2021 Theme Park Guide for Resort Guests

From thrills and rides to churros and waterslides, there’s just nothing like theme park fun! And nowadays, many theme parks are taking safety very seriously to keep all that fun going.

With masks, temperature checks, health screenings and special ticket reservations, it’s important to take it all in, decide if your family is ready to hit up rides again and choose the theme park that’s right for your vacation.

So, before your day of roller coasters and adventures, check out our theme park guide that walks you through the top-of-mind safety programs at each park near our Holiday Inn Club Vacations^® resorts.

We hope this guide is a good first step in your theme park planning if you decide now is the right time.

Please keep in mind all this information is subject to change as COVID-19 continues to evolve, so be sure to check directly with the theme park you’re visiting beforehand.

Theme Parks Near Our Galveston Beach Resort & Galveston Seaside Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn®}

Schlitterbahn^® Galveston

Miles from Resort

4.8 miles from Galveston Beach Resort
13.5 miles from Galveston Seaside Resort

Opening Dates

Schlitterbahn is currently open.

Mask Requirements

Guests who aren’t fully vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings indoors. Face coverings won’t be required to enter the park, outdoors or while enjoying water attractions.

However, unless you’re fully vaccinated, they are required inside stores, indoor food locations and restrooms.

Temperature Screenings

Temperature checks are no longer required at the front gate.

Health Screenings

Health screenings won’t be required for guests at the park.

Reservations

Single-day-ticket guests must make a reservation online before coming to the park.

Learn more on Schlitterbahn’s website
Learn more about Galveston Beach Resort
Learn more about Galveston Seaside Resort

Theme Parks Near Our Hill Country Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn®}

Schlitterbahn^® New Braunfels

Miles from Resort

19.5 miles from Hill Country Resort

Opening Dates

Schlitterbahn is currently open.

Mask Requirements

Guests who aren’t fully vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings indoors. Face coverings won’t be required to enter the park, outdoors or while enjoying water attractions.

However, unless you’re fully vaccinated, they are required inside stores, indoor food locations and restrooms.

Temperature Screenings

Temperature checks are no longer required at the front gate.

Health Screenings

Health screenings won’t be required for guests at the park.

Reservations

Before coming to the park, all guests must schedule their visit in advance through an online reservation system.

Learn more on Schlitterbahn’s website
Learn more about Hill Country Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Six Flags®}

Six Flags^® Fiesta Texas

Miles from Resort

46.2 miles from Hill Country Resort

Opening Dates

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is currently open.

Mask Requirements

Face coverings aren’t mandatory, but the park recommends that guests who haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine wear a face covering during their visit.

Temperature Screenings

Temperature screenings are no longer required.

Reservations

Guests are no longer required to make a reservation in advance.

Learn more on Six Flags’ website
Learn more about Hill Country Resort

^{Photo courtesy of SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment, Inc.}

SeaWorld^® San Antonio

Miles from Resort

59.5 miles from Hill Country Resort

Opening Dates

SeaWorld and Aquatica^® San Antonio are currently open.

Mask Requirements

Face coverings will no longer be required for guests at SeaWorld San Antonio and Aquatica San Antonio who are fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidance.

The park won’t require proof of vaccine, but is asking guests to respectfully comply with its revised policy. All employees are still required to continue wearing face coverings for now.

Temperature Screenings

Temperature checks are no longer required prior to entrance.

Reservations

Guests must make a reservation prior to visiting, and you may reserve up to six people at a time. Guests must bring both their reservation and park ticket for entry.

Learn more on SeaWorld’s website
Learn more about Hill Country Resort

Theme Parks Near Our Holiday Hills Resort & Ozark Mountain Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City®}

Silver Dollar City^®

Miles from Resort

11.7 miles from Holiday Hills Resort
11.8 miles from Ozark Mountain Resort

Opening Dates

Silver Dollar City, White Water & Showboat Branson Belle are currently open with reduced capacity.

Mask Requirements

Per updated guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated guests can visit Silver Dollar City and White Water without wearing a mask or physically distancing.

Masks are required for non-vaccinated guests older than the age of 12 in all indoor areas and they’re optional in outdoor areas where social distancing can be maintained.

Temperature Screenings

Temperature checks are no longer part of the screening process.

Health Screenings

Guests and employees are still required to participate in a self-assessment health screening prior to entering the park.

Learn more on Silver Dollar City’s website
Learn more about Holiday Hills Resort
Learn more about Ozark Mountain Resort

Theme Parks Near Our Smoky Mountain Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Dollywood®}

Dollywood^®

Miles from Resort

10.1 miles from Smoky Mountain Resort

Opening Dates

Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins are currently open.

Tickets & Reservations

All guests visiting must schedule a reservation or pre-purchase a general admission ticket.

Mask Requirements

Per updated guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated guests can visit Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country without wearing a mask or physically distancing.

Additionally, consistent with state guidelines, guests ages 12 and under may also visit without wearing a mask or physically distancing.

Temperature Screenings

Temperature checks are no longer required to enter the theme park.

Health Screenings

All guests are being told to do a self-assessment health screening before entering the park.

Learn more on Dollywood’s website
Learn more about Smoky Mountain Resort

Theme Parks Near Our Williamsburg Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens®}

Busch Gardens^® Williamsburg

Miles from Resort

12.8 miles from Williamsburg Resort

Opening Dates

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is currently open.

Mask Requirements

Face coverings will no longer be required for guests at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA who are fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidance.

They aren’t requiring proof of vaccine, but are asking guests to respectfully comply with its revised policy. All employees will be required to continue wearing face coverings for now.

Temperature Screenings

As of Thursday, May 6, the park is no longer conducting temperature screenings at its entrance.

Other Safety Notes

Certain animal interactions will be modified and only tours allowing for physical distancing will operate. Some tours and interactions will be restricted to one party at a time.

Learn more on Busch Gardens’ website
Learn more about Williamsburg Resort

Theme Parks Near Our Orange Lake Resort & Orlando Breeze Resort

^{Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World_®Theme Parks}

From Walt Disney World_® Theme Parks and Universal™ Orlando to SeaWorld^® Orlando and LEGOLAND^® Florida, Orlando needed its own guide to itself!

For the safety measures at attractions near our Central Florida resorts, check out our 2021 Orlando Theme Park Guide.

Ready for those exciting theme park thrills? We hope this theme park guide was a helpful start on what to expect during your next getaway with us.

Remember: For the most up-to-date information, double-check everything directly with the theme park you’re considering beforehand.

Safe travels!

All information is subject to change. This article is a curated guide and is neither sponsored nor considered an official endorsement. Please be sure to check information directly with any/all tours, guides or companies for the most up-to-date and direct details.