coasterdime

I remember the night Sparky was talking about. I was just a guest, there spending the day after a Discovery Channel shoot. (I wasn't even living in this area yet) We were in The Racer station, and waited out a good portion of the storm. The ride ops apparently wanted to go UNDER the station....and told us few in the station that we had to LEAVE! We ran from the station into the Fudge n Fun building. I can still remember not only how scared I was; but how angry I was. I still can't believe they made us leave.

Glad I was able to make you laugh. ::shrug:: Yep, there are some crews who do little more than check a belt/bar and send the ride off. There are also crews who are friendly, smiling, and make every effort to get us on the ride more quickly. *The Beast/Eagle crew is especially great. *On Saturday, SoB's crew was hustling, and kept the lines moving....despite a one train op. While the train was on the course, those guys were actually talking to the peolpe on deck....not just treating us like cattle. *Last year's Delirium crew were not only revved up, they busted their asses getting rid of line jumpers. It may be part of their job, but not all crews take it so seriously. *During the power outage on dry run, The Racer crew was cutting up and telling jokes, and kept apologizing for the wait....even though it wasn't in their control. *I've seen more than a few crews handle special needs guests with humility and dignity, something many parks....or businesses won't do nearly as well. *Many of the crews (especially after newbies are broken in) will allow re rides. I'm not sure if that violates park policy, but I can assure you that the guests more than appreciate it. I've been fortunate enough to visit many parks in the past few years. Maybe somene who has little or no experience with other parks can take PKI's friendly employees for granted, but not all parks have the same caliber workforce. If you're too important or too busy to take a few seconds to tell the park that they're doing well, that's your business. I was merely pointing out that for those who actually appreciate what a good crew/employee does to make your day a memorable one; there is a way to say thanks. By the way, anyone who works with the public knows that sometimes people can be less than polite. When employees can shake that off and still do their job well...it says something about that employee. (not just PKI employees)

It seems some of the best crews got very few comments last season. I always either stop at GR, or write a note when a ride crew is exceptional. Some of the employees here might let you know why a good guest comment is important. If you have a good time....that's probably the best way to say thanks.

I do miss the way SoB was set up in 2000. In 2001, they raised the floor. I'm pretty sure they want your knees higher than your hips. As far as the shoulder restraints go, I'm glad at least one manufacturer has figured out how to eliminate them, they would be unbearable on Sonny. I do wish they could tub the seats intead of raising the floor, though. Stephen, are you able to ride SoB? I'd hate to see your knees when you got off the ride...

We had no trouble until late afternoon. The funny thing is, these people don't even TRY to be cool about it anymore. They just push their way to where they want to be. OK Steve O...what happened on SoB??! Oh yeah, something not at all related to what we're talking about, but.... why the heck couldn't I get a FULL cup of Coke? At a few different places yesterday, my pop was fizzled down by 1/3 by the time I went to pay for it!

I'm reading these, and I'm trying to be diplomatic. First of all, Employees....you have really started off on the right foot. Last year, I had run-ins with a few bad apples (I didn't turn anyone in or anything) This year, even with yesterday's crowds and Sunday's weather, I was blown away by the friendliness! Now the bad. I'm not speaking for myself, just relaying what some of those in the crowd were saying. There was a family from Pittsburgh that couldn't get to the park until 2, and were dismayed about the closing time. I heard another guy talking about how far he had to travel....for a short visit. I worry about loyalties being tested. Now that I've said that, Wow! I was thrilled at how many rides I got today. I KNEW going in the weather would be the biggest factor in the day, so I put on my gloves-- and left the chip from my shoulder back at the house. Experience will teach us all eventually, that operations will be choppy in the early season. Weather, trainees, and stupid guests add to waits in the early season. I arrived at 10 sharp and before 11:15, I rode the following: 1 ride on Beast 2 rides on Eagles 1 Racer ride 2 AE rides 2 Delirium rides 2 DZ rides Compared to Saturday, it was a bonanza. Of course, SPARKY was in that little booth all day, and wouldn't come out to say hi to anyone. J/K ...I know some didn't arrive until late, including a few here....but to those who don't know, April will ALWAYS have growing pains. Just try to be glad you're getting a coaster fix (some WERE open!) By the way, the Eagles RULE this year. I have a giant bruise on my lower back, and have already been yelled at by a guest....D@#n radio station people messing with dry run

I saw you, Chuck, and Rob as you were leaving the flyers around 1ish(?) Figured you were in for another ride, but you guys moved on. I, too, was glad to be back at the park. We got there between 12 and 1....along with the rest of the world. My group only logged a few rides: 1 Delirium 1 forward Racer 4 Eagles 1 Train Everything was great despite the crowds, save for two things: 1) It took us 1/2 hour to get a check cashed, due to telecheck machine going down 2) WTF was up with the LINE JUMPERS? God, I hate radio station days. On my way back now....

