Canada’s Wonderland announces plan to reopen park in May

Canada’s Wonderland announced Thursday it plans to re-open the amusement park in May.

“Save the date! We are excited to announce Canada’s Wonderland 2021 Opening Day – May 14 – and we look forward to welcoming you back for what is sure to be an amazing season,” they said.

The park tells 680 NEWS they will continue to monitor the pandemic and work with health officials ahead of its tentative opening date

“As we do every year, we release to the public our scheduled opening date. This year, we are scheduled for a May 14 opening,” Director of Communications at Canada’s Wonderland Grace Peacock said in an email.

“We continue to monitor provincial guidelines and work with industry and government officials to ensure our reopening plan meets all required health and safety regulations. Further details will be announced this spring.”

In his most recent statement from May of 2020, Canada’s Wonderland Vice-President and General Manager Norm Pirtovshek said, “We are in constant communication with our provincial and federal governments and are looking forward to welcoming you back just as soon as it is safe to do so.”

“We can’t wait to welcome you back to the park. Until then, enjoy some virtual Canada’s Wonderland experiences, like a ride on one of our roller coasters, or make our classic funnel cake at home. We also have educational and creative activities online for kids of all ages,” Pirtovshek said.

Cedar Fair, Canada’s Wonderland owner and operator, also announced that Cedar Point and King’s Dominion amusement parks will reopen on May 14 and May 22, respectively.

Under the park’s listed health and safety protocols, they say the following rules must be obeyed upon entry:

• Sanitize your hands frequently at the many hand sanitization stations we have added all through the park.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Wear your face covering at all times.
• Face coverings may only be removed when experiencing water rides.
• Maintain 2 metres physical distance from other park guests and associates.
• Be in the know about all things Canada’s Wonderland with our mobile app. You will be able to find nearby hand sanitizer stations, restrooms, open dining locations, and available attractions and rides.
• For the comfort of all guests, smoking will not be permitted inside the park.

 

Some other precautions include health screenings and temperature checks and contactless payment, such as Apple Pay.

As for rides and attractions, Canada’s Wonderland says some that are not conducive for physical distancing and will be closed. Some seats and rows will also be unavailable to accommodate physical distancing.

Staff will also work to ensure park-goers properly maintain physical distancing while waiting in line.

In August, the water park portion of Canada’s Wonderland was closed due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

Ontario Minister of Heritage, Tourism and Sport Lisa MacLeod has maintained that health officials believe it’s too early to reopen amusement parks or water parks.

The province is currently under a state of emergency with a stay-at-home order in effect until further notice.