere). However, there are those out there that want theme parks to be pure fantasy lands where we don't have to think about what's going on in the real world, and will do whatever is necessary to maintain that illusion, including yelling at people to follow the rules or single those people out to security personnel to enforce the rules. Whether it's because of political opinion, a fear for your own personal/family's safety, or a desire to maintain that illusion of the fantasy land, some guests are bound to take matters into their own hands if they feel the situation does not meet their expectations.

Sorry, but this isn't a matter of personal preference or "opinion," it's a matter of public safety. So, for the same reason you can't walk down the sidewalk spraying poison, you can't walk down the street spraying your potentially infected breath. If you feel like it's inhibiting your personal freedom to abide those social requirements, you're free to stay home.

But if you think you have the right to put the rest of us in danger because you're don't believe in science, are on some propaganda trip, nope.

I agree with @jedigas007 -- I just can't see wearing a hot, restrictive mask for 10 hours in 80 degree heat. It's bad enough in cool temperatures.

Sorry, but this isn't a matter of personal preference or "opinion," it's a matter of public safety. So, for the same reason you can't walk down the sidewalk spraying poison, you can't walk down the street spraying your potentially infected breath. If you feel like it's inhibiting your personal freedom to abide those social requirements, you're free to stay home.

But if you think you have the right to put the rest of us in danger because you're don't "believe" in science, or are on some propaganda trip, nope.

I agree with @jedigas007 -- I just can't see wearing a hot, restrictive mask for 10 hours in 80 degree heat. It's bad enough in cool temperatures.

It’s been reporterex today A woman has died in the UK because someone decided it was okay to spit on her. She was just doing her job keeping the London Underground running.

@ProgressiveMusicLover We’re a friendly, supportive and enthusiastic theme park community, here on this site. Sure, we have debates and disagreements, but we keep it respectful. You’re very much crossing the line, and that kind of attitude just isn’t welcome here. If it’s your intention to troll, insult and generally antagonise people, then please stop it.

@the__man Sorry, dude. I’ll be steering clear, from now on!

My mom is still hoping to get to WDW this summer but concerned as in 70s, very good health but still in the risk area. She and her grandkids acknowledge the issues of masks in the heat and such, also concern over how much will be open. She's still hoping to get there yet as a nurse, she's fully aware of the higher risks, including folks who won't take it as seriously to possibly spread infection.

Friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic? Do any of you read your own comments?
“Spewing poison”.....hyperbolic nonsense. I simply point out the hypocrisy that is rampant on this site and I’m told that I’m not welcome here. I’m willing to stand up to the bullies on this site that maintain a false sense of moral superiority and yet I’m the antagonist here.

I don't think anyone said you're not welcome. I think the folks here just find your thoughts to lack relevance. Although I, for one, am grateful to have someone who can "point out the hypocrisy." It's great to someone with PML's "sense of moral superiority".

(Chuckle)

When the parks reopen, there will be a new reality, a new normal we are not going back to the way it was whether we are ready or not so we all need to bite the bullet and deal with it. I personally approach it with a great deal of apprehension but that's life and we all need to move forward, take it with a grain of salt and try to find the silver lining in the clouds

I don't see anyone pointing out the obvious, that the communist gov of china lies about anything having to do with either economics or control of their population. theme parks included. Showing theme parks re opening @operating successfully is also a huge public relations coup for them. Anyone who looks for it will soon see reports of people taking off their masks outdoors and during the actual ride experience in CHINA. Come on. Am I the only one with a memory who remembers people letting their kids publicly urinate and poop on bushes in the first week that it opened. For all of the social control that the communist gov exerts over speech the population is not blind rule followers on matters that do not involve direct speech.

For legal liability reasons Disney may insist on a mask upon entry. But. I don't forsee them kicking people out of the park for taking it down. As long as people bring them back up (upon request), that is going to be it. Masks can help reduce infection indoors. Outdoors it doesn't make much of a difference unless you are crammed in within 2 ft to people. It will be more of an issue once they ramp up significantly of 25 percent capacity

It will be more of an issue once they ramp up significantly of 25 percent capacity

For once, I have to agree with davedisney. The worry I have is that even if this works okay, some parks may make the mistake of rushing too soon to get more capacity out there to recoup losses and that just adds on risks before they're ready.

