SANDUSKY, Ohio — UPDATE: Cedar Point has announced plans to open for the 2020 season on July 9 with multiple restrictions -- including a mask requirement -- in effect. You can read the full details HERE.
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ORIGINAL STORY FROM JUNE 5:
It’s the moment roller coaster fans have been waiting for. Ohio amusement parks -- including Cedar Point and Kings Island -- have been given the green light to open for the 2020 season starting June 19 after a delayed start due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We will provide specific opening dates just as soon as we confirm details with the governor," Cedar Fair CEO Richard Zimmerman said in a statement Friday after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced his decision to allow amusement parks and water parks to reopen throughout the state in two weeks.
Zimmerman said more details about park safety measures will be released closer to the opening date.
"We are taking every necessary precaution to keep our guests and associates safe in accordance with governmental and CDC directives, Erie County and Warren County health departments, medical professionals, Ohio's Development Services Agency (DSA) and industry best practices," he said. "Cedar Fair's capacity-controlled, family-friendly properties at Cedar Point and Kings Island, coupled with the operational expertise of our seasoned park professionals, ensures an environment where predictable observance and enforcement of social distancing and COVID-19 protocols can be achieved."
DeWine's decision comes after a lawsuit was filed this week in which Cedar Point and Kings Island were requesting permission to open immediately.
Less than two weeks ago, DeWine had declared on Meet the Press that Cedar Point's return would be "the next level of reopening" in Ohio.
Once the park gates are officially opened to guests, the experience will be very different.
Last week, Zimmerman outlined a slew of new safety measures involving the company’s enhanced app technology. Some of the highlights include a reservation system for guests to pick a date they want to visit, season pass processing, ticket scanning, cashless payments and targeted messages with real-time alerts regarding any capacity constraints. You can read the full plan HERE.
Zimmerman also recently announced other safety measures -- including capacity limits, virtual queue lines and enhanced cleaning efforts -- that could be implemented once Cedar Fair's parks reopen.
RELATED: Cedar Point to 'safely welcome guests back' to Hotel Breakers for overnight stays starting June 12
Cedar Point was originally slated to open for its 2020 season on May 9. The park, however, has postponed all of their 150th anniversary season festivities and attractions until 2021.
All 2020 season passes and add-ons are now valid through the 2021 season.
Other amusement parks across the country – like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando – have also outlined their reopening strategies. Disney World will start its phased reopening on July 11. Universal Orlando hits the restart button on June 5.
Here's an explanation of what the new Snake River Expedition boat ride will be like when it officially debuts in 2021 (note: video from Dec. 2019 prior to the park's decision to postpone the attraction until next year):
MORE COVERAGE:
- RELATED: Cedar Fair outlines new safety protocols amid coronavirus: What Cedar Point guests can expect when the park reopens
- RELATED: Cedar Point offers sneak peek of new French Quarter Confections
- RELATED: Cedar Point postpones opening of new ride, all 150th anniversary festivities until 2021 season
- RELATED: Take a virtual ride on every Cedar Point roller coaster while the park remains closed due to coronavirus