Disney World recently made another change to its health and safety policies.
Mask signage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In June, Disney World made face masks optional for vaccinated guests in indoor locations on property. However, the CDC recently changed their guidelines suggesting that everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, should wear masks at select indoor locations, which caused Disney World to require masks indoors again for all guests. We recently saw a price increase for face masks, but today we noticed something unusual at one of Disney World’s biggest shops.
When we stopped by the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom today, we noticed something different about the mask section of the shop — the masks were SOLD OUT. That’s right, there were no masks left at the store.
The Emporium
We spoke with a Cast Member who explained that due to the change in mask policy, there was a surge in mask purchases. Since stores around Disney World weren’t prepared for this surge, they’re expecting masks to sell out at locations across Disney World. However, disposable masks are still available for $2 if you ask at the register.
The Mask Section at Discovery Trading in Animal Kingdom
We also noticed a lack of masks in other shops around Magic Kingdom. So if you’re headed to Disney World in the near future, be sure to pack some masks if you don’t want to purchase disposable ones.
Mask signage at EPCOT
We will continue to keep an eye on the mask situation in Disney World, and we’ll let you know if we do (or do not) spot masks in other Disney World locations. Stay tuned for more updates.
Read about the latest Disney mask price increase
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Disney masks are HOT and UNCOMFORTABLE. We purchased some last year. The ear straps were super uncomfortable. I had to cut the straps off and replace with them with adjustable elastic straps that I had ordered online. Let’s get back to the fact that they are HOT! The two layer cloth fabric is hot. Masks don’t work unless you are wearing the masks given to medical professionals N-95 (you have to be properly fitted and they hurt your face), additionally you have to wear full PPE Gown, hair covering, gloves, and face shield. A hot, fabric Disney mask is not going to protect you from covid. Only vaccines work. Get rid of the masks!
As of last night (August 8, 2021) there were cloth masks for sale at Beach Club Resort and a couple of days earlier at Animal Kingdom Lodge. A couple of weeks ago, I bought several 2-pack cloth masks on sale for $3.00 at the Disney online store. So you might check the hotels, online, and the Disney outlet stores before you head to the parks.
So, they will sell you a disposable mask for $2 at the register? Out here in Southern California, all of the theme parks, except Disney will give you a free disposable mask if you ask for it, why is Disney being so stingy? Although, in our experience in June, the bus drivers will give you one for free if you need it.
Actually, the masks my family has purchased at Disney parks or a Disney store are the most comfortable we own (and that’s saying a lot). We got the ones with the new material that are thinner and more breathable, but they still pass the mask breath test so that’s great. Are masks the best option? No, as you say, vaccination is. But I’d wear my holiday Mickey mask anywhere before any other mask, especially in the heat of summer.
Disney masks are awful. I ordered them on preorder way before they were released. I waited months for them and was so disappointed. They were way too hot and not at all comfortable. The Disney store sent me more when they refined them and they still were awful. They credited me for the purchase. Personally cloth masks are useless. No study to date has proved efficacy. I use only the N95 masks. In my opinion they are the only ones that have a chance of being worthwhile but who knows. Masks are a big business nowadays.
Some of the comments ARE correct regarding masks. Masks don’t protect the wearer only the people around them. N95 masks protect the wearer from other people if they are snugly fitted. Just about all masks are hot too. The key is if EVEROBE wears a mask, EVERYONE is more protected.