Well, 2020 into 2021 has been a roller coaster of a year! You know what I could go for right now? A ride on my favorite real roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Now that the park has reopened, we can go "Full Throttle." Up to this point, it has felt like we have been on Superman: Escape from Krypton. We have been strapped in, sitting still, socially isolated and anticipating the 0 to 100 miles per hour acceleration that will be the Six Flags Magic Mountain reopening. Finally, we can race back to the thrill capital of the world!
But wait. Not so fast. There are new safety protocols in place as of Oct. 7, 2021, and they can differ each day based on projected crowd level. Mask rules also vary by day.
What Is Six Flags Magic Mountain Like Right Now?
As mentioned, there are a few recent changes to note. Due to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, updated health and safety protocols are required for certain designated days. On certain busier days, guests 12 and up need to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen). Refer to specific designated days on the calendar below. You'll want to check the safety protocols section of the site and the park operating schedule before you visit. On-site rapid COVID-19 testing is available at the park on select days.
You can expedite your entry process with the CLEAR app. Downloading the CLEAR app on your mobile device and upload your vaccination information:
1. Create an account by uploading a government-issued ID and snapping a selfie.
2. Select the blue digital vaccine card tile on the home screen and link to your COVID-19 vaccine info.
3. Show your digital vaccine card when you arrive at the park.
Face Coverings
Be sure to bring a face covering. On designated days, all guests 2 and up must wear a face covering both indoors and outdoors. All people ages 2 and up must wear a mask indoors on other days. Mask rules apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors. Exemptions include guests under 2, people with medical conditions that prevent mask wearing, and guests who are hearing impaired or people communicating with someone who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Masks must:
- Be made with at least two layers of breathable materials.
- Fully cover the mouth and nose.
- Secure under the chin.
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face.
Because mask policies change all the time, we keep our guide to current theme park mask policies up-to-date. It's always a good idea to hop over to that post before you visit.
In hoppy news, Six Flags welcomes back out-of-state visitors. We have said goodbye to empty seats on coasters and hello more riders!
Six Flags Magic Mountain Dates and Hours
Hours vary by date, and as mentioned, safety protocols vary by date as well. Consult the calendar for hours and rules so you can arrive prepared and know what to expect.
So what changes can we expect during the Six Flags Magic Mountain reopening, as well as the Hurricane Harbor water park reopening? Frankly, the theme park is moving back to a more normal phase of operation. Hurricane Harbor is now closed for the season.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Ends Reservation System
The theme park no longer uses a reservation system to limit capacity. The state no longer requires the park to enforce physical distancing. You can learn about other parks and all the changes to theme parks in our post on What to Expect when the California Theme Parks Reopen.
Physical Distancing Measures During the Six Flags Magic Mountain Reopening
Expect to manage your own physical distancing to stay a safe distance from other parties, if you choose, as physical distancing is no longer enforced.
During the initial reopening period, steps were enacted to reduce contact between guests and team members, such as:
- Minimized guest contact during security screenings using state-of-the-art technology to efficiently perform bag checks and metal detection with no contact.
- Mobile order.
- Cashless transactions - Six Flags accepted card and mobile payments only at all locations including restaurants, retail stores, games, ticket windows, and parking toll booths. You can pay for purchases with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a debit card. You can convert cash to a pre-paid Visa debit card within the park.
- Physical barriers when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Encouraged purchasing parking and tickets in advance.
- Provided employees with protective equipment.
- Food service items such as napkins, food wrappings, condiments, and cutlery were accepted into the warehouse, quarantined, disinfected and secured prior to disbursement and utilization.
- The restaurants eliminated and reconfigured buffets to eliminate guest contact with food.
Increased Sanitation
The team members frequently sanitized the park and frequently touched surfaces, such as chairs, tubes, benches, tables, cans, etc. Six Flags enacted the following sanitation measures:
- Team members sanitized game items and reconfigured games for social distancing.
- Guests were able to use hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations throughout the parks and at the entrance and exits of rides.
- Hygiene signage reminded guests to practice good hand hygiene.
- Employees frequently monitored and sanitized restrooms/water park changing areas.
- Team members frequently sanitized ride units.
- Employee work areas were sanitized in both front and back of house.
- Only unused cups were used at beverage filling stations.
- Hygiene signage reminded guests to practice good hand hygiene.
Increased Training for Employees and Guests on COVID-19
Team members received training on how to stay safe and keep guests safe. In addition to training, each employees receives Personal Protective Gear. All employees receive a kit featuring a face mask, gloves and safety glasses to use during their shift. Employees can refresh kits daily or as otherwise needed.
Six Flags educated guests on these measures as well. During the initial reopening period, guests with reservations visited an On-boarding Program to receive information about the visit and expected social distancing and hygiene guidelines. The program included emails, documentation and videos. A newsletter communication program also encouraged guests to get on board with the new procedures.
Risks Associated with the Six Flags Magic Mountain Reopening
Despite all the safety measures, visiting a theme park during a pandemic has its health risks. Six Flags Magic Mountain has a safety disclaimer on its site. It says:
"Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from Coronavirus. Guests should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread Coronavirus if they are infected, any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to Coronavirus. By coming to the park, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks associated with attendance."
Are you as excited as we are for the Six Flags Magic Mountain reopening? Psst ... your favorite froggy friends can save you some green with discount Six Flag Magic Mountain tickets and Los Angeles Go Cards, which can save you money on multiple Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego attractions.
Keep hopping!
