California theme parks will reopen soon — and Universal pass holders get a free preview
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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
Every spring, there’s a flurry of activity as families make spring break plans that include a visit to a California theme park. This spring promises to be a special one, however, as Americans who may have been socially distancing for more than a year could be looking to make up lost time.
It’s fortuitous timing then that the California state government will allow theme parks and attractions all across the Golden State to reopen as early as April 1, 2021, as long as they adhere to several guidelines laid out by leaders in Sacramento. Some parks have published dates on when this will happen (see below).
Today, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that it’s reopening on April 16, with ticket sales opening on April 8. (And, annual pass holders get a free sneak preview: more details below.)
If you can’t wait that long to visit an amusement park, Six Flags Magic Mountain in North Los Angeles County reopens on April 1.
Further down the coast is Knott’s Berry Farm. The Cedar Park-operated, farm-themed amusement park in Buena Park plans to reopen in May (though no exact date has been revealed).
Opening dates aren’t all up to the theme parks. The county in which they are located must first attain red/substantial tier 2 risk status. And, one very important thing to note, only California residents are eligible to visit the state’s theme parks when they reopen.
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What parks are opening when?
Here’s the latest information on when California residents can visit their favorite parks once again:
- SeaWorld San Diego: Already open; The park is open now as a “licensed, permitted and accredited zoo” in compliance with state safety guidelines for zoos
- Six Flags Magic Mountain, North LA County: Reopening April 1
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo: Reopening April 1
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Reopening April 16 (tickets go on sale April 8)
- Disneyland Park, Anaheim: Reopening date April 30
- Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park: Reopening in May
For all parks, capacity will be limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, and advance reservations are required for guests ages 3 and up.
Note that, until further notice, tickets are only available to California residents. The buyer’s location will be verified by a new reservation system that uses GPS data to track purchases. (The system also allows for contact tracing should there be a COVID-19 outbreak tied to a park.)
Universal annual pass members get a special preview day
While Universal CityWalk, the dining and shopping complex, and Universal Cinema are now open, it won’t be until April 16 that you can walk through the gates of Universal Studios Hollywood.
However, if you are an annual Pass Member, there’s a special preview day just for you on April 15. Additionally, there will be complimentary Bonus Days from Thursday, April 15 through Sunday, May 16. You can reserve these special days online starting Monday, April 5. Pass Members can return to using their passes as usual on Monday, May 17.
If you aren’t a pass holder but have a regular ticket that you bought before April 8, 2021, you can make online reservations to visit the park as of April 5.
Whether you have an annual pass or not, you must be a California resident to visit Universal Studios Hollywood when it reopens. Non-pass holders can buy tickets and make a theme park reservation beginning April 8.
The group you travel with is limited to three households and a total of 10 people.
Universal says that most rides will be running as of April 16, but select shows and attractions will reopen later in order to fully comply with the state government restrictions.
Visitors will be required to undergo temperature checks and wear face masks. You’ll be asked to be mindful of social distance and Universal will offer contactless payment and “no-touch” options whenever possible throughout the park.
You can buy Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and make park reservations here on the dates noted above.
Bottom line
We have reason to be hopeful. Cases in Los Angeles County, the most populous in the state and home to several of the state’s high-traffic parks, have been on a downward trend since peaking in January. As of Monday, March 15, L.A. and Orange counties moved into the less-restrictive red tier within the state’s reopening plan. With the three highly effective vaccines and aggressive efforts to vaccinate the state’s most vulnerable communities (many of whom keep the state’s tourism running), it’s safe to assume we could be touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter this spring, summer or fall.
Additional reporting by Andrea M. Rotondo
Featured image by David Sprague/Universal Studios Hollywood
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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