[KDCOASTERFAN]

Lower capacity, popular rides make sense(ie Cobra, Rapids) but higher capacity rides even popular ones(ie Afterburn, Intimidator) just don't seem like a good selling point to me as they generally have short/no line. Hurler is high capacity and unpopular so why have it on the list, once again doesn't seem like a good selling point. Windseeker I get as it is the new attraction. Boo Blaster is low to medium capacity and popular(good point), Ricochet is low capacity and it is popular. I ain't no marketing person so take my opinion with a grain of salt. As far as Thunder Road..high capacity and popular. It just makes the most sense to me to pick rides that have slow moving lines that are popular.

Therein lies the problem,they'll try to reduce capacity on the"popular" rides by running only one train to increase wait times &make the fastlane system look like the better bargain.

[Picklesthedrummer]

Therein lies the problem,they'll try to reduce capacity on the"popular" rides by running only one train to increase wait times &make the fastlane system look like the better bargain.

Well today they didn't have anything running with one train, except Hurler. However Hurler is common to have only one train running.

[RollerBee]

Therein lies the problem,they'll try to reduce capacity on the"popular" rides by running only one train to increase wait times &make the fastlane system look like the better bargain.

Well today they didn't have anything running with one train, except Hurler. However Hurler is common to have only one train running.

Hurler started running both train later in the afternoon.

[KDCOASTERFAN]

Therein lies the problem,they'll try to reduce capacity on the"popular" rides by running only one train to increase wait times &make the fastlane system look like the better bargain.

Well today they didn't have anything running with one train, except Hurler. However Hurler is common to have only one train running.

Hurler started running both train later in the afternoon.

Ughh,they shoulda kept it down to one train,there's hardly anyone riding it(assuming they're smartenough not to).

[RollerBee]

The station was full and the switchbacks were in use.

[chknwing]

Going to Kings Dominion next weekend. Bought Fast Lane pass. Its not worth it for carowinds for Kings Dominion I think it is. The lines there can grow to an hour wait or more, especially, volcano and flight of fear. To be able to ride those rides as much as I want and not have to wait, is well worth the price for the fast lane pass.

[Edwardo]

I feel like this will only be a big problem on busy days like Saturdays

That's kind of the point. On busy days, yes, they're going to sell more Fastlanes. But you're not going to see any major issues, just like you don't see any major issues at any other parks. I dont' see anyone complaining about Dollywood's Q2Q, but, then, that's because it's cheap. People tend to complain more about stuff that they can't afford.

Hurler is high capacity and unpopular so why have it on the list, once again doesn't seem like a good selling point. Windseeker I get as it is the new attraction. Boo Blaster is low to medium capacity and popular(good point), Ricochet is low capacity and it is popular. I ain't no marketing person so take my opinion with a grain of salt. As far as Thunder Road..high capacity and popular. It just makes the most sense to me to pick rides that have slow moving lines that are popular.

Which sounds better to you if you're spending $50 for a Fastlane:

"Buy our Fastlane for $50 and get front of the line access on 15 different rides!"
or
"Buy our Fastlane for $50 and get front of the line access to 5 rides that have slow moving lines!"

Take it from this marketing director, people want to be given more. And if they're throwing in rides that have high capacity and/or no waits, then it A) isn't affecting anyone, so quit complaining. And B) is still making the people who paid extra happy.

Therein lies the problem,they'll try to reduce capacity on the"popular" rides by running only one train to increase wait times &make the fastlane system look like the better bargain.

The park does not benefit from doing this. Disney doesn't do it. The new Six Flags regime doesn't do it. Dollywood doesn't do it. Small parks don't do it. It's just that enthusiasts complain about it. Usually because they can't afford it.

What I don't get is all of the complaints from regulars that go all the frickkin time, that know when the park isn't busy, and they're complaining about Fastlane. I went to the park like 10 times last year and never had any issues with lines because I knew when to go. Opening day was not bad, and the lines weren't bad.

If you want Carowinds to continue adding new and amazing rides, then expect them to implement things like Fastlane (I bet they'll offer different tiers and prices later), food options, and more. Thats how they make money and thats how they buy new coasters.

[Picklesthedrummer]

What I don't get is all of the complaints from regulars that go all the frickkin time, that know when the park isn't busy, and they're complaining about Fastlane.

