It started when Disney Springs reopened… I’ve noticed a disturbing trend over the past few months. There are certain rules that have been put in place to keep everyone safe. Some of these aren’t overly popular, and many think that the best way to get around these rules is to lie. Fortunately, no members of the Disney Over 50 community have made that suggestion, and I thank you for that. Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about.
When Disney Springs first reopened, it was clearly stated that face coverings needed to be worn for all three years old and older. (That later changed to two and older.) The only time that they could be taken off was when eating or drinking. People thought that they found a loophole, they would buy a drink and then walk around without a mask, holding the drink. I even saw groups of maskless people with one drink. They would lie and say that they were sharing it. (Sharing a drink during a pandemic that is spread through saliva is not a good idea, but I digress.) I also read posts in many different Facebook groups by people who encouraged others to order a drink or churro to avoid wearing a mask! Disney closed the loophole, you now need to be stationary and away from others if you plan to remove the mask to eat or drink. People lying made things more difficult for everyone.
Another face mask rule that I keep seeing people encourage lying about is the age of children and face masks. The rule is very clear, “Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members.” That is a direct quote from the Walt Disney World website. I know that two year olds don’t understand why they need to wear masks, but lying about their age is not the answer. People suggest this all the time! I was always tall for my age, and when I was a child I could easily pass for several years older than I was. I clearly remember going places where there was a discount for children under a certain age and being grilled about it because the workers didn’t believe me. I was telling the truth, I can’t imagine what it would be like for a three year old to be expected to lie! Instead of teaching children to be dishonest, people need to teach them that if they don’t follow the rules, they will not get to do fun things. An observation, 99% of the kids that I’ve seen at Walt Disney World have been leaving their face masks alone. They understand that they need to follow the rules if they want to be there.
The final lie that I want to mention is the 14 day self-quarantine from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. I agree, it’s ridiculous right now, this should no longer be in effect. That said, it is still in effect, and it needs to be followed. I don’t care if there is no follow up and that no one is checking to make sure that people self-quarantine. The state is using an honor system, they are trusting people to be honorable. Lying about it may seem like an easy thing to do, but it also says something about someone’s character. You’re not even supposed to bee on Walt Disney World property is you are supposed to self-quarantine, per the Walt Disney World website.
We’re in the middle of a pandemic that is unlike anything that any of us have experienced before. We all want for it to go away and for things to return to some semblance of normal. Unfortunately, things are going to continue to get worse if we don’t all do our part. Walt Disney World has gone to great lengths to bring back some of the magic, while doing all that they can to keep people safe. Disney’s measures mean nothing if people don’t follow the new rules. No one has to like these rules, but people who can’t follow them need to stay home for the time being. It’s that simple.