Mobile App Frequently Asked Questions at California's Great America (FAQs)

At this time, we do not anticipate making any major changes at the park level. Our parks continue to operate on their normal schedules and our teams are focused on making people happy by delivering amazing experiences that inspire lasting connections and lifelong memories. Ultimately, we expect this combination will enable us to deliver even more engaging and entertaining experiences to guests.

We do not anticipate any immediate changes to our pricing, ticket options or season passes as a result of completing this merger. However, during the season we do adjust pricing based on volume and demand in each of our markets.

The combined company will maintain the legacy names and branding of each park in its portfolio, and no changes to park names are planned or being contemplated at this time.

2025 Gold and Prestige Passholders who have purchased the All Park Passport for a legacy Cedar Fair park many now access all Legacy Six Flags parks. 

2025 Gold and Prestige Passholders who have purchased the All Park Passport for a legacy Six Flags park many now access all Legacy Cedar Fair parks. 

It’s clear our guests see tremendous value in the season-pass programs.. Guests may access all Six Flags parks with the purchase of either a 2025 Gold or Prestige Pass along with the All Park Passport add-on. Please check your home park's website for the most up-to-date pricing and product offerings. 

At this time, 2025 Cedar Fair Pass Perks may not be used at legacy Six Flags parks. 

At this time, 2025 Six Flags Passholder Rewards may not be used at legacy Cedar Fair parks. 

We do not anticipate any immediate changes to the current Rewards/Loyalty Programs at legacy Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks.

We do not anticipate any immediate changes to hotel discounts for season pass holders. Legacy Cedar Fair hotel properties will continue to offer discounts for legacy Cedar Fair park pass holders.

At this time, 2025 Cedar Fair Season Pass add-ons – including All Season Dining, Season Pass Drink Plans, Season Pass Fast Lane and All Season Photo Plans – may not be used at legacy Six Flags parks. 

At this time, 2025 Six Flags Season Pass add-ons – including Dining Pass, Season Drink Bottle, All Season Flash Pass, Speedy Parking, and Picture Pass – may not be used at legacy Cedar Fair parks. 

View our calendar of operating dates and hours.

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 $35 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 scooters.
• 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 2026. 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.

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 or Prestige Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at the park of purchase in 2025, valid at all Six Flags parks starting January 2026. Refer to the terms and conditions for a full list of valid parks.

2025 All Season Drink Bottle 
Valid for Gold or Prestige Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at any legacy Cedar Fair Park within the U.S. and Canada. 

2026 All Season Drink Plan 
Valid for Gold or Prestige Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at park of purchase in 2025, valid at all Six Flags parks starting January 2026. Refer to the terms and conditions for a full list of valid parks. Fountain beverage refills only. 

2026 All Season Drink Plan+
Valid for Gold or Prestige Passholders with the All Park Passport add-on at for Coca-Cola® fountain beverage refills, ICEE refills, hot chocolate refills (available seasonally where applicable) and coffee refills (available seasonally where applicable).Only Valid at park of purchase in 2025, valid at all Six Flags parks starting January 2026. Refer to the terms and conditions for a full list of valid parks.

Adult Beverage Policy

Carowinds associates are responsible vendors, follow strict I.D. guidelines, and reserve the right to refuse adult beverage service as deemed necessary. Guests must be 21 years old to purchase, possess or consume adult beverages. Adult beverages must be consumed within designated areas. Adult beverage sales end one hour prior to scheduled park closing, or at park management's discretion. Guests must present valid I.D. upon request. 

Guests will only be served a maximum of two single-portion adult beverages per valid I.D. Valid I.D. includes current driver's license, military I.D. with photo, state I.D. with photo, and passports. 

Yes, you may purchase either a Gold or Prestige All Park Passport All Season Dining Plan that is only valid at the park of purchase in 2025, valid at all Six Flags parks starting January 2026. Refer to the terms and conditions for a full list of valid parks.

If you previously purchased a Gold or Prestige All Season Dining Plan for your Home Park Only and would like to upgrade your Dining Plan to an All Park Passport All Season Dining Plan, you may do that online.

2026 All Season Dining Plans are valid on any public operating day during the remainder of the 2025 season and the 2026 season. 

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 and Prestige Passes (only valid at Carowinds), compared to programs for Gold and Prestige Passes with the All Park Passport add-on (valid at all Six Flags parks in 2026).

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.

The All Season Souvenir Bottle and All Season Drink Plans are two separate programs. Guests are not able to use their season pass to redeem if they forget their All Season Drink Bottle.

Guests who prefer the All Season Souvenir Bottle should visit Guest Services during their first visit after purchase to receive a souvenir bottle. An exchange fee may apply.

Season passholders can purchase an All Season Souvenir Bottle or an All Season Drink Plan online or in-park.

Yes. Season passholders should visit Guest Services at the park to be switched to a bottle-free program. The barcode on the All Season Souvenir Bottle will be deactivated, and the guest’s season pass can be used immediately for refills. A $5.00 exchange fee will apply.

California's Great America drink programs include unlimited refills on applicable beverages. There is a 15-minute interval time between refills.

Guest Services can replace a guest’s season pass card for $15.00 and activate the All Season Drink Plan on the new season pass card.

Guests who forget their season pass may visit Guest Services. With presentation of proper identification, a temporary season pass will be issued. The temporary season pass is only valid for the day of visit and will have the All Season Drink Plan attached. Only two temporary season passes are allowed per season pass per year.

For easy access, guests can add their season passes to the mobile app.

The All Season Drink Plans can be added to all season pass types.

The All Season Drink Plans is only valid for redemption by the registered passholder. Once the All Season Drink Plans is linked to a season pass, it is non-transferable. For benefits to be redeemed, the season pass must be used for park admission on the same date.

Day Souvenir Bottles purchased at a legacy Cedar Fair Park will ONLY be valid for subsequent day refill purchases at the legacy Cedar Fair Parks. Day Souvenir Bottles purchased at a legacy Six Flags Park will ONLY be valid for subsequent day refill purchases at the legacy Six Flags Parks.

No, 2025 All Season Souvenir Bottles purchased at a legacy Cedar Fair Park are not valid at a legacy Six Flags Park. Souvenir Bottles purchased at a legacy Cedar Fair Park are only valid at legacy Cedar Fair parks.