lilbubba

Please realize and understand that you're dealing with primarily 15-17 year old employees having their first job. I worked at KI in Food Service for 8 seasons and while it sounds easy to train, there's a lot they have to learn. Register training is such a small part of what they have to go through. Most of their formal training is on HR related matters (sexual harassment, appearance and grooming, etc.) and for Food Employees it's also training on key things like proper food handling, alcohol policies, the various chemicals you'll use (what protective equipment you need, how you use them, etc.) and of course how all the food is prepared in your stand. Every year, a majority of these front line employees are new. Unlike traditional businesses who get to hire new employees gradually (thus allowing new employees to shadow experienced employees), Kings Island has to hire thousands in a seasonal occupation. We implemented (not sure if it's still a part of the curriculum or not) register training as part of the food training to give employees hands on experience (we had actual register labs with predefined scenarios for them to act out) but it isn't the same as being in front of real guests and the training has to be done weeks before opening day because you can't train that many people in a weekend. When was the last time someone taught you something that you had to recite from memory weeks later? Mind you it isn't only registers, it is also all the other topics you had to learn. Over the years, the registers have become much more complicated. When I left, there were no meal plans (with the exception of a few group meal options at select restaurants that we had to redeem but not sell), no phone payments, no gold pass discounts, no free refills on souvenir cups, no meal combos, etc. We also didn't sell or redeem various things like wrist bands for drinks or meal plans or souvenir cups. I'm not saying it couldn't be better. I just ask that you take all of this into consideration next time you visit the park. It really is a difficult thing to teach someone everything they may need to know.

As a general fyi, what area supervisors (or anyone in the park for that matter) do is turn the season passes over to Lost & Found by the front gate. So if you ever lose one, that's a good place to look.

Comparatively speaking, a 20 oz Coke at a Reds game is 5.00 now. A 32 oz at Showcase is 5.00, compared to 4.25 at KI assuming you don't have a souvenir cup which is just $2.00 to fill 44 oz (if you have the Diamondback, 32 oz for others). This year Food is adding a lot of perks for Season Pass holders to give more for their money. The current meal deal at Subway is incredible, 4 6in subs 4 bags of chips and 4 drinks for 29.99. That's honestly the price at a regular Subway almost. (3.59 for 6 in subs, 1.79 for reg drink, 1.49 for chips equals 27.48). There are after 5 specials at Jukebox and Stunt Crew for 39.99 and as everyone mentioned, the backyard bbq is a great deal as well. There are even going to be perks in June for Cinnabon prepackaged at 50% off I believe for Gold pass holders. Again, I understand that many people hate the prices but that's the only way the park can afford 24 million dollar roller coasters. But as Food is concerned, they've added a lot of values to Gold Pass Holders. 7.50 for a meal at subway is a great deal.

Menu items are changing this year, and I'm unsure if Coney Skyline is finalized. I can assure you that salads and other cold items will not be served because there is no good way to serve them there. So expect it to be the same as last year with cookies and the 3way, 4way cheese coney menu.

Last year, they typically averaged out to about the same crowds but seeing as they have ride warriors, I do believe it will be slightly busier than it has the past few weekends. And Bring a Friend Free days were the worst.

There was some miscommunication where many people were not informed about wristbands not being required since it was required last year. Unfortunately, changes aren't always communicated clearly so some were informed while others were under the impression the rules remained the same from last year. It also lists on the VIP perks that the pizza deal is only good June-August but as of this time but the restaurants are honoring it.

Part of the image problem of the cleanliness can probably be blamed on the guests at the park as you guys have stated. I've been to Disney World 3 times as a guest and I don't recall anyone leaving a table full of food. At Kings Island I see people all the time leave food all over their table, deface the tables in every way imaginable from carving names, to using markers, to writing in condiments, it's simply ridiculous. As for the food angle, I love when the park incorporates new food. Many people want a sit down restaurant but I'm not sure how successful it would really be in Kings Island. There were talks in the past about having one but food staffing is horrendous as it is, a sit down restaurant would require more staff that in the past we wouldn't have. This year will be interesting in terms of staffing due to the economy and the difficulty finding jobs, there's a chance we'll be better staffed and have the staffing for that restaurant. If the park were to add one, I think it would have the most success adding it in BB for two reasons: a) it'd be summer staffing only, when we should have adequate staff for it. b ) the amount of guests in the waterpark is small enough that it would allow for a comfortable dine-in experience, and offer another restaurant to choose instead of Outback Shack (yeah Subway's out there but that doesn't really do well when it's open). There's a bunch of little things I'd like to see improved in the park but I don't have much thought or ideas for it to add to the discussion so I'll save it for another time.

It's always fascinated me about the pricing scheme an amusement park must employ in order to be successful. Same for all other entertainment entities. Food doesn't compete with local restaurants such as a local subway, but rather the entertainment locations such as Reds/Bengals game and movie theaters. Sadly, Kings Island is cheaper than eating at a Bengals game. I always wondered if people would be happier with much higher admission prices than food prices? Also, many people would complain about the long lines waiting for food if it was reduced because it would reduce the incentive in leaving to go outside the park to eat. Saturday for Food stands are often stretched to the max, sometimes with lines "out the door" with all registers open. Especially at places like Jukebox and Subway where EVERY order is made to order, there isn't much that can be done to improve line speed sometimes.

