[FamousAmos]

We should also have a scheduled Woodstock Gliders/ Crabbie Cabie/Woodstock Express takeover... But the impromptu one that Edwardo started was fabulous.

[Jarsh]

Ok, I have unoffically dubbed C3 as "Cabanas, Coasters and Cocktails" . Had a great time yesterday. The very first time I have stayed at the park from opening to closing and not feel miserable. I personally would be intrested in hearing feedback (even though I have no input in the event) of what people thought of C3 and would folks would like to "C" at C3 in the future?

I'd be interested in hearing feedback as well! Especially from this group since the majority of the attendees are from these boards. So, let's hear it folks - what did you like? What didn't you like? What would you add/remove/change? We plan these events for the enjoyment of those in attendance. If you attended and didn't have fun, let me know so we can make changes to future events!

What would I like to "C" in future C3s?
1. Better selection of foods. I'm not saying the food was bad, 'cause it wasn't, I'd just like to have seen things like baked beans, pasta salad, green beans, maybe a soup and choice of meat, not just chicken.

I agree with you completely, but there is a trade off involved with the food. There is a base price of $6 (that includes drinks, cookies and chips) and for each item you select, there is a per item cost associated with it. The entree selection, of which you have to select two, start at $2.50 for hot dogs and go to $8.50 for an oyster roast. We always shoot for one vegetarian option and one regular option to keep folks happy. Sides (minimum of two) start at 0.75 for backed beans and go to $3.50 for a baked potato bar. Keep in mind, these prices are the per person price for the meal. There are other options to add as well like appetizers, condiments, regular and premium dessert options, beer/alcohol, "premium" add-ons, etc. all for a cost. We usually approach the event price with a number in mind and try not to go over. This years price was $65 (food, parking, and admission) for a non-passholder which is getting towards the upper end of what most people will pay for a one day event. If we were to change out some menu items, which we can, the price then gets a little higher which runs some people off. If I had my way, we'd have a feast, but the food would end up costing more than admission, haha!

2. Some other arraignment of the Scavenger hunt. Instead of having pictures to search make up some riddles for clues. You could put, inexpensive, tags where the correct answer leads you with a simple number on it. You get the tag, turn it in, numbers are tallied and a winner / winners are announced. That way it kind of keeps you from wondering around the park all day in the heat and gives you more time to enjoy the park. How many actually did the hunt this year?

Myself and Chip mentioned during the day how we needed to revamp the Scavenger Hunt after this years event. Lot's of people enjoyed it, but some folks couldn't figure some of the images out and were down right rude about making something so hard. I know, we hear all kinds of things, lol. I like you're idea Mark and will suggest something like that for future events. Like I said, me and Chip both agreed a change to it is in order, but we never discussed how or what. This idea definitely gives us a starting off point so thanks!

And, Don't break #1!!! Had to of been there to understand that one.

I missed it so I'm lost, lol.

We should also have a scheduled Woodstock Gliders/ Crabbie Cabie/Woodstock Express takeover... But the impromptu one that Edwardo started was fabulous.

We usually try to do something like this right at park opening (we did in 2015) but with the Carolina Harbor EST we didn't have a chance to do it this time.

[Jarsh]

For those who missed it, we did our Max Cannon Memorial Lap on Intimidator at 9:00am.

IMG_4547.JPG (475.95 KiB) Viewed 6049 times

[jeffdavis]

I had a blast at this event in 2015. I couldn't attend this year because of a schedule conflict, so naturally that qualifies me to be critical of the event and offer suggestions for improvement ... just kidding!

I enjoyed the challenge of the scavenger hunt in 2015. Could you e-mail me the 2016 scavenger hunt so I could try it on my own for fun on my next visit? jeffdaviswcuas@gmail.com

Thanks for everything you do to put on these events Josh & the ACE crew. I hope to be there next year.

[Jarsh]

Check out our Facebook page. Chip posted the answers to the hunt, but I posted the actual hunt in the comment section.

