Six Flags announces reopening of California and Mexico theme parks
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced that Six Flags Mexico in Mexico City is opening today, March 18, 2021, and both of its California properties—Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif. and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif.—will open on April 1, 2021.
Members and Season Pass holders will be able to return to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on April 1 and 2, 2021, with the parks opening to the general public on April 3, 2021. Guests should note that park reopening dates are subject to change based on local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19.
“Six Flags Magic Mountain is the undisputed Thrill Capital of the World, and we are excited to get our park open so that we can get our world-class collection of coasters running again,” said Park President Don McCoy. “Our team is eager to return to work and entertain our guests in a safe environment, providing the much-needed fun and escape we have all missed this past year. I am also looking forward to seeing guests come out and experience West Coast Racers, our newest racing coaster that was open for only a brief time in 2020.”
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s Park President Janine Durette added, “After safely and successfully operating The Marine World Experience for the past several months, we are thrilled to be able to offer our full selection of rides and attractions for the first time in over a year. Six Flags creates wonderful memories through the incredible experiences we provide guests of all ages. We are excited to welcome more guests to the park and to bring back more of our dedicated team members.”
Both California parks will operate at reduced attendance levels through a reservation system under state reopening guidelines for theme parks. The parks will also implement an extensive safety plan for hygiene and social distancing protocols developed in consultation with infectious disease experts and will be utilized throughout the Six Flags network of parks. Procedures will be adjusted as needed to ensure continued compliance with state recommendations.
“Californians are ready to visit their favorite Six Flags theme park and have some fun,” said Bonnie Weber, senior vice president of park operations for Six Flags. “Last year, we set the standard for safely operating our parks and entertained nearly seven million guests in adherence to government and CDC health guidelines. We will follow those same stringent guidelines as we reopen our rides and attractions in our California parks.”
What Can Guests Expect at Six Flags Theme Parks?
- Park reservations system to control capacity – Attendance caps will be established to allow for proper social distancing. All Members, Season Pass holders, and all guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation. Guests who buy single-day tickets will be able to reserve during the purchase process.
- Protocols for the safe operation of rides – All ride queues will have easy-to-identify distance markers; handrails, ride units, and restraints will be regularly sanitized throughout the day; riders on all roller coasters, rides, and attractions will be physically distanced; and masks must remain on while experiencing a ride or attraction.
- Health screenings for guests and team members – Contactless IR thermal imaging will be used to screen temperatures of guests and employees before entry; advanced security screening technology will allow for touchless bag checks; all individuals will be required to acknowledge and abide by the company’s health policies, which prohibits park entry if guests have recently been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; All guests over the age of 2 and all team members will be required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit/workday (disposable masks will be available at Guest Relations, and reusable masks will be available for purchase at in-park retail locations).
- Strictly enforced social distancing – All park entry, restroom, retail locations, and ride and dining queues have easy-to-identify distance markers; dining areas have been adjusted to allow space between seated parties; viewing areas are marked for guests to observe animal exhibits as well as gameplay; arcade games have been reconfigured or deactivated to comply with social distancing requirements; and guests viewing outdoor entertainment will be separated by a minimum of six feet.
- Extensive sanitization and disinfecting protocols – Dedicated cleaning teams have been put in place; increased sanitization and disinfecting of high touch points including all public seating, tabletops, counters, handrails, doors, and trash cans will occur frequently; restroom staff will disinfect each stall and sink area often; alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park; and all work areas will be regularly sanitized and disinfected.
- Sanitized food preparation and service – Modified menus and implementation of mobile food ordering to facilitate touchless transactions; self-service buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food; condiments, self-serve cutlery, and napkins will be provided to guests with their meals as required; and attendants will serve beverages, and guests will receive drink bottle refills in a paper cup each time they refill.
With today’s announcement, 21 of the company’s 26 parks are open or have the approval to open for the 2021 season, and it will continue to work with government officials to gain authorization to reopen its remaining properties.
The following parks have already opened, or will be opening soon, with a full complement of rides and attractions:
- Six Flags Over Texas – open year-round
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas – open year-round
- Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec – opened February 27, 2021
- Six Flags Over Georgia – opened March 6, 2021
- Six Flags America– opened March 6, 2021
- Frontier City – opened March 13, 2021
- Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – opened March 13, 2021
- Six Flags Mexico – opening March 18, 2021
- Six Flags St. Louis – opening March 20, 2021
- Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark – opening March 26, 2021
- Six Flags Great Adventure – opening March 27, 2021
- Six Flags Magic Mountain – opening April 1, 2021
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – opening April 1, 2021
- The Great Escape – opening May 1, 2021
- Hurricane Harbor Splashtown – opening May 1, 2021
- Hurricane Harbor Arlington – opening May 1, 2021
- Six Flags White Water – opening May 8, 2021
- Hurricane Harbor New Jersey – opening May 15, 2021
- Six Flags Darien Lake – opening May 21, 2021
- Hurricane Harbor OKC – opening May 15, 2021
- Hurricane Harbor Rockford– opening May 29, 2021
Click here for more information about all Six Flags theme parks and water parks.
