Kirk Sheppard Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 My 7 year old niece, Kamryn, had never been to Kings Island and it had been years for my mom. So I invited them down to spend a couple of days with me at my favorite local theme park. I booked a two bedroom suite at the TownePlace Suites so I could stay with them overnight and we were all very excited. I met them about 1:30 on Tuesday afternoon at the hotel where they had just gotten done swimming in the outdoor pool. We stopped at Wendy's for lunch before making our way to the park. We bought their two-day tickets from one of the unfriendliest employees I've encountered thus far (and I regret not remembering his name so I could pass along that feedback to those who need to hear it) and we went in. We stopped so the park paparazzi could snap our picture, mainly because I've heard they have a quota and can't take their break til they take enough pictures. Our first stop was the Eiffel Tower so I could show Kamryn the whole park and give her some options of things to ride. She seemed impressed with how high up we were and was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. We looked around for a bit and then settled on the Viking Fury. She and I rode it, while mom watched and took some photos. Kamryn said she was a little dizzy after we got off. We planned to see the ice show at 3 PM anyway, so we headed to the Kings Island Theater for "Snoopy Rocks! on Ice." I told the usher to let my friend Meg who works behind the scenes know I was there. We watched the show and enjoyed it and waited for Meg to come out to say hi afterwards. She is one of the truly nicest people I know and it was good to see her again. Kamryn was ready to ride something else, so we headed towards Dodge 'Em, but on the way we ducked into the Festhaus where "American Country" was playing so we sat and watched the show. I introduced Kamryn to the performers afterwards. She likes to sing with my mom when she does concerts at nursing homes and other local venues back home so I thought she'd enjoy seeing and meeting the folks in the show and she shook their hands and they were all super. We finally headed back to Dodge 'Em where she and mom rode twice. Then we headed to Congo Falls, where a dumb teenage boy in the front row thought he'd be real cute by standing up as we headed down the hill. I yelled at him and told him to sit down and he did. You and I both know that if something had happened to him, his family would have blamed the park and probably sued and it would have been completely his fault. I just don't understand people who act like this. After this, we were cooled off but it was still hot. I wanted Mom to see "Way Too Much TV" as I thought she'd get a kick out of the nostalgia. Its a great show and we enjoyed it. I introduced Kamryn to this cast as well as they were once again exceptionally nice to her. She was ready to ride some rides and my friend Connie met up with us. I was starving, so I sent Mom and Kamryn off to Planet Snoopy while Connie and I had some Chik-Fil-A. As we were sitting there, I was telling her about how great the show at the Bandstand is and how super Haylee Dobkins sings "Carwash." Of course, as soon as it was time for this song, a park services employee came rolling by with a large garbage cart that he rolled around in circles making it impossible to hear the song. Of course. But seriously, if you've not heard her sing this song you are missing out. Its totally worth standing out in the sun for. The whole show is really good and moves fast and is well worth watching. We met up with Mom and Kamryn at the bumper cars in Planet Snoopy. They'd already ridden the Whirlybird and Kam rode the bumper cars four times. Then we all rode Boo Blasters on Boo Hill where I scored 1500 and Connie scored 300ish. Mom apparently got even more than I did, but I didn't see her score since she and Kamryn rode together so she might have been lying. Mom and Kamryn rode again while Connie and I waited outside. Kam then rode the Great Pumpkin Coaster twice and she and Mom rode the Kite Eating Tree. Finally, we ended the evening with Kamryn's two trips through the water play area. After this, we left the park and headed to Graeters. Mom and Kam got ice cream and I had a double dip ice cream soda. There were a ton of people with dogs there and it looked like they must have some sort of dog/owner night or something. We headed back to the hotel and they went back to the pool until some strange old man in a Speedo showed up and they called it a night. We had another full day lined up for Wednesday . . . and I'll have that day's events for you soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeefan Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Thanks for sharing your trip. It sounded like you had a great first day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan73 Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Ok, which KIC member was at the hotel with the Speedo ??!! j/k...Great TR, thanks for sharing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wv_templarjn Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 sounds like a great trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 I went on the 13th and luckily had a great day with my daughter and two of my granddaughters. We caught some shows and got to see a few of our haunt friends. It was an all around great day but all of my days at Kings Island are like