pcc Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Quick question....are the fast pass bracelets plastic and red? With paw prints on them? The reason I ask...when we were at the park last week, we were in line for Surf Dog. Two rows worth of people (12 people) were in the exit with the wristbands on and were placed ahead of us. We were ready to get on, but had to wait for them to ride. Same thing happened over at Woodstock Express. They filled an entire train. It was a crowded day, but that made it almost unbearable to have an entire group just come on up the exit and get on. I didn't know any of the Planet Snoopy rides were on the ride schedule. It was so crowded that day, we waited past keyhole photo just to get out of the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RingMaster Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I didn't know any of the Planet Snoopy rides were on the ride schedule. Only two of them are officially on the list, Boo Boo's Blasters and Mr. Brown's Race For His Life. Which, coupled with reports of seeing folks with wristbands strolling up to the exit of several other attractions not on the specified list, means that this isn't a very enforced policy they have going on. Which also doesn't surprise me as this came out of the blue and is still in its infancy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I heard something about other attractions honoring it depending on if any of the included rides are down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Don Helbig says Fast Lane very well received. Cedar Point is watching: http://mobile.cleveland.com/advcleve/pm_100828/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=K4ue9sNL Later in the article, Mr. Helbig is cited as saying the park has received no negative feedback about Fast Lane from guests who have had to wait in the regular lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 A spokesman for Cedar Point, meanwhile, said the Sandusky park will be paying close attention to how well Fast Lane works at Kings Island. "We're always looking for ways to reduce wait times," said Robin Innes, Cedar Point's director of public relations. Everyone knows where I stand on this subject...and I try and see both sides...but can anyone on either side of this issue see where this system actually "reduces wait times"? To me it is only helping a select few(?) avoid the regular wait times that still exist for the majority of their customers...nothing has really been done to reduce ride wait times overall. As for no complaints...I guess next time I am at the park I will stop in at Guest Relations and put in an "official" complaint since our opinions don't seem to count on either here or their own Facebook page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_humor Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I think he was speaking for the people that choose to purchase Fast Lane. Your wait times are reduced. I don't think he was speaking about wait times in general. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Then why did Robin go on to worry about fairness, about everyone waiting the same amount of time? That's in that article, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_humor Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 I think it's pretty clear what the author's view on the system is, and I am sure he was selective in how he chose to shape the quotes he used. The major flaw of Cedar Point's system was the confusion over its implementation. It was very poorly marketed, leaving most customers completely in the dark that it even existed at all. By the time many guests arrived at the park, all the hand-stamps were gone, and it really led to a lot of confusion and frustration...I think that is what Robin was referring to with his quote. To put it lightly, and everyone at CP knows this; "Freeway" was a mess. A poorly managed system that slipped away as quietly as it was installed. Those handstamp booths remained in place at the park unmanned for quite some time. I find nothing unfair about the Fastpass system at all. I don't like it, but I do not find it "unfair" or creating some type of "caste" system. That's nonsense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopan Posted July 30, 2011 Share Posted July 30, 2011 Quick question....are the fast pass bracelets plastic and red? With paw prints on them? The reason I ask...when we were at the park last week, we were in line for Surf Dog. Two rows worth of people (12 people) were in the exit with the wristbands on and were placed ahead of us. We were ready to get on, but had to wait for them to ride. Same thing happened over at Woodstock Express. They filled an entire train. It was a crowded day, but that made it almost unbearable to have an entire group just come on up the exit and get on. I didn't know any of the Planet Snoopy rides were on the ride schedule. It was so crowded that day, we waited past keyhole photo just to get out of the park. crowded? good lord it looks busier than a haunt night wow now thats scarry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_humor Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 Is that cousin Eddie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74Gibson Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 Was just told by DB entrance ride host that they did away with single rider and tOpd me about fast pass. Also said they are trying to break a world record and have the most people in the park so even tho it's Sun I should buy one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 I don't think I'd buy that one. So much misinformation for so little as $19. Kings Island, the FUN & Only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanna Posted July 31, 2011 Share Posted July 31, 2011 Quick question....are the fast pass bracelets plastic and red? With paw prints on them? The reason I ask...when we were at the park last week, we were in line for Surf Dog. Two rows worth of people (12 people) were in the exit with the wristbands on and were placed ahead of us. We were ready to get on, but had to wait for them to ride. Same thing happened over at Woodstock Express. They filled an entire train. It was a crowded day, but that made it almost unbearable to have an entire group just come on up the exit and get on. I didn't know any of the Planet Snoopy rides were on the ride schedule. It was so crowded that day, we waited past keyhole photo just to get out of the park. crowded? good lord it looks busier than a haunt night wow now thats scarry That's miserable crowded. That's 'buy all the balloons so I can float safely out of the park" crowded. I've never seen the Haunt look like that. I must've picked slow nights. (haha.... Cousin Eddie... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 It's not about convenience, or wait times, or anything other than a thousand nickels per person. Let's look at the things that CF has added this year: 1. Parking from $10 to $12 per car; 2. A fake dinosaur park ($5.00 per person); 3. A 3D youtube movie ($2.00 or $4.00 per person); 4. That laser tag or whatever it is thing ($5.00 per person); 5. Fast Pass ($50.00 per person); and, 6. WindSeeker, which, as the lone exception to the rule, is free. And there are people who still insist that KI doesn't try to nickel and dime its patrons. Look for the 40th Anniversary addition to be a birthday party clown who you can see for only $5.00 and who will make you a balloon sculpture for only $4.00 more. (Not to mention the fact that they will market this as a "thrill ride.") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vortex Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Glad I did not go to the park today. Why are they letting people get on rides with out Fast Line? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Glad I did not go to the park today. Why are they letting people get on rides with out Fast Line? Because those people paid a thousand nickles. And because apparently the posted rules at KI have their usual meaning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordSkippy Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 The problem I have with the Fast Lane system is that it's so powerful that it's flawed. As in, the Fast Lane holders could gang up on a certain ride all day and exponentially increase wait times. My suggestion would be to do something more like Kennywood does-set up time blocks where you can ride a certain ride between so-and-so and so-and-so times. You could have it set up where different colored wristbands have diffrent schedules so not everybody with a Fast Lane pass could crowd one ride at one time. Just a thought... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Funny how many of the same people who LOVED Matt Ouimet joining CF hate one of the first new things he's implemented at KI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 It's a test. I can guarantee you it's being watched very carefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziplock Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I used the Fast Lane system today on my yearly trip to Kings Island. I'm sorry to those who despise the system, but I found it to be very useful for someone who rarely comes to the park and wants to ride a lot of the rides. Without it, I never would have ridden even half of the rides that I had anticipated on riding since my trip last year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titan Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 The only thing that annoyed me was a person bragging about his Fast Lane pass. But, all I could do was laugh, because the park was dead that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketingExpress Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I used the Fast Lane system today on my yearly trip to Kings Island. I'm sorry to those who despise the system, but I found it to be very useful for someone who rarely comes to the park and wants to ride a lot of the rides. Without it, I never would have ridden even half of the rides that I had anticipated on riding since my trip last year. Perfect example of the target market for this product, and it appears to be doing what it is intended to do from your experience. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziplock Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I used the Fast Lane system today on my yearly trip to Kings Island. I'm sorry to those who despise the system, but I found it to be very useful for someone who rarely comes to the park and wants to ride a lot of the rides. Without it, I never would have ridden even half of the rides that I had anticipated on riding since my trip last year. Perfect example of the target market for this product, and it appears to be doing what it is intended to do from your experience. Living in Wisconsin, it is a very uncommon thing to make trips to Kings Island regularly. I have the same point of view as the typical park visitor that just wants to visit the park and not have to waste their time and money waiting in line during their precious, rare vacation time. On another note, when using the Fast Lane, some of the employees would ask if we had comments on the system, and they were writing them down. They're definitely tracking what people think of it, but it seems they're only tracking the opinions of people that are using the product. Of course the users of the Fast Lane like it. It cuts all the lines for all the most popular attractions. They really don't take note of how the non users feel about the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingsrattler Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Living in Wisconsin, it is a very uncommon thing to make trips to Kings Island regularly. I have the same point of view as the typical park visitor that just wants to visit the park and not have to waste their time and money waiting in line during their precious, rare vacation time. On another note, when using the Fast Lane, some of the employees would ask if we had comments on the system, and they were writing them down. They're definitely tracking what people think of it, but it seems they're only tracking the opinions of people that are using the product. Of course the users of the Fast Lane like it. It cuts all the lines for all the most popular attractions. They really don't take note of how the non users feel about the system. Oh you can bet Kings Island is keeping a close eye on this forum (especially since they have formally joined KICentral) since for lack of a better demographic, we are their most loyal customers. Also I have seen them inline questioning non Fast Lane users, albeit not as much as those actually using the system. Also, I was there this Saturday and Sunday, and didn't feel like the Fast Lane affected the lines all that much. Granted when all the queues on The Beast are full, the difference between 1 1/2 hours, and 1 hour and 45 minutes seems very mute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketingExpress Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Oh you can bet Kings Island is keeping a close eye on this forum (especially since they have formally joined KICentral) It's nothing new, KI has been moitoring these forums and other forums for a number of years. Mostly to