Masks at Disney

[TheDisneyDoll]

I've been trying to avoid more and more infections, so i've been looking into masks (VOG Mask specifically).
I was just wondering if anyone had any experience using one in the parks?

I know they can't ask you to remove them and i'm not really concerned with security, more other guests.
I have cough a lot so i notice the looks and stares from that, but i'm a little nervous about trying a mask in the park.
I know the standard response is just ignore it... or it's no one elses business.. so i'm more curious what people have experienced.

It would be much easier for me especially with how constant i cough to not have to worry about covering my mouth with germy hands or even clothes.

 

[SirDuff]

Sorry, I'm not much help with actual experience. However, maybe the mask will cause some people to stay out of your immediate proximity, which would have the benefit of reducing your exposure to germs! Just trying to look for the positive

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

Sorry, I'm not much help with actual experience. However, maybe the mask will cause some people to stay out of your immediate proximity, which would have the benefit of reducing your exposure to germs! Just trying to look for the positive

i've always found that a bit sad actually, though i guess i can see the benefit it would have for other people.
I've had people pull their children away from me and say "we don't go near people like that"

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

I googled the "VOG Mask" because I wasn't sure what it is. Since it doesn't "look" like a medical device at first glance, you'll probably have to explain to security, most likely repeatedly, that it is.

As for other guests, people will probably stare at you and some of them will probably make comments among themselves. It's just how people act when they see something they perceive as "odd." If it will help you, then use it.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I think it was noted when the new costume regulations came out that masks were allowed for medical reasons, although if it doesn't look like a medical mask you may end up needing to explain to security that it is a medical device. You won't be able to control the reactions of other guests though.

 

[SirDuff]

i've always found that a bit sad actually, though i guess i can see the benefit it would have for other people.
I've had people pull their children away from me and say "we don't go near people like that"

Yes, it is rather sad. Sorry, I was being Pollyana-ish.

 

[Mrsjvb]

In Japan,. the ones NOT wearing a surgical mask are the odd balls. and the ones that wear them are doing so so they do not spread their germs around, not to protect them selves from yours.

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

In Japan,. the ones NOT wearing a surgical mask are the odd balls. and the ones that wear them are doing so so they do not spread their germs around, not to protect them selves from yours.

Well not all cultures are so polite unfortunately. I'm more surprised by how many people I see on Facebook groups mentioned they have things like strep, or influenza and saying they're going into the park anyway. There are to many people who think only of themselves to often and thats unfortunate.

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

I think it was noted when the new costume regulations came out that masks were allowed for medical reasons, although if it doesn't look like a medical mask you may end up needing to explain to security that it is a medical device. You won't be able to control the reactions of other guests though.

I know security isn't a problem, i was looking more for people who have experienced this for themselves. Thank you though.

 

[Starwind]

I have used Vogmasks for 3 years (and used other masks for years before that), and I wear them when visiting WDW and cruising DCL. When outside I am also usually wearing Solar Shields sunglasses over my normal glasses and sun protective clothing including a hat. so if I am outside you can't see most of my face, including my eyes. My current Vogmasks are the N99 with dual exhale ports, but I also have the original style with no exhale ports (it gets a lot hotter and in warm humid Florida with get damp almost wet, so I have found the dual port ones are more comfortable in such an environment).

I have NEVER encountered a problem from Disney employees, including security. At the WDW bag check line, when I get up to the security officer if it is decently shaded and I do not have a migraine I will pull my sunglasses to the top of my head so they can at least see my eyes. I smile and hand them my bag-ready-to-be-searched. Other times it is too sunny and/or I have a migraine and the sunglasses stay on. They have never asked or said anything about the mask.

I have had kids near me at WDW or on the cruise ask their parents some variation of "why is she wearing that" ? Most parents reply "to keep her from getting sick" or "for allergies", which happen to be the reasons I do A couple of times the parent has prompted the kid to ask me, and a few times a particularly bold child just came up to me directly and asked. I always answer "for allergies and to keep me from getting sick". that has always been a satisfactory answer and the kid will thank me or not and walk away.

Unlike when I wear the mask at home when taking public transit, adults don't as noticeably try to avoid me at WDW. At home on public transit about half the people who were aiming to sit beside me choose not to when they realize/clue in I am wearing the mask. At WDW perhaps pepople don't pass me quite as close as they may others, and leave be a bit extra room in lines, but for the most part it is negligible.

I have had ONE incident at WDW where an idiot adult walking towards me clearly saw the mask, then proceeded to literally jump right in front of me and make a noise (I do not even know how to describe it) right in my face. I rapidly shifted away from him and he just kept on walking. I have no clue what he was trying to do other than be an absolute idiot.

I have asked for a DAS while wearing the mask.

When interacting with CMs indoors where I am requesting something (e.g. guest services; hotel desk), if there aren't many other people around I will pull the mask down briefly and smile as I start the conversation and then put the mask back up and continue the conversation. it seems to put people a bit at ease and I don't mind doing it under certain circumstances.

I have also worn my Vogmask or a 3M N99/N100 mask in airports, on airplanes, on trains, and on public transit. I've worn it to baseball games in a MLB park and many other public venues. When indoors I try to put the sunglasses on the top of my head so at least people can see my eyes. At airports people usually will not sit right beside me, which I am fine with. On our last trip, the family with the two little girls who were hacking and coughing DID decide to sit beside and across from me, though. I relocated myself as I did not want to be covered in whatever germs they were spreading, let alone catch it.


My advice: if you know or feel you need to wear the mask, WEAR IT. Ignore the idiots (their problem) and don't worry about the side glances and occasional mutterings or kids asking questions (well, if they ask you directly, answer them ). If people don't want to sit or stand beside you, or if they give you a wider berth or a buffer zone when standing in line, be glad for the extra space and that there are people who are that considerate (even if it is really because they think you have the plague) !

Decide in advance if there are situations where you will be ok with briefly or for a longer time taking the mask off or pulling it down, and then decide at the time if you still wish to.

Have an answer in your head for if people ask why you are wearing the mask ("so I don't get sick" works very well, IME).

FWIW, I first started wearing my mask regularly when my job required me to commute about 90 minutes each way on city buses. The first few months I did not wear a mask and I was constantly sick. Once I started wearing the mask for the commute, I rarely got sick.

Finally, sometimes the mask gets annoying and you need to adjust it. Bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and try to train yourself to use them on your hands BEFORE you go messing with the mask. You won't always catch yourself, but with time you will more often.

SW

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

I have used Vogmasks for 3 years (and used other masks for years before that), and I wear them when visiting WDW and cruising DCL. When outside I am also usually wearing Solar Shields sunglasses over my normal glasses and sun protective clothing including a hat. so if I am outside you can't see most of my face, including my eyes. My current Vogmasks are the N99 with dual exhale ports, but I also have the original style with no exhale ports (it gets a lot hotter and in warm humid Florida with get damp almost wet, so I have found the dual port ones are more comfortable in such an environment).

I have NEVER encountered a problem from Disney employees, including security. At the WDW bag check line, when I get up to the security officer if it is decently shaded and I do not have a migraine I will pull my sunglasses to the top of my head so they can at least see my eyes. I smile and hand them my bag-ready-to-be-searched. Other times it is too sunny and/or I have a migraine and the sunglasses stay on. They have never asked or said anything about the mask.

I have had kids near me at WDW or on the cruise ask their parents some variation of "why is she wearing that" ? Most parents reply "to keep her from getting sick" or "for allergies", which happen to be the reasons I do A couple of times the parent has prompted the kid to ask me, and a few times a particularly bold child just came up to me directly and asked. I always answer "for allergies and to keep me from getting sick". that has always been a satisfactory answer and the kid will thank me or not and walk away.

Unlike when I wear the mask at home when taking public transit, adults don't as noticeably try to avoid me at WDW. At home on public transit about half the people who were aiming to sit beside me choose not to when they realize/clue in I am wearing the mask. At WDW perhaps pepople don't pass me quite as close as they may others, and leave be a bit extra room in lines, but for the most part it is negligible.

I have had ONE incident at WDW where an idiot adult walking towards me clearly saw the mask, then proceeded to literally jump right in front of me and make a noise (I do not even know how to describe it) right in my face. I rapidly shifted away from him and he just kept on walking. I have no clue what he was trying to do other than be an absolute idiot.

I have asked for a DAS while wearing the mask.

When interacting with CMs indoors where I am requesting something (e.g. guest services; hotel desk), if there aren't many other people around I will pull the mask down briefly and smile as I start the conversation and then put the mask back up and continue the conversation. it seems to put people a bit at ease and I don't mind doing it under certain circumstances.

I have also worn my Vogmask or a 3M N99/N100 mask in airports, on airplanes, on trains, and on public transit. I've worn it to baseball games in a MLB park and many other public venues. When indoors I try to put the sunglasses on the top of my head so at least people can see my eyes. At airports people usually will not sit right beside me, which I am fine with. On our last trip, the family with the two little girls who were hacking and coughing DID decide to sit beside and across from me, though. I relocated myself as I did not want to be covered in whatever germs they were spreading, let alone catch it.


My advice: if you know or feel you need to wear the mask, WEAR IT. Ignore the idiots (their problem) and don't worry about the side glances and occasional mutterings or kids asking questions (well, if they ask you directly, answer them ). If people don't want to sit or stand beside you, or if they give you a wider berth or a buffer zone when standing in line, be glad for the extra space and that there are people who are that considerate (even if it is really because they think you have the plague) !

Decide in advance if there are situations where you will be ok with briefly or for a longer time taking the mask off or pulling it down, and then decide at the time if you still wish to.

Have an answer in your head for if people ask why you are wearing the mask ("so I don't get sick" works very well, IME).

FWIW, I first started wearing my mask regularly when my job required me to commute about 90 minutes each way on city buses. The first few months I did not wear a mask and I was constantly sick. Once I started wearing the mask for the commute, I rarely got sick.

Finally, sometimes the mask gets annoying and you need to adjust it. Bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and try to train yourself to use them on your hands BEFORE you go messing with the mask. You won't always catch yourself, but with time you will more often.

SW

OH Thank you! This is exactly the kind of info i was hoping for!
People asking rarely bothers me unless they're obviously interrupting something.
And i appreciate the VOG mask review! I have been trying to find some good info on them.
Local people are just incredibly rude when it comes to things like masks, or even using an electric scooter if i can't walk. I don't think people really understand how different people behave when you wear something like a mask. It isn't always a matter of ignoring the looks.

I have had people "cough" on me intentional because they think it's some kind of joke, but people don't realize even if they aren't sick they can still be carrying infections that others can get.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

I had to look up that type of mask, as well. I think as long as you don't choose a print that would be scary for kids, you'll be fine. On my last Disney trip, I saw someone wearing a regular medical mask around the parks, so it is definitely done. Do be aware that a lot of germs will get on your hands from rides, tables, doors, etc. so that will be a concern, too.

And as someone who got sick from a constantly coughing child at a Disney restaurant and was sick for over a month with it, I thank you for being considerate to others! I wish more people were like that, especially those who drag their contagiously sick little children around in a stroller all day and night (EMH).

 

[North of Mouse]

I'm more surprised by how many people I see on Facebook groups mentioned they have things like strep, or influenza and saying they're going into the park anyway. There are to many people who think only of themselves to often and thats unfortunate.

Can't believe either how many people have posted even on the Dis that they or a family member is sick, but they're not going to let that ruin their vacation, or cancel it.

I don't fly anymore, period, but am not surprised by how many people get sick at Disney or after. We don't have that issue (not yet anyway).

As for the mask, had to google it also. That is kind of a scary mask, and even I would probably do a double take, but definitely not be rude. I've seen some strange things at Disney - this would only register as I was passing.

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

I had to look up that type of mask, as well. I think as long as you don't choose a print that would be scary for kids, you'll be fine. On my last Disney trip, I saw someone wearing a regular medical mask around the parks, so it is definitely done. Do be aware that a lot of germs will get on your hands from rides, tables, doors, etc. so that will be a concern, too.

And as someone who got sick from a constantly coughing child at a Disney restaurant and was sick for over a month with it, I thank you for being considerate to others! I wish more people were like that, especially those who drag their contagiously sick little children around in a stroller all day and night (EMH).

actually i can't give anyone anything lol I'm trying not to catch anything form anyone else lol
There's no infection i have that anyone could catch, but someone else could have a flu bug in them that their body is fully able to fight off and they can pass it to me.
I've spent more than my fair share of time in the hospital

 

[Starwind]

OH Thank you! This is exactly the kind of info i was hoping for!
People asking rarely bothers me unless they're obviously interrupting something.
And i appreciate the VOG mask review! I have been trying to find some good info on them.
Local people are just incredibly rude when it comes to things like masks, or even using an electric scooter if i can't walk. I don't think people really understand how different people behave when you wear something like a mask. It isn't always a matter of ignoring the looks.

I have had people "cough" on me intentional because they think it's some kind of joke, but people don't realize even if they aren't sick they can still be carrying infections that others can get.

Most welcome.

For the Vogmasks: I really really like the ones I have had. Two main challenges: (1) finding the right size; I found this particularly the case with the new N99 2 valve ones -- I actually have two different sizes and am not certain which is the "correct" one (I am planning to take a couple pictures, write to Vogmask and ask them!); and (2) the ones without the valves (and even the ones with the valves in really really humid weather) get damp; my solution when I used that one most of the time was to carry a backup and swap 'em out when needed (just make sure you put the damp one somewhere it can actually dry; a sealed ziploc is not a good place for that ). BUT, those challenges aside, other masks I have tried have the same challenges and do nto have as good a filter, so I stick with the Vogmask unless I have a specific need in which case I may use another mask (e.g. 3M N95, N99 or N100). I have found the Vogmasks to not be irritating to my skin, not pull on my hair (they use earloops) and not cause headaches, something I cannot said for many of the other masks I have tried over the years.

I have used a scooter the last two visits to WDW. So, picture: person wearing Vogmask + blocky SolarShield sunglasses + hat + longsleeve and longpant sun protective clothing. Riding a scooter

With the scooter I have to deal with people being in their own little zone and not paying attention to their surroundings, which means they cut you off, run into you, etc. Some people are great, it is the chunk that are not that are the problem. So far the only person *I* have run into is my sister who had to stop suddenly and I was a bit too close to her. I leave a bigger berth now and we have not had a repeat of that; but I have had plenty of other guests actually or nearly run into *me* due to them not paying attention.

For the mask: strange looks are the primary thing I notice. And as I said, sometimes people won't sit next to you or give you a bit bigger space. Quite frankly, I am ok with that: one of the reasons to wear the mask is to end up less sick, so in theory having a bigger buffer might help a bit with that. Sometimes when there is no other seat on the bus a person will decide to stand instead. Other times, a person will sit but kind of angle their body away and sit stiffly. then there are those who act normally and sit even when there are other seats available. And if I end up with a spare seat next to me -- GREAT ! no getting crowded in on those tiny city bus seats

I take care of me. If others make the choice to act differently as a result of the measures I have to take to protect my health, that is on them. As long as they are not interfering with me then I try my best to ignore them or avoid them.

With a cough and wearing the mask, many people will assume you are sick/contagious and that that is why you are wearing the mask. Their avoidance behaviour is therefore going to be stronger. To be honest, I don't blame them as it is an easy and reasonable conclusion to make absent actually knowing you. If *I* was near some stranger who was actively coughing and wearing a mask, *I* would move away and avoid them, as I am not willing to take the risk that they are sick-with-germs and if the mask isn't good enough could be spreading them. I would do the same for someone coughing and NOT wearing a mask. "Not wanting to catch what they (might) have" is perfectly reasonable.

As for the idiots. Fortunately, I have only really encountered the one, which was at WDW. And you are absolutely correct that people can be carrying or incubating things that they can spread without being actively sick themselves.

SW

 

[Starwind]

Can't believe either how many people have posted even on the Dis that they or a family member is sick, but they're not going to let that ruin their vacation, or cancel it.

I don't fly anymore, period, but am not surprised by how many people get sick at Disney or after. We don't have that issue (not yet anyway).

As for the mask, had to google it also. That is kind of a scary mask, and even I would probably do a double take, but definitely not be rude. I've seen some strange things at Disney - this would only register as I was passing.

Vogmask has some not so obvious masks too. The ones I currently use most of the time are pastel colours with ivory/white trim. http://www.vogmask.com/ and this is the one I use the most: http://www.vogmask.com/products/sahara-n99-c2v-organic

I still fly, both because I have to sometimes for work (fortunately that is less than it used to be) and for personal travel -- e.g. not willing yet to drive the 1500 miles to WDW as the only driver.

But, when I fly I wear a mask (for a few reasons: to reduce allergen exposure, to reduce the chances of getting sick, and to humidify the air I am breathing to keep the asthma more happy) (for the food allergies I also do other things, like using a disposable seat cover and wiping down the seat and surrounding area). I used to get sick every time I took a trip by air, but now usually don't.

At home I usually avoid public transit and drive, but I recently spent nearly 4 years having no choice but to commute by public transit -- 60 to 90 minutes each way. After the first few months of constantly getting sick, I started wearing a mask and got sick a lot less often. I still wear the mask when I have to take a city bus.

SW

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

Vogmask has some not so obvious masks too. The ones I currently use most of the time are pastel colours with ivory/white trim. http://www.vogmask.com/ and this is the one I use the most: http://www.vogmask.com/products/sahara-n99-c2v-organic

I still fly, both because I have to sometimes for work (fortunately that is less than it used to be) and for personal travel -- e.g. not willing yet to drive the 1500 miles to WDW as the only driver.

But, when I fly I wear a mask (for a few reasons: to reduce allergen exposure, to reduce the chances of getting sick, and to humidify the air I am breathing to keep the asthma more happy) (for the food allergies I also do other things, like using a disposable seat cover and wiping down the seat and surrounding area). I used to get sick every time I took a trip by air, but now usually don't.

At home I usually avoid public transit and drive, but I recently spent nearly 4 years having no choice but to commute by public transit -- 60 to 90 minutes each way. After the first few months of constantly getting sick, I started wearing a mask and got sick a lot less often. I still wear the mask when I have to take a city bus.

SW

we won't have much for public transportation near me so thats not an option thankfully.
I do fly a lot for work and person things but i also don't have anyone to drive to orlando with and i can't just put those miles on my car as frequently as i visit. And I'm okay with accepting the consequences of flying, i know the risks and i understand.
I've had people tell me that if I need to be so careful with germs I shouldn't bother going to places like disney, or traveling at all and thats so sad to me because it isn't a solution.

I am actually looking into this mask http://www.vogmask.com/products/manish-arora-black-and-white
I am hoping to participate in the star wars run in April and i have a Kylo Ren/Darth Vader inspired outfit and this would go phenomenally with it.

 

[Starwind]

I am actually looking into this mask http://www.vogmask.com/products/manish-arora-black-and-white
I am hoping to participate in the star wars run in April and i have a Kylo Ren/Darth Vader inspired outfit and this would go phenomenally with it.

Make sure you practice running with the mask on. IT DOES restrict your breathing to some degree (any mask will), and with heavy exertion like running the effect will be noticeable.

SW

 

[TheDisneyDoll]

Make sure you practice running with the mask on. IT DOES restrict your breathing to some degree (any mask will), and with heavy exertion like running the effect will be noticeable.

SW

it can't be any worse than the surgical ones i've been given, but yeah of course!

 

[Starwind]

it can't be any worse than the surgical ones i've been given, but yeah of course!

actually, it is possible you wll find it is. The Vogmasks are N95 or N99, which is a lot more filtration than many masks. Depending on the previous masks you have used, it may be significantly more.