Of course, there WERE people selling dry run tickets on Ebay last week. Someone bought 4 tickets there for $70.

PCW Bat pic Bat Logo halfway down page Th PKI logo was slightly different..I have an old post card, showing just the logo on the front. Like you, I actually like the name, and the theming possibilities of "The Bat." PKI's Bat really was a great ride, too.

With the exception of that final weekend, FearFest Sundays were great! (for the guest, that is) I remember riding Drop Zone in less time than it took my friends to make a restroom stop! We logged tons of front seat rides on virtually all of he coasters, some with fewer than 10 people on the ride. I'm sure the lines for the haunted walk-thrus were bad....I just spent my time on the rides. As far as April goes, the crowd sizes will completely depend on the weather. Last Easter the park was dead... but this year, Easter Sunday is part of opening weekend. I'm really curious to see what that first Friday will look like.

That's cool. I can remember people complaining when these trains were fitted with the current orange bars. ('93 season, I think) People complained that those would "kill" the ride quality... everyone just needs to get used to them. BTW, Rickster...are you going to get to work Eagles this Saturday? If so, I look forward to meeting ya...and seeing the rest of the returning crew.

For Racer air time, you have to try the front of the train. I suggest either the first or second seats in the first car. Judging from other PTC's I've ridden with seatbelts, I don't expect a huge difference in the ride's performance. My only concern is the longer wait, while people learn how to actually use a seatbelt. I think at first, most people will just sit on 'em.

Hey Kwp, where in Pittsburgh are you from? I'm a North Hills grad, class of '89.

Yep, that's what they were saying....a lock on each tub, with the ride op opening the lock after each cycle. That said....if you know nothing about it, it must have been just a rumor. (after all, it's your crew's ride) Thanks for the answer, and like MommaBeast said, "Banish the thought!" C'mon Saturday.....

Before Jeff and David, (and I could be mistaken) I think Carolyn Boos was in charge of the marketing department. I met her at an ACE event in 1994, and while she was nice....she didn't have the energy, or the love for the industry that Mr. Siebert has. I'm not sure if she left the Paramount family, or just went to another park. Someone else might know for sure. David Mandt and Jeff were a great team, and I'm glad that Jeff has taken the helm. Some of you might remember Ruth Voss. She was a legend in her time. When ACE was forming, she made it a daily ritual to leave her office in time to get the first Beast ride every morning. She had arthritis, and she swore by her "Beast Therapy." It was from this practice that the ACE walkback was born. I've heard a story about Ms. Voss's retirement gift from the park. She was supposedly given the front car of one of Beast's original trains! She had a zeal for (P)KI that I hadn't seen until Jeff came along.

Jeff was born the day of (P)KI's grand opening, in 1972. That made him 21 when Paramount branded the park. I'm guessing he didn't finish college for another year. I don't remember seeing him at PKI until the late 90's.

SoBrider is right. I was only referring to the PTC's. (Beast, Racer) As far as a capacity difference, it will slow lines down temporarily, but I think when the ops (and the guests) get used to them, things will go quicker. There are MANY parks that have used them for a while. I read on another site that all PTC trains built after 1980 were equipped with belts, but some parks just removed them. I have another, somewhat related question to anyone on this year's Beast crew. Have the restaints been changed on the Eagles? Some of the employees were telling me that the park was considering new belts there, too. From what they were told, the belts would have to be locked/unlocked by the ride op for each cycle. That's all the stupid questions I have for now, I'll find out for sure next Saturday.....

I have friends who spent the weekend at Carowinds. They now have 'em...I also have a friend who works at Paramount Canada's Wonderland. He let me know that they now have belts up there, too.

That's what I figured. Thanks for the quick response.

This question is mainly pointed toward the employees... Will PKI's woodies (Racer and Beast) be fitted with new belts for this season? As other Paramount parks wake up for the season, guests are finding new belts waiting for them. So, did PKI install 'em?

