Many people hate the stomach drop inherent to riding a rollercoaster; others adore it. Theme parks have always been polarizing. 

In the era of COVID-19, debates continue to rage on — but instead of revolving around the content of the parks, discussions focus on their operation. Some support their reopening. Others think it irresponsible. Few are neutral. 

Olivia Fouser, a senior film production major at Chapman University, isn’t comfortable with parks reopening just yet.

“It’s easy enough within a grocery store to tell someone to put their mask on, but theme parks are huge,” Fouser said. “We’re in Orange County, and I personally would not want to go (to a theme park) because I think it would be full of people who aren’t COVID-19 compliant.”

But Brian Russell, a junior theater and strategic and corporate communication double major who is also a self-proclaimed “theme park enthusiast,” thinks that with proper training, parks can be opened safely.

“It’s a matter of training cast members,” Russell said. “At Disney, you’re not allowed to walk and eat; you have to go to the side away from people, even if it’s just a sip of water. There (are) cast members everywhere watching and making sure that everyone’s following the protocols.”

Regardless of differing perspectives, Southern California is seeing a return to theme parks — and they certainly have a customer base. After sitting idly for a year, the rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia are carrying thrill-seekers once again, paving the way for other parks in California. 

Here is a breakdown of the COVID-19 protocols and reopening plans for theme parks close to Chapman University. 

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain opened to members and passholders April 1 and to the general public April 3. The park announced a slew of COVID-19 safety precautions before reopening, ranging from contactless temperature checks to drink refill protocols. 

When asked about details of COVID-19 safety for employees, Jerry Certonio, the advertising and promotions manager at Six Flags, told the Panther that Six Flags Magic Mountain’s “safety and human resource team have contact-tracing protocols in place and make the proper notifications.”

AJ Keenan, a junior broadcast journalism and documentary major, was among the first to revisit the park April 3. He praised several COVID-19 precautions the park was taking, including capacity limits, a California-only guest policy, required reservations and contactless security processes. Despite these measures, Keenan found the enforcement of protocols to be overall looser than he preferred.

“They tried to keep (lines) spaced out, but it was hit or miss whether or not people actually listened,” Keenan said. “In one line, the couple in front of me were very obviously not wearing masks. They had them pulled down and you could see their noses and mouths. I saw at least four different employees walk by and they said nothing.”

Keenan was excited to reach the front of the line for the ride Apocalypse — until a stranger sat down next to him.

“That was strike one; you’re not supposed to be sitting next to people you don’t know,” Keenan said. “Strike two: she was not wearing a mask when she stepped in the car. It was scrunched up by her neck. The employees told her to put the mask back on, and the second we were out of view, she (took) her mask back off.”

Universal Studios Hollywood

Tickets are on sale to visit Universal Studios Hollywood after its reopening April 16. Following the Universal Orlando Resort’s reopening in June 2020, the park in Southern California will enforce extensive guidelines to protect guests and employees from COVID-19. Reservations are mandatory for all guests, including passholders, though those with passes are eligible for exclusive “bonus days” during the first month of opening. 

Universal Studios Hollywood has been hosting “Taste of Universal,” a sold-out, food event series.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm does not yet have a concrete reopening date, but is planning to welcome guests back into the amusement park in May. On March 12, Vice President and General Manager Jon Storbeck stated the park is focused on training employees and preparing guidelines to facilitate the reopening as safely as possible. 

Season passes purchased for 2021 will remain valid for the rest of the year after reopening, as well as on a day-to-day basis in 2022, extended depending on how many days in 2021 the park stays closed. 

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park

The Downtown Disney District is currently open to guests. The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will reopen April 29 and both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will reopen April 30. All guests over the age of 3 will be required to show a valid admission and park reservation for any park before entry. In accordance with state guidelines, parks will be required to provide disposable masks in the instance that a guest’s mask flies off during a ride. 

Alongside measures taken by Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, classic elements of the Disneyland experience, such as interactions with costumed Disney characters, have been reimagined for COVID-19 compliance. 

“Instead of meeting characters face-to-face, they’re at a distance, just doing things, living their lives, which I love,” Russell said. “In Florida, you can go to Tomorrowland and there’s Winnie the Pooh catching butterflies in this giant grass field. It’s just the most pure thing in the world.”

Russell is eager to revisit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in whatever capacity he’s able. Based on his experiences visiting the Downtown Disney District and what he’s heard about the newly implemented “A Touch of Disney” event, he feels confident about COVID-19 protocol enforcement.

“It’s one thing to have the rules in place, but it’s another thing to enforce them really well,” Russell said. “Disney is in the limelight; the state of California is watching them. They’re going to follow the protocols right where they need to.”