Amusement Parks To Remain Closed In Pennsylvania

After announcing a daily surge of nearly 500 deaths linked to COVID-19, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine revealed bad news today for those looking forward to amusement parks reopening.

Amusement parks in PA such as Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Kennywood, Knoebels, Dutch Wonderland, Hersheypark, and more won’t be among businesses to open their gates under the state’s initial, “yellow-phase” reopening plan. The “yellow-phase“ prohibits gatherings of more than 25 people, and excludes “all entertainment”.

Regions of Pennsylvania will need to reach the “green phase” for amusement parks to begin offering thrills again. Secretary Levine said the virus will dictate when we get to the green phase.

All of Pennsylvania currently remains under strict, red-phase limits, though some regions are projected to transition to yellow as early as May 8. When asked about amusement parks specifically, Levine said she is hoping for “a summertime return” of amusement park fun.

Stacy Ososkie, spokesperson for Knoebels in Elysburg, PA, said they are planning to reopen their Three Ponds Golf Course on Friday, May 1st, and will follow all guidelines from the state and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Knoebels is also in the process of evaluating target dates to opening their Lake Glory and Park campgrounds. So, when will Knoebels re-open their rides? Ososkie said it’s too early to provide a date when thrill seekers can return for rides aboard Flying Turns, Phoenix, and other popular attractions at the amusement park. Knoebels will continue to provide updates on their website and social media outlets for the latest info on the parks delayed opening.

Kennywood in Pittsburgh, originally planned to open their park on May 2. That date has been pushed back indefinitely. The park released the following update on their website on April 1st.

“While it’s too soon to confidently provide an opening date, please know we remain committed to opening Kennywood this summer for you to enjoy as soon as safely possible”.

Kennywood has automatically extended 2020 Season Passes through the end of June 2021. Dining Passes and other add-ons were also extended through June 2021. At that point passholders will have the option to extend their passes for the remainder of the 2021 season at a reduced rate.

Hersheypark hoped to open May 1 for their annual “Springtime in the Park” event, but that opening was pushed back. Hersheypark said:

“Given the information currently available, and assuming Pennsylvania lifts the closure order of non-life sustaining businesses, Hersheypark is working to open in early June. In preparation for opening, we continue to research and implement preventive measures as recommended by state and federal agencies that will enhance our existing high standards of cleanliness through additional rigorous cleaning procedures.”

Hersheypark season passes have been extended through June 30, 2021 along with additional perks as seen in the info graphic above.

Hersheypark is excited to open their highly anticipated Candymonium Roller Coaster this Summer.

Cedar Fair’s Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom located in Allentown PA, posted an update on their website April 14th stating they are “continuing to monitor and follow local and national health directives while preparing to open our park as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Cedar Fair has extended their season passes through the 2021 season which includes Dorney Park.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ remains closed until mid-May at the earliest.

“For guests with prepaid tickets, the valid dates have been extended to the end of the 2020 season. For current 2020 Season Pass Holders, passes will be extended for the number of operating days the park is temporarily closed. Six Flags Great Adventure Members will receive a month for each month that the park is closed, plus a free Membership level upgrade for the rest of the 2020 Season and other bonus benefits, as applicable”.

One thing is for certain, when amusement parks finally do re-open post COVID-19, expect some aggressive changes as described here. The new normal will be very different from what guests are accustomed to.

Visit governor.pa.gov for additional details on Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s phase plans to reopen the state.