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- Disney World, Florida, may soon let vaccinated people take off their masks following updated CDC guidance.
- Disney CEO Bob Chapek said he expected an "immediate" rise in visitors following the CDC's new guidelines, Forbes reported.
- Disneyland in California is still subject to the state's mask order.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Disney World indicated it may lift its mask mandate following updated COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), company CEO Bob Chapek said Thursday, per Forbes.
Chapek said on a company earnings call that he expected an "immediate" increase in the numbers of park visitors, following the CDC's announcement that fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most indoor places, but he did not say exactly when the company would change its rules.
The CDC also updated guidance for outdoor settings, and said that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks at crowded outdoors events, such as sports venues.
Chapek said that not requiring masks would be a "catalyst for growth in attendance."
The new CDC guidance was "very big news" for the company, which requires park visitors to wear face masks, even when outside, unless they are eating or taking photos, he said.
Disney World in Florida was at 35% capacity in January, according to Forbes.
The company would issue new rules on masks and social distancing "as soon as is practical," a Disney spokesperson told CNN.
The rule change will likely only apply at Walt Disney World in Florida, because Disneyland in California is still subject to the state's mask order.
Disney World has relaxed some of its mask and social distancing rules in recent weeks. In April, the park said it would allow guests to remove face masks when taking photos, and last week it announced it would phase out temperature checks for arriving visitors.
Disney plans to add new rides and attractions in a multiyear development of its 500-acre California park, a spokesperson previously told Insider.
