Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about all the fun you can have at Great America? Well, you've come to the right place. Here's a list of some of the most common questions we hear from our guests. Take a look and see if you find what you're looking for.
General Park Questions
The best deals on tickets are available through our website! Enjoy unlimited park visits and entrance into South Bay Shores waterpark all season long with a Season Pass!
Yes, you can upgrade your admission ticket to either a Silver or Gold Pass at a reduced rate. Stop by Town Hall, located in Hometown Square, or the Guest Services window at the front gate to upgrade before you leave.
California's Great America does not offer a non-rider discount. Great America has a one-price admission as it is a multi-faceted park, not just a ride park. The park features live entertainment, PEANUTS characters, a variety of gift shops and dining facilities, plus a 13-acre waterpark and much more!
Admission tickets and Season Passes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable for any reason after the order transaction is complete at the front gate, online through our website, by phone or when purchased through a third party. This non-refundable ticket policy includes weather-related events. We do not issue rainchecks. Please check local weather conditions prior to planning your visit.
We encourage you to visit the Group Sales Ticket section of this website to learn more about our programs. Feel free to submit a Group Sales Information request or call us at 408.986.5853.
Guests three years old and older require an admission ticket to California's Great America.
You can have your tickets printed for you at Guest Services at the front gate. You will need photo I.D., the credit card you used to purchase the e-ticket, and your confirmation number.
If you forget to bring your Season Pass or you lose your Season Pass, please proceed to Guest Services located at the front gate. A nominal processing fee will be assessed if you lose your Season Pass.
No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed to be brought into California's Great America. However, guests with special dietary needs are permitted to bring outside food and drink.
Some attractions may close in inclement weather until conditions permit safe operation. Please enjoy a live show, meal or shopping until such weather passes. California's Great America cannot issue rainchecks or refunds for inclement weather.
If you wish to leave the park and return on the same day, you will be asked to present your Season Pass or re-entry ticket. Re-entry tickets are available at designated turnstiles upon exit. One parking lot re-entry is permitted by showing your parking ticket at the tollbooths.
No. California's Great America has gone to a completely cashless operation. Simply swipe or tap your credit card, debit card or smart device with Apple Pay or Google Pay where you would normally use cash. It’s faster, safer and always secure. No card? No problem! You can convert your cash into prepaid debit cards at convenient kiosks throughout the park. They can be used anywhere - not just inside the park - with no fees.
Guests with disabilities may refer to our Guests with Disabilities information page and should stop by Guest Services, located outside the front gate, or Town Hall, located inside the park next to Great America Theater, regarding park and ride accessibility. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for rental on a first come, first served basis at the front gate.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis just inside the park, near Inside CGA. Please see the park map for more information.
Only service animals are permitted in the park.
Guests must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages at California’s Great America. Valid state-issued identification or valid driver's license is required for each person purchasing, possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted while in line for any ride. Alcohol service stops one hour prior to closing.
California's Great America has gone to a completely cashless operation. Swipe or tap your credit card, debit card or smart device with Apple Pay or Google Pay where you would normally use cash. It’s faster, safer and always secure. Additionally, you can convert cash into prepaid debit cards at convenient kiosks throughout the park. They can be used anywhere - not just inside the park - with no fees. It's easy and it's FREE.
Smoking of any kind, including vapor and e-cigarettes, is not permitted inside California’s Great America. For the comfort of all guests, smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area just outside the park gate.
Lockers are available for rent in different areas of the main park and in South Bay Shores.
Your admission ticket to California's Great America includes all rides, live shows and attractions in operation on the day of your visit. Your ticket also includes admission to South Bay Shores waterpark. Your admission ticket does not include pay-per-play games or attractions, special events, or concerts.
Parking is $30 per vehicle. RV parking is $40 per vehicle. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available near the front gate on a first-come, first-served basis. School and tour buses park for free. A drop-off area is located just past the entrance on Great America Parkway at 4911 Great America Parkway.
