Disney Parks increasing capacity, expected to be mask-free this summer, says Disney CEO

During today’s Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results call for The Walt Disney Company, CEO Bob Chapek implied that a summer free of face masks could be on the horizon for the Disney Parks.

masks

During the Q&A portion, Chapek was posed a question about capacity increases at the Disney Parks, and following today’s revelation from the CDC that fully-vaccinated individuals “can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”

You can read the full quote from Chapek below:

In terms of the parks, and when we’re going to sort of be able to raise our capacity limits, we’ve actually already started that. Given the guidance that just came today, from the CDC, and earlier guidance that we got from the governor of Florida, we’ve already started to increase our capacities.

Though, obviously, today’s guidance that we got from the CDC in terms of those that were vaccinated do not necessarily need to wear masks anymore, both outdoors and indoors. It’s very big news for us, particularly if anybody’s been in Florida in the middle of the summer with a mask on. That could be quite daunting.

We think that’s going to make for an even more pleasant experience and we believe that as we’re now bringing back a lot of people back to work, that it’s going to be an even bigger catalyst for growth in attendance, and we’ve been quite pleased to date. So I think you’re going to see an immediate increase in the number of folks that were able to admit into our parks through our reservation systems that we recently implemented. So we’re very, very excited about that.

Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company

While his comments are vague, they do imply that guests visiting the Disney Parks this summer will get to finally remove their masks for good — provided that they are fully vaccinated. At this time, no official rule change has been shared by Disney; face coverings are still listed as required on the Walt Disney World and Disneyland websites. Chapek also highlighted that the parks are actively increasing capacity as new guidelines are shared by the CDC regarding COVID-19.

Walt Disney World recently announced that they would be phasing out temperature checks for both guests and cast members, as well as reducing physical distancing limits from six to three feet.

What do you think of this potential easing of rules surrounding face masks at the Disney Parks? Will you still wear your mask, even if you don’t have to? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

MouseFanTravel

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7 Comments

  1. No mask! Then we will be there this summer!
    We have been waiting for this moment! There is no mask wearing now where we live so it has been nice to be back to normal! Vacation time!!!

  2. Interesting. So, no masks, but he hinted that it may only be for those who are vaccinated. I guess Disney can ask for vaccination passports even if DeSantis said they aren’t allowed in Florida. I sure hope I’m wrong. That, or it will be a longer time before we take our son 🙁

  3. I can care less about masks.
    Increased capacity with no extra benefits is a rip off!
    Lines and wait times will
    Now be waaay lingers. With no fast passes, fireworks or shows. Increased capacity only puts money in Disney’s pocket and inconveniences its customers that already planned on attending

  4. What about all the children under 11 that cannot be vaccinated? Where is their safety? Disney is all about the children not the adults that will not attend until they can not wear a mask.

    1. If they are immune deficient I would not take them… If not, there is a .000001 percent chance they die from COVID, probably lower now, since so many people are vaccinated but that’s a decision you have to make.