To answer your question, the only ride that I can remember running when I was working there was the train. (which of course, was because they themed it as a soldier returning home for the holidays) I believe that was it, most areas were closed and those that weren't were pretty much just available for food. The park invested a fortune in it and expected to bring it back for the 06 season, even selling tickets in June for it! Unfortunately, that was also the year we were bought out. I wasn't responsible for budgeting (thankfully!) but I know just the installation of the two counter areas inside the door of Festhaus and wiring for the needed electricity and registers cost over $50,000. The one still remains today as the beer cart, the other was demolished (I'm not sure when). With all the additional costs of the new equipment etc I'm sure the figure was astronomical. As far as bring it back, Cedar Fair made a rather conscious choice not to bring it back. The 05 season was a flop, much bigger than Paramount could have originally expected. They had budgeted for 20,000 on most nights! And sadly, I think our biggest day was 2,700 people. However, many of my friends were amazed by the experience because it truly was an experience. Unlike many things the park did, it really did create a good Christmas atmosphere that personally beat the others in our area. I've never had a more enjoyable time working than to see all the little kids with smiles on their faces. Given time it could have established itself as it once had, but Cedar Fair didn't give it the chance that Paramount did. With competition from new comers like the Beach the first year would be hard because part of the success I believe in the original Winterfest was that families did it as a tradition. After 10+ years this tradition was gone. I'd love to see it again but think its safe to chalk up as another distant memory.

Did Craig Ross actually work at Paramount's Kings Island? I know a lot of the full timers have been moved in and out from various parks, especially when they get higher on the ladder like Craig Ross was. But yes there are the positions available for those who have the dedication and will to do it. ~ Steven

There was. For one, we were never really supposed to use that entrance. Associates just did it for various reasons, some wanted to avoid guests (I hope this wasn't a majority view), and some wanted to save a little time. All they did was make it clear that we were not supposed to use it (unless we had a purpose to go back there, such as money room). But I've noticed on a few occasions where people were EXTREMELY loud and inappropiate, which I'm sure would be hard to work under, otherwise I highly doubt they'd care as much. And Interpreter, you're right. I didn't phrase it accurately. I meant for this year the changes won't really be an extreme change (why bother when the year's almost over?) I think they'll wait and observe and see how minor changes affect the park before they go making the extensive restructuring of the park for the 2007 season. That's when you'll honestly see the changes, this is merely setting the foundation. Also, do note that the positions haven't all been filled (though I have heard a new director (yes director, no longer Vice President) of Resale has been decided upon). And a really interesting thing to note, Food won't really be seperated this year, but look for it to be next year as Dave Zellner was appointed the Director of Food And Beverage. I'm personally glad to see Food seperate from Games and Merchandise. ~ Steven

I myself am only seventeen and a supervisor in food. But it does require experience unlike what some think. This is my third year in the park (I worked most of 2004, all of 2005 from opening day to winterfest and so far all of this year). Our greatest problem is retention. I honestly believe it would be better if I was older, however I do feel I deserved the position compared to the other options out there. The other crew leaders did not demonstrate the dedication (I worked plenty of seventy hour weeks), did not show the professionalism (I have never received a single written warning from any of my managers (not to say I've never been corrected but I never did anything inappropiate)), nor the overall will it takes to be a supervisor. It's not easy controlling 12 associates and making all the guests and associates happy. But I do it because I want to and I strive to make my stand, as well as the park, as excellent as I can make it. While some people in management positions truly do not deserve their title, I do feel it wrong to take it away from those who really have worked their ass off and dedicated more to the park then someone who only gets the position because they're older. Just my two cents ~ Steven

From what I have heard, Cedar Faire does not have any Christmas celebrations in it's parks. That being said, it's sad to see it scrapped. I worked it last year and saw the poor attendance, but saw it's mistakes. CBS had went to fix some of them this year with more marketing and cheaper prices (less than half price at ten dollars a ticket)tr5, but Cedar Faire was not interested. I'm hoping in time it will be brought back but I don't believe it'll be in the next five years ~ Steven

One thing nobody seemed to mention was Skyline. While those from out of state might not like cheeze coneys and 4 ways, those who have grown up to love it can get it EXTREMELY cheap compared to the other mark ups. A cheese coney at a regular skyline is 1.39-1.49, while at the one in Kings Island is only 1.89. The appearance quality is not always as good (the lines are extremely long and so they move a lot faster than at a traditional skyline), but they taste just as good. Drinks are unfortunately the same price as everywhere else, but nowhere will you find a cut on drink prices. Just wait. That's all I'll say for now.. Cedar Faire has shown a strong interest in having a dine-in location, with a few executives from various restaurants have looked into it. Look for 2007. ~ Steven

First off, hello all! Being my first post, I figured I'd post on a most controversial topic. I'm a supervisor in the park but did hear about the restructuring. I heard most of the names of those who were released, and as far as I heard they were all full time employees (most of them Vice Presidents of their respected divisions). What's it mean? Not much honestly. I knew four of those who were released, but it was by no means a secret. I'm low on the chain and knew of the meeting that Friday a week before it took place, and knew that it began the restructuring. We didn't know who was going to be released obviously until after the meeting but they were aware that they might not have a job. There was a little bit more that came out of the meeting, but guests won't really notice any difference from the meeting, just employees. And a little fyi, all layoffs were specifically at Paramount's Kings Island. Most of the other parks had their layoffs before us.