be sure that insider information was not being released by unauthorized employees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74Gibson Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Beatle, I totally disagree with your perspective again, respectfully but still... My 3 yr. old daughter cannot stop talking about Dinosaurs Alive and it's my fondest memory of KI in quite awhile. Maybe it's not your thing, WindSeeker isn't mine either (I didn't even bother to ride it but I so love it as an addition, amazing lighting makes such a difference at parks and WindSeekers just look cool), but it is going to be a grand slam for KI. You simply can;t debate that nor how much it was being enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Everyone from older folks to Canadians to tattooed tough guys were getting their pics in front of the Dinos. Seriously, have you seen the T-Rex? We stayed a bit and people were AMAZED by it. Sorry if you don't like it. Actually, I just don;t want to hear about it anymore. I should also add that my wife and I work very hard and do have good incomes. David, trying to be respectful. Back on topic, I think the Fast Pass could be a good thing for precisely the reasons presented in this thread. If I ever make it to Magic Mountain I will absolutely buy a fast pass, even though I regularly report line jumpers at any park. I hate line jumping and get seriously annoyed when I'm waiting for a specific seat and have to wait an additional train because of a fast passer. So, Here's what I'm asking ya for KI. 1. Don't make waits for chosen seats limited. ex. don't let fast passers (we already have a slang bog down the front or back seats. 2. Train employees well on how to explain the system so guests aren't offended by it. I was mad at DB yesterday because of the way it was presented (see yesterdays post) It really felt like a sales pitch and totally cheapened the breast cancer demonstration. Unfortunately for me, I ended feeling like CF management is merely trying to make money off getting more people in the park. A win-win with a not-for-profit is a fantastic thing if your intentions are good. ARE THEY? 3. Stop making season pass holders feel like pests. There are so many problems with the system. I would gladly pay more for the pass if it had smoother operations. You know I don't need to list examples. It just lumps in with the shady, greedy and sneaking business ethics and model that have been synonymous with CF parks recently. GP might not know why they don't but I bet they return less. Yes I know attendance is up but I'm talking about real people, not numbers. Treating customers well is still the foundation of a good business. BTW, and to be fair, I was very pleased with the staff who handled my pass problem yesterday. Best Guest Relations experience in a very long time. 4. Limit the number and get the operations running smooth so that it doesn't bother others so much. 5. If you don't have a single rider line, please allow us to re-ride if a seat is empty. It can totally make our day!! I had one chance to ride Diamondback yesterday and it will probably be my last trip to KI this year. When I was exiting, I saw three empty seats (1/2 hr wait) and jumped in one (far from my other seat so the ride op didn;t catch it. How could I not???? It was my first ride and put me in a great mood on a day when my wife was feeling bad. It really, really helped our trip. Sorry and thanks (I guess). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaptorGuy Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 It's not about convenience, or wait times, or anything other than a thousand nickels per person. Let's look at the things that CF has added this year: 1. Parking from $10 to $12 per car; 2. A fake dinosaur park ($5.00 per person); 3. A 3D youtube movie ($2.00 or $4.00 per person); 4. That laser tag or whatever it is thing ($5.00 per person); 5. Fast Pass ($50.00 per person); and, 6. WindSeeker, which, as the lone exception to the rule, is free. And there are people who still insist that KI doesn't try to nickel and dime its patrons. Look for the 40th Anniversary addition to be a birthday party clown who you can see for only $5.00 and who will make you a balloon sculpture for only $4.00 more. (Not to mention the fact that they will market this as a "thrill ride.") " 2. A fake dinosaur park ($5.00 per person)" In all fairness here, it would be tough to have a REAL dinosaur park, since that flood that happened a few years ago wiped them all off the face of the earth! Just saying! In all seriousness, though, I do agree with what you're saying. Too much nickel and diming just gives a bad taste in ones mouth, especially for un-needed services like this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titan Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 A few years? More like thousands of years. But it would be a cool marketing idea, Kings Island: Where You Are The Food Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingsrattler Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 ^^ Raptorguy, I think you said it perfectly.. although may not have been how you are meaning it. Too much nickel and diming just gives a bad taste in ones mouth, especially for un-needed services like this! The extra charges are for "un-needed" services. Kings Island thought it would be a great idea to not pass up a deal to be able to get a Dino Exhibit, so here it is. It costs extra. You go to CoSi, and want to go to their extra exhibits, you pay extra on top of regular admission (i.e. Titanic last year). Since when has laser tag ever been free? Other parks that have comparable fast pass systems also charge for fast pass, so that is the norm. If you don't want to utilize it, then don't. IMO all of these have been to try and make the park more attractive to a wider audience (not pass holders) because while we are an important group, we are just a fraction of the attendance of Kings Island on a daily basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTCO Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Glad I did not go to the park today. Why are they letting people get on rides with out Fast Line? I guess you have never heard of a VIP tour... The VIP Tour is an escorted day of world-class thrills, fun and quality family entertainment at Kings Island. You’ll be joined by your own personal VIP Tour Guide who will take you right to the front of the lines of the rides you want to ride! http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/admission/vip_tours/index.cfm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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