Guides

Mask on or mask off? Your guide to the latest rules, by theme park

Stella ShonWriter
Stella is a full-time writer with expertise in credit cards, points and miles, and all things travel. She is a journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and previously worked as a copywriter at JetBlue Airways and as a credit cards writer at LendingTree.

May 15, 2021 • 7 min read

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Quick summary

Major theme parks have updated their mask policies for fully vaccinated guests following new CDC guidance, but requirements vary widely by park.
Some parks have dropped mask mandates for fully vaccinated visitors, while others still require masks indoors or for all guests regardless of vaccination status.
Proof of vaccination is not required at any park; guests are expected to follow CDC recommendations on an honor system.
Policies are subject to rapid change, so travelers should check for the latest updates before visiting.

What to consider

Mask rules differ between indoor and outdoor settings and may include exceptions for eating or drinking.
Children and unvaccinated individuals often face stricter requirements, with some parks maintaining universal mask mandates for all guests over age 2.
Most theme park tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, though some parks may allow date changes.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed, park-by-park breakdown of current mask and distancing rules, including specific exceptions and guidance for families with unvaccinated children.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Following the CDC’s breaking announcement ending the mask requirement for fully vaccinated individuals, many theme parks quickly followed suit with updated guidance. But the policies vary by amusement park.

While some parks already ditched masks altogether, some still require masks — even if you’re vaccinated. In this guide, we’ll break down each major theme park’s mask policy — from mask-free, hybrid-mask to full-mask requirements — for the fully-vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination is not required at any of these locations. Instead, theme parks are relying on guests following CDC guidance. The situation seems to be changing rapidly, so unless you’re visiting these attractions in the near future, note that these rules can change at any time.

An overview of mask policies for Vaccinated Individuals, by theme park

Theme park	Masks required for fully vaccinated?	Updated mask policy	Exceptions
Cedar Point	Yes, except in certain areas	Everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) must wear a mask in indoor areas unless you’re eating or drinking.	Guests will no longer have to wear a mask when outdoors “unless it’s not possible to maintain social distancing.”
Dollywood	No	No longer required for fully vaccinated guests or children ages 12 or under.	Unvaccinated individuals ages 12 or older must wear a mask indoors.
Disneyland	Yes	Masks required for all guests over 2 years of age.	No exceptions
Disney World	No, except in certain areas	No longer required for all guests at outdoor areas or pool decks.	Masks required for everyone (even if you’re fully vaccinated) when entering and moving through the park and at all indoor attractions, restaurants and shops.
Hersheypark	No	No longer required for fully vaccinated guests.	Unvaccinated individuals or children 2 years or older must wear masks.
Knott's Berry Farm	Yes	Masks required for all guests over 2 years of age.	No exceptions
SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Adventure Island	No	No longer required for fully vaccinated guests.	All unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask.
Universal Orlando	No, except in certain areas	No longer required for all guests when outdoors.	Masks required for everyone (even if you’re fully vaccinated) at indoor locations and each attraction.

Completely mask-free theme parks for the fully-vaccinated

Dollywood

(Photo by Caitlin Riddell / The Points Guy)

Fully vaccinated guests or children under 12 years of age will no longer have to wear a mask or practice physical distancing at Dollywood, both indoors and outdoors.

Masks are required for all unvaccinated guests older than 12 years of age at indoor locations but remain optional in outdoor areas.

Hersheypark

Hersheypark was one of the first amusement parks to drop the mask requirement following the CDC’s update. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear a mask. The park has also dropped social distancing requirements for those who are fully vaccinated.

This is a different story for children (ages 2 or up) or anyone who’s not fully vaccinated, in which case masks are required during their visit except when eating or drinking.

The park has also dropped temperature screenings for all guests.

SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove and Adventure Island

Seaworld Orlando. (Photo by Julien Delaunay via Unsplash)

If you’re headed to Seaworld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica Orlando or Discovery Cove, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer have to wear a mask during their visit. Proof of vaccination will not be required, but the website states that “[we] ask our guests to respectfully comply with our revised policy.”

Theme parks with a hybrid mask requirement for the fully-vaccinated

Cedar Point

All guests will no longer have to wear a mask when outdoors “unless it’s not possible to maintain social distancing.”

Everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) must wear a mask in indoor areas unless you’re eating or drinking.

Disney World

(Photo courtesy of Curb Free with Cory Lee)

Masks are no longer required for all guests at common outdoor areas or pool decks at Disney World. However, everyone will still need to wear a mask while entering and moving through the park and at all indoor attractions (including theaters, transportation and restaurants when not actively eating or drinking).

These rules do not differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. Keep in mind that there are still specific rules for what face coverings are acceptable. For example, gaiters, open-triangle bandanas and masks containing valves or holes will not suffice. Finally, physical distancing requirements still apply.

Universal Orlando

You will no longer need to wear a mask when visiting Universal Orlando — with a few exceptions. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, make sure you have a mask handy if you’re visiting any indoor locations (such as shops and restaurants) as well as when you’re getting in line and exiting each attraction.

Otherwise, masks are not required when you’re outdoors. Social distancing precautions of at least three feet will still apply.

Theme parks where masks required for everyone

Disneyland

Disneyland in California reopened to guests just a few weeks ago. Even with the CDC’s announcement, face coverings are still required for everyone over the age of 2. The website does not currently provide further guidance for fully vaccinated individuals.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm will reopen to guests on May 21. However, attendance will initially be limited to no more than three households at a time and for California residents only. Upon reopening, all visitors age 2 or older will be required to wear face masks.

What are your options for changing your plans?

It’s true — you could have planned a visit to any of the theme parks above and wake up to a completely different set of rules for face coverings and physical distancing. If you’re fully vaccinated and aren’t quite ready to visit these amusement parks that have eliminated mask requirements, you may be thinking of changing your plans.

Unfortunately, your amusement park tickets are likely non-refundable and non-transferable. Depending on the theme park, you can try to postpone the date on your ticket.

Bottom line

The CDC’s recommendation for masks follows suit with COVID-19 vaccines that are widely available in the U.S. But for some, this updated guidance still may come as a shock, as there’s no real way to show proof of vaccination when visiting public areas. If you plan on visiting a theme park this summer, you’ll want to be fully aware of the mask requirements for your family — especially if you have children who aren’t eligible for vaccines just yet.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
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Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

An overview of mask policies for Vaccinated Individuals, by theme park

Theme park	Masks required for fully vaccinated?	Updated mask policy	Exceptions
Cedar Point	Yes, except in certain areas	Everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) must wear a mask in indoor areas unless you’re eating or drinking.	Guests will no longer have to wear a mask when outdoors “unless it’s not possible to maintain social distancing.”
Dollywood	No	No longer required for fully vaccinated guests or children ages 12 or under.	Unvaccinated individuals ages 12 or older must wear a mask indoors.
Disneyland	Yes	Masks required for all guests over 2 years of age.	No exceptions
Disney World	No, except in certain areas	No longer required for all guests at outdoor areas or pool decks.	Masks required for everyone (even if you’re fully vaccinated) when entering and moving through the park and at all indoor attractions, restaurants and shops.
Hersheypark	No	No longer required for fully vaccinated guests.	Unvaccinated individuals or children 2 years or older must wear masks.
Knott's Berry Farm	Yes	Masks required for all guests over 2 years of age.	No exceptions
SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Adventure Island	No	No longer required for fully vaccinated guests.	All unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask.
Universal Orlando	No, except in certain areas	No longer required for all guests when outdoors.	Masks required for everyone (even if you’re fully vaccinated) at indoor locations and each attraction.