All drones (unmanned aerial systems) are prohibited at (in) all Cedar Fair parks, including California's Great America, and any unauthorized drone observed over California's Great America will be reported to the FAA and local law enforcement, regardless of its point of origin or operation. Drones may pose a potential safety risk and may violate Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
The safety of our guests and associates is our number one priority, and we have implemented several enhanced security procedures at the front gate. As part of the process:
- Guests arriving at the park will go through metal detection every public operating day.
- All bags, purses, backpacks, waist packs, etc. will be examined prior to entering.
- Sharp objects (including pocketknives and metal chains), firearms or other items that could be considered a weapon are strictly prohibited and should be left at home or secured in your vehicle.
- Other prohibited items include speakers, chairs, glass of any kind (except perfume bottles), food (except for special dietary needs), water guns, luggage, prescription drugs (unless in original packaging), weapons, bottled or canned beverages (except sealed bottles of water), hard-side coolers, beach umbrellas, fireworks, scissors, knives and child scooters/wagons.
- Please see our separate FAQ on outside food and beverages.
We use a variety of methods in securing our parks, including uniformed and plain-clothed officers and video surveillance monitoring.
California's Great America does not tolerate guests who fight and/or harass other guests. People who engage in this behavior are subject to being ejected and potentially banned from the park and may be subject to arrest by local police.
Shirts, shorts/pants, and shoes must be worn at all times while at California's Great America. Proper swimming attire for South Bay Shores is defined as a one- or two-piece swim suits without abrasive buttons, rivets, zippers or snaps. Costumes and face paint are not permitted during Tricks and Treats.
First Aid is staffed by certified emergency medical technicians (EMT's) at all times. First Aid is located in the red schoolhouse next to 3 Point Challenge, near RailBlazer's first drop.
Should you lose an article during your visit, please check with Lost and Found, located at Guest Services, or submit a request through our online Lost and Found service.
You can pick up or drop off guests in our passenger drop-off area just past the entrance to the California's Great America parking lot entrance. This area's street address is 4911 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
We are strict and thorough in the steps we take and the processes we use to keep our properties safe and promote a healthy environment. To protect our guests and associates and prevent the spread of illness, we employ rigorous sanitation standards and robust cleaning procedures, including:
- Extensive training for associates on maintaining a safe and hygienic workplace and environment for our guests;
- Appropriate personal protective clothing and gear for associates who are assigned for cleaning duties;
- Specified intervals for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas throughout the day;
- Procedures for cleaning and disinfection of areas throughout the day and where illness has been suspected or reported;
- Quick response to spills, trash and other situations;
- Daily sanitation procedures, for everything from bathroom faucets and sinks to kitchen and dining surfaces, benches and trash cans;
- Daily cleaning and “wash down” of outdoors locations, including walkways and queue lines;
- Guest and associate first aid locations to assist with minor health issues.
We maintain close relationships with local, state, national, and international public health authorities, and take their guidance when additional preventive measures are needed.
Single Meal Deal
Guests may redeem their Single Meal Deal voucher at any participating dining location to enjoy one entrée, one side item and one regular-sized Coca-Cola® fountain beverage.
All Day Dining
Guests with All Day Dining will receive a wristband at any participating location allowing them to enjoy one entrée and one side item every 90 minutes. Drinks are not included.
Premium All Day Dining
Guests with Premium All Day Dining will receive a wristband at any participating location allowing them to enjoy one entrée and one side item, or a snack, every 90 minutes. Guests with Premium All Day Dining will also receive a Drink Wristband for unlimited Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills every 15 minutes.
All Season Dining
All Season Dining will automatically be added to the guest’s season pass after purchase. Guests may present their season pass at any participating dining location to enjoy lunch and dinner each visit in 2024 There is a four-hour interval time between meals, with a maximum of two meals per day. Drinks are not included.
All Day Dining and All Season Dining may be purchased online or in-park. The Single Meal Deal and Premium All Day Dining are available online only.
Single Meal Deal
Includes a Coca-Cola® fountain beverage.
Premium All Day Dining
Includes a Drink Wristband for unlimited Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills all day. 15-minute interval time between refills.
The All Day Dining and All Season Dining plans do not include drinks.
Yes, an All Season Dining Plan can be added to all Season Pass types, except Knott's Scary Farm Passes. There is a difference in price between All Season Dining programs for Gold Passes (only valid at California's Great America), compared to Gold Passes with the All Park Passport add-on (valid at all Cedar Fair parks).
