A new report on U.S. travel indicates that families without vaccinations are more likely to visit theme and water parks.

According to a recent study on family travel trends in 2021 and 2022, families unvaccinated against COVID-19 prefer theme and water parks more than those who are vaccinated.

A recent joint report from the Family Travel Association and NYU's School of Professional Studies highlights that, although travel plans are similar among fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated families, there is a significant distinction: 70% of unvaccinated families surveyed intend to visit theme and water parks in the next year, versus 59% of partially vaccinated families and 50% of fully vaccinated families.

Dr. Lynn Minnaert, a professor at NYU's Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and co-author of the report, noted that while 51% of families overall plan to visit these attractions in the next year, that figure climbs to 70% for families with no vaccinations, based on a survey of nearly 2,400 people conducted from June 14 to July 26, 2021.

In the summer of 2020, most major theme parks in the U.S. reopened after a brief pandemic-related closure, now implementing enhanced health and safety measures. Face masks are mandatory indoors at Disney World, Disneyland, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, masks are required both indoors and outdoors, regardless of vaccination status.

According to Minnaert, unvaccinated families may be less concerned about crowds and often view health restrictions as excessive or unnecessary. They might feel compelled to take a stand by engaging in activities considered riskier. In water parks, the absence of masks could be particularly appealing.

A survey revealed that more than half of respondents (51%) are planning trips to theme and water parks in the next year, ranking them third after visiting family and friends (62%) and beach vacations (61%).

Robert Niles, editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, remarked that Disney, Universal, and other companies have made significant efforts over the past 18 months to position themselves as safe destinations during the pandemic. However, a perception of theme parks as places frequented by anti-vaccine advocates could seriously harm the industry's future.

The findings raised questions among theme park industry experts, who noted a general pro-vaccine sentiment within the theme park community.

"To be honest, theme parks universally endorse vaccinations both in the U.S. and worldwide. They are promoting the crucial importance of getting vaccinated," stated Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, a leisure development firm in Cincinnati. "Some parks operate on an honor system while others require proof of vaccination. Overall, the industry is firmly in favor of vaccinations," he added.

"We urge everyone to get vaccinated," states Walt Disney World on its website, which has recently introduced a vaccination mandate for all salaried and non-union hourly employees, alongside many union workers.

Speigel emphasized that the pro-vaccination attitude spans the entire industry, from "Disney to smaller, family-run parks."

Matt Roseboom, publisher of Attractions Magazine based in Orlando, echoed Speigel's sentiments.

"From our observations, the majority of active theme park fans online are vaccinated," Roseboom shared via email. "I haven't encountered anyone attending a water or theme park that doesn’t require masks as a form of protest. If it does occur, it's likely a very small group."

While representatives from Universal, SeaWorld, Disney, Six Flags, Hersheypark, Legoland California, and Visit Florida opted not to comment for this article, Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach, Florida, confirmed that they do not require proof of vaccination, which aligns with the current policy of major theme parks nationwide.

According to a spokesperson for Rapids Water Park, "All guests and staff, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks in indoor areas such as restrooms and retail stores." They also mentioned that signs are posted to remind visitors to maintain social distancing.

Beginning next month, guests at Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain will need to provide proof of at least partial vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test by October 7. This is due to new regulations for outdoor "mega-events" hosting 10,000 or more attendees in Los Angeles County. Full vaccination documentation will be mandatory starting November 4, potentially paving the way for a theme park vaccination mandate.

Speigel remarked, "If our industry continues on its current trajectory, we will likely implement some form of vaccination proof in the future. While we're not at that point yet, I believe the industry would be ready to act if it became necessary."

The financial impact of lost revenue might push parks to establish a universal vaccination requirement or a negative testing mandate, considering both unvaccinated and vaccinated guests.

"Destinations that fail to take measures to ensure the safety of their visitors risk targeting the small, dwindling, and significantly less profitable anti-vax segment of the market," Niles stated. "As capital-intensive enterprises often linked to major entertainment brands, theme parks cannot afford this approach. They must explore ways to enhance their attractiveness to visitors who prioritize health and safety."