Erosarrow05

Could you imagine if they mentioned Skyline? That would be totally surreal! * *denotes thick sarcasm at the big deal over what, in my opinion, is nothing. I hope I'm not the only one that thinks a show based in Lima, OH should mention things in Ohio for continuity sake. Could you imagine the following... "Hey *character x* I love living in Lima, OH - I can't wait till we visit our local Jack in the Box for breakfast on our 15 minute drive to Knott's Berry Farm then we can stop at Del Taco on the way home for dinner" ... I guess I just dont see this as remotely a big deal... just continuity (an episode at Kings Island... that would be neat)

Im confused... are we talking about a "failed" ride... Or are we talking about that internet term "fail" like when these kids use that label (i think its) "epic fail"... If its the latter, then the answer is none - partially because i find the whole 'fail' thing is the next bandwagon internet phrase and, in my opinion, kind of juvenile. It sort of reminds me of when my mother used to say "Now now now... use your words, you certainly have something more intelligent to say than just 'whatever'". If its the former, probably Son of Beast... Even though, I do enjoy it, and if it opened today I'd more than likely get in line.

and isnt that the point??? I think so :-D despite what some enthusiasts may have to say

Maybe an appropriate question to ask at the 5@5 would be ... "Given the severe weather that could have potentially arisen last friday when the park closed early, are there enough designated shelter areas for all park guests and staff should the weather warrant it." I have to assume there is. Places like restrooms, walk in coolers any building with a basement or structure with a basement for that matter. I would agree with KornKid, the 5@5 would not be an appropriate medium to voice a complaint. Enough people thinking its a forum to voice complaints could spell the end of this friendly dialogue with the park. Regarding the PA, I do know that if severe weather is in the area, guests are advised, if in line for an attraction, where the closest adverse weather shelter is located and to proceed immediately there. If you are on a midway, by some strange stroke of luck not near a ride, any associate, games, rides, merch, security, food... can all tell you where the closest shelter location to their specific work location is. Keep in mind they will tell you to proceed to these locations only when advised by management. Im sure we all know what kind of panic can ensue should guests start shouting to proceed to xxx shelter. Undue panic can ensue, which we all know should be avoided at all costs. Additionally, the park has there own weather service in house and are well apprised of the current weather situation. Its not like they have their TV tuned to channel 12 waiting for breaking weather news. The safety of the guests has always been of utmost importance, and I think it's fair to say they have spent a healthy amount of money on equipment to monitor the weather, and time assembling their emergency preparedness manuals for any situation. Just my two cents What a nice day to not be outside, no?

I feel like this is a casting call for a new sequel to Jersey Shore... Island Shore...

Unless, of course, if you're an employee and you say that about the park that's really the only time the GM will personally deal with the issue... I'll make this brief... unlike the last post... Dave - I mean this in the least rude way possible but there is no way you can possibly believe that a company whose mission is to entertain millions and millions of people in all age categories across the the entire United States and Canada, operates there parks with a "its my way or the highway" attitude. It is inconceivable to me, and Im thinking you made that comment in the heat of 'a moment'

74Gibson... and others for that matter... Im flattered you tend to agree with what I say, but it is totally alright to have a differing opinion and I respect you for voicing it. Believe me when i say, my panties are not in a twist at all... it makes for good conversation when someone can voice their opinion in an civil, adult like way. Customer service, as you say, is to provide a solution for a problem the guest is experiencing. The ability to rectify the situation is the key to success and generally boils down to who you speak with. Most would agree the GR staff at parks are for the most part friendly and understand the job description, but of course you always run the risk of catching someone on a bad day, or even misinterpreting a statement from a GR rep. Naturally we all want immediate action, but the reality is sometimes that can't just happen and most of us, myself included at times, have to wonder if that's really the case. I think you may have misunderstood my point about the platinum passes only guaranteeing admission and parking. The ERT, discounts, preferred parking areas etc... are all perks that were announced at various times throughout the chain and are different at each park and could eventually be wiped out altogether. They are a benefit to show their appreciation, but not set in stone. Everything can change, for the worse or even for the better who knows. And I think you would agree Gibson, there are some people that do feel they deserve special treatment because they have platinum passes. Strangly enough as a side note, my lady friend who I went to CP with the past few days rode Skyscraper a few times, taking advantage of the benefit skyscraper bogo @ 10 dollars... good price no? The two ride ops were extremely bored and gave us what i equated as a 'double ride... 10 rotations forward and 10 backward with some stomach churning rocking inbetween at the top. When we got off, he said "well you were all so friendly and besides we like to take care of our platinum pass holders. Did it have something to do with the fact no one was in challenge park? of course. But then he suggested if we wanted another 'good ride' to go buy another ticket and he would deliver. So as it was my friends turn she was happy to oblige and while i didn't bother counting the second trip it was longer than normal. We didnt mind helping out his low capacity for the hour. On the way out we stopped at Guest Relations and I left a positive comment about him and his co-worker, not mentioning he gave us the longer than normal ride, but commenting on his friendliness, efficiency and helpfulness helping me out of the seat as Im not quite as strong as I used to be... I dont leave bad GR comments, I figure the associate acts unprofessional to me, they do to other guests to and they can leave the comments. All to frequently are good gr's overlooked. In any event, I think Cedar Fair is still working out some minor issues with the system, which I personally, have the patience to understand. If it were to cause me to miss the ERT (assuming its important to you) I think one would have a legitimate reason to be unhappy, especially if you're going on a Saturday in July... you know, those really slow days when the park is like a ghost town??? To me, its an advanced system that will work well for the chain once the minor glitches are all worked out which I cant think would take too much longer. and as a side note Fifth/Third has quite possibly the worst customer service - next to Sprint - I have ever experienced. I reference both of these companies when speaking in customer service orientations... (without dropping names of course) ... and dont worry, Im sure you'll start agreeing with me again soon ;-) Sorry this was so long -

