Close Banner
GET MY TICKETS
Home / Blog / News & Announcements / Status of Major U.S. Theme Parks: Majority of Theme Parks Are Now Open

Status of Major U.S. Theme Parks: Majority of Theme Parks Are Now Open

by Leap on March 17, 2021
102 Los Angeles Video

Hip, hop, hooray! Many of the Florida and California theme parks that were temporarily closed because of COVID-19 are now reopen. Some may have even started lifting COVID-19 restrictions, such as face coverings and temperature screenings, and reducing physical distancing.

On the West Coast, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park officially reopened April 30, 2021! Attendance has initially been limited to California residents, but out-of-state guests can start visiting Disneyland Resort, starting June 15, 2021. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood reopened April 16, 2021. More updates to COVID-19 health and safety measures may come June 15, 2021, when the state of California is expected to lift statewide restrictions.

Over in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort reopened its parks to the public June 5, 2020, with limited capacity and temperature checks in place. Walt Disney World Resort reopened Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom on July 11, 2020, and EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios followed July 15, 2020.

These stateside re-openings follow the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland on May 11, 2020.

Here's the latest information about the status of the ski resorts, theme parks and resort hotels. We will continue to update as we learn more.

A few important notes: If Walt Disney World extends the theme park and resort closure, any impacted dates will automatically be covered. Your tickets will not lose their value!

  • If your Walt Disney World date-based tickets are impacted, your ticket usage window will automatically be extended. You do not need to do anything!
  • If your Walt Disney World Resort hotel dates are impacted, we will automatically cancel them for you. You do not need to reach out to us!

We are including helpful information if you have tickets below, but please also refer to our FAQs. If your travel plans are impacted within the next seven days and you do not see your question below, please send us an email at [email protected] with a subject line of "URGENT."

QUICK LINKS: Current Status of Parks & Resorts | Helpful Information If You Have Tickets | Tips for Sharing the Disappointment of a Postponed Trip

Current Status of Theme Parks and Resort Hotels

Florida

  • Walt Disney World Resort - Walt Disney World Resort had a phased reopening of its theme parks, beginning with Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom July 11, 2020. EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios followed July 15, 2020.
  • Walt Disney World water parks partially splashed back into action in 2021. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park reopened March 7, 2021. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will remain closed until further notice.
  • Disney-owned and-operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort have begun to reopen. Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground reopened to members and guests June 22, 2020, and other Walt Disney World Resort hotels have reopened since then. Disney Vacation Club properties in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, reopened June 15, 2020. Disney's Aulani reopened Nov. 1, 2020.
  • Disney Springs in Florida began a phased reopening May 20, 2020. During the initial opening phase, Disney Springs had limitations on capacity, parking and operating hours. For more information, read our separate post about its reopening guidelines and procedures.
  • Universal Orlando Resort - Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Volcano Bay water theme park reopened to the public June 5, 2020.
  • Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando began limited operation of select venues May 14, 2020. For more information, read our separate post about its reopening guidelines and procedures.
  • Select Universal Orlando Resort Hotels reopened June 2, 2020. By June 16, 2021, all Universal hotels will be open, with Aventura Hotel as the last to reopen.
  • SeaWorld Orlando - SeaWorld Orlando reopened to the public June 11, 2020. For more information, read our separate post about its reopening guidelines and procedures.
  • Aquatica Orlando - Aquatica Orlando reopened to the public June 11, 2020.
  • Discovery Cove - Discovery Cove reopened to the public June 11, 2020.
  • Busch Gardens Tampa - Busch Gardens Tampa reopened to the public June 11, 2020.
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort - LEGOLAND Florida officially reopened June 1, 2020. Its newest hotel, Pirate Island Hotel, also opened June 1, 2020. For more information, read our separate post about its reopening guidelines and procedures.
  • Fun Spot America has reopened its Orlando and Kissimmee locations.
  • ICON Park attractions, The Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Aquarium, have reopened.

California 

Southern California had a Regional Stay-at-Home Order in effect Dec. 7, 2020, through Jan. 25, 2021. That affected theme park, zoo and aquarium events and dining, which have since reopened. Keep hopping back for updates!

