Hang on to those masks, Disney travelers! They aren’t going away just yet.
We previously shared the big news that Walt Disney World Resort announced they were dropping the mask requirement for vaccinated Guests indoors beginning February 17, 2022.
While we’ve truly enjoyed riding attractions and seeing shows mask-free, masks are still required for all Guests (vaccinated or not) on select Disney transportation including the Disney Monorail and Disney Buses.
Even though we had hoped the mask mandate would be ending soon for transportation outlets, it seems like masks will be sticking around a little longer.
According to reporter @ScottGustin, “The Biden administration is extending a mask mandate for airplanes and transit for 15 days, the CDC confirmed. It was set to expire on April 18 – will now be in place through May 3.”
So, what does this mean for Guests visiting the Disney Parks?
The biggest impact will be on those traveling to Disney via plane. You’ll obviously need to plan to mask up on the plane and any public transportation taking you to and from the airport with Biden’s extension.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s statement aligns with the President Biden’s order to extend the face mask requirement as it reads:
Following the President’s order and announcement regarding efforts to combat the Omicron variant, TSA, in conjunction with the CDC, will extend the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, on board commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems.
The big key works there are “commuter bus and rail systems”. At the Disney Parks, we believe Disney will likely continue with its same mask requirements which currently notes:
“Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on Disney buses and monorails.”
Disney has never set an end date for the face-covering requirement on the Monorail or Buses. We do believe however they will continue to keep this rule in place to follow with the Biden administration’s extension.
Are you eager to be mask-free on Disney transportation? Take note that masks are no longer required in the Disney Skyliner or Disney boats, but only apply to the Monorail and buses.
We’ll be sure to share updates from Disney as soon as they release further information about their mask mandate.