As I've noted, most places reopening are smart to do rules on masks, distancing etc....but I've seen plenty of photos of bars or stores that openly have signs saying "no masks needed, celebrate your freedom" etc by folks who are under the naive assumption things go right back to how they were.

Progressivemusiclover, if you refuse to comply with the rules in place at WDW or anywhere else, than you are free to stay home. 'Nuff said.

Maybe Disney can provide a mask that is reasonably comfortable to wear, not too hot, etc.?

@MikeW I was surprised to hear Bob Chapek say that, after the initial Shanghai reopening, they plan on increasing capacity by 5000 people, per week. That sounds like a lot, and something which would make the social distancing rules, harder and harder to maintain. Especially if they all stay in place, as they are.

It is so sad to see all the arguments and derision in the comments. A theme park reopening should be exciting.

Almost as sad as a bunch of posters who have created profiles in just the last few days assess the culture and zeitgeist of the site.

Yeah TH, I’ve noticed that too. Within the past month or so I’ve seen a lot of newer people join the site. I mean it’s great to see people joining this community and all come under our love for theme parks and roller coasters, but with more people comes more opinions and people desiring to voice them.

It must be quite upsetting TH to have to read a counter to your own condescending viewpoint.

Voicing opinions and new perspectives is great. However, the act of creating a profile and then, just a couple of hours after arriving, engaging in the laughable act of denouncing a member of the community as having a "sense of moral superiority" is worthy of ridicule.

NEXT!

>> A theme park reopening should be exciting.

And it probably should be, but with signs that even in China the situation is more precarious than we thought...

Don´t think it was obvious from Shanghai that masks would be mandatory in the west. Mask wearing to protect others, even from a harmless cold has a long tradition there. The entire west did not give a pretty picture early on with people everywhere denouncing that measure as useless. Now the consensus seems to be more and more that it does help, with countries and subregions that did more mask wearing earlier on doing better than others. Compared to all the other things going on it is on of the least intrusive measures, sort of a no brainer.

TH.....your complete lack of self awareness nor understanding irony are not virtues.

I see a lot of strong feelings here re: masks. If fans can anticipate problematic guests, then I should hope Disney Parks management can also anticipate it, and the interesting part will be how they calibrate guest expectations and avoid looking like "the bad guy" for imposing/enforcing a new rule.

TV ads ("we're open again!") that show happy families wearing masks? Prominent informational insert with mailed tickets? Emails? Outreach to fan forums and online influencers? Video screens at traffic checkpoints with new animation of Disney icons wearing masks, with a focus on how it protects *other* people even if *you* don't feel sick? Fashionable Disney-branded masks at reasonable prices, sold before and at parks?

If Disney chooses the "nuclear option" (after all reasonable escalations have been exhausted) of ejecting guests who refuse to wear masks, what's the plan to get ahead of bad press coverage -- to spin themselves (better yet, all rule-abiding guests) as the wronged party and the offender as unreasonable/rude/thoughtless?

We're in a situation of modifying behavioral norms. We're all accustomed to "no shirt / no shoes / no service", and to water parks that have a dress code of suitable swimwear -- those concepts can be extended. When Shanghai Disneyland opened, there was some rude behavior reported (https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/05/09/chinese-visitors-welcome-disneyland-to-town-by-defecating-in-the-bushes) -- I wonder how local management addressed that?

Let's get back to the original topic for a moment. It appears that a few folks here are opposed to the possibility that Disney may require guests wear face masks on property. That's a perfectly valid position, but what would you prefer be done to prevent the spread of the virus. I think we can agree that the potential for spread in outdoor environments is pretty low, especially if social distancing guidelines are maintained. However, theme parks are not 100% outdoor experiences, particularly Disney parks, even when time in queues is extremely limited with virtual queuing.

I think we can also agree that there's a wide range of tolerance within our society, especially Americans, of what should be appropriate protective measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Some people have no fear (or feel that the coronavirus is a hoax or overblown and is no worse than a seasonal flu), and are willing to walk around with no PPE and no expectation of others to wear PPE. Others are for more skittish (or more prone to contracting severe symptoms associated with the virus), and perhaps if they are extremely concerned about contracting it, they should not venture out until a vaccine is available. The rest of folks fall somewhere in the middle. Those people want to get back to some sense of normalcy, but are still concerned that they might contract the virus in a public setting. They want to feel comfortable that the places they visit have policies and procedures in place to keep them safe. That also extends to CMs/employees that need to get back to work to earn a paycheck, but also don't want their workplace to become a place that they're afraid to go to because nothing is being done to protect them from strangers that are invading their workplace from all over the world.

