Yes, local adventure lovers really can scream with joy — California theme parks are finally allowed to reopen after being closed since last March due to the pandemic. Now that the Golden State has entered the orange tier, amusement parks can operate at 25% capacity with guests wearing masks and social distancing.
Some destinations have already welcomed guests back by way of limited-time foodie events and entertaining shows. Disneyland's A Touch of Disney (which runs until April 19) and Universal Studios Hollywood A Taste of Universal both sold out, while Knott's Berry Farm's A Taste of Boysenberry Festival runs until May 2.
Six Flags Magic Mountain has been serving thrill seekers since opening April 3, and SeaWorld has been open since February as an aquarium and zoo.
Ahead, we've rounded up ticket information, pricing, reopening dates, and everything else you need to know about the SoCal theme parks reopening this month and next.
Update 4/12: Additional details about Knott's Berry Farm's reopening plans have been added.
Disneyland & Disney California Adventure
Reopening date & hours: Friday, April 30. Park hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Ticket details: Available starting Thursday, April 15 at 8 a.m. PT to California residents; both a park reservation and valid ticket for the same park and same date required for all guests ages 3 and up.
Reservations: Required along with a valid ticket for the same park and same date. Advanced online reservation access opens April 12 to those who previously purchased tickets.
Ticket pricing: Single-day, single park tickets pricing ranges from $104 to $154 and have tiered access (meaning some tickets are subject to blackout days).
What else to know: The Avengers Campus opens June 4 at California Adventure. Some attractions and experiences will be unavailable, and FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass services are suspended. Guests are encouraged to download Disneyland's app and enable location services and notifications, and to plan ahead by paying for food and drinks in advance with the mobile order service.
Where to buy & more info: Disneyland Resort Website
Knott's Berry Farm
Reopening date: Thursday, May 6 for season pass holders and Friday, May 21 for the general public. The Buena Park theme park's Taste of Boysenberry Festival runs until May 2.
Ticket details: Tickets and reservations are available starting Monday, April 26 for California residents.
Ticket pricing: Single-day tickets are $55 online or $89 at the gate; season passes are $13.50 to $28 per month.
What else to know: Visitors can enjoy Knott's Berry Farm's newest ride, "Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair," when the park reopens.
Where to buy & more info: Knott's Berry Farm website; buy tickets online here.
Legoland
Reopening date & hours: Legoland reopened Tuesday, April 1 and will be welcoming select guests under its Park Preview days until Monday, April 12. The Carlsbad theme park opens to the general public Thursday, April 15 and hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Ticket details: Online ticketing and reservations are now open and currently available for California residents only.
Reservations: Advanced reservations are required for all guests.
Ticket pricing: Single-day tickets are $75 for children ages 3 to 12 and $81 for ages 13 and up; Legoland Elite Annual Passes are $300 for ages 3 and up.
What else to know: Some attractions and experiences will be unavailable, and indoor dining will be closed.
Where to buy & more info: Legoland website
SeaWorld
Reopening date: & hours The San Diego theme park will reopen rides Monday, April 12, after originally welcoming back visitors in February as an aquarium and zoo. Park hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Ticket details: Now on sale online.
Ticket pricing: Single-day, date-specific tickets are $66 to $96, and 2021 Fun Cards will be $92 when you purchase by April 11.
Where to buy & more info: SeaWorld website; buy tickets online here
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Reopening date: Now open as of April 3. Park hours are currently from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Ticket details: Now available
Ticket pricing: Single-day tickets are $45 for weekdays and $55 for weekends, 1-Park Season Passes are $75, and memberships range from $7.85 per month to $18.85 per month
What else to know: Some rides are unavailable; check their status here.
Where to buy & more info: Six Flags Magic Mountain website; buy tickets online here
Universal Studios
Reopening date & hours: Friday, April 16; park hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Ticket details: Now available for purchase; reservations required for tickets purchased before April 8
Ticket pricing: $99 to $129 for California Resident 1-day tickets, $179 to $279 for California Resident Universal Express tickets. Annual passes currently unavailable.
What else to know: While most rides will be available, select attractions will open at a later date. Visitors can expect new rides including "The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!" and "Jurassic World — The Ride."
Where to buy & more info: Universal Studios Hollywood website; buy tickets online here
