I still remember walking through those gates in March 2021 — the very first Disney adventure for our then 6-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. My husband, mom, and dad were there as well and we all felt a buzz of excitement… and wore our masks everywhere. Even outdoors, in the Florida sun, masks were required at all times. It felt a bit surreal—Disney in mid-pandemic—but somehow, the magic still sparkled!
Disney’s Pandemic Safety Timeline
March – July 2020: Phased Reopening & Strict Protocols
July 11 (Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom): Disney World reopened at ~25% capacity, with mandatory masks for ages 2+ — indoors, outdoors, on rides, during photos, and temperature screenings at entry, Social distancing queue lines, no character hugs, parades/fireworks paused
July 12: Neck gaiters, triangle bandanas, and face shields without masks were banned; only proper coverings with ear loops/ties allowed.
July 18: Guests could only eat/drink while stationary and physically distanced.
Early 2021: Continued Indoor Mandates
February 26, 2021: Guests had to wear masks even while seated in indoor restaurants—removal allowed only while actively eating or drinking.
March 2021: Masks continues to be strictly enforced indoors and outdoors throughout the parks, with signs and reminders reinforcing the policy.
Timeline of Relaxation & Policy Changes
May 15, 2021: Outdoor mask rule lifted—guests no longer required to wear masks outside, regardless of vaccination status, while masks remained indoors, at dining, in attractions & transport
Mid June 2021: Both temperature checks and outdoor mask mandates were dropped; masks remained in indoor and enclosed spaces like rides & transportation until late July
Late July 2021: In response to the Delta surge, Disney reinstated indoor mask mandates for all ages 2+ across attractions, indoor queue lines, theaters, and on transport
February 17, 2022: Disneyland and Walt Disney World lifted indoor mask requirements for fully vaccinated guests; unvaccinated guests were still asked to mask up—policy honor system–based
March 2023: Disney officially removed all mask mandates—indoor or outdoor—for all guests
Reflecting on Our March 2021 Visit
Masks everywhere: We navigated every step wearing masks—indoors, outdoors, on rides, even during photos.
Safety-first Disney: From temperature screenings to distancing markers, Disney was meticulous about protocols and I so greatly appreciated it!
Moments of joy: Despite the extra steps, the essence of Disney—the smiles, the fireworks, the magic—still shone through.
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