  • Disneyland Resort - Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park officially reopened April 30, 2021! Disney originally proposed a phased reopening, beginning July 9, 2020, with Downtown Disney. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopened on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopened May 2, 2021. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel reopened June 15, 2021, and the Disneyland Hotel reopened July 2, 2021.
  • Downtown Disney in California began a phased reopening July 9, 2020.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal CityWalk began a limited reopening June 10, 2020. Universal Studios Hollywood reopened April 16, 2021.
  • Knott's Berry Farm - Knott’s Berry Farm reopened May 21, 2021 (May 6 for passholders). Knott's Berry Farm Hotel reopened Aug. 21, 2020. Knott's Soak City reopened to the public May 29, 2021 (and May 22-23 for passholders). The California Marketplace is open, including Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, as well as seasonal events. For more information, visit our complete guide to Knott's Berry Farm events.
  • Aquarium of the Pacific - Aquarium of the Pacific reopened Feb. 1, 2021. Only outdoor areas are open.
  • SeaWorld San Diego - SeaWorld San Diego has reopened with some rides as of April 12, 2021. You can see all of the reopening details to know before you go here. Aquatica reopened May 29, 2021.
  • San Diego Zoo - San Diego Zoo and Safari Park reopened Jan. 30, 2021. There is a new reservations system in place with dated ticket sales.
  • LEGOLAND California - LEGOLAND California reopens reopened with limited attractions for preview days on April 1, 2021. The LEGOLAND theme park, CHIMA Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium fully reopened April 15. The LEGOLAND Hotels are open now.
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, reopened April 1-2, 2021, for passholders, and April 3, 2021, for general admission. Hurricane Harbor water park reopened to the public May 22, 2021, and for passholders May 15-16.

Disney Cruise Line

  • Disney Cruise Line has suspended all departures through June 2021, and select Disney Magic sailings through September 18, 2021.

Six Flags

Six Flags announced it would delay the opening or suspend the operations for the following parks and is re-evaluating on a park-by-park basis:

    • Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, reopened April 1, 2021 (for pass holders April 1–2 and the general public April 3). Hurricane Harbor water park reopened to the public May 22, 2021, and for pass holders May 15-16.
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Valencia, California is expected to reopen in 2021.
    • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California reopened April 1, 2021. (The Marine World Experience is open with reservations for select days.)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Concord, California is temporarily closed.
    • Hurricane Harbor Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona (Reopened June 15, 2020)
    • Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia (Reopened June 22, 2020, and reopened for select days beginning March 27, 2021)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Austell, Georgia (Reopened June 22, 2020)
    • Six Flags White Water in Marietta, Georgia (Reopened select days with reservation and reopened for the season May 8, 2021)
    • Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas (Reopened June 22, 2020)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, Texas (Reopened June 22, 2020)
    • Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas (Reopened June 22, 2020 and reopened for the season for select days March 27, 2021)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Houston, Texas (Reopened May 1, 2021)
    • Frontier City in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Reopened June 5, 2020, and reopened for 2021 season March 27, 2021)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Reopened)
    • Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri (Reopened June 26, 2020, for select days and reopened for 2021 season select days beginning March 24, 2021)
    • Six Flag America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland (Theme park and water park reopened for select days and reopened for the 2021 season for select days as of March 27, 2021)
    • Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari in Jackson, New Jersey (Drive-through safari opened  May 30, 2020, and theme park reopened July 3, 2020. Both reopened for the season March 27, 2021.)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Jackson, New Jersey (Reopened select days and reopened for season May 15 for select days)
    • Six Flags Darien Lake in Buffalo, New York, reopened May 21, 2021
    • Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark (Water Park reopened for season May 29, 2021)
    • Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois (Reopened April 24, 2021)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee, Illinois (Reopened July 27, 2020)
    • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Rockford, Illinois (Reopened July 2, 2020 and reopened for season May 29, 2021)

Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair will reopen theme parks and water parks on a park-by-park basis. Most of these parks are seasonal and close for the colder months even after reopening for summer.

  • Knott's Soak City
  • California's Great America in Santa Clara, California, reopened May 22, 2021.
  • Canada's Wonderland in Vaughn, Ontario, reopened May 14, 2021.
  • Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, reopened May 22, 2021.
  • Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, began a phased reopening July 9, 2020 and reopened in 2021 on May 14, 2021.
  • Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, reopened July 11, 2020, and reopened for the season May 22, 2021.
  • Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, reopened May 22, 2021.
  • Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, reopened July 2, 2020.
  • Michigan's Adventure Waterpark in Muskegon, Michigan, reopened July 16, 2020, and reopened for the season May 29, 2021.
  • Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Minnesota, reopened May 22, 2021.
  • Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, reopened June 22, 2020, and reopened for the season May 22, 2021.
  • Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, reopensed May 29, 2021.
  • Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas reopened June 13, 2020.
  • Schlitterbahn in Galveston, Texas, reopened June 13, 2020.

