The great “mask” debate

Would you wear a mask if required to enter the theme parks?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Maybe


Results are only viewable after voting.
I was hoping that by 6/21, masks would not be required - looks like they will so, we will not be coming this year. Coming from Ohio, the heat really hits us hard and we are constantly hydrating in the 90 degree heat - we dont mind it as we know it comes with the territory ( visiting in late June) , but adding masks to that equation is a deal breaker. I just see this being a mess - people's hands are going to be covered with the residue from their masks by constantly touching it and transferring to other surfaces. It is human nature, especially for kids, to fidget with a mask on your face in stifling heat, not to mention having to pull it down every 2 minute to sip water. We were going to spend 5 days at Hard Rock and eat all meals on campus too - Not happening now.
And that's a very fair assessment. Hopefully, the mask requirements will ease after a few months.

Funny that you mention Hard Rock. Just saw today that Hard Rock Tampa is going to open later this week, which is interesting. It's with greatly reduced capacity in the hotel, in the casino, and in the restaurants. One of the first requirements on the list is that masks are absolutely required - no exceptions. It's going to be a common requirement for many of the places that want to get back open and have customers in. It's not perfect, but it's the best protection device we can offer until there's a vaccine (at least if we want to stop quarantining at home - which I certainly want to stop!).
 
And that's a very fair assessment. Hopefully, the mask requirements will ease after a few months.

Funny that you mention Hard Rock. Just saw today that Hard Rock Tampa is going to open later this week, which is interesting. It's with greatly reduced capacity in the hotel, in the casino, and in the restaurants. One of the first requirements on the list is that masks are absolutely required - no exceptions. It's going to be a common requirement for many of the places that want to get back open and have customers in. It's not perfect, but it's the best protection device we can offer until there's a vaccine (at least if we want to stop quarantining at home - which I certainly want to stop!).

Well, that is probably because of the casino - if masks are required at Hard Rock Orlando, then I would hope that Royal Pacific or Portofino Bay did not require them - That is really a Loews question and they are silent on the matter. I do know that Margaritaville Resort does not require them - they took out bar seating, have social distancing rules but are not crossing the line of their hotel looking like a Dystopian Society in order to be open and give people a somewhat false sense of security. We can hang at Margaritaville for a few days then head south to Marco Island - no Universal this year
 
Well, that is probably because of the casino - if masks are required at Hard Rock Orlando, then I would hope that Royal Pacific or Portofino Bay did not require them - That is really a Loews question and they are silent on the matter. I do know that Margaritaville Resort does not require them - they took out bar seating, have social distancing rules but are not crossing the line of their hotel looking like a Dystopian Society in order to be open and give people a somewhat false sense of security. We can hang at Margaritaville for a few days then head south to Marco Island - no Universal this year
It's definitely because of the casino - and the rest of the property. I made a poor assumption from your note - sorry. When you said Hard Rock, my mind went to Tampa because I had just read the story. You were talking Universal. My apologies. Tampa is a different animal. And we can agree to disagree on one point. Based on information from medical professionals, the masks are not a false sense of security. But you have an opinion and so do we.

I didn't realize that Margaritaville Resort was not requiring them. What's interesting, is they say on their web site they've set precautionary standards based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Since the CDC recommends the use of cloth masks. I guess Margaritaville has opted to not follow that precautionary standard, even though they say that's how their basing their reopening. And that's fine - if that's there decision, I would know that before thinking about going - and we would choose to not go to a place that currently doesn't require them. It works both ways for the short-term.
 
I expect in all "common" areas of the resorts masks will be required. I'm not so sure they are okay with you going up to the front desk not wearing a mask. Nor the bell hop, merchandise shop, coffee shop or whatever. Probably even restrictions on how many people can be inside an elevator at one time. Then you have the buses and boats with other people on board. Subtle changes for a while that may make or break someone's visit.
 
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I expect in all "common" areas of the resorts masks will be required. I'm not so sure they are okay with you going up to the front desk not wearing a mask. Nor the bell hop, merchandise shop, coffee shop or whatever. Probably even restrictions on how many people can be inside an elevator at one time. Then you have the buss's and boats with other people on board. Subtle changes for a while that may make or break someone's visit.


