After a year-long closure, Six Flags Magic Mountain is gearing up to welcome thrill-seekers back this April. Los Angeles County’s shift into the “red” tier of California’s reopening plan has paved the way for theme parks to resume operations, albeit with strict capacity limits and safety protocols.
Dates for Reopening
Six Flags Magic Mountain is kicking off its reopening with a special preview for members and season pass holders on April 1. The park will officially open to the general public on April 3. Guests can start planning their visits now, but reservations are mandatory for all attendees, including season pass holders.
What to Expect When the Gates Open?
California’s guidelines for theme parks in the “red” tier allow parks to operate at a maximum of 15% capacity, translating to roughly 9,750 guests at Magic Mountain. Here’s what the park experience will look like:
- Face masks — Required for all visitors aged two and above, as well as for all staff members.
- Social distancing — Markers and signs will guide guests to maintain distance in lines, dining areas, and on rides.
- Temperature checks — A touchless temperature reading will be conducted at the entrance. Anyone registering 100.4°F or higher will be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Health screenings — Visitors must complete a health questionnaire before entering the park.
“Our goal is to keep everyone safe while bringing back the thrills,” park officials explained. “We’ve designed customized plans for each attraction to reduce contact and promote social distancing. Ride seating arrangements will include empty seats between groups.”
Magic Mountain is ramping up cleaning protocols across the board. High-touch areas, restrooms, and dining spaces will be sanitized frequently throughout the day. Additional staff will also be on hand to ensure these measures are followed rigorously.
The park has also announced significant updates to its food service policies. Indoor dining will remain off-limits for now, with outdoor eating areas spaced out to meet safety guidelines.
A Long-Awaited Return
Magic Mountain closed its doors on March 13, 2020, with hopes of reopening by the end of that month. What was initially planned as a brief hiatus stretched into an unprecedented year-long closure. The reopening this spring marks a significant step toward bringing the beloved amusement park experience back to Southern California.
Fans have expressed their excitement on social media, and the park has been quick to match the enthusiasm.
“THRILLS ARE BACK!” Magic Mountain announced on Twitter, urging Californians to make their reservations online and prepare for a safe, fun-filled visit.