Disney World bans eating and drinking while walking around the theme park

Disney World has banned eating and drinking while walking around the theme park to promote the use of face masks. 

Previously, it had ruled that face masks must be worn at all times unless eating or drinking. 

But visitors found a loophole to this by tucking into beverages while on the go. 

The Florida park’s updated rules state that guests may only remove masks when eating and drinking while stationary and socially distanced.  

Guests wait in line to ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction on the second day of the re-opening of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, on July 16

The Walt Disney World News Today blog reports that guests are being instructed by staff members of the park to stop and remain stationary, standing off to the side, while consuming drinks and snacks.

A theme park cast member told the publication: ‘Guests are now being asked to find a safe spot six feet from other guests before removing their masks to eat and drink.’ 

The wearing of face masks has been strictly enforced since the theme parks reopened over a week ago, and those found without one are asked to either put one on or leave. 

Every Walt Disney World theme park at the entertainment complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista is providing a ‘relaxation station’ which allows visitors to remove their mask for a socially-distanced sit down and rest. 

Guests are being instructed by staff members of the park to stop and remain stationary, standing off to the side, while consuming drinks and snacks. Above, guests stop to take a photo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney World was reopened to the general public last week despite exploding coronavirus cases in the state. 11,000 new cases were reported on the park’s day of opening alone. 

All four theme parks are now welcoming guests after a nearly four-month closure. The Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opened on July 11 and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios on July 15. 

Stringent health and safety rules were put in place including social distancing and the use of a face mask. 

Disney World was reopened to the general public last week despite exploding coronavirus cases in the state. Above, park worker wears a face mask as she carries balloons 

It comes as the state of California is slowly reopening its economy, with many business enforcing the use of hand sanitizer, face masks and social distancing.  

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that ‘it’s going to be under control’.

Overall, the state has reported 350,047 cases and 5,091 coronavirus-related deaths since March 1. 

The virus has killed more than 140,000 Americans since the pandemic started, and Florida, California, and other Southern and Western states shatter records every day.