An All Season Dining Plan added to a Season Pass is only valid for redemption exclusively by the registered passholder. Once a Dining Plan is linked to a Season Pass, it is non-transferable. In order for benefits to be redeemed, the Season Pass must be used for admission on the same date.
Look for the Dining Plan symbol at participating locations throughout the park.
Dining Plans are currently accepted at the following locations* in the park:
- The Market
- Great America Hot Dog
- Great American Pizza Company
- Sierra Creek Lodge
- Pier 76 Café
- Maggie Browns
- Pizza Orleans
- Snoopy's Snack Shack
- South Bay Cantina
- Panda Express
*Dining Plan participating locations & menus subject to change without notice throughout the season and from year to year. Operating hours vary by location and some locations may not be open on select operating days.
All Season Dining
Valid for Gold Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at any Cedar Fair park within the U.S. and Canada.
All Season Drink Bottle
Valid for Gold Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at any Cedar Fair park within the U.S. and Canada.
All Season Drink Plan
Valid for Gold Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at any Cedar Fair park within the U.S. and Canada for Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills only.
All Season Drink Plan+
Valid for Gold Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at any Cedar Fair park within the U.S. and Canada for Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills, ICEE refills, hot chocolate refills (available seasonally where applicable) and coffee refills (available seasonally where applicable).
Yes, you may purchase a Gold All Park Passport All Season Dining Plan that is valid at all Cedar Fair parks.
2024 All Season Dining Plans are valid any public operating day during the entire 2024 season.
The All Season Souvenir Bottle and Season Pass Drink Plan are two separate programs. You will not be able to use your Season Pass card if you forget your bottle.
If you prefer the All Season Souvenir Bottle, visit Guest Services during your first visit after purchase and receive your souvenir bottle. Exchange fee may apply.
You can purchase an All Season Souvenir Bottle or the Season Pass Drink Plan online or at the park.
Visit Guest Services at the park, and for a $2.99 exchange fee, you can be switched over to the bottle free program. The barcode on your bottle will be deactivated, and you can start to use your Season Pass immediately for your refills.
You may refill as often as you like with a time window of 15 minutes between refills.
If you lose your Season Pass, Guest Services can help you replace your Season Pass card for $15 and activate the Season Pass Drink Plan on your new pass.
If you forget your Season Pass, please stop at any ticket window located at the Front Gate. With proper identification a temporary pass will be issued to you. The temporary pass is only valid for that day and will have the Season Pass Drink Plan attached. Only two temporary passes are allowed per Season Pass per year.
The Season Pass Drink Plan can be added to all Season Pass types, except Knott's Scary Farm passes.
Season Pass Drink Plan added to a Season Pass is only valid for redemption exclusively by the registered passholder. Once Season Pass Drink Plan is linked to a Season Pass, it is non-transferable. In order for benefits to be redeemed, the Season Pass must be used for admission on the same date.
You can use these on any public operating day, and the programs are valid for the regular season, as well as Halloween events and WinterFest (where offered).
Yes, Gold Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on may present their All Season Souvenir Bottle (starting in 2024) or Season Pass Drink Plan or Drink Plan+ at any Cedar Fair park, within the U.S. and Canada, to enjoy Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills. The Season Pass Drink Plan+ is valid for Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills, ICEE refills, hot chocolate refills (available seasonally where applicable) and coffee refills (available seasonally where applicable).
It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Purchase a FunPix plan online, at the front gate or at any Fun Pix location and create your account.
Download the park app to your mobile device. This is where all your FunPix photos will be housed.
Get your photo taken at locations throughout the park!
- At FunPix locations (show your FunPix card after the ride)
- By roaming FunPix photographers (show your FunPix card to the photographer)
All FunPix digital photos taken throughout the day (with a Single Day Digital Pass) or season (with an All Season Digital Pass) can be found within the California's Great America app. Download as many digital photos as you would like from the app or our FunPix website.
Order prints the same day in the park and receive a great price.
After you purchase FunPix online you will receive a receipt email to use as a voucher. To redeem:
- Print the receipt and bring it with you on the day of your visit to the park.
