Peter PanDEMIC: WDW & Masks

 

Having spent a week at the Walt Disney World Resort for the first time since the parks re-opened after shutting down for four months as a result of the a Covid-19 pandemic, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  One thing I was certain of was that it would be as safe as possible.  For all the social media posts deriding Disney for its “greed,” one thing the company has never compromised is guest safety.  This was proven to be the case once again.  

 

As a result of our trip, we are working on a series of posts about how to navigate Walt Disney World during the pandemic. Yes, you can travel and see your favorite park in a safe and secure setting. No, it is not the same experience as you may have had in the past - but that doesn't mean it has to be less fun. In our new series we've not so creatively titled "Peter PanDEMIC," we will explore traversing The Most Magical Place on Earth in the era of Covid.

So what about the masks?  Yes the much politicized mask mandate was fully enforced.  And it was nearly universally adopted without hesitation by park guests.  If your mask was slipping under your nose, cast members were right there with a kind remember to keep your nose and mouth covered.  Yes, it is a different Disney World experience compared to years past, but it is necessary for the magic to return during these uncertain times.  

The biggest concern for any parent traveling to Disney World right now, in addition to maintaining the health and safety of your family, is how their child will respond to wearing a mask for ten hours.  From what we saw, older children didn’t have an issue wearing a mask throughout the parks.  But younger kids, typically 5 and under, weren’t as comfortable.  There were tears shed by youngsters who didn’t want a face covering in the sweltering Florida heat. 

So before you head back to the Magic Kingdom, decide whether or not you think your child will be comfortable wearing a mask all day.  As winter comes, cooler temperatures might offer some reprieve, but if you have a youngster, you should weigh the value of going back to the parks against the frustration your child might feel having to keep a face covering on.  From what we observed, children 6 years and older didn’t have an issue with the mask mandate.  But a parent knows their child best - think about them.