Orlando tourism bureau: Disney World dropping mask rule is “another positive step”

June 16, 2021

From Spectrum News 13-

Stephen Brannon finds joy in two places: Music, and the so-called “most magical place on Earth.”

“I wanted to live where the world goes to play,” Brannon says — at the same playground where New Yorker Pino Augello will bring his family in July.

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“We haven’t had a vacation in about two years. So, it’s about time,” Augello says.

His daughter aced virtual school, so “we made a deal. You keep doing what you’re doing, you get a big trip.

“(It’s) time to pay up,” Augello says.

And for Disney World, it says it’s time to lose the masks, which are now optional in most areas for guests who are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated guests are being urged to mask up, but workers aren’t checking.

Central Florida tourism industry leaders say removing barriers — even small steps like this — attracts would-be travelers.

“This is another positive step toward pre-pandemic life, for residents, for visitors,” says Denise Spiegel, Visit Orlando’s senior director for public relations. “Our summer travel season may be close to or exceed 2019 levels.”

As for traveling around Disney World without a mask? For Augello, happiness is being comfortable.

“If we’re in a situation where we’re packed in like sardines, maybe we’ll put it on, just to be safe.”

Brannon agrees.

“Hallelujah, I’m happy. It’s not fun to run around in Florida with a mask in the summertime.”

author avatar
Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers.



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