Yesterday Bob Chapek, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, shared that theme park capacity has already been increased at the Walt Disney World theme parks, given new guidance from the CDC. Last week I shared that there was a sudden increase in park capacity on the Park Pass website.

Chapek also acknowledged that wearing masks in Florida during the summer months is not ideal. On his last earnings call, he made a comment that masks would likely be required through January. But there have a been a lot of improvements since then. Yesterday he said this:

“Obviously today's guidance that we got from the CDC, in terms of those that were vaccinated, do not necessarily need to wear masks anymore, both outdoors and indoors. This is very big news for us, particularly if anybody's been in Florida in the middle of the summer with a mask on. That could be quite daunting. So we think that's going to make for an even more pleasant experience.”

There will be updates today from the State of Florida and Orange County regarding the new CDC guidelines. I think Disney World will have an updated mask policy sooner than originally expected.

Starting May 18th, temperature screenings at the theme parks and Disney Springs will be terminated.

Being the in the theme park industry, I’m aware of that many parks around the country have already dropped the requirement to wear a mask for those who have been vaccinated.

Hershey Park’s website now states, “Consistent with updated guidance from Pennsylvania and the CDC, face coverings and social distancing for guests who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required.”

Related to Walt Disney World and COVID:

Port Canaveral Cruises Likely to Restart in Mid-July

Disney World Updated Park Pass Reservations. Here's a Helpful Tip!

Orlando Changes Social Distancing + Updates Mask Policy

How Disney World and Universal are Relaxing Restrictions

"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge