Will the updated "actively eating" mask policy at WDW carry over to DCL?

[DIS_MIKE]

I feel that it will carry over but it will still be difficult to enforce especially with children. In my state we are allowed to remove the mask as soon as we sit down. It looks like Disney is trying to discourage lengthy sit down meals?
From a DCL perspective:
The main dining room meals (especially first seating) move rather quickly compared to second seating. I've done second seating a handful of times and it is a long process from the bread service to final dessert. Sometimes I'm not out of there until close to 10. Many of us are eager to get to the next activity so I tend to not linger in the dining room reminiscing over a cup of coffee.


For those unaware of this...
https://www.disboards.com/threads/mask-mandate-doubled-down-keep-them-on-while-dining.3827674/

 

[BadPinkTink]

I would say any of the new polies and procedures implemented at Walt Disney World have a good chance of being implemented on DCL when sailings resume.

I would also expect big changes to MDR , reduced menus due to social distancing and reduced crew numbers in the kitchens which would lead to shorter meal times being the main one I am expecting. Also things like being able to ask your server for a menu item from a different MDR I expect will no longer be possible.

 

[ThinkTink1]

I could see them starting off the cruises like this but keep in mind that these policies are temporary and Bob Chapek said that he thinks by sometime in 2022 that the masks and social distancing rules will be gone. I love the idea of wearing masks at the buffets because less people breathing all over the food

 

[OKW Lover]

I would expect the same policies on DCL that you see at WDW. However, since DCL won't be sailing for quite some time yet its possible/likely that the mask (and other) policies will change before you are on board.

 

[hrhdhd]

I have eaten at Disney Springs table service restaurants several times this year, and I removed my mask for the entire time at the table, whether I was "actively eating" or not.

 

[OKW Lover]

I have eaten at Disney Springs table service restaurants several times this year, and I removed my mask for the entire time at the table, whether I was "actively eating" or not.

So have we. Under the new policy though diners will have to wait until they are actually eating.

 

[Joe Brig]

They give you a glass of water when you sit down, bread soon follows, so we should be good. Texas just ended the mask rules, so hopefully it will all be a bad memory soon.

 

[Clojel]

I’m probably in the minority here but I’m not sure masks will BE a requirement when cruising resumes. I say this mostly bc I don’t think cruising will return until a significant % of the population has been vaccinated AND I think vaccination will be a requirement to sail - at least for adults.

Also, as others have said on similar threads, the recent WDW tightening up on masks at the tables is likely for two reasons: a) they want to discourage people from sitting around at the table too long just bc it’s a mask break AND b) they’re likely getting ready to loosen up the social distancing and cram more tables in, Neither of those things would really factor into a DCL mask analysis. DCL isn’t worried about turning over/fitting in more tables to make more $$...they already got your $$ upfront.

 

[lorimay]

I think DCL biggest problems with the mask and dining is on deck with all the tables they, people sit at those tables and are not always eating.
**If they restart while mask wearing is still necessary, they need to have the mask rule for table sitting that they have now in the parks.

 

[CmdrThor]

Early reports have indicated this supposed "policy change" isn't a change in policy at all. Guests are still being instructed that they may remove their mask as soon as they get to their table. This could be a case of the Internet making a big deal out of nothing.

 

[PirateFrank]

Ive seen similar reports that suggest the policy change is being misinterpreted thinking you need to mask up after every bite, or between courses. I had read that a manager of one of the restaurants in the magic kingdom stated that you're in an active eating state when you're seated at your table.

If that is indeed the approach that WDW restaurants are taking - I suspect the change in policy was ensure that there was no misinterpretation as to what a guest should be doing with their mask while waiting for a table to become free, or getting up to go to the restrooms. Perhaps they've had some trouble with guests who come into a restaurant - and while waiting for their table to become available, take off their mask....or not wear one on the way to the bathroom.

 

[MamaMermaid]

Early reports have indicated this supposed "policy change" isn't a change in policy at all. Guests are still being instructed that they may remove their mask as soon as they get to their table. This could be a case of the Internet making a big deal out of nothing.

Not necessarily. I ate at San Angel on Sunday - we were asked to follow new policy.

ETA: we were asked to keep our masks on until our drinks/food arrived. We didn't put our masks on between bites.

 

[Bibbobboo2u]

A friend currently at WDW asked a server at a restaurant at Disney Springs about the new policy, and the server said it is because Disney is about to expand dining to the current FL guidelines, which I think include up to 100% capacity provided that tables are located 6 ft apart.

 

[kathi]

I think the “new” mask rules are much ado about nothing. Seems like just common sense. I feel like the rule will be the same on the ship, if sailing starts before the pandemic is over (which I sure hope is the case).

Last night in Philadelphia, we went to our first table service meal since August. There was a card on the table indicating our table time was limited to 110 minutes, masks were required when not seated and requested when interacting with the server. They also requested that the full meal be ordered at once, if possible. It was not hard to follow the rules. The server said it was fine to wait to order dessert or additional drinks. We put our masks back on when ordering. I was still finishing a glass of wine and my husband and daughter put their masks back on while waiting at the table just out of courtesy and self protection. It was a lovely evening at a fine dining establishment and their mask requirements were not a bother at all.

 

[mevelandry]

To me, common sense is wearing the mask at the table, until you receive your food and putting it back on between courses and right after you had your last bite.

It‘s the « actively drinking at the table » idea that bothers me a bit: I feel like some people would use drinks as an excuse not to wear masks at all in public places. I’m curious to see what they will decide about that.

 

[Joe Brig]

DCL is a lot different then WDW. Anyone can walk into WDL as long as they pass the temperature check. DCL requires forms to be filled out, could require a negative test and possibly a vaccine. If I and everyone around me is vaccinated and has a negative test, masks should not be required or even mentioned. The odds of 2 vaccinated people with no symptoms passing COVID is 0.

 

[Wmuflyguy]

I think a vaccination will be probably required for all adults to board the boat which may negate the need for the masks, since everyone will be vaccinated.

no vaccine = no sail

 

[Clojel]

I think a vaccination will be probably required for all adults to board the boat which may negate the need for the masks, since everyone will be vaccinated.

no vaccine = no sail

Yup...this is my thought as well...the only caveat I have is what will happen with the under 16 crowd. My guess is that if a vaccine is still not readily available for kids, DCL will allow kids to sail with a negative covid test and all other adults in their party vaccinated. Time will tell though I guess!

 

[Wmuflyguy]

Yup...this is my thought as well...the only caveat I have is what will happen with the under 16 crowd. My guess is that if a vaccine is still not readily available for kids, DCL will allow kids to sail with a negative covid test and all other adults in their party vaccinated. Time will tell though I guess!

I was kind of assuming they just let the kids on without any restrictions. Maybe temperature check them at the clubs. Then if they have a fever or symptoms they are isolated to their cabin. As long as the vaccines pan out that they inhibit spread, the adults won’t be carriers.

Kids are going to school and playing sports and no one seems very concerned about that (I’m not saying that’s right or wrong). As long as the adults are vaccinated I think they go business as usual.

 

[Clojel]

I was kind of assuming they just let the kids on without any restrictions. Maybe temperature check them at the clubs. Then if they have a fever or symptoms they are isolated to their cabin. As long as the vaccines pan out that they inhibit spread, the adults won’t be carriers.

Kids are going to school and playing sports and no one seems very concerned about that (I’m not saying that’s right or wrong). As long as the adults are vaccinated I think they go business as usual.

That’s definitely possible....kids do not appear to be the super spreaders people feared they would be and if a large enough % of the adult pop is vaccinated, the risk of a kid carrying AND spreading covid aboard is minimal...but I kind of thought DCL would ask for the negative test just as a CYA. We’ll see! I definitely don’t think the lack of a vaccine for kids will prohibit DCL from having kids on board!