Unless they are not fully disclosing on their website, masks are not mandatory and there is no way they can not tell guests before hand. This actually makes sense as the main attraction at Margaritaville is the pool in many ways. Going to front desk without a mask on is no different than checking out at the grocery store
or Target without one. I dont see the issue. They are removing all bar and lounge seating along with other restrictions
 
My take on this, is that, if masks are required, it means universal (and other venues) consider it's not "safe enough" to proceed with "normal" operations

so, I will not visit. Not because I am concerned with issues wearing a mask in Florida heat, but because it just seems sensible not to visit places that are considered "unsafe"

My view on this could, of course, be different if I lived a few miles down the road. But from Europe that's 9 or 10 hours on a plane (when and if we're allowed back into the US) and concerns and considerations go way beyond just dealing with a mask on a park day.

I'm ok with risks, security, metal scanners, and the things we now have to deal with before entering parks.
but here it's another story. Drinking and eating are one issue. Also a mask is useless when wet or even slightly damp. And I could go on. Guests would need a lot, and I mean a lot of masks to go through a day ... of course that's if they want to bring meaning to wearing a mask

so many people can't wear masks properly anyway ... lol ... have you seen that kentucky woman on video, who had cut her mask to free her nose and mouth because that made it easier to breathe ...

you can't fix stupid, and that's one of the reasons why I say that, my concerns are not with wearing a mask. I wear one everyday here since we've been released from self isolation (may 11th here in france) but it's with going in places with a large number of people IF a mask is required, because it's required for a reason.

Could not agree more. When one considers the logistics of managing masks when spending all day in a theme park - this isn't like wearing a mask when you run into the grocery store. Hours upon hours...hot sun...attractions...eating & drinking....indoors, then outdoors...and ALL of the touching your face that this requires, over and over again, particularly if you have children. And on that note, what are you going to do when your 8-year old has already gone through 3 masks and it's only 11am, and now you're out? If you lose your mask, are you immediately evicted from the park? Do you have to buy one (for the low low price of whatever Disney decides to charge)? Or will Disney provide them for free? Will there be lost and discarded masks and gloves all over the place? Those masks are going to be disgusting and they will be EVERYWHERE.

So I will stay away if there is a mandatory mask policy. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had a chance to get visits in on both coasts this year before things got crazy. I didn't realize at the time that it would probably be the last time I'd be in a Disney or Universal park for a while. But the way things are shaping up, it likely will be. :(
 
Would you wear a mask if required to enter the theme parks?

BTW - Shouldn't this read "Would you enter the theme parks if required to wear a mask?"

If they required it, I wouldn't blow off their requirement and not do it. That would be a jerk move. If you don't want to wear a mask, and they require it, don't go in the first place.
 


Unless they are not fully disclosing on their website, masks are not mandatory and there is no way they can not tell guests before hand. This actually makes sense as the main attraction at Margaritaville is the pool in many ways. Going to front desk without a mask on is no different than checking out at the grocery store
or Target without one. I dont see the issue. They are removing all bar and lounge seating along with other restrictions

I wasn't speaking about Margaritaville. I have no idea what they are doing. My speculation was for the Universal Resorts. If the parks open with masks being mandatory, I expect the resorts common areas to have the same rule(s) in place. Sorry for any confusion. Enjoy your trip to Margaritaville!!
 
Could not agree more. When one considers the logistics of managing masks when spending all day in a theme park - this isn't like wearing a mask when you run into the grocery store. Hours upon hours...hot sun...attractions...eating & drinking....indoors, then outdoors...and ALL of the touching your face that this requires, over and over again, particularly if you have children. And on that note, what are you going to do when your 8-year old has already gone through 3 masks and it's only 11am, and now you're out? If you lose your mask, are you immediately evicted from the park? Do you have to buy one (for the low low price of whatever Disney decides to charge)? Or will Disney provide them for free? Will there be lost and discarded masks and gloves all over the place? Those masks are going to be disgusting and they will be EVERYWHERE.

So I will stay away if there is a mandatory mask policy. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had a chance to get visits in on both coasts this year before things got crazy. I didn't realize at the time that it would probably be the last time I'd be in a Disney or Universal park for a while. But the way things are shaping up, it likely will be. :(

this has been my point all along - it creates more danger than safety within the parks when you factor in the human element - Perhaps they will see this and make them optional within the park, hotel pools , Volcano Bay, etc. I highly doubt it but it is possible.
 
I see lot of issues with that masks that I'll say once again make me think ill wait till they are not required.

One issue I have not seen mentioned is the security issue.
With everyone wearing masks that does give opportunity to folks to take advantage - so if someone is wearing a mask picks a pocket, grabs a camera, hits a SA - good luck finding them. Quick mask change and shirt change and you will never find them.