This is where the mask requirement comes in as it not only protects guests from each other, but keeps CMs/employees safe in their workplace, especially those that may not be able to maintain social distancing at all times (think about checking restraints, turnstile/FP+ entrance CMs, and many others that need to be within 6 feet of guests and their excretions regularly to perform their jobs like janitors). Masks aren't ever going to be 100% effective, but will give better protection to CMs/employees and guests than nothing.

I get that comfort is a problem with wearing a mask (it's an issue with pretty much any piece of PPE that's not worn as a part of daily activities). It's like wearing a seat belt in your car. 30-40 years ago, before wearing seat belts was required by law, many many people refused to wear them because they were uncomfortable. Eventually as people got used to wearing them, the comfort level improved because people saw the safety benefit (along with the laws put into place that fined people for not wearing them). We're now at nearly 100% compliance with seat belts, and you rarely hear people talk about them being uncomfortable. I think as people get used to wearing masks, they will not feel nearly as uncomfortable even in high heat and humidity. If you look at China, that culture has been used to wearing masks year-round due to heavy air pollution, even on 90+ degree days. It's going to take time for people to get used to this requirement, but I think it's for everyone's best interest and overall public health.

Good. Now I hope they enforce it.

Pro-Mule writes: "TH.....your complete lack of self awareness nor understanding irony are not virtues."

I Respond: Neither is my haircut, what's your point, rookie?

Off topic, but I did want to point out that I do love progressive music. In fact, the last concert I saw the Friday before things started shutting down and getting cancelled was Steve Hackett - amazing show BTW with a full performance of Selling England By the Pound. So if our new member wants to talk some Yes, Genesis, Muse, King Crimson, Asia, Rush, and the like, we can most certainly find some common ground there.

@RM: One of the best concerts I ever saw was up your way at Merriweather Post Pavillion a LONG time ago: Renaissance (with Annie Haslam and bassist Jon Camp). And I loved the Fripp, Levin, Belew and Bruford edition of of King Crimson.

@ Russell Meyer, you know I always respect and appreciate your posts, that said:

"but what would you prefer be done to prevent the spread of the virus"

TEST...
TEST..
TEST.

Most of these quality testing kits that can be obtained overseas have a manufacturing cost of less than $7 USD.

Small price to pay to reduce risk. I would pay an extra $10 for the test. While I have to admit upfront, it can still lead to false positives, the percentage is low. This will in no way give you "piece of mind" however, it can do quite a bit more. This also allows you to ease the use of face masks in open air areas and have guest make use in queues, restrooms and areas where the airborne water molecules concentrate.

1.) This will allow Disney to pre-screen (at their resorts) with test kits and temperature checks for guests traveling from the resorts and add a health check token to their magic band so they can go straight to bag check/security. That cuts down on gate traffic and the heard.

2.) Testing ensures employees have an extra layer of testing to ensure they do not expose other cast members or guests.

3.) The amount of testing is (with reduced capacity) means the availability of kits will be a constant.

4.) Even N95 masks cannot block COVID-19 partials. It's a too big an assumption that everyone will be wearing an equivalent N95 mask.

5.) If you depart Disney Property, you have to be retested at your resort prior to your next park visit.

It's about reducing risk, all the measure that have been taking at Shanghai center around reducing risk. Why not lessen the possibility that guest can spread or get infected while in the park.

NEXT.. scheduled entry and exit times to reduce the entry/exit heards. Gradually empty out the park. Shutting down parades and fireworks means nothing if you have the heard exit at the end of the night.

SO you cap the park at 20K. That's an average of exiting a little over 65 people a minute staggered over 5 hours. 65 people an minute for Disney is not much of a crowd.

Once again, this is what I would prefer.

