How California theme parks will verify visitors have been vaccinated
Coronavirus guidelines call for Disney, Universal and other California theme parks to verify that visitors have been vaccinated once the state’s economy fully reopens on June 15 — but what does that mean and how are the parks supposed to pull off that massive undertaking?
Fully vaccinated Californians will no longer be required to wear masks at the state’s theme parks on June 15, but people attending “mega events” must provide either proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.
Turns out, the new state requirements sound more onerous than they really are — for both theme parks and their unvaccinated visitors. But as has often been the case throughout the pandemic, the state’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines are complex and confusing.
The confusion starts with the definition of a “mega event” — the state’s new designation for large gathering places like theme parks, sporting events, concerts, conventions, conferences, food festivals, car shows, marathons and parades. But not all mega events are created equal.
Indoor mega events are “required” to confirm the vaccination status of each attendee while outdoor mega events are “strongly recommended” to verify that visitors have been fully vaccinated for coronavirus or received a recent negative COVID-19 test.
California theme parks fall into the category of outdoor mega events — which the state’s COVID-19 health and safetydisne guidelines says should ask, but not require, unvaccinated visitors to wear a mask while in attendance. The mega event vaccination and testing mandates run through Oct. 1 and will be reassessed on Sept. 1.
What does all that mean for theme parks?
The state — by way of the theme parks — is putting the onus on unvaccinated visitors to voluntarily wear a mask while at the parks.
There is no requirement for theme parks to check for proof of vaccination or collect results from a COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours of the start of the event. Theme parks are also not required to ask visitors if they’ve been vaccinated or make unvaccinated visitors wear a face covering.
How will California theme parks verify the vaccination status of visitors?
Most California theme parks will post a statement on their websites or inside their parks about the state’s mask recommendation. Some will include the state’s reminder with ticket purchases and advance reservations.
Parks that still require masks after June 15 will cover all their bases — ensuring that unvaccinated visitors are wearing face coverings alongside vaccinated guests.
Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America currently require visitors to wear masks, but the parks have not announced if those policies will change on June 15 or how they will handle unvaccinated visitors.
Universal Studios Hollywood will follow state requirements regarding masks while the park continues to refine its guidelines, according to Universal officials. The latest updates on Universal’s mask policy can be found on the park’s website.
Unvaccinated Universal visitors are strongly recommended to wear a mask in accordance with state COVID-19 guidelines. Universal will post vaccination signage in the park and notices online, but will not check for proof of vaccination.
Knott’s Berry Farm will require unvaccinated visitors to self-attest their vaccination status and wear masks in all indoor settings.
SeaWorld San Diego visitors will no longer be required to wear masks starting June 15 — with one exception. SeaWorld will remind visitors of the state’s vaccination and mask recommendations, but won’t require proof of vaccination starting June 15.
Legoland California will continue to encourage mask usage and physical distancing after June 15. Unvaccinated visitors are strongly recommended to follow state mask guidelines and will be required to agree to those terms when purchasing tickets and making advance reservations on the Legoland website.