Editor's Note: This story was updated on March 4 to reflect updated Universal Studios Hollywood policies.
With spring break right around the corner — and summer hot on its heels — many families have already planned theme park vacations or will be planning them soon.
However, recent changes to mask requirements at Disney and Universal theme parks in both Florida and California may require clarification, or possibly an adjustment in travel plans — especially for clients with children who are too young for vaccinations.
I'm not expecting everyone to be okay with this, and I think it will be another slew of either moving dates or cancellations for clients with kids in this age group.
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"One family traveling with a two-year-old and a four-year-old was totally fine with Walt Disney World’s new mask policies, which surprised me,” said Meredith Wallace of Minnie Memories Travel in Bedford, NY. "But I'm not expecting everyone to be okay with this, and I think it will be another slew of either moving dates or cancellations for clients with kids in this age group.”
Following are the latest COVID-19 protocols — including the most recent changes in indoor and outdoor mask requirements — for Disney and Universal theme parks in California and Florida.
Walt Disney World
Beginning Feb. 17, 2022, face coverings are optional both outdoors and indoors for fully vaccinated Walt Disney World guests and cast members; however, those who are not fully vaccinated are expected to wear masks in all indoor locations, including attractions and theaters.
Face coverings are also required for everyone ages two and older (regardless of vaccination status) on enclosed resort transportation, including buses, monorails and the Disney Skyliner.
Clients traveling with kids who are too young to be vaccinated can stick to outdoor attractions.
Credit: 2022 Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks
Clients traveling with kids who are still too young to be vaccinated have reason to be concerned, but Wallace discovered a solution when a parent visiting Walt Disney World with a child under five asked her to plan his days with only outdoor attractions and queues.
“They were happy with the trip because they felt safe by staying outside as much as possible,” she said. “We made it fun, and they said they would go back when this was all over and do the inside attractions, so I will be using this as an example for clients who really want to go to Disney World but aren't thrilled with no masks."
Florida health officials encourage people to wear masks in crowded places, especially indoors, and Disney World encourages people to get vaccinated.
Proof of vaccination is not required to enter Walt Disney World.
Disneyland Resort
Aligning with California’s updated mandates that lift indoor mask requirements on Feb. 17, 2022, Disneyland Resort has made face coverings optional for vaccinated guests both indoors and outdoors.
Masks are still required for unvaccinated guests ages two and older in all indoor locations, including throughout indoor attractions and queues. Face coverings are also required for all guests (regardless of vaccination status) on Disney shuttles and in health settings such as First Aid locations.
Attendance at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will continue to be managed via park reservation systems, and both a reservation and a valid theme park admission ticket are required for entry.
Agents should also advise clients that the State of California strongly recommends all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test before entering the Disneyland Resort.
Proof of vaccination is not required to enter Disneyland.
Universal Orlando Resort
Starting Feb. 12, 2022, Universal Orlando Resort updated its COVID-19 protocols for guests and team members, making face masks optional outdoors and indoors for fully vaccinated clients.
With spring break right around the corner, many families have already planned theme park vacations.
Credit: 2022 Universal Orlando ResortUnvaccinated team members are still required to wear face coverings at all times, while unvaccinated guests are encouraged to wear masks at all indoor rides and locations.
Proof of vaccination is not required to enter Universal Orlando parks.
Universal Studios Hollywood
As of March 4, Universal Studios Hollywood no longer requires guests to wear face coverings, or show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the park. Universal does note that it continues to "strongly recommend" face coverings while indoors.
Hopefully, this is the end of masks, with most states and even some countries doing away with COVID-19 restrictions, but if another wave causes increased hospitalizations, I am sure the parks will revisit guidelines.
"We meet with Disney and Universal personally on all the latest developments — and of course, also visit the parks and resorts — and inform our guests, so they know what to expect before traveling," said Steve Griswold, owner of Pixie Vacations in Atlanta. "Hopefully, this is the end of masks, with most states and even some countries doing away with COVID-19 restrictions, but if another wave causes increased hospitalizations, I am sure the parks will revisit guidelines."
All Disney and Universal theme parks advise clients to not visit if they’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone with known or suspected symptoms.
