Updated Regulation Allows Out-of-State Customers at Theme Parks, Concerts

A small update to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy on Tuesday allowed vaccinated out-of-state visitors to attend venues and events – including theme parks – restricted to in-state visitors only.Despite the regulatory change, some area parks have not yet made plans to open their doors to non-California residents.“Visitation to our theme park is currently available to California residents only as we continue to take guidance from health and government officials,” a spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City said about the update. “We will share updated information when it becomes available.”The Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which sets standards for business operations throughout the state, previously said that only in-state visitors would be permitted to theme park venues until further notice. Visitors would not be required to be vaccinated, but would be required to show proof of residency. On Tuesday, an unannounced update was made and the guidance then stated that “fully vaccinated persons from out of state may visit or attend activities or events that are restricted to in-state visitors.”A spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health confirmed to InPark magazine, a trade magazine for themed entertainment, that out-of-state visitors were permitted at concerts, spectator sports and theme parks, provided they are fully vaccinated.

The California Amusement Parks and Attractions trade group responded to the updated guidance on Wednesday in a statement which read in part: “As vaccinations become more widespread and state guidance evolves, individual parks may update their own responsible reopening plans in accordance with state and local public health regulations.”The website for Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita still indicated Thursday reservations for tickets could only be made by California residents, with its ticket page reading “according to the State of California requirements, only ‘in-state visitors’ may make a purchase and/or reservation at the current time.” A representative for the park did not respond immediately for a request for comment.