As California theme parks prepare to reopen, Disneyland unveils its reservation system

The news many Californians have eagerly awaited: Disneyland will launch its theme park reservation system on April 12, gearing up for a grand reopening on April 30. However, only California residents will be allowed entry during the initial reopening phase.

Other California theme parks like SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom have already welcomed guests back.

Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood will be available starting April 8, with the park set to reopen on April 16. (Annual pass holders can enjoy an exclusive sneak preview: see more details below.)

Knott's Berry Farm has yet to announce its reopening date, but indicates it will happen in May.

The opening dates for theme parks are not solely determined by the parks themselves; they must first achieve red/substantial tier 2 risk status in their respective counties.

Steps to secure a Disneyland theme park reservation

As part of its reopening strategy, Disneyland has implemented a reservation system. To enter the park, you must have both a paid ticket and a complimentary reservation for the specific day of your visit. This applies to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, and is mandatory for all guests aged 3 and older.

According to Disneyland's official website, "Only California residents are permitted to visit the parks, and groups must consist of no more than three households, adhering to current state regulations." Here are the details regarding ticket sales and reservations as provided by Disneyland.

"The theme park reservation system is set to launch on April 12, allowing guests with valid theme park tickets to start making reservations for the dates their tickets cover. Ticket sales will resume on April 15, enabling those without tickets to purchase them and secure park reservations. Notably, expiration dates for many existing tickets have been extended. To accommodate various ticket holders, park reservations for select dates may be offered on a rolling basis, with ticket calendars updated regularly. Please check for the latest availability."

Here are the important dates to keep in mind:

• April 9: If you possess a theme park ticket, you can check available days for your one-day ticket type.
• April 12: The theme park reservation system will become available no earlier than 8 a.m. PT. Guests with existing theme park tickets may start making their park reservations.
• April 15: Sales for theme park tickets will resume no earlier than 8 a.m. PT, allowing guests without tickets to purchase them and make reservations.

If you intend to secure a reservation at a Disneyland theme park, be sure to log in to your Disney account and link your valid theme park ticket. The reservation system will require access to this information to confirm your reservation for a specific date.

Universal annual pass holders enjoy an exclusive preview day

While Universal CityWalk, the shopping and dining venue, and Universal Cinema are currently open, guests will have to wait until April 16 to step into Universal Studios Hollywood.

Annual Pass Members will enjoy a special preview day exclusively for them on April 15. Plus, there will be free Bonus Days from Thursday, April 15 through Sunday, May 16, which can be reserved online starting Monday, April 5. Pass Members can resume normal use of their passes on Monday, May 17.

If you're not a pass holder but purchased a regular ticket before April 8, 2021, you can start making online reservations to visit the park beginning April 5.

Regardless of whether you have an annual pass, all visitors must be California residents to enter Universal Studios Hollywood upon its reopening. Non-pass holders can purchase tickets and make theme park reservations starting April 8.

Your group must consist of no more than three households and a maximum of 10 individuals.

Universal has announced that most rides will be operational starting April 16, but certain shows and attractions will reopen at a later date to fully adhere to state regulations.

Guests will need to go through temperature screenings and wear face masks. It's important to maintain social distancing, and Universal will provide contactless payment options and "no-touch" alternatives wherever feasible throughout the park.

You can purchase tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood and make park reservations here on the specified dates.

What changes can you expect at the theme parks?

Across all parks, capacity will be restricted to meet government guidelines and ensure physical distancing, with advance reservations required for guests aged 3 and older.

Please note that, until further notice, tickets are exclusively available to California residents. The buyer's location will be confirmed through a new reservation system that utilizes GPS data for purchase tracking.
(This system also facilitates contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak linked to the park.)

Key takeaway

There is reason for optimism. COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County, the state's most populous area and home to several major parks, have been declining since their peak in January. With three highly effective vaccines and strong efforts to immunize the state’s most vulnerable communities—who are crucial to sustaining the tourism sector—it’s reasonable to expect that we could be enjoying a theme park visit this spring, summer, or fall.