Amusement parks in California have been closed for a long time now due to the effect COVID-19 has had on the country. No need to worry though, for all of California’s favorite amusement parks are finally opening up just in time for summer. Although there will be restrictions on which rides and food places will be open, it will still be a great way to finally get out of the house and enjoy some time with friends and family. 

The amusement park that is opening soonest is Disneyland and California Adventure, which are confirmed to open on April 30th. With only 25% of park capacity being admitted and park hours shortened from 9 am to 7 pm, tickets are as in demand as ever, increasing prices drastically. You will now also need to buy separate tickets to attend California Adventure along with Disneyland, or you can buy a park hopper which is more expensive. Reservations are needed to dine in at Disney and to purchase tickets. However, once you do get your hands on a ticket, you will be able to many of the popular rides with only a select few attractions like the Matterhorn and the Jungle cruise being closed. 

Knotts Berry Farm is another crowd favorite that is expected to open up soon. They are not opening as soon as Disneyland since they are in the middle of having a food and wine festival, taking up a majority of the park. Pass holders will be able to enter the park on May 6th and will open up to the public on May 21st. Along with Disneyland, you will also need reservations to purchase tickets at Knotts Berry Farm for pass holders and one-day ticket holders. There will also be capacity restrictions to ensure safety for all guests, along with only allowing California residents to enter the park. Luckily, passes are only slightly increased to the price of $101, as opposed to their $80 range pre-COVID. 

Another amusement park to get excited about this summer is Six Flags: Magic Mountain. Pass holders were able to enter the park as early as April 1st, and the general public was able to attend on April 3rd. Six Flags is also limiting their hours to 10:30 am to 6 pm, as well as only allowing California residents to attend. As well as many other amusement parks, social distancing will be practiced, causing certain seats on rides to be closed off and people to stand 6 feet apart in lines. However, they are also going to be doing virtual queues, so you can walk around and enjoy the rest of the park while waiting for rides. 

Going to these amusement parks might not be the same as pre-COVID, but as Camille Khong (10) says, “the nostalgic feeling of hearing the screams and smelling the snacks is all that we crave in this time of isolation”. So get your tickets quick because they are selling fast and you do not want to miss out on all the amazing rides this summer!