Six Flags Accused of Controlling Guests’ Bodies With New 2025 Policy
Six Flags Great America has triggered a heated reaction from fans, with some accusing the park of overreach and controlling guests’ bodies. The controversy stems from a newly implemented no-smoking and no-vaping rule set to take effect for the 2025 season.
Just two days before the Illinois park opened for the season on April 18, Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor Chicago shared the update via their official Facebook page. The post reads:
SMOKING POLICY
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago are committed to promoting a healthier, safer, and more welcoming environment where thrill-seekers of all ages come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences.
To support this commitment, we are implementing a smoke-free policy inside our theme park and water park.
Smoking is not permitted inside the park, including e-cigarettes and vapes. A designated smoking area is available outside of the theme park’s ticket-taking entrance. Six Flags prohibits smoking marijuana at any time, even in designated smoking areas.
The announcement came just ahead of the park’s debut of Wrath of Rakshasa, a record-breaking dive coaster with five inversions and speeds reaching nearly 67 miles per hour. But instead of talking coasters, some guests are now zeroing in on what they see as a personal freedom issue.
“People used to smoke cigarette in family restaurants and now we can’t vape outside????” Luiza Minalto asked.
Charlene Meserve added, “So no smoking areas at all anymore. But all the parents with the alcohol drinks who walk around and leave them sitting around aren’t a problem…K.”
For some, the issue isn’t the ban itself—it’s how it will be enforced.
“They should have a few designated areas off the path where it doesn’t affect anyone,” Robbie Miller commented. “Now people will just find little hiding spots, or smoke up the bathrooms. I’m guessing the will still over serve obnoxious people all the alcohol they want though because it brings in money.”
Zachary James expressed similar concerns: “If you don’t smoke then don’t go off path into the smoking areas. I don’t even smoke. Just seems a little strict. That’s a long walk to the front especially if you’re back by Eagle. Especially if you’re just vaping. If you have designated smoking areas I feel like people would be more willing to just go to those areas and smoke VS lighting up wherever and smoking anywhere. Because that’s exactly what they’re gonna do now.”
On the other side of the debate, some applauded Six Flags’ decision.
“Thank you,” Lisa Notsaying wrote. “As an ex smoker I really disliked going to the bathroom there. I mean they could have made designated areas far away from anyone but they didn’t which is crazy to put by the bathrooms.”
Katie Willner agreed: “It’s amazing how many people have such a problem with this.. When your cigarettes are literally harming everyone around you… doesn’t only affect you. It’s sad really, if u can’t go one day without one… y’all have a real problem.”
As the smoke clears, one thing is certain: the policy has sparked a passionate response. Whether seen as a public health measure or a step too far, Six Flags’ new rules are shaping up to be one of the most divisive changes of the season.
What do you think of the no-smoking policy at Six Flags Great America? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
