PHOTOS: Updated Mask Policy Brings More Changes to Disney World

When Disney World reopened last year after the pandemic closures many new features were introduced including Park Pass reservations and relaxation stations.

Relaxation Station Sign

At the mask-free relaxation stations, guests were allowed to sit or stand on a designated distancing marker (or a table/chairs in that space) and remove their face coverings. They could then eat a snack or simply relax in the area while distanced from others. But now, the mask-free relaxation stations in the parks are changing.

Disney recently changed their mask policy to allow all guests to remove their masks when outdoors (except in certain situations) 

©Disney

Because of this change, it seems the need for mask-free relaxation stations has generally disappeared since guests can remove their masks in almost all outdoor locations. Now we’re seeing some BIG changes made to the mask-free relaxation stations around the parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Upcountry Landing

We first noticed this change at the relaxation station that was previously located at the Upcountry Landing seating area in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. Relaxation stations are typically marked as such by a sign on the outside and there is typically a Cast Member patrolling the station out front, checking how many guests are entering to monitor capacity, etc.

No “Relaxation Station” Sign Here!

But, today there was no signage in front of the area indicating that it is a relaxation station. We also noticed that there was no Cast Member patrolling the area.

Still Tables and Chairs for Guests to Use

The tables and chairs were all still there and available for guests to use, but it appears as though it is no longer being treated as a “true” relaxation station. Guests were entering and leaving as they pleased throughout the time that we were there and we did not see a Cast Member monitoring the space while we were there.

Click here to see more about Disney’s updated mask policy.

Pizzafari

Pizzafari was also previously the location of a mask-free relaxation station. When we passed by today, however, Pizzafari was closed.

Closed!

The tables on the outside of the restaurant were still available…

You Can Still Grab a Seat Outside

…but you could not go inside the building any longer to sit there and use it as a relaxation station.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Launch Bay

One of the biggest changes was made over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Previously, Star Wars Launch Bay was a relaxation station where guests could rest, get some AC, and take off their masks. When we visited recently, however, Launch Bay was not being used as a relaxation station.

No Longer a Relaxation Station

Guests are allowed to enter the space, but they must keep their masks on at all times and they are NOT allowed to eat or drink.

There Are Still Some Benches Here

If you want to get some air conditioning and check out some of the props and exhibits there, however, you can go into Launch Bay.

Still Some Cool Stuff to Look At

There are no characters available to meet, the movie is not available…

No Movie

…and the store is closed.

No Shopping Here

Several of the exhibits are also blocked off so you won’t be able to get to some of those areas with the lightsabers or helmets.

Some Things Are Blocked Off

But if you are a big Star Wars fan and you want to see some of the items in here that are available to look at, you can still go inside.

Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

At Magic Kingdom, we noticed that Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, part of the seating for which used to be used as a mask-free relaxation zone, was no longer being used as a relaxation station.

Tomorrowland Terrace

We expect more changes like this may be on the way as a result of Disney’s updated mask policy. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find.

Click here to see the MAJOR physical distancing changes that have been made at Rise of the Resistance in Disney World.

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.

Are you planning to visit Disney World soon? Tell us in the comments.

The post PHOTOS: Updated Mask Policy Brings More Changes to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.

from the disney food blog https://ift.tt/2QFJWI5