Coronavirus: Kings Island, Cedar Point announce reopening dates, safety protocols

Cedar Fair, the owners of Kings Island and Cedar Point amusement parks, announced the reopening dates and safety plans for both parks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

>>RELATED: Kings Island sues state health director Acton to reopen immediately

Kings Island, located in Mason, will reopening to season pass holders only July 2 through 11. Starting July 12, the park will be open to both season pass holders and daily ticketholders, the amusement park announced in a media release Tuesday morning.

>>RELATED: Kings Island, other amusement parks and casinos allowed to reopen June 19

Cedar Point, in Sandusky, will follow a similar reopening plan, with the park opening up for only for pass holders, including the season, gold and platinum levels, July 9 and 10. Starting July 11, the park will be open for Cedar Point Resort guests, as well as the pass holders.

In an effort to maintain a limited capacity, both parks are requiring guests to schedule a reservation through an app prior to their visit. A guest will also be required to submit to a health screening through the app 24 hours prior to visiting either park.

Touchless temperature checks will be conducted for both guests and employees before they enter the park.

Face coverings will be required at all times at both parks for guests, employees, and vendors.

The parks also committed to enhanced cleaning of restrooms, dining areas, and other busy areas with additional hand sanitization stations in the parks. Social distancing markers will also be placed throughout the parks, including in ride lines.

The announcement from the parks Tuesday comes after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced last week that amusement parks were among the industries allowed to begin reopening by June 19. That announcement was after Kings Island filed a lawsuit in Warren County court demanding the park to be allowed to reopen, citing a lack of authority from Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton to keep the amusement park closed.

It was not immediately known if the lawsuit will continue, given the additional announcements made by the state and park in the last several days.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.

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