Walt Disney World has followed Universal Orlando Resort in regards to their mask policy, confirming that masks will no longer be required for outdoor areas, effective May 15. Masks will also not be required on pool decks at hotels. Guests will still have to wear a mask upon entering the theme parks and throughout all attractions, in all theaters, theatre entrances, in transportation, transportation entrances and all indoor locations. 

Walt Disney World has updated its website here to reflect this change in policy, and has included a handy graph that includes when and where guests can remove masks.  For the time being, Cast Members will still need to wear masks in all settings. 

This new development comes mere days after Walt Disney World announced it was officially reducing physical distancing in outdoor areas as well as inside queues and rides and also ending temperature checks at park gates. 

Disney CEO Bob Chapek has confirmed this week that Walt Disney World has already started to raise theme park capacity, and will continue to increase guest levels as the CDC continues to issue COVID-19 health and safety guidance. As you can see via the Parks Pass reservation site here, it looks like there is a LOT more availability right now, so it seems safe to assume that capacity has already been raised significantly. 

Meanwhile, over on the west coast, Disney has confirmed that Disneyland Resort’s current guidelines, which require all guests (ages 2+) and Cast Members to wear face coverings, remain in effect. Policies will be evaluated in accordance with state and local recommendations as soon as guidance is released