[DipperRider]

While spending an hour at the park on Saturday for a few rides in the chilly April wind, we saw several instances of Carowinds’ increasingly lax and lazy employees. So far, for us, the Slowest Crew of the Season award goes to those operating the Flying Scooter @ 445p. Dispatch time was just abysmal. Even members of the GP were commenting on the sluggish behavior. This crew spent far too much time talking with their friends passing by then paying attention to the job.

Around the same time, there was a large group of apparent trainees (most in a semblance of park uniform) being led on a walking tour of the Nick area. At least a half dozen of the males were afflicted with Droopy Pants Syndrome. We found it hard to believe this bunch got past the interview process with their pants hanging off their backside and their underwear proudly displayed.

Then, later in the afternoon, we were completely dismayed by a male Hurler platform crewmember displaying some of the worse symptoms of DPS we have ever witnessed in an on-duty employee. He had to repeatedly stop checking lap bars to make sure his pants were hanging off his behind just right. We really thought Cedar Fair would have eliminated the hiring of individuals such as this, but if yesterday was any indication, they have a long way to go.

You would NOT see this at Cedar Point.

Check here for offending Hurler crewmember: <a href='http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dipperrider' target='_blank'>http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dipperrider</a>

JM

[rollercboy]

I am so glad that someone broke the silence on this issue. I was so excited to here that Cedar Fair had bought the Paramount Parks. On opening day when I got my Maxx Pass I entered the park looking for change. Yes, the park was cleaner but to my displeasure the employees, what a mess. I will have to give props that I am not speaking about all of them. There are some here and there that are doing a really great job, but the uniform issue is a big one. We always hear the attendants telling every one not to sit or stand on the hand rails. On the Hurler I have seen an attendant repeatedly leaning against the hand rails with her head in her hands….. apparently so overworked she can barely stand upright. THE SEASON HAS JUST STARTED!!!

[njf]

I was also there on Saturday and I agree. I also saw lots of employees just wearing jackets from home.

[swampfox43]

Then, later in the afternoon, we were completely dismayed by a male Hurler platform crewmember displaying some of the worse symptoms of DPS we have ever witnessed in an on-duty employee. He had to repeatedly stop checking lap bars to make sure his pants were hanging off his behind just right.

You would NOT see this at Cedar Point.

Check here for offending Hurler crewmember: <a href='http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dipperrider' target='_blank'>http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dipperrider</a>

JM

I love it!! DPS = Droopy Pants Syndrome!! That's tooooooooo funny!!

But, in all seriousness, this does appear to be a problem in a park that promotes a safe, family fun atmosphere. It simply sends the wrong message. And it's also kinda sad that these kids think it's "cool" to have DPS when basically 99% of the population think they look like retards that can't pick out the right pant size.

Was Cedar Fair negligent in allowing these kids to order size 60" waist pants? Ummm, your guess is as good as mine but I do think it detracts from them being able to perform their duties properly. I mean, if you basically have to have one hand holding your pants up during your entire shift, the other hand has to be used for your cell phone, so what damn good are ya as an employee?

Thanks for sharing the photos. I remember a similar thread a couple years ago about a negligent Hurler crew jumping across the tracks, jumping over the swinging gates, not checking lap bars, etc. and someone posted photos as well. What is it with the Hurler??

Photos can speak a thousand words!

[Jonathan]

I honestly figured the one thing that would have to improve with Cedar Fair taking over would be the operations, because Cedar Point has the most efficient I have seen (other than Disney, perhaps), and the other Cedar Fair parks I have visited have been good as well. Hopefully this is something that they will work out over time.

[coasterbruh]

While spending an hour at the park on Saturday for a few rides in the chilly April wind, we saw several instances of Carowinds’ increasingly lax and lazy employees. So far, for us, the Slowest Crew of the Season award goes to those operating the Flying Scooter @ 445p. Dispatch time was just abysmal. Even members of the GP were commenting on the sluggish behavior. This crew spent far too much time talking with their friends passing by then paying attention to the job.

Around the same time, there was a large group of apparent trainees (most in a semblance of park uniform) being led on a walking tour of the Nick area. At least a half dozen of the males were afflicted with Droopy Pants Syndrome. We found it hard to believe this bunch got past the interview process with their pants hanging off their backside and their underwear proudly displayed.

Then, later in the afternoon, we were completely dismayed by a male Hurler platform crewmember displaying some of the worse symptoms of DPS we have ever witnessed in an on-duty employee. He had to repeatedly stop checking lap bars to make sure his pants were hanging off his behind just right. We really thought Cedar Fair would have eliminated the hiring of individuals such as this, but if yesterday was any indication, they have a long way to go.