There are so many things I miss, many of them have already been mentioned. The easiest thing was the attention to detail with landscaping and theming. There was stuff like knee-high hedges along the walks, millions of flowers and plants, (many more than today) and how each area had very distinct atmosphere and music. I remember a GIANT orange and blue circus tent. I miss the Sky Ride...although I think International Street looks better without it. I actually made it to one of the dolphin shows at SWC, right behind International Showplace. There was also a neat airplane stunt show sometime in the 70's. It included skydivers, and a VERY close fly by.... involving the Eiffel Tower. Cool stuff. As far as the rides go, I never had the nerve to ride Rotor, but I remember waiting for my brothers to ride...and hearing screams as the floor dropped. (I finally rode a Rotor at Kennywood, I just didn't find it that interesting) Wheel of Fortune was a trabant, located next to Kings Mill, roughly where Reptar now sits. I miss the flying shoes, and Tumble Bug. In fact, now that I think of it, there were a TON of flats in Oktoberfest! The Zodiac used to scare the he** out of me. When I was young, this thing seemed impossibly tall. I'm pretty sure we lost this ride after the '86 season. It was relocated to Wonderand Sydney. (formerly Austrailia's Wonderland, I think) I really miss Screamin' Demon's light show. There was a set of chaser lights. They first flashed "forward," blinked, and then would chase "backwards." Speaking of light shows. Does anyone else remember the colored lights in the final drop of the flume? I always thought that was neat. Ok, I've rambled on long enough. This is a cool topic, and I could've wriiten twice as much.

Thanks, I'll take a look around. The business of the park is intriguing to me.

Thanks, Coasters....for posting that list. This is the kind of info I find very interesting. (and very elusive) Where did you get the info, btw?

First off, guys, I have to defend MommaBeast. Everyone is saying that she is somehow wrong, because great coasters don't really belong with the park's stategy of focusing on the family market. Um...she IS the family market. She is an adult with children of varying ages. She also lives in an out of state market that is HEAVILY courted by other parks, including CP, at least two SF parks....and even smaller parks like Holiday World. (a park that actually understands that thrilling coasters ARE family rides) Some of you should think about some of her points, instead of just trashing them. I know PKI marketing has been in contact with her, so maybe she is on to something. Another thing....She is new to THIS site, but not new to others, not new to PKI, and certainly not new to the industry. When she tells you that PKI was once on the cutting edge, you don't have to beieve her, but it doesn't make it a false statement. PKI and CP had a friendly rivalry all through the 70's and 80's They build corkscrew and Gemini, we get Demon and Beast. The Beast, btw, took the height record in 1979...from Gemini at CP. When King Cobra was built, it was absolutely state of the art for its time. The ride was even featured in People magazine! I still remember people (of all ages) standing around the ride, just gawking at it. The CP-PKI rivalry fired up again in 1987, and was even discussed on TV's Entertainment Tonight. PKI built Vortex, of course...but CP came back with Iron Dragon. While the ID was mild, CP touted it as the first suspended coaster in the Midwest. A kinda friendly poke at PKI. When Magnum appeared on the scene in 1989, they really were elevated to the top of the industry. I really believe it was then, that PKI started pouring their efforts into different markets and attractions. Believe me, though. PKI was at one time absolute "cutting edge." All through adulthood, I was a huge fan of both. For me, PKI won my heart simply because I feel it is a better park. A more rounded park. It has just the right mix of everything that makes a park enjoyable. I even moved from Pennsylvania just to live close! I know these past few replies have sent us flying off topic, I just hate to see people trashed on these boards, especially when they happen to know what they are talking about.

I'm shocked!!! I am one of the very few on this board who actually enjoys SFWoA. Not the best park to be sure, but I really enjoyed the rides. This year was the first in a while that I didn't buy my SF season pass in the Fall. I'm not sure how the new owner will handle the current passholders. I really do believe park operations will improve immediately. CP runs their park like PKI does, with emphasis on customer service, and usually runs the coasters at full capacity(!) As for the old Sea World side...there is some speculation that CF has little interest in wildlife. That was a nice area over there, being quiet and well-landscaped. All in all, I'm kinda torn about the news. coasterdime, who is wondering what the new names will be for a couple of existing coasters up there.....