It's because we have the season passes and go multiple times through out the year. Can't afford to use it 10 times in a year. I do admit, I jumped the gun on judging the Fastlane. Usually the only Saturday I go all year is opening day. I do like you do and go on noncrowded weekdays. I will judge the Fastlane again then to see if it effects the lines on the slower days. Although honestly after thinking about it, I don't think many people will buy them on those days. From what I hear at Kings Island last year, few people purchased them on the slow weekdays.

[arby]

Well said, Edwardo. I concur.

[Jay]

Judging from the park's Facebook page people are not too pleased. Some of the comments are downright hilarious, even though I do feel bad for the people. Some could be just a tad overreacting though..

Major fail with the Fast Lane passes -- If something isn't done to make this fair, we WON'T be renewing our season passes for next year ... And by the looks of it, I'm not the only one who has an issue with the new policy -- and you'll be losing quite a few other Carowinds regulars ...

Fast lane is an ABOMINATION! I tried to ride the intimidator and I saw fastlane holders ride it TWO and THREE times while I stood on the steps! I tried to ride After Burn and stood second in line for the front row for FIVE trains! And then first in line for two more! I have had a season pass most seasons for the last 20 years (Yes, twenty, since I was just tall enough to ride the kiddie coaster).... I think I will go back, since I have a pass, just to see how this continues to be implemented throughout the year but I will not be spending a CENT while I'm in the park. If the system does not become much more fair this will, sadly, be the last time I renew my pass. This is NOT the same as SixFlags' virtual queue system, which I see as pretty fair as long as the queue is correct.

Just wanted to share my opinion about Carowinds this year. We went tonight for the first time and probably won't be going back much this year and DEFINITELY won't be buying passes for next year. Here's the scoop:

They are now allowing people to purchase a "fastlane" ticket that allows you to bypass the line and ride without waiting. However, there are signs all over the park that say "breaking in... line is cause for removal from the park." REALLY? But...you can PAY to cut in line??? What a double standard! So, what that equates to is that your wait time is increased by as much as 50% or longer!!! Seriously, last year we waited in line for the Intimidator when the line was out of the gate. It took about 35-45 minutes. Not bad for such an awesome ride. This year with the new "fastlane" ticket...our wait was 1 HOUR and 10 MINUTES!! We have called security on people in the past for cutting in line, but now, why bother? Just b/c you can pay to cut in line still doesn't make it right. We'll be spending our $300 somewhere else next year.

I normally buy 6flags season passes,this year my family of 7 decided 2 try Carowinds. season passes in hand smiles on all the faces, Til we watched all the fast pass lines go and go while we waited and waited.
Thourghly enjoyed the park but next season back to GA!!! Epic FAIL Carowinds..

I Have A HUGE Complaint About The Fast Pass...What isn't right about the whole thing is that I waited a 1hr 20mins for a ride and I was at the front of the line and a bunch of fast pass people ran up and the worker filled the whole train with fast pass. The fast pass lane was empty and the train left. On the next train here come more fast pass and they went first and filled up most the train I ask... the lady why don't they just take half the train or something to make it fair for all the people waiting over a hour she said well they pay more money so they go first. I'm a gold season pass holder and that doesn't matter. There has to be some kind of medium where normal lines aren't waiting hrs while people who pay more ride over and over.

No offence but get rid of the fast lane pass because thats not fair to the people who have to wait and when u buy a fast lane pass u get to skip!

We have been here since 11:30am and have only ridden 2 rides. Those Fast Lane piss on any kind of fun for this place. I've been coming here for 25 years and this is the first time I've regretted it. The ideology of this place is now "whoever pays more rides more". Whoever adopted this garbage should be beaten with a rubber hose.

We went to Carowinds yesterday and your Fast Lane system is AWFUL. There were so many people who had to wait hours to ride certain rides because of the"fast lane" people. I am definitely not opposed to the fast lane, but there should be designated times of the day for it to be used....before you have NO patrons!!!!!

The tickets are around $50. But people please note if you do not spend the extra $50 for the fast lane you may not get to ride the good rides. WHAT A RIP OFF!