- Present the receipt at any FunPix location to get your FunPix card and create your account.
- That's all there is to it! Remember to have your card scanned any time your picture is taken at a FunPix Location to add that picture to your account!
Season Passholders, your FunPix voucher is tied to your season pass, just present your pass at a FunPix location and let them know you have FunPix!
No problem! Just come to a FunPix location, give us your email address and we’ll issue you a new card and link your existing FunPix photos to it.
It’s OK! As long as you have the purchase receipt on your mobile device, we can access the information we need from there. Or, visit Guest Services.
For Single Day Pass holders, FunPix photos will be available for 30 days. For All Season Pass holders, FunPix photos will be available until the end of the season.
Your digital photos can be added to your FunPix account with the purchase of any regular price Santa Photo item. FunPix discounts do not apply to Santa Photo.
No, FunPix is already a tremendous value, so no additional discounts apply.
No, the FunPix All Season Digital Photo Pass is available only to California's Great America season passholders.
All Season FunPix cardholders will get to capture, collect and share all of their photos at all other FunPix parks:
- California’s Great America
- Canada’s Wonderland
- Carowinds
- Cedar Point
- Kings Island
- Kings Dominion
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Worlds of Fun
California's Great America Pass Perks Monthly Rewards Program is the next evolution of our popular loyalty program. A fresh selection of Pass Perks will appear each month on the Pass Perks page. You’ll see a brief description of the Perk and the number of times you need to visit the park to earn it. At the end of the month, your cumulative visit total earns you one or more Perks. Your visits reset on the first day of the month.
You earn Pass Perks according to the number of park visits you have accumulated by the end of each month. You get one visit per day. For example, if you visited FOUR times in one month, you receive the Perk that corresponds with FOUR visits. If you visited more than four times, you receive the Perk that corresponds with FOUR visits. We also plan on awarding surprise Perks throughout the season.
No. As soon as you purchase your Season Pass, you join Pass Perks. However, to stay up to date with your rewards, be sure to download the mobile app and add any Season Passes in your household. Otherwise, you may miss out on what you've earned.
Silver and Gold Passholders. Pre-K are excluded from earning Pass Perks.
Look in the Pass Perks section of our all-new mobile app or your Pass Portal dashboard. We may email you about a Perk you’ve earned (depending on the type of Perk), but the mobile app and dashboard are the best ways to locate your Perks.
Rewards you redeem inside the park—like sweets, treats and tickets —are automatically loaded to your Season Pass. Check your mobile app or Season Pass Portal to view all the details about your offer. You’ll see how long the offer is active and the exact locations where you can redeem it. Redeem your rewards by scanning your Season Pass where applicable.
Your earned Perks will have varied validity from the day they load to your Season Pass. Be sure to check the Perk description for an exact redemption date.
Monthly rewards you redeem inside the park will be loaded to your Season Pass at midnight on the last day of the month, to redeem for a set time the next month. In some cases, there can be a 24-48 hour delay.
Season Passholders can earn and redeem one Monthly Pass Perk per month.
Yes, with some exclusions depending on the offer. We will communicate this in the offer description. The disclaimer reads as “not combinable with other discounts or promotions.” Most Pass Perks do combine with other discounts for extra savings!
- Discounted or free food, including snack items like as popcorn, Dippin' Dots and cotton candy. Entrée food items include hot dogs, pizza, tacos and much more.
- Discounts on exclusive merchandise such as beach towels, swimsuits and Squishmallows
- Discounts on paid rides and games (NEW!)
- Discounted or free Bring-A-Friend admission tickets, single-use Fast Lane (where applicable), and seasonal Perks tied to events
- VIP Experiences: Exclusive packages that aren’t available to purchase but are custom-built by our experts in entertainment and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enter to win by simply visiting the park; winners are randomly drawn.
No. At this time, you can only earn and redeem perks at your home park. Scanning at a separately gated waterpark (if applicable) and the dry park on the same day will only count as one total visit.
At this time, you cannot exchange, gift, or transfer any Pass Perks Reward to another Passholder or non-Passholder. Your Perk is exclusive to you.