Disney World no longer requires guests to wear masks outdoors, except in attractions and park entrances

• Disney World in Florida announced Friday that guests are not required to wear masks outside.
• Guests are still required to wear masks in park and ride entrances, and in attractions and theaters.
• All employees are still required to wear masks in all areas of the resort.

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will no longer require guests to wear face masks in outdoor areas.

The resort published the updated mask guidance on its website Friday, saying that face masks for guests ages 2 and above are optional in "outdoor common areas" and "pool decks."

All Disney World employees are still required to wear masks in all indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the resort.

Likewise, guests aged 2 and above are still required to wear face masks "upon entering and throughout all attractions," in "all theaters, including theater entrances," "all transportation, including transportation entrances," and in all indoor areas - including "restaurants, except while actively eating or drinking while stationary."

The updated mask policy will is effective at Disney World starting Saturday, according to WDW News Today.

The theme park continues to require all parkgoers and employees - including those who have received COVID-19 vaccines - to wear two-layered face masks that "fully cover the nose and mouth."

Disney World's website states that it continues to prohibit the use of neck gaiters, bandanas, and other less protective face coverings.

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which reopened to visitors on April 30, has not lifted its outdoor face mask requirement as of May 15.

The Florida resort's updated mask policy follows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's announcement on May 13 that fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most indoor places.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek on May 14 said he predicts an "immediate" increase in the number of park visitors following the CDC's updated guidance on mask-wearing, according to Forbes.

According to Forbes, Chapek "hinted" that Disney parks' mask mandates could be lifted by summer. Chapek added that the option to not wear a face mask would be a "bigger catalyst for growth in attendance" and "make for an even more pleasant experience" at the resorts, Forbes reported.