Worst idea yet I waited for two trains at the very front after waiting 1hr 20mins after they filled it up twice with fast lane riders grrrr I'm sure I would have to wait longer if more people was in line then ur worker tells me well they paid more money than me like my 7 gold season passes I purchased were nothing to them!! Not enough money paid I guess!

Fast Line passes are a horrible idea. It makes the wait that much longer for others... who have already spent way too much money to get into the park. I don't think we will ever be getting season passes again. It's starting to cost way too much and now you either pay more money or wait longer.

I agree- do away with Fast Pass altogether!! So frustrating for those of us to spend so much $ on Gold Passes, then to either wait in line longer or pay (way too much) MORE $ to get the fast pass. Bad idea. This may be our last season as well. What a shame.

Wow... Thanks for the heads up! I am not going to get a pass this year! F**k that sh*t! I was just about to buy them... This is what you get for being greedy... You're gonna loose alot of $.. Lmao!

Big, huge mistake, Carowinds! My family has purchased season passes for many years now but we will not renew next year if you keep this Fast Lane program in place as described here. This sounds a lot like what Six Flags has implemented in their parks and it has ruined the experience there as well for season pass holders. I refuse to participate in these sanctioned line jumping extortion programs. Take a lesson from Disney and consider implementing something similar to their Fastpass program which actually works and is fair to everyone involved.

We will def think twice before we spend 655 on platinum passed for your park again. Waiting over an hour and a half for a ride like the cobra is ridiculous. This is a horrible idea and does nothing to make me want to continue coming to your park. I would think the previous 54 comment that are similar would show you exactly what your customers think about this! Not to mention I witnessed several people switch braclets throughout the day meaning groups of people would just continue to take turns cycling through your rides while pass holders waited. Instead of staying all day, buying dinner for my family and waiting for the fire work display; we left early, ate elsewhere and went home very disappointed.

I bought 6 season passes and still had to wait in line for people that was in the fastlane 6 season passes was not cheap.. that is catering to people that have more money..... just like our government

And my favorite comment

Carowinds whack because the "fast lane" people get to skip everyone cause they payed an extra $30 per person 4 one day...thats stoopid and unfair.. this is y i hate carowinds

Then after getting a few likes he says:

slayed them

Curious if anyone here has any comments for or against? I didn't see it used much on opening day a few weeks back so I don't think I can comment yet.

[arby]

I have been there four times already and it hasn't affected me, either. Of course, we know when to go to miss the crowds. The whole family went this past Tuesday from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM and my wife commented that we got more rides in for that 1 1/2 hours than the five hours we were there opening day. I ran back over there on Wednesday and got another dozen rides in with little to no lines. We weren't crazy enough to go anywhere near the park on Saturday, which I think most of the complaints came from.

When I was there Sunday, I noticed they were letting fast lane riders on immediately when they showed up for the ride. For that system to work without as much outcry, I think they need to modify the process. Virtual queue systems seem to be more widely accepted.

I'm going to two Six Flags parks this week and I'm curious to see how their Flash Passes affect the queues.

[Picklesthedrummer]

For me, the times it effected me was if you try to get front row. Since the Fastpass people get seat preference, almost everyone chooses front row. As for the Flashpass, it slowed down the lines a lot when I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Six Flags just sells too many of them in a day.

[KDCOASTERFAN]

For me, the times it effected me was if you try to get front row. Since the Fastpass people get seat preference, almost everyone chooses front row. As for the Flashpass, it slowed down the lines a lot when I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Six Flags just sells too many of them in a day.

SF borrowed the idea from disney about a decade ago & it has since snowballed to every park chain in the world.

No matter how it's run it's an unfair system for those who choose not to spend more of their money on it & should be done away with at the non-disney parks,disney are able to get away with it simply because their parks,by virtue of their location in a tourist region of Florida cater to the wealthy who don't mind spending cash on the insanely priced admission to their parks but as a result of the crowds the system as well.

For regional parks like SF & CF parks however this strategy just doesn't work well because the average guest doesn't have the funds to do it,nor the real desire.

[chknwing]

so with the same logic, we should do away with first class airline tickets, expensive cars, box seats for the lakers,etc etc because some people dont want to pay for the luxury.

[brandonmoore7]

so with the same logic, we should do away with first class airline tickets, expensive cars, box seats for the lakers,etc etc because some people dont want to pay for the luxury.

...Borrrrriinnnggggggg