dirkdiggler1992 wrote:Capler wrote:dirkdiggler1992 wrote:
This definitely seems to be the case more so than temperatures and what not. There is a much different atmosphere during Winterfest vs Scarowinds, less adventurous or chaotic clientele. Winterfest is certainly more relaxing and family friendly event, I’ve honestly found it much more enjoyable than Scarowinds this year.
I don’t care to ride coasters in cold weather much anyway nor do I need to ride a coaster 12 months out of the year so only having Afterburn is fine to me. Makes you appreciate Fury and Co. when they reopen in Spring.
So basically you are saying the park handicaps the rides during Winterfest by closing most and only having one operator at the others? The long lines are ignored because they'd rather you pay $12 to paint a cookie. Did I get it right?
“By closing most...” which additional rides do you recommend they have open? I think you went on the last day of Winterfest before Christmas to more crowds than you would have liked and now you want someone to complain to. Either enjoy the lights, shows, and cookie decorating along with the flats that are running or skip the event.
Yes Sunday was busy, rain has pushed many guests onto a tighter window of days to go, it happens. I noticed slow loading with Rock N Roller as well with just two ops but I experience that on most days, not just for Winterfest.
People can complain because of the cost involved. I have a season pass but some of the folk I was with did not. The online ticket was $29 with a $7 service charge. The hot cocoa was $6. Two meals at Harmony Hall was $35 w/drink..... I'm not complaining about the cost because I expect that at any amusement park. We all understand the price structure where food, and extras help supplement the cheap season passes.
Taking the enormous cost into consideration, you would at least expect the rides to be well staffed at any cost, even if that means calling in front office and maintenance staff to fill-in. They knew the park was going to be slammed because traffic was backed up at the gate 1 hour before the parking lot opened. I know this because I was in that line. They did not even have enough staff present to open the toll plaza and parking lot until about 15 minutes before the park opened. By that time, the traffic was likely backed up to the interstate.
There is also the issue of customer demand. If people are lining up for the rides, what does that tell you? It is what they want. I don't expect all the rides to be open during WinterFest, I simply want what is open to handle the crowd.
As was mentioned in earlier posts, hopefully this was a learning experience for the park and it will be addressed in the future. When you are charging premium prices, you have to give premium service. And before someone argue that pass holders are getting a sweetheart deal, in one sense that is true, but in other cases, the park is getting more money from them. Season pass + Fast pass + Meal plan + drink cup. At the end of the day, the love is spread among all the guest.