You dont have to wear one while drinking - so is that the whole time I am walking around sipping my overpriced drink?

Masks have that "feel good" factor - but people are ignoring things like the lockers being a breading ground for issues.
How do you wear the mask on certain rides?
Can the masks get caught up in something and cause an issue for people.
People wearing masks all day will touch their faces - especially in the heat.

If they make masks optional then you have to deal with all the Karens complaining - "your not wearing a mask".
You get to close to some "tough guy" and he might hit you in an over reaction.

This is a logistical nightmare for Universal and Disney - no matter what they do there will be a large crowd that will be annoyed.

In the end they may need to consider that the folks that are willing to get on a plane and go to a theme park in Florida are probably going to be fine with masks being optional. They people that are overly paranoid about the masks probably are not all that willing to fly and go to a theme park.
That's just my assumption - I'm sure they have a pretty good idea from the surveys what they need to do.

They also have to look at the statics - people who are in the high risks groups should not go and they should state that - and if they want to go they are taking that risk.
 
Bottom line is, their park- their rules
Pretty sure everyone agrees with that. Does not mean I have to go.
Have not been to Disney in years because I voted with my wallet.

If I have to do the same with Universal I will.
More room for others as the Disney fans like to say.

If and when things change Ill be back, unless they come up with an amazing lineup for HHN - but I don't have high hopes.
 
Very interesting! I'm also really curious about the crowd levels with these masks. Also Disney Springs/ City Walk is still quite different from theme parks so I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out as I'm sure we all are.
Sounds like Disney Springs was much busier from what I have heard.
Universal is probably a little easier to control with a smaller crowds and more dinning oriented.

Disney Spring is more of on outdoor mall IMO and attracts people just hanging around.
Also masks are not required in Florida in general so that can affect peoples attitude.
I've been surprised to see restaurants with no one wearing masks. (staff, cashiers guests)
 
Admins - look into an automatic filter - this is hysterical;
I see lot of issues with that pants that I'll say once again make me think ill wait till they are not required.

One issue I have not seen mentioned is the security issue.
With everyone wearing pants that does give opportunity to folks to take advantage - so if someone is wearing pants picks a pocket, grabs a camera, hits a SA - good luck finding them. Quick pants change and shirt change and you will never find them.

You dont have to wear pants while drinking - so is that the whole time I am walking around sipping my overpriced drink?

pants have that "feel good" factor - but people are ignoring things like the lockers being a breading ground for issues.
How do you wear pants on certain rides?
Can the pants get caught up in something and cause an issue for people.
People wearing pants all day will touch their faces - especially in the heat.

If they make pants optional then you have to deal with all the Karens complaining - "your not wearing pants".
You get to close to some "tough guy" and he might hit you in an over reaction.

This is a logistical nightmare for Universal and Disney - no matter what they do there will be a large crowd that will be annoyed.

In the end they may need to consider that the folks that are willing to get on a plane and go to a theme park in Florida are probably going to be fine with pants being optional. They people that are overly paranoid about the pants probably are not all that willing to fly and go to a theme park.
That's just my assumption - I'm sure they have a pretty good idea from the surveys what they need to do.

They also have to look at the statics - people who are in the high risks groups should not go and they should state that - and if they want to go they are taking that risk.
 
We have a Thanksgiving trip planned to USO and WDW so I'm hoping the mask nonsense will be behind us by then. But if not I plan to carry a bottle of water at all times and constantly take sips from the bottle, can't wear a mask when eating/drinking so I'll just make sure I'm doing that constantly. Not violating the "rules", just applying them in the best possible way. Also not sure how your mask will stay on on rides such as Hulk. So do you take them off on the ride?? If so might as not wear it at all in the first place. Not to mention their actual effectiveness is slowly being questioned anyway.

Luckily we have 6 months to let to see what happens for our trip. I feel for the summer guests that are the first guinea pigs on all of the measures that will be employed, but someone has to be first and hopefully things will go smoothly and restrictions can be lifted over the coming months.
 
Universal just announced that they would be open again on June 4/5! Better decide on your mask policy quickly!

Universal requesting a June 1 opening!

7/1 and 7/2 open to in-house...
7/3 and 7/4 open to some guests and AP holders...
7/5 open to all with limited capacity...
 
Thinking about maybe becoming a guinea pig, my reservation is for 6/8-12. I live in South Louisiana and have been wearing my mask on my walks just to see. It’s pretty rough but might be doable for me. I have an AP so no need to buy tickets.
 

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