Starting today, December 15, many Californians will encounter new COVID-19 restrictions that haven’t been seen since early this year — the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). While some counties in the state have already implemented similar public health measures, this will be the first mask requirement for the entire state since fully reopening on June 15. Many of the state’s popular theme parks have different requirements for visiting, so we’re going to break the guidelines down county-by-county so that you can best plan your holiday vacation.
Los Angeles County
LA County is home to Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain. On days when park attendance does not exceed 10,000 attendees, guests are required to wear masks indoors. When park capacity exceeds 10,000 attendees, visitors to these theme parks must wear masks outdoors as well. On these days, the parks will need to check for vaccination status or proof of a recent test. As the Christmas holiday nears and many schools enter their break period, it is very likely that park attendance will exceed 10,000 attendees on most days over the next few weeks. See below for the parks’ official statements:
- Six Flags Magic Mountain: On a limited number of designated days (which can be found on the park hours and schedule page), guests 12+ will be required to show proof of full vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of visiting, or a negative PCR test within two days of visiting per State and County mandates. On such days, all guests 2+ will also be required to wear a face mask at all times including while outdoors. To assist guests on these designated days, FREE rapid COVID-19 testing will be available near the park entrance, while supplies last. Additionally, effective November 1, all visitors 18+ will also be required to show a photo ID. On non-designated days, vaccination or negative test verification will not be required, however, everyone 2+ will be required to wear face masks at all indoor locations regardless of vaccination status per State and County mandates.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Per LA County’s Public Health order, all persons ages 12+ must be prepared to show proof of full FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 vaccination (a full 14 days after final dose was administered), or a negative test taken within 24 hours (antigen i.e., “rapid” test) or 48 hours (PCR test) of visit, prior to entry to the theme park. A COVID-19 self-test, sometimes referred to as a “home test”, is not acceptable. Persons ages 18+ must also show photo ID. Verification will take place when required based on theme park attendance. Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Regardless of vaccination status, face coverings are required to be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors, when visiting the theme park. At Universal CityWalk, face coverings are required to be worn indoors.
Orange County
Orange County is home to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Theme parks in this county only require indoor masking, and proof of vaccination is not required by the California Department of Public Health. See below for the parks’ official statements:
- The Disneyland Resort: To enter a theme park, Guests (ages 3 and older) will need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit. The State of California strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated or receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Disneyland Resort. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors, including on many attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.
- Knott’s Berry Farm: All guests are required to wear face coverings indoors. The State of California strongly recommends that park guests be either fully vaccinated, obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attending the park, or wear a face covering while outdoors. Face coverings are required in all indoor public settings for all guests who are not otherwise exempt, regardless of vaccination status.
San Diego County
LEGOLAND California and SeaWorld San Diego have very similar requirements to the parks of Orange County. Masks are required indoors, but there are no vaccination or testing requirements. See below for the parks’ official statements:
- LEGOLAND California: All guests visiting LEGOLAND® Theme Park IS required to make advanced reservations for a specific date and review the health and safety information on this website before arriving. While proof of vaccination is not required, the California Department of Public Health strongly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering theme parks. Effective December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022, facemasks are required for all guests ages 2 and older in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. As we continue our efforts to align with the State of California’s guidance for theme parks, the Resort’s health and safety procedures may change. The Resort encourages anyone travelling to check and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, as well as any State travel advisories.
- SeaWorld San Diego: At SeaWorld, we are committed to the health and safety of our employees, guests, and the animals in our care. Per the California Department of Public Health, all guests are required to wear a mask indoors through January 15. We have added signage reminders at the front of the park and in areas that are impacted which include certain animal exhibits, bathrooms, certain dining facilities and our indoor theater. Guests can safely enjoy more than 100 acres of expansive open-air grounds and experience rides, attractions, animals presentations and more!
Santa Clara County
California’s Great America and Gilroy Gardens are the only theme parks in Santa Clara County. Many of the Bay Area counties have had indoor mask mandates for quite a while now, so very little has changed with the new guidelines. There are no vaccine or testing requirements in this county. See below for the parks’ official statements:
- California’s Great America: All guests are required to wear face coverings indoors. The State of California strongly recommends that park guests be either fully vaccinated, obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attending the park, or wear a face covering while outdoors. Face coverings are required in all indoor public settings for all guests who are not otherwise exempt, regardless of vaccination status.
- Gilroy Gardens: All guests will be required to wear face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Solana County
Solana County is home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Similar to other counties, masks are only required indoors and there are no vaccine or testing requirements. See below for the park’s official statement:
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Per the City of Vallejo mandate, masks are required indoors for ALL guests over the age of 3 at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status. While guests and team members are not required to wear masks outdoors, consistent with CDC guidance, we will continue to recommend masks at all times, including while outdoors, for unvaccinated guests and team members.
