Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld Update Mask Requirements

FLORIDA — Days after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced its updated mask guidelines — the agency said fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most settings — several of Florida’s popular theme parks have updated their mask policies for guests. The changes are effective immediately.

In the Orlando area, Disney World and Universal no longer require guests to wear masks in outdoor areas. Both theme parks still require guests to wear face coverings indoors — including those who are vaccinated — and throughout attractions, including when in line.

“Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas. Face coverings are also required at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience,” Tom Schroder, a spokesperson for Universal, told the Orlando Sentinel.

Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove no longer require guests who are fully vaccinated to wear masks anywhere in the park and won’t require proof of the vaccine, according to the SeaWorld website. Employees will continue to wear face coverings, though.

Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa also no longer require vaccinated guests to wear face coverings — no proof required — though employees will still wear them.

On May 3, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order ending all local coronavirus emergency orders in Florida, including mask mandates put in place by the state's cities and counties. Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens kept their mask policies in place, opting to follow the CDC's guidelines at the time.