International

  • Shanghai Disney Resort partially resumed operations March 9, 2020 at Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. The park reopened May 11, 2020.
  • Disneyland Paris reopened July 15. The park temporarily closed again beginning Oct. 30, 2020. The park plans to reopen June 17, 2021.
  • Tokyo Disney Resort reopened July 1, 2020 (including Tokyo DisneySea).
  • Hong Kong Disneyland Resort reopened June 18, 2020, and temporarily closed July 15, 2020. It reopened Sept. 25, 2020, but closed again Dec. 2, 2020. It reopened Feb. 19, 2021.
  • Universal Studios Japan has reopened gradually, starting June 8, 2020, with a registration period for residents of Osaka Prefecture, and June 19, 2020, for residents of nearby regions, the resort temporarily closed again April 2021, but reopened June 1, 2021.

Kids' Travel Activity Book

How to Share the Disappointment of a Canceled Trip

Many families are facing this dilemma right now and we feel you. We've put together a post with ideas on how to share the disappointment with your kids. Plus we've created this toadally awesome, printable Travel Activity Book that your tadpoles can do at home!

Helpful Information If You Have Tickets

Walt Disney World Resort tickets don't lose their value. If you have an unused multi-day ticket that has been impacted by the current closures, please see updates below. You will be able to book your Advance Dining Reservations on My Disney Experience 60-days in advance of your theme park visit. Certain experiences may be modified or unavailable, including FastPass+ service. After you have linked tickets, it may take some time (a few hours up to a few days) before they appear.

  • Unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific theme park tickets with a valid use period between March 12, 2020, through the closure will automatically be extended to use any date through Dec. 15, 2020. If you are unable to visit before Dec. 15, 2020, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date through My Disney Experience.
  • For impacted visits, there may be some delay before you see an updated expiration date in My Disney Experience.
  • Guests who have purchased tickets for Disney After Hours and Disney Villains After Hours from March 16 through the closure will be automatically refunded.
  • Guests who have purchased tickets for Disney H2O Glow Nights and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be automatically refunded.

Customers with impacted check-in dates between March 20 through the closure at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel will automatically be canceled and refunded 100%. You do not need to contact us for this request.

Most Universal Orlando Resort tickets are valid up to 12 months from order date. If you have a promo ticket with “3rd Park Free”, the expiration will change from 5/22/20 to 12/18/20. If you have a current 2020 PROMO ticket, the expiration date has been extended to Dec. 17, 2021. Please see specific tickets for details.

During the closure, customers with impacted check-in dates between March 20 through May 31 at any Universal Orlando Resort Hotel will automatically be canceled and refunded 100%. 

Most LEGO Florida tickets are also valid for 1 year from date of purchase. Please see ticket details for more information.

Most SeaWorld Entertainment (SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens) tickets are valid for one year from date of purchase. If you have a Discovery Cove or other reservation based ticket (Quick Queue, etc.) for a date prior to May 15, 2020, you may reschedule for free for any date prior to Dec. 31, 2021. Other tickets expiring while the park is temporarily closed will be automatically extended by one month.

Most Disneyland Resort theme park tickets are valid through 2022. Please see specific tickets for details.

  • Unused non-promotional single day tickets that expire on Dec. 30, 2021, or March 31, 2022, will have the expiration date extended to Dec. 30, 2022. Wholly unused, non-promotional multi-day tickets that expire on Jan. 12, 2022, or April 13, 2022, will have the expiration date extended to Jan. 12, 2023, and the ticket will expire 13 days after first use or on Jan. 12, 2023, whichever occurs first.
  • Guests with multi-day tickets who used their first visit between Feb. 28, 2020, and March 13, 2020, but did not reach their ticket’s maximum number of uses, will have the 13-day expiration period of their ticket extended to Dec. 30, 2022.
  • Wholly unused promotional Child Tickets will be extended through Dec. 16, 2021. Guests who made their first visit between Feb. 28 and March 13, but did not reach their ticket’s maximum number of uses, will have the 13-day expiration period of their promotional tickets extended to Dec. 16, 2021. Block out days of 12/19/20-01/04/21, 03/26/21-04/11/21, 7/4/21 and 11/20/21-11/27/21 apply.
  • The expiration date for the promotional Southern California Tickets will be extended through Dec. 16, 2021. Block out days of 11/21/20-11/28/20, 12/19/20-01/10/21, 03/26/21- 04/11/21, 7/4/21 and 11/20/21-11/27/21 apply.
  • During the closure, the Hotels of Disneyland Resort will be 100% refunded.

Most Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are valid into 2021. If you have a SoCal promo ticket, the expiration has been extended from April 2, 2020, to Dec. 18, 2020. Please see specific tickets for details.