I'm more of an ELP/Yes/Asia fan, so I've preferred the Crimson lineups that included Greg Lake and John Wetton (RIP) that stayed on the progressive side of the aisle instead of fringing on psychedelic. Merriweather has staged some incredible shows over the years, but unfortunately, we don't get up there very often anymore (we're much closer to Jiffy Lube Live/Nissan Pavilion and Wolf Trap for outdoor venues). An active 10-YO will do that to you. I'm trying to remember the last show we saw at Merriweather, and I think it might have been the last Virgin Free-Fest back in 2013.

Progressive music lover. You’re in the wrong place. Here you are allowed to say hateful things about the “red hats” etc. Try to say something, you just get attacked. Trust me. It’s better just to leave it alone.

@leastinteresting - Testing is a great idea, but is also problematic, especially if it's being administered by a theme park company. Disney may employ doctors, nurses, EMTs, and health experts, but I don't think it's their role to be administering tests to guests (testing of CMs/employees on the other hand is absolutely within reason). Nor do I think testing results should be a condition of entry onto property (my opinion mind you), because then you border on labeling people and a "papers please" situation. There's also a question as to whether HIPPA would apply regarding the privacy of personal medical information. I just worry about the legal ramifications of Disney requiring or administering tests and guests basing health decisions on what a theme park company tells them.

Testing is great, but when it comes to testing theme park guests (or any other situation of a non-medical company testing customers prior to allowing them on their property), it's too problematic and introduces too many logistical and legal issues that may be impossible to overcome.

Have to go along with the testing being tricky. We're seeing news on folks throwing fits on wearing a mask, now imagine them subjected to tests. And let's not even get started on how the anti-vaxxer crowd would take it.

In fact, that's a major thing going that some business would want to do customer testing but hitting major legal hassles with it as it can be a slippery slope so hard to see it working.

HIPPA would not allow them to disclose their results to a 3rd party without consent. Since Disney is providing the test and result directly to the guest and the guest only...?

As for the legal issues, Disney would have to add indemnity to passholder/ticket policy (I'm sure it's their already). However, if you cannot assure park guests you have done the absolute best to protect them, why go? All the other measures they have instituted are excellent, however, a few key policies that I don't see that would make me avoid them altogether. The restrooms in particular are a huge environment liability above all and present the greatest risk.

Taking a cast members temperature as a condition of entry...also a vital statistic and subject to HIPPA. Hmm... so that's okay that we can do that openly in public with other people able to see, but a test kit.. too far?

I find it odd that somehow,... people have an unconscious desire to seek "right to spread". I just cannot understand that, It's beyond my comprehension.

@leastinteresting: A conservative guy who was always striking me as sane, Never Trump, etc, has gone totally wild in the last month on "tyrannical governors stealing our rights." He and others truly promote the line "better a thousand die to a virus than one lose their liberty." I know, it's illogical but how it happens.

There's a 2016 CW series Containment that ran for one year that's blowing up on Netflix thanks to how timely it now is: When a virus gets loose, an entire section of Atlanta is cordoned off and what's meant to be just 48 hours turns into weeks. Very gripping (folks openly told to stay six feet away) and such.

A major bit is a CDC doctor saying "in every hot spot I've worked, it's the same story. Folks are calm, rational, listening and following orders. Then someone starts spouting conspiracy garbage, hits the panic button, people stop listening to authorities and experts and that's when it gets out of control." Amazing how the writers had no idea how right they truly were.

I think it’s worth bearing in mind nobody wants this situation to go on longer than it has to. I appreciate that those of you who are more bullish about the situsuon want to get out.... but those of us who are more cautious are worried that if we do this to soon/fast, we’ll have to do this again and next time the restrictions might end up being worse as a result.

However I’m really worried about the situation over there. Last week it was the CDC’s caution that was unacceptable to the White House, today Trump has said the same about Fauci’s testimony.

I would like to visit WDW next year. But if things are out of control there, nobody will be flying to the US. Even if our airlines are allowed to offer the trip (and don’t go bankrupt, I’m relying on Virgin Atlantic miles...) the impracticalities of having to quarantine afterwards will make it impossible.

I really do hope In 3 weeks time I’m not saying I told you so... because 3 weeks time is when the data is going to show the effect of these opening up. But that many of your governments seem to be ignoring or disregarding the medicos means I can’t have that confidence.

Besides all the safety procedures that Disney can implement, there is still something called personal responsibility. We know that the people who are most vulnerable are those with chronic health conditions. If they choose to visit a place with lots of people, they are responsible for their own risky decision.