In the last week, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have released some updates to their park requirements pages. Both parks have updated the face-covering policies to align with the currently evolving times.

We broke down the the policy for each resort below:

Universal Orlando’s current face-covering policy is as follows:

A face covering must cover your nose and mouth, be secured under your chin and fit snugly against the sides of your face. They also need to be at least two-ply to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people.

If you do not have a face covering, we have them available for purchase. Also, children under the age of three are not required to wear face coverings.

If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering, please contact Guest Services about our alternate accommodation, which is to wear a face shield during your visit. Face shields must cover your nose and mouth, wrap around the sides of your face, and extend to below your chin. Please note that face shields are not permitted on certain attractions, and guests will have to switch to a face covering for those experiences.

An appropriate face covering for a visit to Universal Orlando must fit the following criteria: 

• Must cover your nose and mouth and be secured under your chin 
• Must fit snugly against the sides of your face and be secured with ear loops or secured around your head 
• Must be at least two-ply (consist of at least two layers) 

Changes have been made to the mask requirements at Universal Orlando this week:

The following are NOT permitted at Universal Orlando: 

• Face coverings with exhalation valves 
• Face coverings that are not secured with ear loops or secured around your head 
• Face coverings that include mesh material or holes of any kind 
• Costume masks or veils, per our costume guidelines

Guests must wear face coverings at all times, unless they are actively eating or drinking, and they must also be socially distanced from other travel parties while consuming their food or beverage. Inside restaurants, we have arranged tables and seating so that guests can safely remove their face coverings while enjoying their dining experience.

Walt Disney World’s current face-covering policy is as follows:

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. 

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

• Be made with at least two layers of breathable material
• Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free

• Update 1/28/2021: Additionally, to help our Guests, we have clarified that face coverings with clear panels are acceptable if they meet certain requirements. Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:

  • Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
  • Meet all other face covering requirements

*UPDATE 7/27/2020: At this time, based on guidelines from health authorities, neck gaiters, open chin triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material, or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

The only way to ensure we get ahead of this COVID outbreak is to maintain social distancing and wear your face masks. The parks are very safe right now and if everyone follows the safety requirements, we will be on our way back to our new normal soon!

If you are looking for some mask suggestions we have personally tested out several different kinds at the parks. Below you will find our suggestions to have a great day in the park while wearing a mask.

Enchanted Tiki Tees makes more than just great tee shirts. All of their designs are also available on a mask! They offer two different styles of masks. One is thicker cotton material and the ones below are a lightweight 2 ply material with a lining. They are always on sale and the designs are the best for the parks! You can shop them here:

We also found bringing a box of disposable masks was a life saver! We kept a couple masks in our bag to swap out when we got sweaty or when we just needed a fresh mask. The ones below were perfect for the park. Lightweight, but still 3 ply. They didn’t move on our face and the ear elastic didn’t pull too hard on our ears. They come in a pack of 50 for $29.99 and is totally worth the money. You can shop them here:

Now is the time to plan your perfect vacation! Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence! There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands. Contact our friends at Key to the World Travel® for a free, no-obligation quote for your next trip. Click here.

Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!