CHARLOTTE — Carowinds theme park was mostly quiet last year, only opening on select nights in November and December for its annual holiday event, so season ticket holders were excited when the park extended their passes for the 2021 season.
But when the park opened last month, it introduced new COVID-19 safety protocols which include requiring season pass holders to make reservations to help limit the amount of people at the park.
Quay Washington Zapf is a season pass holder. He drove from hours away to visit the park on Thursday but was turned away at the gate because he didn’t have reservations.
“We went up to guest services and they are letting people know that they are not letting you in if you don’t have a reservation, even if you have a season pass,” he said.
Zapf said there were no available dates when he tried to make reservations. He also tried contacting the park’s customer service center more than 10 times, but he hasn’t been able to speak with a representative.
Now, he wants a refund.
Tamia Jackson wants a refund, too. She’s a season pass holder as well.
“Every time I try to make a reservation, they’re booked up, so they’re getting my money, but we still can’t go to the park,” she said.
Channel 9′s Greg Suskin contacted park officials about the issue and was sent the following statement:
“We’re keeping the capacity at a level that allows for social distancing, as required. Our guests can always contact us with any questions or requests. Each inquiry is handled individually. Our goal is to strike the appropriate balance between our operating calendar, the availability of seasonal labor and the anticipated demand from our guests.”
A representative added that the park will keep evaluating the requirement of reservations through the season.
(WATCH: Carowinds’ Carolina Harbor water park opening delayed due to “labor issues”)
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