Valleyfair reveals safety protocols for reopening - with RSVP now required
After shuttering for the entire 2020 season, Valleyfair is preparing to once again opens its gates and welcome back visitors, though with a few changes.
On Monday, May 3, Valleyfair began allowing hopeful parkgoers to make a reservation. That means no more buying tickets at the gate on a whim. Instead, as part of the park's "extensive coronavirus reopening plan," all visitors will be required to make a reservation in advance.
When the park opens May 22 (followed by Soak City Waterpark a week later), capacity will be limited to allow for proper social distancing.
How does it work? When you buy a single- or two-day ticket, it will come with a reservation. If you purchased a ticket or pass prior to May 3, however, or if you are a season passholder, you will need to manually reserve a time on Valleyfair's website before visiting.
"We’re all in this together and by working together you can safely and confidently enjoy the thrills, giggles, and endless smiles that only Valleyfair can deliver," the park's website says.
What else you can expect
Valleyfair and Soak City Waterpark operations won't be back to their pre-pandemic normal. In addition to the limited capacity and new reservation requirement:
- A mask is required for everyone ages 2 and up (even those fully vaccinated), at all times - except for when eating at a table or bench, on certain water attractions, or while in a pool
- Guests are expected to stay at least 6 feet away from other guests and staff members
- The park is encouraging visitors to use contactless payment systems, such as credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
- There will be a health screening questionnaire to fill out before entering the park – however, there will not be temperature checks
- Use of the Valleyfair app, with location services on, is recommended for at least one person in each group, so the park can send real-time updates if needed