Disney Parks Face Backlash After Announcing That They’ll Require Guests to Wear Masks

When the COVID-19 pandemic, anywhere that housed large crowds began to shut their doors left and right. And when Disney parks followed suit, we knew the situation was serious. Since then, as they’ve remained closed, families everywhere have wondered when they’ll get to experience the magic of Disney once more—and if it was ever going to be the same again.

Now, after a two-month lockdown across the states, restrictions have begun to loosen up—and that means Disney, too, has shared an update in a recent blog post about what guests expect when they open.

As of right now, the company will be opening three Disney-owned and -operated stores and venues on May 27: World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order) and the Marketplace Co-Op. However, they will be following strict guidelines for the time being to keep everyone safe and limit the spread of viruses.

The park notes that they will be providing temperature screenings to every guest who enters the park, keeping surface lots closed and limiting entrances, and have increased their cleaning and sanitizing significantly, especially in high-traffic areas of the park.

They’re also adding various handwashing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park, plus they will be encouraging cashless transactions, all so that guests can rest assured they can limit the spread of germs.

However, they have also announced they will be requiring any guests three years of age and older to wear face coverings in the park.

“This is an important part of protecting both our guests and our cast,” the post explained. “Please be sure you have an ample amount of face coverings for yourself and your party before you arrive, as you’ll need to wear them over your nose and mouth at all times (except when sitting at a dining table).”

While most people have been required to wear masks in spaces where social distancing is not an option, Disney faced quite a bit of backlash from requiring masks in their parks.

To hear from the critics themselves who aren’t too keen on the idea of wearing a mask in what’s supposed to be a “magical” resort, check out the video below.

Of course, we’re living in a very strange time right now, and Disney is putting the requirement in place simply for the best interest of their guests. Hopefully, it won’t be too long until we can head to the park with our faces free once more.

What do you think about wearing a face mask at Disney? Do you feel safe heading to an amusement park like Disney this summer?