Me and my husband took our 2 kids to Stonemountain Park for the 4th of July. I used to love to go there as a teenager, did all the attractions and watched the laser show.
My neice recently went and told us that prices had gone way up, and to buy an armband that it was cheaper that way. We got there about 1 o'clock and already there were people lined up for miles. It was $7 to park but there was nowhere left to park. So when we finally find somewhere we about a mile away (literally) from the main attractions.
So with no trams running that day, we had to walk with a 3 year old thru countless people and endless cars in sweltering heat for a mile. When we finally reach our destination, drenched and tired, we go to get our armbands, which are a hefty $78. This really shocked me, as I remember this being a cheap family vacation in my youth. But, the shock had just begun. After waiting in line for about an hour to ride the skylift, I see the ticket board, $19 tax for adults and $15 tax for (3-11). This ride mind you just takes you to the top of the mountain, along with about 40 other people they have crammed check to check in this thing. So now you get to walk around and look at the scenary for the top. Now my kids are thirsty and want some water, yeah they have water fountains but guess what they keep them with the water so warm that you can't drink it, so you can buy their cokes for $3. Now stand in line and ride back down.
Now get ready to walk again. Off we go to the train and an even longer line, and again the price $19 /$15. Now this ride is about 20 minutes around the base of the rock. So to feel like I had gotten my moneys worth for my armbands we decide to go ride the riverboat and eat our lunch we had packed.
We walk the mile back to the car and eat, then walk to the riverboat, which is now closed. So yes we get to walk that mile back to the mountain. Where we spread our blanket on the great lawn at 5:30. So now we have spent $85 to park and ride 2 rides, and got a damn good exercise. But oh yes we could have done other things with our armbands but we were too damn hot and tired of walking. We are both early 30's with a 12 year old and 3 year old. Can you imangine older people or disabled. And I thought about the people I saw standing in line that didn't have the armbands, I would have been $156's worth of pissed off.
After we waited for four hours to see the laser show and fireworks it was great, but we left before they were over so we could RUN to the car and beat some of this massive crowd out of here. They charged $7 to park. When we left there were cars parked on both sides of the road almost all the way back to the main entrance on 78.
These people are making a killing. I would have just liked to have what they made on parking that day, I would never have to work again.
So if you are planning to go there, Don't do it on the 4th of July especially, go somewhere worth that much money.
Michelle
Vinemont, Alabama
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