Bob Chapek appears to suggest that masks may be gone at Walt Disney World this summer

Disney CEO Bob Chapek this afternoon commented on theme park capacity at Walt Disney World and his expectations for the reduction of COVID-19 restrictions.

Photo: WDWMAGICMask may be gone this summer according to Bob Chapek

Bob has indicated that capacity has been raised in response to recent CDC updates, and today's news of the CDC change to recommendations in regard to masks is "big news." He went on to say how no-masks would make Florida a more pleasant experience in the summer. However, he did not give specifics of attendance number increases or exactly when he expects Walt Disney World to make changes to its mask policies.

Chapek also went on to say that 80% of Cast Members who have been asked to return to work have done so.

Here is the excerpt from the earnings call relating to masks and capacity at Walt Disney World.

"In terms of the parks, and when we're going to sort of be able to raise our capacity limits, we've actually already started that, given the guidance that just came today, from the CDC, and earlier guidance that we got from the governor of Florida, we've already started to increase our capacities, those 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. 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 and we believe that as we're now bringing back a lot of people back to work, that it's going to be an even bigger catalyst for growth in attendance, and we've been quite pleased to date."

We expect to hear from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings late tomorrow that the county has reached its goal of a 50% vaccination level and will drop its mask requirement for everyone when outdoors. This may be the point that Disney feels that it can follow that guidance and drop masks for all guests at least outdoors, and may be the reason for Chapek's comments about being in Florida during the summer.