that lol. I am so happy you had a great day with your family as well!! We are going again Sunday for Father's day. Hope to see you then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 17, 2011 Author Share Posted June 17, 2011 We all got up early and were ready to head to the park for opening because I thought Kamryn and Mom would enjoy hearing the National Anthem performed live. We actually arrived plenty early and sat on the bricks and waited. There was a choral group called the "Young Hoosiers" in bright green shirts gathering around us. I could not see anything "young" about most of the people wearing the shirts and I'm confident the blowing of smoke in each other's faces contributed to an excellent amount of choral bliss when they performed. Due to Kamryn's asthma and my disdain for morons who talk loudly and act silly in public, we moved.The gates opened and we made our way into the park. I took my usual spot on the bench closest to Skyline while Mom and Kamryn went shopping. Kam had earned $10 to spend at the park and they were in search of the perfect thing to take home. While I was sitting there, I noticed how aggressive the paparazzi were becoming. Seriously, they are out of control. If someone declines a photo, you don't try to bully them into it by blocking their path and insisting. Its ridiculous. Disney photographers NEVER badger you and they have lines of people wanting to have their pictures taken. . . so how about putting out a better product, stationing your photographers around the park in front of various icons, and making the photos more affordable? Just a thought. Out came Peppermint Patty and Linus for the Anthem, but I didn't see a singer. Turns out whomever it was didn't appear and they played the canned music. I was a little disappointed, but we were now ready to head towards Planet Snoopy so Kamryn could have more fun. We followed the crowd and Mom found a safety pin on the ground that I handed to the security guard who was less than impressed. I also found myself telling the 6th photographer who demanded we pose for a photo to stop harassing people. It was not my finest moment. Kamryn wanted to ride Boo Blasters, so we all went. I won handily. After that Kamryn wanted to ride the bumper cars again and I was hungry so I left them to ride again while I went to Chik-Fil-A. Mom called and said that even though Kamryn rode the bumper cars four times yesterday she was now too tall. She was wearing different shoes, so I guess its possible but I wonder if she just wasn't measured on Tuesday evening. They ended up on the Whirlybirds again instead. I met them and then they went to ride the Woodstock Express together. Kam said she was thirsty and they ended up with a frozen lime lemonade, which I wouldn't think would quench her thirst but then again I'm not 7. She rode The Great Pumpkin Coaster twice then another trip on Boo Blasters while I held the cup and waited. They both wanted to see Dinosaurs Alive so we headed that direction via Rivertown. Before we got far, though, we stopped in the Peanuts shop for some much needed A/C and Kamryn also rode Sally's Sea Plane. Mom saw a scrapbooking kit she liked and was going to buy it but I suggested she wait til after we were done so she wouldn't have to carry it all day. Kamryn said she was hungry, so we ate at PotatoWorks. The chicken bites are pretty good but the french fries were divine. I was very impressed. While we were here Kamryn saw the train. She loves the train at the Columbus Zoo and so we rode it. I'm a fan of the train and it was hot so sitting in the shade was a great idea as far as I was concerned. We finally began to make our way back to Coney Mall to get our Dino tickets. The young lady at the booth was friendly but when the printer didn't print out our tickets she had to call for help from a supervisor. Someone arrived relatively quickly and fixed it and we were shortly on our way back through the forest. Kamryn and Mom both loved it. I'd done it the day after it opened and was impressed. It was a relatively pleasant walk, as the shade was plentiful and the dinos look great. There was a group of people behind us that were overly-excited and we tried to let them pass but they seemed to want to be as close to us as possible through the exhibit. I gave up. We sat in the dig site area for awhile as Kamryn uncovered the fossils. She is very determined and was very focused on her mission so we were there for awhile, but again it was shady and I was sitting down so I was fine. We all got drinks in the souvenir shop at the end of the trail and Mom was ready to call it a day. Kamryn walked by the Zephyr (swings) though, and decided to try that. She rode and seemed to have a great time. We walked up past the Carousel and Peanuts Party on the Plaza had just finished up. We stopped in the Peanuts shop on International Street but they did not have the scrapbooking kit so we walked over to Planet Snoopy so Mom could get it. Then we walked to the front, Kamryn bought her stuffed elephant she had her heart set on (with a few dollars help from Grammy), and I hugged them both goodbye. I ended up staying in the park to see a couple friends perform in one of the shows in a new role for them that day, which meant I did a lot of shade-hunting and people watching. It was a long day but totally worth it. Overall, we had a great time and Kamryn loved Kings Island. I can't wait for her to come back and spend another day with