first hand too?

well, let me find a box of tissues for you, because its the statement of truth. Ask yourself this, if everyone who wrote "General Manager of Kings Island" answered each of these letters personally... How many letters do you think he would have to answer each day? Its what marketing does... Trust me, the process I stated is how it happens - I know...

and you expected a response from the person with the highest responsibility in the park? In reality, your letter is opened by an assistant, and is forwarded to the marketing department, where an intern or coordinator level associate reads it, and makes a decision wether it warrants a response, or if the comment can be addressed without response. I can 100% guarantee you that is the process - no questions asked, believe me. My question would be - why would you send a letter to the GM, knowing they would never get the letter, and not send it to the I.S. / Tech department where you might actually get a response and get your problem solved immediately Could someone please tell me the difference between a season pass holder, a platinum pass holder and a general admission ticket holder? I read, frequently, that people with Platinum Passes feel as though because they spent more money than others that they deserve the moon. I'll be honest, I think its a snotty, childlike behavior and unbecoming of someone who considers themselves an avid fan of amusement parks. You can disagree with me all you want, but if you took a step back and asked regular pass holders or ticket holders what they thought of your issue, I think a majority would say your getting bent out of shape over nothing. And I'll say it again, you did ultimately get what you paid for, park admission. Dislike me for saying this, but I almost wish CF would do away with season passes so the people who do gripe and feel like they are shareholders and not just a passholder (this is meant as a generalization) would be more grateful the opportunity. Ask yourself - If Season Passes were not offered in 2011 - how many times would you go to the CF parks? Would it make you appreciate your visit more? Should the pass scan? Of course it should, and I would expect it to. I've had my pass not scan before and I've done the whole 'rig-a-ma-roll' in Guest Relations... And maybe its just me and my personality, but i just don't get bent out of shape over it. My whole point is, i think sometimes I think the PP holders forget the pass grants them admission and parking at CF parks. No special treatment, no special benefits... nothing - but do they? Of course, because they recognize you are a patron of multiple chain parks and value your patronage... and if the pass doesnt scan - whoops, technical glitch. I may be on a limb, but thats okay we're all entitled to our opinion and honestly I dont think I'd be able to change anyones view - so we'll just agree to disagree on our approaches.

As someone who just got back from Cedar Point about an hour ago, and had no issues with his Platinum Pass, but does have a story to share regarding someone who did. I think those that find it necessary to complain in an extremely catty manner about his or her pass not scanning take one giant step back, take a breath and realize you still got in and got what you paid for. Furthermore, if you are one of those people who continue to harp on season passes not scanning as though its you're personal crusade, (it seems to be appearing more and more - sort of like last summer and the line jumpers) let this thought sit in your mind... What if Cedar Fair decided season passes were not a product that fit their business model any longer? I can't help but think, no offense, some people repeatedly bite the hand that feeds them. Remember, CF isn't obligated to offer the passes and should they get irritated enough, they could simply do away with it. You may not think it's a possibility, but it's not as far out of the realm of possibility that some may think. I won't be writing a trip report, but more like making a few comments about things i noticed the past few days from what i hope to be, an unbiased viewpoint. I think we all would agree, you attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Kindness goes a million miles...

its where performers go when they arent on stage ... for a break, touch up your make up etc...

"Completely hassle free and very quick process, and it worked the first time it scanned." The same experience I have had with my season pass too! ... at Cedar Fair

Its clear that the system at these parks had not been updated with the current database. The question I suppose then becomes, how often does each parks new data upload into the master data chain wide. If I had to guess, this is probably not an IT nightmare, more of an inadvertent oversight. Ultimately though, admission to the park was granted, so you essentially did get what you paid for, and furthermore you were able to see what kind of customer service skills the parks were able to deploy on day one of operation.

