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So this is where I'll say, and it's not an excuse because it's very much part to deal with, Autistic brains are very programed to rules and structure. That's why I made sure I laid out my opinion. I don't think anyone is shitty or anything. Just in an autistic mind the intent, so the rule, is that the meal plan is meant for visiting the park for a full day to have a meal. So I develop that rule, and it becomes my opinion that it becomes abuse then people are using it in unintended ways of going to the park for family meals multiple times a week just to eat dinner because they paid for it.

Like I'm having a similar issues with work right now. One of the things we strive for is a phone call before your first appointment, but we can't always get one in. So my mind goes - "ah, rule, I don't really want to try if you don't try, so I'm better off not continuing to work with you if you can't do this one phone call". But yet plenty of people do well without that call, so clearly getting it in isn't a set rule to doing well, but I've set it up because that's just the way my mind operates.
You’re good, no worries at all. The meal plan can be utilized in a lot of ways. If it convinces someone to buy a season pass, then that’s already a plus for the park.

People (myself included) are defensive of it because we love it so much. I think it’s a great business plan and I sing its praises wherever I go. I dream of the meal plan. In many ways, I am the meal plan. No longer am I a person, but a slice of brisket with a side of corn from Firehouse.
 
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Would be hard for me to justify the Prestige pass, I only get a single day of WFH a week. Though... I could use my lunch break to drive to the park have lunch and finish working...

This gives me an idea...

Bag check in the VIP area for Prestige members. Incentive to have a prestige pass. Though it would mean a bit less income for lockers.
 
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I'm surprised they don't put caps on the meal plan to avoid abuse and being a cafeteria for locals - e.g. 25 uses per plan. It would seem to be the same for the VIP lounge where it could be limited to one per day per guest.
 
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I'm surprised they don't put caps on the meal plan to avoid abuse and being a cafeteria for locals - e.g. 25 uses per plan. It would seem to be the same for the VIP lounge where it could be limited to one per day per guest.
They limit it to two four hours apart for each visit on the meal plan. The meal plan is ment to draw people to the park in hopes that they spend money on other stuff while visiting. It also 4 hours apart tend to get some the expand their visit length and again increase the likelihood of in park sales. CF isn't dumb they have done their research and see a benefit to the current structure.

Carowinds and other parks have established limits on lounge snack after seeing it abused I really hope we don't see similar problems. I for one use it on and off on a visit as a snack drink and quick recharge I am usually in for15 20 minutes and then back out and might do the same in a few hours. So limiting it to one use a day would really make me annoyed as I paid the extra with the plan of using it that way. I will add that year's previously I would use my drink plan and sit in an AC restaurant much the same which ties up space in their that could be going to full meal guests so this maybe another win for the park in the lounge area.
 
For what it is worth, when we were there last Saturday, there were only a few groups in the Prestige/VIP Lounge. Everyone was quiet and well-behaved and no one appeared to be stockpiling snacks. In fact, my impression was that everyone there was just enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and the opportunity to take a break from the crowds outside. It felt like a cool, clean refuge.
This has been my experience on every visit.
 
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For what it is worth, when we were there last Saturday, there were only a few groups in the Prestige/VIP Lounge. Everyone was quiet and well-behaved and no one appeared to be stockpiling snacks. In fact, my impression was that everyone there was just enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and the opportunity to take a break from the crowds outside. It felt like a cool, clean refuge.
Don't worry, it's still early in the year.
 
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I'm surprised they don't put caps on the meal plan to avoid abuse and being a cafeteria for locals - e.g. 25 uses per plan.
This would most likely increase the number of redemptions, as now you are giving a goal. I would definitely make sure I used every last one of my meals. It may also hurt sales from those who only come once every couple of months, as it will be seen as not as worthwhile if you only use 8 out of 25 redemptions.
 
That pond floods numerous times a year. Keep in mind the pond is at the bottom of a creek that winds though most of Old VA, and thus this can happen on some of the downpours throughout the summer.
 
Sitting out a weather stoppage in the lounge got to hand it to the guy working the desk. He let several people briefly get out of the rain and peak in while upselling them on upgrading for next year. Seemed to work on at last on group.
 
Sitting out a weather stoppage in the lounge got to hand it to the guy working the desk. He let several people briefly get out of the rain and peak in while upselling them on upgrading for next year. Seemed to work on at last on group.
I upgraded for next year and checked it out for the first time today. It’s really nice, can see myself enjoying it. Wish I didn’t have to upgrade my son’s (7) pass for him to come in, but I see why they make you do that. Still considering it though because on those really hot days, would come in clutch
 
As someone who works hybrid: I love this place. Getting my work done while getting two free meals a day, unlimited drinks and snacks, and chilling in my happy place is hard to beat.
I don’t know if $240 for a pass is worth it for a 7 year old, seeing as how while he is tall enough to see some use from the fastpass he obviously doesn’t get the parking benefit and I’m not sure that the lounge is worth the extra for him…..Not going to lie, I had the same remote work though today while I was sitting in there but wasn’t sure that would work. Do they actually let you stay in there for hours?
 
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I don’t know if $240 for a pass is worth it for a 7 year old, seeing as how while he is tall enough to see some use from the fastpass he obviously doesn’t get the parking benefit and I’m not sure that the lounge is worth the extra for him…..Not going to lie, I had the same remote work though today while I was sitting in there but wasn’t sure that would work. Do they actually let you stay in there for hours?
That’s fair. Not to sway you one way or another, put what pushed me over the edge was the two free bring-a-friend tickets. If you plan on bringing a few people to the park at all next year, those two tickets alone nearly add up to the price difference versus the gold pass. With that calculation in mind, it was a no-brainer for me.
 
That’s fair. Not to sway you one way or another, put what pushed me over the edge was the two free bring-a-friend tickets. If you plan on bringing a few people to the park at all next year, those two tickets alone nearly add up to the price difference versus the gold pass. With that calculation in mind, it was a no-brainer for me.
I’ve already bought it for me, just struggling to justify the added expense for my son. Although I won’t be able to use the benefits if he comes with me unless I upgrade his too so maybe that’s worth it right there
 
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