Evening TR 7/1/10: Zombie Food Servicers and more!

[Kirk Sheppard]

I arrived about 5:15 and headed to the Festhaus because I was starving. I caught the last few minutes of Way Too Much TV and had a couple slices of pizza. It was pretty crowded. As I went to check out, the cashier named Tiana looked like she would have rather been anywhere else in the world. She never once spoke to me, even when I was extra friendly in an attempt to get her to interact. I finally wouldn't leave her counter until she looked at me when I said "Have a great night!" She muttered, "You too," under her breath and wouldn't look in my direction. So weird, but I didn't get all bent out of shape and feel like I'd been treated poorly. She is obviously a miserable person and she wasn't rude, just pathetic.

I finished my dinner and walked over to the International Showplace Theater to get ready for my first viewing of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." It must be a real trick to mix the sound properly at this outdoor venue because I felt like the voices were not mixed well considering how well both the country and TV shows are in the Festhaus (which was my same thought about Rock Band Live). I also was mildly amused by the lack of soul in the cast. It came across a little karaoke, too vanilla for Motown, and the dancing was not great. Motown songs are difficult to sing because they are so stylized so I get that its not going to be Dreamgirls or anything. I do admire the ability to perform this outside in the heat and sing and dance this well, but I don't think the show is as good as "Way Too Much TV." I'd watch it again, but its not something I could see over and over again. The girls did seem better than the guys in general but there was one male cast member in particular (I think named Ian) who was very enthusiastic. Brensley, I think was her name, also gets props for being a standout in this show on the female side.

I walked around by the BLSC but the line was too long for me so I headed over towards the Diamondback. I watched the trains come in and I laughed when I saw a train full of people looking out of sorts and happy while my friend and record holder Gary Coleman just sat in his seat, sunglasses on, chillin' like he'd just been on the carousel or something. He saw me and told me what number of rides he was at now but I forget what he said. Somewhere between 2500 and 2600.

I then headed over and waited for a couple minutes in line to board Boo Blasters on Boo Hill. It was fun, but I miss that fog screen!

I went into Graeters and here's where I encountered another strange food servicer. I asked the girl working the counter if I was correct in thinking that the toppings available for milkshakes included Hot Fudge. You would have thought I was speaking some sort of Alien language as she just stared at me confused with a blank look, not even talking back. I said it again and she looked at the other girl working who I had to ask two different ways. Finally I said, "Can I get a Hot Fudge Milkshake?" She said yes. While I was paying the couple in front of me came back in and said, "I don't think we paid for our ice cream." They had to ask FOUR employees to verify and none of them knew. This couple were good people because as honest as I am, I wouldn't have lasted past the second girl before losing it. They paid their $2.38, which made no sense to me because NOTHING on the menu board cost anything remotely that price. I don't know what it is with the food service people but someone needs to do something because I fear they are losing money hand over fist. Milkshake was good, though!

I then went back to the Festhaus because I wanted to see the whole "Way Too Much TV" show. I think the most impressive part of this show is that the cast doesn't always sing the same parts; they rotate through various solos and such, which means they have to know more than "character" in the 25 minute script. Yet, they NEVER miss a beat. I've never seen anyone look the least bit lost in a dance move or song lyric. Akeem did the Trivia game before the show and he was hysterical and sarcastic. It was an extra treat. I thanked part of the cast on the way out of the theater and they were gracious. I hope they don't think I'm some sort of strange stalker if they've noticed me watching it often; I just enjoy the live shows and its my favorite! :-)

After the show, I walked over to the Adventure Express and waited briefly in line. The employees were arguing as the girl in the load position didn't want to be there and the other employees were having a nice time at her expense telling her she was staying there another hour. Most guests had no idea they were having issues I'm sure, but I observe a lot and found some humor in this. She wasn't happy, though, and threatened to call "Sarah," who I assume was in charge. I hope the poor girl got a break.

On the way out of the park I ran into some old friends and then I headed home. I was going to try to go tomorrow and then remembered its a holiday so I think I'll stay away this weekend.

[The Interpreter]

Wonderful trip report and I love your perspectives on things.

...I don't know what it is with the food service people but someone needs to do something because I fear they are losing money hand over fist....

First of all, they may be losing opportunities to make even more money, indeed. And I am not here to justify the attitudes of some food service employees, but....I think part of this is a defense mechanism...after hearing dozens and dozens of people go off on them about the prices (about which they have exactly no control), some people shut down and try not to deal with the public. Good managers would either then move these people to something else they could do without dealing with the public and/ or this issue, or move them along to some other opportunity outside Cedar Fair (to put it nicely). I suspect they don't, though, because they need to staff their stands, and getting food service people at the wage paid is difficult anywhere, but even more so in seasonal locations, where many also work outside in the hot/rain/cold, etc. And some unwise soul may even be rating the managers on the amount of employee turnover.

[Kirk Sheppard]

Wonderful trip report and I love your perspectives on things.

First of all, they may be losing opportunities to make even more money, indeed. And I am not here to justify the attitudes of some food service employees, but....I think part of this is a defense mechanism...after hearing dozens and dozens of people go off on them about the prices (about which they have exactly no control), some people shut down and try not to deal with the public. Good managers would either then move these people to something else they could do without dealing with the public and/ or this issue, or move them along to some other opportunity outside Cedar Fair (to put it nicely). I suspect they don't, though, because they need to staff their stands, and getting food service people at the wage paid is difficult anywhere, but even more so in seasonal locations, where many also work outside in the hot/rain/cold, etc. And some unwise soul may even be rating the managers on the amount of employee turnover.

You know whats funny - I see managers out all the time at rides and walking through the park but I have yet to see anyone who looks managerial anywhere near a food area. Perhaps they stay incognito, but perhaps the employees don't a) feel supported by their direct supervisors and have no fear of getting in trouble since they don't have anyone to hold them accountable. Just a thought.

[CedarPointer]

They paid their $2.38, which made no sense to me because NOTHING on the menu board cost anything remotely that price.

I think that's a hot chocolate? I have no idea why they would ring that up, though... (or it might be a cookie? I think?)

[Kirk Sheppard]

They paid their $2.38, which made no sense to me because NOTHING on the menu board cost anything remotely that price.

I think that's a hot chocolate? I have no idea why they would ring that up, though... (or it might be a cookie? I think?)

She had sherbert in a waffle cone, I believe. It was super weird.