With rising COVID-19 cases in Florida, Walt Disney World made the decision based on recommendations from the CDC to mandate masks once more for all guests whilst indoors regardless of their vaccination status. We naturally expected Universal Orlando Resort to follow suit but no, Universal Orlando Resort announced that they would not mandate masks for guests indoors instead simply "encouraging" guests to follow CDC guidelines and wear face coverings while indoors.
Knowing the controversy mask wearing has caused since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this led us to ask in this week's Big Debate, Universal Vs Disney Mask Policy, Which is Better?
RESULTS
So, here are the results to our poll and many may be surprised to hear that Universal Orlando Resort is the victor:
- Walt Disney World - 39%
- Universal Orlando Resort - 61%
Could this mean that we see more guests choosing Universal over the remainder of the Summer months and into the Fall rather than Disney? With Halloween Horror Nights kicking off at Universal Orlando Resort very soon, is it sensible for guests to be squashed into indoor scare mazes without masks with the current COVID-19 cases in Florida? I guess that will be down to personal choice and with the large percentage of people that are against mask wearing I am predicting Halloween Horror Nights will be packed with excited fans.
Your Thoughts and Comments
"I am glad I booked a Universal vacation instead of Disney for the middle of September. Time will tell if Universal stands by their decision, but I'm happy with it for now and won't be adding a couple of days at Disney as I had been considering."
"No mask! Let people make their own decision to wear a mask or not"
"One kills and the other protects. No debate."
"Universal 100%. If you choose to go to a park, you assume the risk of getting sick. That’s everyone’s choice. No one is stopping anyone from wearing a mask. Just do what makes you comfortable."
"I think they both got it right. Both businesses looked at their business models and what crowd levels currently look like in their parks. They both made business decisions that they felt best for their company. I think it's actually wise that they have split decisions. Many Disney loyalist who are anti mask may now look at Universal and many Universal loyalists who prefer masks may now look at Disney. Both companies are in the right and exuding what is great about capitalism."
"I booked a trip for mid-September a few weeks ago. I am so relieved I decided to spend all that money at Universal. If I had booked at Disney I would have canceled it. I'm saving more money by going to Univeral too."
"I just cancelled a Disney trip planned for October. I could barely stomach the price hike but the mask policy pushed me from a barely 'yes' to a solid 'no'."
"I love disney, but I am with universal on this one, if you feel more protected with a mask it is your choice to wear one no one is stopping you."
The general consensus seems to be the view that it is the individual person's choice whether to wear a mask or not therefore Universal have made the correct decision. Although we don't have the comments to back it up, based on our poll there is still 39% of people that either agree with mandatory mask wearing or are just Disney fans through and through meaning whatever rules are in place they will choose Disney over Universal.
Look out for our new Big Debate which will be coming soon to Theme Park Tourist.
Comments
It makes sense that Disney is mandating the masks. The large majority of their attendees are children of a younger age that can’t get vaccinated. Older kids, teens and young adults frequent universal. This group can be vaccinated. As a parent I will be wearing a mask despite being vaccinated at both universal and Disney no matter any mandate . It’s not a risk I’m willing to take for myself or my family. It’s the least I can do for my family and others, while still trying to enjoy ourselves. I work at a place where I have to wear a mask all day long in Humid conditions, it’s not inconvenient, you get used to it. Everyone else is just whining like little children. Some even use the excuse of oh I have trauma while wearing the mask. If you have trauma like that then you need to get some addition help with that trauma. Just like people with anxiety about flying etc…if you don’t want to feel that way you get help. If you’re not getting getting help then you actually enjoy living with the issue and are not quite fed up with limits it places on your life. Everyone not wearing a mask should be grateful to those that are.
it should be a matter of choice masks are useless anyway but if it makes gives you a sense of security by all means wear it but don't expect everyone else to wear one if they chose not to. no one is stopping you from wearing a mask. universal is way cheaper and way better anyhow
I'm glad the anti-mask crowd is choosing Universal. That means my family will be more safe from the maskholes at Walt Disney World.
It's a pandemic, people. Your selfishness and the fact that you don't give a darn about other people is NOT drawing me to your side. I'll be over here with my mask, and throwing people out of my business if they refuse to wear one. You are not welcome ANYWHERE near me if you are too much of a wimp to wear a piece of cloth over your mouth and nose.
We are booked into Universal in November. We have never worn masks, we never will and no one will make us. We chose Universal over Disney because of the policies. This is America and no company, govt or institution has the legal right to mandate masks, vaccines or lockdowns. We lived as normal as possible this whole time. We dumped our church b/c of masks. We dumped our dance studio b/c of masks. We only shop at no mask required businesses. We've entered the Parallel Economy that has started b/c of this Plandemic Insanity. It's good to know 2/3 of the people we will encounter at Universal will be normal freedom loving Americans who understand their Constitutional Rights cannot be stripped by the govt for ANY reason. We can't wait to have fun - me, my husband and two kids.
thats awesome hope you had a awesome time.