The percentage of Americans who say they’re comfortable returning to theme parks is ticking up — especially if they were unconcerned about the COVID-19 pandemic to begin with.
Morning Consult polled 2,200 adults in late February, finding that 31 percent are now comfortable going to an amusement park, up from 19 percent at the beginning of January.
Confidence was higher among certain groups, according to the Orange County Register. 66 percent of people who rarely or never wear face masks, 65 percent of people unconcerned about the pandemic and 40 percent of Donald Trump supporters said they would feel comfortable going back to parks.
Asked whether they were comfortable returning to a park in the next two weeks, those numbers were small: 48 percent of anti-maskers, 46 percent of COVID-19 skeptics and 23 percent of Trump supporters said they would return in that time frame, compared to just 13 percent of all survey respondents.
Anti-maskers and COVID skeptics may be in for a rude awakening when they do return. All of the major theme park chains are still requiring face coverings and enforcing physical distancing, even in states where governors have begun removing restrictions against the advice of public health experts.
Universal Studios Japan announces new March 18 opening for Super Nintendo World
Hopefully the third time’s the charm for Super Nintendo World’s opening.
The new land at Universal Studios Japan is now set to officially open on March 18. That grand opening was been delayed twice before: first, from summer 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and then again from Feb. 4, 2021, when Japan declared a state of emergency that was lifted on March 1.
The interactive Super Nintendo World has been holding limited soft openings since December. While U.S. fans cannot visit at the moment due to pandemic restrictions on international travel, the land is currently under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood and planned for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe.
Kennywood opens on May 8 with Steel Curtain returning
Pittsburgh’s Kennywood amusement park will open for the 2021 season on May 8 — and this year, it’s newest roller coaster will be operating.
The nine-inversion Steel Curtain coaster was sidelined in the shortened 2020 season due to modification work being cut off by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennywood spokesperson Nick Paradise told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the coaster will be open in 2021, as will the Black Widow pendulum ride, but the Noah’s Ark walkthrough will remain closed.
“We’re still planning a cautious approach. It will be easier for us to relax restrictions rather than put them back in place,” Paradise said. “We’re looking forward to getting back to a closer-to-normal season and getting back on the right track this year. It’s not totally back to normal by any means, but it’s taking steps to getting back to where everybody wants to be.”
The park also says it is looking to hire up to 1,500 workers for the season. Applications will be accepted through Kennywood’s website.
More Theme Park News:
Universal Orlando ‘evaluating’ Seuss Landing after Dr. Seuss books pulled for racist images
California governor won’t release findings of state employees’ Disney World COVID-19 trip
Disneyland Resort’s new ride-less food event costs $75, but includes $25 dining card