Disneyland Could Soon Welcome Out-Of-State Vaccinated Guests

ANAHEIM, CA — Theme parks across California now have the go-ahead to invite guests from other states, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state health department announced this week. But that does not mean that all will follow the ever-changing theme park reopening criteria.

Some theme parks are staying the course, only allowing California residents behind the main gates after their reopening. Still, others are swinging those gates wide open to anyone who meets the state health criterion: being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

As for California residents, no proof of vaccination is required for entry.

The California Attractions and Parks Association released a statement on the changes.

“Amusement parks’ responsible reopening plans are guided by the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which Gov. Gavin Newsom recently updated with an Addendum to Blueprint Activity & Business Tiers Chart."

That means fully vaccinated people from out of state can visit or attend activities or events that the state health department previously restricted to in-state visitors. The association represented theme parks in California, including Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountian, Sea World San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California's Great America.

"As vaccinations become more widespread and state guidance evolves, individual parks may update their own responsible reopening plans in accordance with state and local public health regulations," the association said.

As of Thursday, all California theme parks are free to decide on their own whether to follow that new guideline.

To date, the reopening of parks has been a careful dance of ticket sales combined with reservations, accounting for diminished capacity. Once the gates are flung open for all, tickets that remain unsold are sure to be snatched up and fast.

Staggered Reopening Dates And Who Can Visit

California's theme parks were allowed to reopen as of April 1, but many have delayed their reopenings.

Disneyland will not reopen until April 30, and Knott's Berry Farm is delaying reopening until May 6 for pass holders only and May 21 for everyone else. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland California, SeaWorld San Diego, and Six Flags Magic Mountain are already in business. So who is selling tickets to out-of-towners?

Universal Studios Hollywood currently sells tickets only to California residents, according to the theme park. Both tickets and confirmed reservations are required for entry for California residents.

Universal Studios Hollywood currently allows only California residents, but the theme park reports in a statement that they are "assessing the next steps to implement changes to previously released guidance." The park will release updated information soon.

Meanwhile, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Legoland California made no mention of a California residents-only policy for ticket sales or whether or when they will formally announce letting in out-of-state visitors. Up north, California's Great America does not currently state the criteria for California resident-only tickets.

Disneyland Resort still only pre-sells tickets to residents of the Golden State.

Read: 5 Things To Know: Buying Disneyland Tickets, Making Reservations

Orange County's other theme park, Knott's Berry Farm, still allows only California residents. But the one constant with the reopenings amid coronavirus is change. Knott's still has a bit of time to decide whether it will alter that policy. The theme park's regular operations don't resume until May 21. Tickets go on sale on April 26 for that park.

How Do The Theme Parks know If You Are Really From California?

Resorts that enforce the only California residents rule will use reservation systems with geocoding capabilities and GPS data, according to the San Gabriel Valley Times. That will help determine the residency of those who enter their gates.

California still discourages travel more than 120 miles from home and asks residents to self-quarantine for 10 days if they travel out of state.

The state of California expects to reopen fully on June 15. But state health officials rely on "common sense" to rule the day until the pandemic is at an end. Limited attendance requirements and entertainment stipulations will be up to each park at that time, the state said.

Health and safety protocols, such as masks, social distancing and hand washing stations, will remain in place. "Testing or vaccination verification requirements will remain in all relevant settings," state health officials said.

There have been no COVID-19 outbreaks tied to amusement parks locally or around the world since some reopened last summer, according to a statement from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Are you planning to return to an area theme park soon? Let us know what you are most looking forward to in the comments or by emailing your Patch Editor.