It’s been hard to keep up with the rapid pace of change in California. Our state Department of Health just released new guidance for all businesses which starts June 15th. Previously, it appeared that although most restrictions would end on June 15th mask mandates might still be required for Theme Parks and other “Mega events.” However, new guidance released on June 9th has dropped that additional requirement for theme parks.  

California reopening June 15

The new state rule is simply that masks are not required for fully vaccinated individuals, except in the following settings where masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status:

    • On public transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
    • Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings.
      Note: This may change as updated K-12 schools guidance is forthcoming, pending updates for K-12 operational guidance from the CDC.
    • Healthcare settings (including long term care facilities) 
    • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
    • Homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers

Theme Parks and other family entertainment centers are no longer mentioned. 

Enforcement of the mask guidance for vaccinated individuals is also quite easy. It does not appear that theme parks will need to do anything other than simply let guests know what the rules are. Guests themselves would be responsible for being honest in regards to the implementation of the rules. 

Venues have three options regarding vaccination verification, they can choose one of the following:  

    • Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
    • Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask. 
    • Require all patrons to wear masks.

It appears that Disney has already chosen the first option as that’s what they’ve been doing for guests purchasing tickets post-June 15th.

UPDATES

On June 11th, SeaWorld San Diego announced a return to normal operation on June 15th. They do still advise that the California Department of Public Health recommends that unvaccinated individuals obtain a negative test or wear a face covering. However, they wrote it in a way that makes it clear they won’t be checking:    

, New Guidance: Masks Off for California Theme Parks June 15th?

Late in the day on the 11th, Walt Disney World announced that they would also drop mask requirements on June 15th.  No word yet from Disneyland, but the pressure is mounting. 

BREAKING: Walt Disney World Drops Face Covering Requirement Almost Everywhere


What Will Happen at Disneyland on June 15? 

Please keep in mind that Disney has not officially posted new rules for the period starting June 15th. They might continue requiring masks for some time, or perhaps implement a hybrid period as Walt Disney World has where masks are not required for vaccinated individuals outdoors but still required for everyone indoors.  We hope to hear more from Disney soon and will update you as soon as we know more. 

What would you like to see happen starting June 15th? 

Sharing is caring!

Dusty Sage
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]