Walt Disney World no longer allows guests to eat and drink while walking, to ensure that masks are worn at all times
When Disney first announced that it would reopen its Orlando, Florida theme parks in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, people had mixed feelings about it. However, management insisted that they were taking serious precautions to minimize the spread of the highly infectious and life-threatening virus that has already infected nearly 4 million Americans. Some of the modifications Disney enacted for this new era include reduced capacities, a comprehensive cleaning program, and of course, customers must wear masks at all times. The only exception to the mask rule is when someone is eating or drinking, as it is impossible to maintain one. But according to multiple reports, the “eating and drinking” loophole has become a problem, so much so that Disney has banned eating or drinking while walking.
According to popular Disney Blogs, Walt Disney World News Today, and Mickey Blog, visitors are now required to stand still while drinking or snacking, and must wear a mask at all times while moving around the theme park. Walt Disney World also updated its official policy, which now states that “you can remove the covering from your face while actively eating or drinking, but you must remain stationary and maintain proper physical distance.”
Walt Disney World News Today asked an EPCOT cast member about the new policy, who informed them that “guests are now being asked to find a safe place six feet from other guests before removing their eating masks and to drink”.
Please note that if you need to take a break from using your face shields, “relaxation stations” have been set up around the parks. In these covered spaces, guests can remove their masks and take a breather, while distancing themselves socially.
Sick of guests @ Disney Springs who do not cover their nose with their masks or walk with a closed water bottle in their hands as a “chink” to avoid wearing a mask. Very ignorant for employees who are not paid anything for working harder than usual to keep them safe / healthy
– RAINA (@RainaMahalek) June 23, 2020
Good for Disney. Too many people trying to find loopholes so they don’t have to follow the rules. If I need a drink of water, I pull back and lift my mask for every sip. https://t.co/tBQCzFEsYz
– Alex Theme Park (@themeparkalex) July 18, 2020
Since its reopening, guests have been to Disney theme parks and shared photos of their experiences, wearing masks, of course. In fact, one of the ways that Disney is forcing customers to keep their masks, even during rides, is with a “no mask, no photo” policy. Basically, if you break the rules and take off your mask on a trip, they will refuse to give you your Disney brand photo of popular attractions like Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
However, despite all the precautions Disney has taken, some guests have complained that they still didn’t feel safe in the park. Theme park journalist Carlye Wisel tweeted that while there were hand sanitizing stations and more cleanings between rides, “there was no gap,” even at the park’s front gates.
“This is not OK. This is not right, ”he tweeted, showing the long lines at the entrance and the lack of distance between the guests.
The state of Florida is not only experiencing unprecedented COVID-19 infections, but is also experiencing a large increase in pediatric coronavirus cases. The positivity rate among those under 18 testing for the virus is 31.1%, compared to an overall state positivity rate of just 18.1%.
It’s crazy that the park is open during the pandemic, but at least Disney takes the use of masks very seriously.
See the original article at ScaryMommy.com