You would NOT see this at Cedar Point.

Check here for offending Hurler crewmember:  <a href='http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dipperrider' target='_blank'>http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dipperrider</a>

JM

First question...did you bother to tell someone at guest relations about your "experience"?

And it's also kinda sad that these kids think it's "cool" to have DPS when basically 99% of the population think they look like retards that can't pick out the right pant size.

98%...it depends on who's butt the pants are hanging off of !

[rcmaster]

Pants hanging down has nothing to go with the interview process. You can hire people who decide to dress like that as long as it is outside the Park, what it comes down to is enforcement of the uniform policy. This is an example of weak seasonal supervision more than anything else, since it is their job to not allow these people to work when they look like that.

[UpperNick]

During Orientation and Ride Trainning, they put the worst people in the groups at Hurler, and send the best to Ricochet. It has to do with ride budgets, each ride has a budget on how many ops they can have.

[slickridz01]

as a former team leader at hurler/dropzone. Team leaders have so much to do. People and their pants can't stay in a picture perfect position all the time. There are more important issues to worry about like keeping your but safe while on the ride. Yes, personal apperance is important, but you can't change who people are and where they wear their pants. Just a little question why did you decide to go and post this on the internet like a prick that just wants to pust people down no matter how hard they work to keep u safe. News flash carowinds lets u bring in WARM coats on cold days. Not only did you insult me and my former ride, you also insulted current employees. You should have notified the tl or guest services :angry:

[rcmaster]

While I agree safety is very important to guests, so is the appearance of the Park's employees. The ride could be 100% safe, but if people see someone who look like they don't care about their appearance, some would feel like they don't care about safety either. And whether people like it or not, you can only make a first impression once, so employees need to look their best all day, everyday.

The appearance of the employees directly affect people's impressions of the Park and everything within it. Supervisors/Team Leaders are responsible for enforcing all policies, including the uniform policy. While you can't change people, you can ensure they wear their pants at their waist as the policy dictates. It's a requirement of their job to comply.

[swampfox43]

^You are exactly right rcmaster.

For one thing, it's obvious the photo in question wasn't just someone having a "bad pants day". It was blatant disrespect of Cedar Fair dress code policy and the GP (in my opinion).

And yes slickridz01, you CAN and SHOULD change how someone wears their pants when it crosses the line of decency at work.

A good team leader would recognize that.

[MarkD]

I can understand "baggie" pants but not DPS. I do hope, in time, that things like this get eliminated.

As a father of two I don't want them to see things like that and I want them to always trust a park they visit. It doesn't matter that both my kids are at least as old, if not older, than some here but it is still a father thing.

And, I am sorry that some get insulted but what about the parents and younger guests who ride these rides. Do you think looking at someone’s underwear wasn't insulting, or even disrespectful? Team Leaders may have a lot to do but we personally know a few, and I work with an Ex-TL, that have done great jobs with their responsibilities.

You got to love the internet though. Instant news, there's nothing like it.

I really wish people knew how to use a spell checker.

[UpperNick]

^You are exactly right rcmaster.

For one thing, it's obvious the photo in question wasn't just someone having a "bad pants day". It was blatant disrespect of Cedar Fair dress code policy and the GP (in my opinion).

And yes slickridz01, you CAN and SHOULD change how someone wears their pants when it crosses the line of decency at work.

A good team leader would recognize that.

I disagree with that, no matter how good of Team Leader you are, you can not. If they don't want to wear their pants right, they are not going to do it. Fact is, most Carowinds employee don't care about the rules, or their job because they know can they get a job somewhere else.

[chargercrazy]

As soon as a potential employee accepts a position (not just at Carowinds) they have agreed to comply with the rules and regulations of said job. If the dress code is a written policy/rule of said employer, then compliance is expected every day the employee is working. Failure to comply is a direct violation of procedure/policy and could be grounds for termination of employment.

I think the park should give employees a warning if they are determined to be in violation of park procedures/policies. Upon a second offense, employees should be fired. If the rules aren't enforced, what is the point of having rules in the first place?

[rcmaster]

^ That is the way it is supposed to work. It's the job of the team leader to notice the problem, and then have a conversation with the person which goes on their file. Again, the team leaders are 100% responsible for the people they lead. If people don't want to follow the rules, then they can get a job somewhere else. Some people need closer supervision.