[Edwardo]

It was an absolute blast, Josh, the most fun I've had at the park all year.

Now about that conversation me, Jarvis, and Isaac had with Pat the GM...

[coasterbruh]

Suprises are a foot . . . speculating of course!

[surfbird]

Pat was delightful! And very informative

[Jonathan]

I'm gonna look through all my old event lanyards (yes I save them all ) at some point to try and remember what some interesting event things were.

I'm sure a lot of things are dependent on the park management and the relationship with them (boy we were lucky having Scott at Carowinds for so long weren't we? He and Max got that event down to a science working together for so many years), but it's interesting to see the different lengths that parks go to for events (obviously none of them owe us a damn thing).

But here are some things I can think of off the top of my head:

• Food: I actually think this year's food was my favorite of the events I've been to at Carowinds (loved that ravioli!). Given the catering choices you have to make (I didn't know they did it that way; very interesting), maybe you could put some of the menu items up for a vote on the ACE SE website. I saw the Coaster Crew did that once for an event and thought it was cool. Of course that could just result in hot dogs and hamburgers getting voted on which would be BORING.
• Photo and behind the scenes walk backs: Holiday World does this at all of their events for all attendees. I know it has been a staple of the Six Flags Over Georgia events as well, but for a limited number of attendees. Hersheypark did it at an ACE event I attended there as well, going through the offices and maintenance buildings. We did that at a number of Carowinds events too years ago. Great Adventure also does these; they have several different walk back tours throughout the day and signups for them are first come first serve during registration (which also encourages everyone to arrive early to register). I'm thinking specifically of Fury and all of the areas under the first drop and return leg.
• Passes for upcharge rides: Okay this may be pushing it a bit asking for free stuff, but it isn't unprecedented. I remember at least one year where there were free Skyflyer rides at C3. And for the love of god just look at what Morey's Piers gives at their event: http://ace-newjersey.org.sapin.arvixe.c ... n-2016.pdf
• Q&A with management: I know this was supposed to happen and got messed up because of the weather, but I think this is something a lot of people like.

[RiDeWaRrIoR]

I wasn't able to make it to C3 this year, but from past events the things I like the most are backstage tours. When looking at the event and deciding to go, one of the reasons I didnt was because of no tours or anything ( this is not why I wasn't able to go but this was a big part of why I didnt get a ticket immediately). I know this isn't always possible etc. but this is a big perk if you ask me! I also LOVED when we had "ert" on the skycoaster that was probably the best ever, so if they would let us do this on slingshot, that would be amazing! Every ACE event I have ever attended has been fantastic! I always have a good time. I did notice this year there was some Carolina Harbor time? I know in the past years there was always like 6+ hrs of just doing whatever, I wish that that time was exd exclusive time in the waterpark or maybe renting cabanas for all the ace members and hanging out. It gets sooooo hot at the park! I was there yesterday from opening until close! Other than that everything is always great with the events and I appreciate everything you guys at ACE do and Carowinds for letting it all happen! I will be at the coaster crew event on Sept 17th! Cant wait!

[Jarsh]

But here are some things I can think of off the top of my head:

• Food: I actually think this year's food was my favorite of the events I've been to at Carowinds (loved that ravioli!). Given the catering choices you have to make (I didn't know they did it that way; very interesting), maybe you could put some of the menu items up for a vote on the ACE SE website. I saw the Coaster Crew did that once for an event and thought it was cool. Of course that could just result in hot dogs and hamburgers getting voted on which would be BORING.
• Photo and behind the scenes walk backs: Holiday World does this at all of their events for all attendees. I know it has been a staple of the Six Flags Over Georgia events as well, but for a limited number of attendees. Hersheypark did it at an ACE event I attended there as well, going through the offices and maintenance buildings. We did that at a number of Carowinds events too years ago. Great Adventure also does these; they have several different walk back tours throughout the day and signups for them are first come first serve during registration (which also encourages everyone to arrive early to register). I'm thinking specifically of Fury and all of the areas under the first drop and return leg.
• Passes for upcharge rides: Okay this may be pushing it a bit asking for free stuff, but it isn't unprecedented. I remember at least one year where there were free Skyflyer rides at C3. And for the love of god just look at what Morey's Piers gives at their event: http://ace-newjersey.org.sapin.arvixe.c ... n-2016.pdf
• Q&A with management: I know this was supposed to happen and got messed up because of the weather, but I think this is something a lot of people like.

