Walt Disney World lifts face mask policy for fully vaccinated guests

BAY LAKE, Fla. — Walt Disney World is now the latest local theme park to roll back its face mask requirements.

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It’s a pattern many businesses and even states are taking now that COVID-19 cases are down.

When the parks open on Thursday, not everyone will wear a mask when they walk through the gates.

Disney isn’t requiring people to show proof if they’ve been fully vaccinated. They will continue to use the honor system.

READ: Universal Orlando to remove face mask requirement for fully vaccinated guests

People will still need to wear masks on shuttles, buses and other forms of enclosed transportation at the parks.

“That’s fine, I don’t really care. I’d rather have it on transportation than inside stores when I’m trying to drink and talk to people,” said Halle Lauer, a tourist.

Lauer is visiting from Nevada. We asked her how she felt about the rule change.

READ: Walt Disney World launches new way for guests to compliment cast members

“Happy. Really happy. I hate masks,” she said.

The rule shift comes as COVID-19 cases decline in many parts of the country.

The change in policy also comes on the heels of Universal Orlando Resort ending its mask requirement last week.

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What we don’t know at this point is if the mask policy applies to Disney cast members.

Universal’s mask policy applies to both guests and workers.

Channel 9 will let you know when we hear back from Disney.

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