LEGOLAND California tickets are valid until March 31, 2021.

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park tickets are valid for one year from purchase date. 

If you have planned to arrive from a country impacted by a travel ban, we will provide a 100% refund on your tickets. Please contact our customer service team with your order number at [email protected] and we will assist you. Thank you for your patience as we work through refunds as quickly as possible.

We have taken care of hundreds of millions of families for over 20 years and we will continue to do that now. Please bear with us as we work through all the updates coming to our team right now.

Keep hopping!

Keep hopping, Leap!
View Comments

Comments

51–70 of 70 comments
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:08 p.m.
Sarah G. Says...

Sending love to you guys during this difficult time. You're the best!!!!!!

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:08 p.m.
Christine H. Says...

I just private messaged UT on FB and received a response within less than 30 minutes. They were super nice and very accommodating.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:07 p.m.
Lucy N. Says...

Just finished working with a very nice, patient person from Undercover Tourist! We'll be returning part of the tickets, & will get a 95% refund! It's much easier to accomplish this if you have physical tickets, rather than e-tickets!

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:07 p.m.
Jac PG Says...

Reached me after two days, refunded the hotel, super easy and quick once they reached me. Super impressed.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:07 p.m.
Jennifer A. Says...

Undercover Tourist handled this perfectly! Very quick and easy and I appreciate it (especially after spending 3 hours on hold with Disney today)

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:06 p.m.
Luisa M. Says...

Just wanted to update this comment, undercover tourist reached out to me and has issued a full refund for the tickets that could be refunded. This was my first time purchasing through UCT and I was afraid I would have a bad experience with everything that’s going on but they did the right thing and I will not hesitate to use them again for future trips!!!

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:05 p.m.
Nicole M. Says...

Just wanted to update everyone, I just received my refund for our hotel stay! I know everyone knows the amount of calls and emails they are trying to handle right now. I recommend doing exactly what they said: emailing them with a subject heading URGENT And maybe your trip dates to help them filter who they need to take care of first. This is exactly what I did. UT is a great company- I have used them before and never had any problems. I know everyone is in a panic ( I was too). Hang in there! They will come through.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:04 p.m.
Parveen G. Says...

Thank you undercover tourist for refunding my trip. I appreciate it.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:04 p.m.
Sam M. Says...

Thank you Undercover Tourist for all your help!!

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:03 p.m.
Susan R. Says...

Thank you, Undercover tourist, for all you do!

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:03 p.m.
Debbie K. Says...

Thank you for doing the right thing.☺

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:02 p.m.
Erin C. Says...

Thank you so much. I booked several parts of my trip with different vendors and got the best response from you. Will only use undercover tourist going forward.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:02 p.m.
Beth Ann Says...

UTC is probably extremely overwhelmed right now. Just give them some time. Trust me, they are an amazing company and they will do what's right for everyone. This is an once in a life time situation for all of us so please just stay calm and polite. Everything will work out.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 6:01 p.m.
Randy and Vee B. Says...

absolutely wonderful experience!!! For those of you who they haven’t gotten to, they will and with the same helpful approach as when I booked them to begin with. Thanks for making things right you bunch of frogs.

Reply
Mar 17, 2020 at 1:21 a.m.
Pat Scott Says...

Just left Disneyland/Universal the day before they closed. Our trip was perfect thanks to undercovertourist! We've recommended you to all our friends. We'll definately use you again!

Reply
Mar 16, 2020 at 3:12 p.m.
John Hammer Says...

We love you guys!

Stay safe and everyone remember whats important!

Reply
Mar 15, 2020 at 7:03 p.m.
Susan R Browne Says...

Your commitment to we your customers and the service you provide has been the reason I have been a repeat customer for the past 15 years. Thank you for your loyalty to us during this unprecedented time and you can count on my loyalty back to you. Stay well and God Bless SRB

Reply
Mar 15, 2020 at 3:08 p.m.
Sue Mac Says...

Thank you for doing an incredible job in such bad times. Far more comprehensive than some other companies. Well done!

Reply
Mar 14, 2020 at 3:27 p.m.
Lee Wonneberger Says...

I am planning a trip to Walt Disney World starting Dec 4, 2020. Do you think the crowd levels will be impacted by the recent closures?

Reply
Mar 25, 2020 at 8:17 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lee,

Yes, this will impact crowd levels, and we still don't know to what extent. As far as crowds go, Dec. 4 is typically a good time to visit, and we expect it will still be this year.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 13, 2020 at 6:56 p.m.
Erika Says...

Thank you for doing right by your customer during this time!

Reply

Leave a comment

Search blog articles

About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.