Food: That's a great idea. We can narrow the selection down to the few things that are of the same price and then let the people decide. Us picking the options first rules out hot digs and burgers, thankfully and it allows us to keep the price in check as well.

Photo and behind the scenes walk backs: ACE got a Fury one during the Spring Conference and I was SO close to asking for one this time around. I figured since we had an hour of ERT that night (normally 30 minutes), I'd better not push my luck, lol. This will definitely be on our "wish list" for next year. That and an unlocked theater.

Passes for upcharge rides: Depending on how they operate them, this may or may not be possible. I know at SFoG all of the pay attractions are, for lack of a better word, independently operated - meaning that if the park comps us rides on them, the park themselves has to eat that cost. During the big, national events (Coaster Con, etc) they are probably ok with doing this because of the publicity and good will that it shows lots of people. Smaller, regional events they might figure they won't want to worry with it. Like I said, that is how it is/was at SFoG. It could be very different at Carowinds, but it's definitely something we can ask about and at the very least, possibly get a discount on them.

Q&A with management: Like you mentioned, this was on the books but Pat got stuck inside because of the weather. I had hoped we might be able to get her over to the theater that night for a make up session, but they locked us out (as you know). This, though, is totally dependent on the park people. Take last year for example, the park just didn't want to hear everyone complaining about how they were removing Thunder Road so they didn't want to do one (understandable) so I would think big years (like the addition of Fury) they jump at the chance to answer them all but on bad years (removal of Thunder Road) they simply don't want to face their worst critics. Which is sad because not all of us are enthusia$$es.

[RollerBee]

They don't want to listen to people complaining about Thunder Road....
I am not surprised but I am sorry, customers complain. On a similar topic and I have been holding this in since the night Thunder Road closed:
Jarsh, do you know if any of the C3 2015 were involved in yelling "Hell no we won't go, save Thunder Road!" on the last few trains of the night? It was shortly after our time was granted and our group went back for rerides. I was not involved, wasn't in the station at the time. I was standing at the bottom of exit ramp at the time waiting for the Rides Dept manager.

It was disappointing to me as I felt that after all the park had done for our group that it made the park feel like people were ungrateful for the park letting the public know if advance that Thunder Road would be removed, I probably should have mentioned this the next day but I had more important things in my mind.

My wife(her and my daughter were regular visitors) heard the yelling and mentioned to me that she was sure that some ACErs were in the station at the time.

Other than that incident, My suggestions would be a different way to scavenger hunt. I felt like I had to focus on winning a prize instead of enjoying rides.

The food was better than the Coaster Crew event that preceded it.

I would like to see passed for Skycoaster or Slingshot but Fastlane Plus was even better.

[coasterbruh]

They don't want to listen to people complaining about Thunder Road....
I am not surprised but I am sorry, customers complain.

There is a difference between complaining and being a complete jackass. People think they can do and say whatever because they are "paying customer" but it just doesn't work that way. I own my own business. I understand that my customers are the reason i am in business but at the same time if I have a few that constantly gripe, insult me about a decision I made to make my business thrive and feel they can say whatever to me (and I have to sit there an take it) . . . I will gladly tell them to take their business elsewhere.

I feel Jonathan hit a lot of the main points. I would suggest the group photo in the beginning as it use to be that way and you actually had a group to do it lol. I feel the long stretch between the morning ERT to dinner would have been unbearable if not for having the cabana. I use to love doing the SCarowinds and regular backstage tours. I also use to enjoy the gameshow style thing as well as the amazing race inspired scavanger hunts.