Uncle Kirk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 I also found myself telling the 6th photographer who demanded we pose for a photo to stop harassing people. It was not my finest moment. There is not a person out there that hates to have his photo taken more than me...but you know what, I actually let the Keyhole photographers take my photo! I would NEVER buy a photo with me in it...but it is only helping them out...so what's the harm. (And it is usually faster than trying to turn them down.) If you read this (old) topic you may have a little more pity for the people who are doing this job. http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18051&hl=photographer&st=0 P.S. I DO buy some photos...but I always make sure it is one that I was not in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 18, 2011 Author Share Posted June 18, 2011 I also found myself telling the 6th photographer who demanded we pose for a photo to stop harassing people. It was not my finest moment. There is not a person out there that hates to have his photo taken more than me...but you know what, I actually let the Keyhole photographers take my photo! I would NEVER buy a photo with me in it...but it is only helping them out...so what's the harm. (And it is usually faster than trying to turn them down.) If you read this (old) topic you may have a little more pity for the people who are doing this job. http://www.KICentral...otographer&st=0 P.S. I DO buy some photos...but I always make sure it is one that I was not in. Did you read the context of my post where I talked about how aggressive they have become and my suggestions for making it better? Why would I pity someone doing a job that they choose to do? No one MAKES them work there . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketingExpress Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Day 1 - What made the admissions employee so unfriendly (tone, something they said, etc)? Day 2 - What kind of reaction were you expecting from the security guard when you handed them a safety pin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjkjkj Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Sounds like you guys had a good time! On the subject of the photographers, you make it seem like they were holding you at gunpoint. All you have to do is let them take your picture once, then when other people ask you, just say, "we already got ours taken" then they move on to the next group. It's really not a big deal. They don't "force" you to get your picture taken, they try and persuade you, but I would never say force. About the safety pin, why not just throw it in the trash? Why would you give it to a security guard..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 18, 2011 Author Share Posted June 18, 2011 Day 1 - What made the admissions employee so unfriendly (tone, something they said, etc)? Day 2 - What kind of reaction were you expecting from the security guard when you handed them a safety pin? 1. No greeting, no eye contact, mumbled when speaking, handed the credit card slip out and when asked for a pen he seemed put out, no thank you when the transaction was completed. 2. I would have thought a "thank you" or even acknowleding us verbally would have been in order. I didn't expect him to throw us a parade, but some courtesy from any of the security (who let's be honest are there in uniform for appearance more than to keep me safe) would be great. I get frustrated when I see the same security guard 15 times this season so far and greet them with "Good morning!" and a smile and I barely get a grunt in my direction. I don't think I'm asking for much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 18, 2011 Author Share Posted June 18, 2011 On the subject of the photographers, you make it seem like they were holding you at gunpoint. All you have to do is let them take your picture once, then when other people ask you, just say, "we already got ours taken" then they move on to the next group. It's really not a big deal. They don't "force" you to get your picture taken, they try and persuade you, but I would never say force. That's what I apparently haven't made clear enough; this year the ARE trying to take your picture by force. The put their arms out, stand in your way, yell at you to stand there and pose . . . there's no need for this procedure if you put out a quality product that people want to buy. Disney's PhotoPass products are pricey, but people line up in front of the photographers. Why are there no photographers with the characters in Planet Snoopy? Or in front of the Eifel Tower? Or in Dinosaurs Alive along the trail? People would be more likely to buy these photos if they weren't only being harassed at the front of the park by 18 year olds with no social skills.... About the safety pin, why not just throw it in the trash? Why would you give it to a security guard..... Because it was open, we were walking right past the security guard, and he was closer than a trash can. Call me Mr. Safety but that seems like a logical thing to do? We had a great time and I'm the first to defend the park when people complain. This trip was far different than my usual solo excursions (and I've had 18+ of those so far this year) and so I was pointing out the things I noticed when traveling with my family... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Did you read the context of my post where I talked about how aggressive they have become and my suggestions for making it better? Why would I pity someone doing a job that they choose to do? No one MAKES them work there . . . Yes I read the context of your post...did you read the posts from the people who actually do the job in the thread that I linked to? It HAS to get depressing doing a job where at least half of the people you are dealing with are "rude". In the past, before I found out that it helps them out by just letting them take my picture...a simple smile and a no thank you never seemed to fail "parting the waves". Why would I pity someone doing a job that they choose to do? So...you are saying that because someone chose to do a job they have to put up with whatever behavior someone in the public deems appropriate? I will remember that the next time a show performer doesn't live up to MY expectations. No one MAKES them work there . . . That is true...but if you read the thread I linked to you will see that it is as simple as a high school school kid who needs a summer job and being a Keyhole photographer SEEMED like a good idea...until the public beats down their spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 Yes I read the context of your post...did you read the posts from the people who actually do the job in the thread that I linked to? It HAS to get depressing doing a job where at least half of the people you are dealing with are "rude". In the past, before I found out that it helps them out by just letting them take my picture...a simple smile and a no thank you never seemed to fail "parting the waves". And we did let them take our picture the first day. The second day I politely declined. By the sixth time, though, that second day while in that very small area of the entrance plaza with their VERY persistent and demanding posture, it was more than I could take. I didn't say I was proud of it or that I was in the right. But they do need to cool their jets a little. Perhaps you've not experienced this year's more aggressive folks as often as I have. So...you are saying that because someone chose to do a job they have to put up with whatever behavior someone in the public deems appropriate? I will remember that the next time a show performer doesn't live up to MY expectations. Unless one of the performers singles you out, stands in your way, and berates you until you sing into their microphone, I'm not sure how you can reasonably compare these two scenarios. That is true...but if you read the thread I linked to you will see that it is as simple as a high school school kid who needs a summer job and being a Keyhole photographer SEEMED like a good idea...until the public beats down their spirit. I read the post and I do understand that the job sucks but my point remains that they are too aggressive. If that's a management mandate of how they are to act then management is in the wrong and I'm sure this feedback will get back to them. If management doesn't know that they have people standing in people's paths, blocking them from moving forward, and acting rudely towards guests then they need to know. I'm very glad that you are willing to martyr yourself and let them take your photo every time you go. I'm not so willing when they act the way they have been lately. That's all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 So...you are saying that because someone chose to do a job they have to put up with whatever behavior someone in the public deems appropriate? I will remember that the next time a show performer doesn't live up to MY expectations. Unless one of the performers singles you out, stands in your way, and berates you until you sing into their microphone, I'm not sure how you can reasonably compare these two scenarios. The point I was trying to make was that even though a person may choose a certain job it doesn't mean that they necesarilly should have to expect rude behavior...and if they do get it I can sympathize with their situation. If I think a performer is not good do I have the right to boo him/her...after all they took the job, they knew it could happen...are they supposed to accept that that is part of the job? Personally I say no, a person has every right to expect a little courtesy. I am not denying that you might run into an overly aggressive photographer...I am only saying that I think there are reasons behind the behavior that I can understand and forgive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 A polite "No, thank you" works pretty well with the Kaman's people. They only typically "harass" you if you rudely ignore them. Btw, they aren't employed by KI, so if you have comments, it might work better to forward those on the Kaman's: http://www.kamansart.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 A polite "No, thank you" works pretty well with the Kaman's people. They only typically "harass" you if you rudely ignore them. Btw, they aren't employed by KI, so if you have comments, it might work better to forward those on the Kaman's: http://www.kamansart.com/ How many trips have you made to KI this season? And how many times have you sat and watched them for 30 minutes before the park officially opens? I am really baffled at how so many of you seem to know so much more about how they act this year than I do. Next time I write a trip report I'll just do it the way you all prefer, with "I did this and then I did this and I did this and it was all awesome!" as to avoid any conflict. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Kaman's is only in the park because it has a contract allowing it to be. Enough complaints to the park and it will not be. In the park business, the typical guest sees a contractor/concessionaire as being the park itself. And that which might be in the short term best interest of a contractor may not be in the best interests of the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Well, I certainly wouldn't post a thread saying how proud I was to be rude to employees and expect to be praised by everyone else. BTW, Cedar Point's are far worse. I would far rather have KI's "paparazzi" than CP's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 Well, I certainly wouldn't post a thread saying how proud I was to be rude to employees and expect to be praised by everyone else. How does me saying "it was not my finest moment" come across as bragging to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Well, you clearly aren't ashamed of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 Well, you clearly aren't ashamed of it. Why should I be ashamed of telling a photographer - or anyone else for that matter - who is invading my personal space, standing in my path, and being annoying to back off? You weren't there, it wasn't like I hit her or something! I wasn't polite when I told her to "For the 6th time today, no!" but I certainly didn't harm her nor do I have anything to be ASHAMED of. You act like I ran over her puppy or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Maybe it's because I'm sick of people going off on me for doing what I'm told so I actually have pity for people in the same position? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Sheppard Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 Maybe it's because I'm sick of people going off on me for doing what I'm told so I actually have pity for people in the same position? Well, there's a way to do that job that is better than others. I understand you're doing what you're told but there's a way to do it with skill and a way to do it that will more often than not generate a rude response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 My biggest complaint about the photographers is that they never seem to take the pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Apparently, from what I've been told, they aren't allowed to take their breaks until they've taken a certain number of photos or their required break is coming up. I have a feeling that removing that rule would help with any issues they're having. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markr Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 I think it is against the law for an employer to withhold your breaks for any reason if you are legally entitled to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markr Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 My biggest complaint about the photographers is that they never seem to take the pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Apparently, from what I've been told, they aren't allowed to take their breaks until they've taken a certain number of photos or their required break is coming up. I have a feeling that removing that rule would help with any issues they're having. Sorry, just noticed your quote " or their required break is coming up." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 On the subject of the photographers, you make it seem like they were holding you at gunpoint. All you have to do is let them take your picture once, then when other people ask you, just say, "we already got ours taken" then they move on to the next group. It's really not a big deal. They don't "force" you to get your picture taken, they try and persuade you, but I would never say force. That's what I apparently haven't made clear enough; this year the ARE trying to take your picture by force. The put their arms out, stand in your way, yell at you to stand there and pose . . . there's no need for this procedure if you put out a quality product that people want to buy. Disney's PhotoPass products are pricey, but people line up in front of the photographers. Why are there no photographers with the characters in Planet Snoopy? Or in front of the Eifel Tower? Or in Dinosaurs Alive along the trail? People would be more likely to buy these photos if they weren't only being harassed at the front of the park by 18 year olds with no social skills.... About the safety pin, why not just throw it in the trash? Why would you give it to a security guard..... Because it was open, we were walking right past the security guard, and he was closer than a trash can. Call me Mr. Safety but that seems like a logical thing to do? Almost as logical as calling Homeland Security over all those horrible terrorists running around the park with bubble guns! Someone might get soap in their eyes! Oh, the humanity!!! LMAO!!!! --Beatle, who will remember to call 911 the next time he sees an unattended safety pin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qscott86 Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 My God you people are rude. All the man was doing was giving a trip report (a very nice one by the way). He can express his opinions regarding park employee without being blasted. I don't know why some people on this site are so rude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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