Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the state would move to Phase 3 of reopening, which removes restrictions on bars, dining, and indoor entertainment, as well as getting rid of all penalties or fines for refusing to wear masks. In addition to these broad measures, this new opening phase specifically states that theme parks can return to normal operations, with no mandatory regulations or attendance caps.
Of course, right now all major theme parks in Florida have self-imposed restrictions, with Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks controlling capacity according to internal metrics and using barriers and social distancing markers to keep guests spaced out. However, with Universal Orlando Resort ending social distancing on rides and Walt Disney World increasing Parks Pass availability every few weeks, it may not be long before we see a return to "normal" at the theme parks, perhaps with the exception of the mask requirement, which seems to be well enforced, despite some unfortunate outlying incidents.
Walt Disney World has also been sending periodic surveys out to guests who have visited the parks in recent months, asking how they feel about mandatory masks, capacity caps, temperature screenings, and more, which likely means that the resort has been at least considering modifying or rolling back some of their internal restrictions.
In a statement, Disney said "We received the Governor’s executive order and are evaluating it to determine what it may mean for our business. We are not making any immediate changes. As a reminder, face coverings are still required at Walt Disney World Resort"
Ultimately, it will be up to the theme parks themselves to decide how they want to proceed, as there will no longer be any firm rules from the state government enforcing any kind of health and safety procedures, which will probably mean we will see at least some rolling back of restrictions very soon. Would you feel safe at theme parks if capacity were increased? How about if mandatory mask wearing was no longer required? Let us know what you think below!
Comments
The mandatory masks rule needs to go! Nobody wants to wear a mask in 100 degree weather! Everything needs to go back to normal at the theme parks! It's not fair my severely autistic son cant go because of the required masks that he's not able to wear!
Never wearing a mask ever - struggling theme parks are losing opportunities for a silent majority of people who want to be individually responsible for their health and welfare- we don’t want others telling us what we must do - whatever happened to Liberty and Freedom?
If the people are so concerned with mask mandates, they can wear one. If their masks are so great they should be fine. If people choose not to wear one that is their decision . If they get sick it is still their decision. Simple
I will NOT go to any theme park if I have to wear a mask. Seriously, I have trouble breathing anyway. Mask wearing is the most uncomfortable situation to be in, especially in that heat...NO WAY. I'm not afraid of the "cold "either. My 81 year old mother was just diagnosed with Covid 19 and all she had was sniffles...she even said at one point that she thinks they made a mistake. My father never tested positive and hovers around her 24/7. It's Ridiculous and i'm over it. Would love to come visit in November but I will Not be made to wear that dumb mask.
Def get rid of the mask. Some people have health conditions and def having anxiety is not working well with mandated mask and me. Feels honestly like being suffocated. I feel like we are in a "free" country where it should still be our choice if we want to wear a mask or not.