Personally, the intimidator ERT can be ended and I would opt to use the season pass holder time slot on fury and have more of an exclusive time at night for the new county fair for an hour and possibly fury for 30 minutes.

That's what I have for now. I'll keep thinking.

[Jarsh]

Jarsh, do you know if any of the C3 2015 were involved in yelling "Hell no we won't go, save Thunder Road!" on the last few trains of the night?

This is the first I've heard of it. And while we were supposed to have an ERT like session on Thunder Road to end the night, the park hadn't prepared for the crowd that showed up right before our ERT session was to begin. If you remember Laresa escorting us to the front of the line through the whole queue of GP folks. While I'm certain there were ACE members present during said chant, there is no way to determine if they participated.

I feel Jonathan hit a lot of the main points. I would suggest the group photo in the beginning as it use to be that way and you actually had a group to do it lol.

I agree that a set time for the group photo needs to be listed for the exact reasons you mention. Hell, I'm so horrible at remembering to take the dang things, I consider it an accomplishment to get a semi group shot at a random time, lol. Group shots are hard to do at the beginning because not everyone is there and, in the case of Carowinds, we join with passholders after 30 minutes so you'd never be able to get everyone together to do it then. Usually dinner is the most feasible time because everyone is together and this year's photo would've been better had it not been raining and forced everyone under the pavilion. But, I'll do better at scheduling a time for the photo to help get everyone together at once.

I feel the long stretch between the morning ERT to dinner would have been unbearable if not for having the cabana. I use to love doing the SCarowinds and regular backstage tours. I also use to enjoy the gameshow style thing as well as the amazing race inspired scavanger hunts.

Chip, myself, and Laresa talked at length about moving the event back into late September and bringing back the SCarolina Coaster Classic name. It would still be there now if the park hadn't built Fury. Everyone wants night ERT on it and with the parks late closings during SCarowinds, you just can't have it. That and the waterpark is closed during that time so it cuts half of the park down for attendees. If we did move it back into September we've got some ideas (not Fast Lane pluses) to entice people to attend. Nothing is written in stone, but we're definitely looking at it heavily.

Personally, the intimidator ERT can be ended and I would opt to use the season pass holder time slot on fury and have more of an exclusive time at night for the new county fair for an hour and possibly fury for 30 minutes.

We have the Intimidator ERT as a memorial to Max since it was his favorite coaster at the park at that time so I don't foresee that going away anytime soon. As far as the other stuff, Carowinds (and other parks too) is kinda particular with their event planning. They would rather us get our ERT done in the morning so that employees aren't having to stay late at night for ERT - which is why we've always have 30 minutes at night. It was pretty much all that we could get away with without blowing their employee overtime payroll (and max hours per day) out the window. When Fury opened and they started the passholder ERT, it gave us a chance to get a "freebie" by latching onto something the park already had planned so scheduling workers wasn't an issue for them.

I said all that to say, the absolute most that we're ever likely to get for ERT is an hour before opening and an hour after closing (this includes walking time as well). However we want to break it up is up to us, but we can't cut 30 minutes from the morning and add it to the night and vice versa. We've generally set the bigger coasters for the night sessions for the night rides and the morning session is usually a lesser tier coasters/flat rides/etc (not that Intimidator is lesser tier, but it did drop down the list when Fury opened).

If we move the event to SCarowinds, I forsee ERT on Intimidator and Fury in the morning and tours of the haunts/dressing up area in between Carowinds closing and SCarowinds opening. No nighttime ERT. Plus, the event will probably cost a little more because attendees are having to buy a Carowinds ticket AND a SCarowinds ticket.

If we keep it in August, we can look for ERT on Intimidator and Fury in the morning and maybe something in County Fair at night, but Fury will be included at some point. Keep in mind, the County Fair area is several attractions so there wouldn't be any possible way to have ERT in the entire section.

[Edwardo]

And there's an example of WHY they didn't do a Q&A last year...