Im thinking his reaction to the ride was... not genuine. I suppose the real title on you tube should not be 'Grown Man Freaks Out on Intimidator 305... but perhaps, Grown man thinks he is funny, comes off as unamusing All the pictures I have seen of this ride, and the Intimidator at Carowinds have one thing in common... big smiles from all the riders. To me, personally, a smile is worth more than anyones review, and since these two properties are in the business of making smiles appear, it appears they have two very large winners on their hands!

^ Exactly. If you arent going to benefit from most of what the membership fee costs, there are certainly other options at a lesser cost for you to take advantage of. I think we'd be in agreement that paying for a year membership to ACE for the ability to register for Coastermania would be a little silly as, like I said, there are less expensive options. But if you do take advantage of events that only ACE members are privy to and the literature - then shell out the money. After all... its just money - you can't take it with you when your times up!

^ Exactly. If you arent going to benefit from most of what the membership fee costs, there are certainly other options at a lesser cost for you to take advantage of. I think we'd be in agreement that paying for a year membership to ACE for the ability to register for Coastermania would be a little silly as, like I said, there are less expensive options. But if you do take advantage of events that only ACE members are privy to and the literature - then shell out the money. After all... its just money - you can't take it with you when your times up!

Height has never disuaded, most notably, Alton Towers from building quality attractions... Is that because a height limitation is in fact a 'limitation on creativity'... or nothing more than an excuse for mediocrity...? I refuse to think anything but the latter

^ sounds like a nice romantic valentines day threat date to me...

maybe you should treat him to a chic - fil - a dinner at Kings Island, Ryan

He sort of reminds me of that "official non official" Amusement Saftey Organization that would scour the earth for not just park 'accidents' or miscellaneous break downs but would compile 'lists' of complaints of roughness on attractions. Then the website would allude to injury as a result of roughness. The common thread that seems to be left out of authors that enjoy writing on this small topic, is that they generally leave out riders age, general health history, and overall disposition. The sad thing about that group was the website, at least several years ago, almost looked like a professional organization - giving the random passer by that sense of "hmmm.... maybe this is a legit site" I think the best word I could use to describe my feelings toward the man who spoke last night could be summed up in... pity. I think its very unfortunate that this person, who clearly had a passion for the industry as he worked full time for several parks, has now felt the need to manipulate a very small sect who are honestly frightened of rides and think in some capacity they are unsafe and profit off of them. Mark my words, this is the most press he and his book have received as of yet. We don't have to defend Kings Island, or The Beach with regards to this man, safety records speak for themselves. I always love when people make a criticism of a topic being discussed and then afterwards they offer up a suggestion on how they would remedy original criticism. Its being constructive. He unfortunately is unable to offer the latter, and seems to be very bitter which leads me to believe he was more than likely terminated from his position at Kings Island. We all know every ride at Kings Island is safe, and sadly, so does he. He used this meeting as nothing more than an opportunity to plug his book in a round about way. And what a shame too, because there very well could have been a person who would have liked to speak in favor of the tax, and perhaps could have had a valid argument, but our not so soon to be award winning author took up that persons time. To the younger people out there - don't get your feathers ruffled, because you'll find in life there are people, like him, that think they can make a fast dollar by using scare tactics. Youre best to just ignore them, and keep driving and - if by chance they happen to be standing a street corner and you have a green light - im not saying I would totally rule out a one fingered salute. I would go so far as to say this author does not believe a majority of what he says, but profiteering being a fear monger can't be rewarding We all know there are a group of people out there that truly don't believe amusement rides are safe, and they will kill you - and his goal, rather than help them overcome their fear, is to take advantage of it and feed it.

regarding the tailgate party... how many people showed up for this event? And what did the provide for snacks and what not?

Tom Grossman spoke too... against the tax... so "take that" tom

"We're facked" ? Thats it? No reason why 'we' are out of luck, or as you so eloquently put it 'facked'? If I had as much money as 'Q' has invested in the company, I certainly would not sell when I know I can get more of my initial investment back. I don't see that as unreasonable at all and the decision 'Q' is making is in no way an uneducated one. You must realize they have a pool of advisors that are paid handsomely for their investment advice.

why would you limit yourself to such a narrow topic? If I could suggest another possibility, as I know lots of the 'fan boys' like to incorporate amusement parks into their academic writing - your prompt could be 'the recession and the travel and tourism industry"... that way you can talk about amusement parks for a while, but also mention the airline, hotel and cruise industries that have been dramatically affected by the downturn in the economy, and you could cite much more legitimate sources, as well as perhaps even interviewing a travel agent... not that Amusement Today isn't a credible reference, but you'll be hard pressed to find multiple sources... just an opinion :-)