This week at Walt Disney World, Disney updates its on-ride mask policy again, no fireworks are confirmed in-park for New Year's Eve, plus the first Harmonious barge is installed at EPCOT!

Outside Walt Disney World, Universal begins testing the VelociCoaster, and SeaWorld debuts this year's holiday fireworks display. 

1. Disney no longer placing digital masks on guests' faces on ride photos 

During the week, some guests noticed that Disney was placing masks over guests' faces in on-ride photos where one or more guests were not wearing a mask. However, this weekend Walt Disney World released a statement officially discontinuing this short-lived practice, saying: 

"In response to guest requests, we tested modifying some ride photos. We are no longer doing this and continue to expect guests to wear face coverings except when actively eating or drinking while stationary."

2. Disney confirms no in-park celebrations for New Year's Eve

We're only a few weeks away from the end of 2020, and though it is tradition for many families to ring in the new year at Walt Disney world theme parks, Disney has confirmed due to health and safety measures the theme parks will not be open at midnight for holiday celebrations. 

Though there won't be anything happening in the theme parks to mark the end of 2020, Disney Resort hotels will offer fun and festive activities and pre-recorded fireworks and other holiday offerings will be available to stream on in-room televisions to help guests ring in the new year. For an additional fee guests can also purchase a New Year’s Eve party basket designed for the occasion. 

3. Walt Disney World Resort bars open for New Year's Eve

Image: Disney

In addition to the in-room celebrations, the following bars will be open until 1:00 AM January 1, 2021 at the Walt Disney World Resort. 

• AbracadaBar at Disney’s BoardWalk
• Ale & Compass Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Courtyard Pool Bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Dahlia Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Martha’s Vineyard at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Outer Rim at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Sanaa Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village
• Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• The Turf Club Lounge at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Wave Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort