General Carowinds discussion
#32726
Dani, I would like to use this forum to compliment some of your ride OPs. I've went to the park on Thursday, July 16th and again on Wednesday, August 6th.

Both times, Dupree was on the mic at Nighthawk. He is a great ride OP. Always keeps you laughing and is very prompt on getting things moving. I noticed everytime Dupree and the crew with him are working the ride, I've never had to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes to ride Nighthawk. Coincidence? I think not.

Also, I didn't get any names, but the crew during the afternoon at Afterburn was very efficient. Despite there being no one in line to ride the next train, they were still running back and forth making sure all the seats were locked. I'm sure it would be easy to casually walk from seat to seat checking since there isn't a line, but they were flying through it as if the line went down the stairs. Also, despite their fast pace, they still checked every single restraint and made sure they were very secure.

I have to mention the LaShanda at Cyclone, too. Again, very prompt and gets the job done quickly despite there being no line.

I'm not sure what you did differently this year, but the OPs are very professional and add a lot of personality to the park. It's really quite refreshing. :D
Last edited by Chris on August 8th, 2009, 3:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
#32741
I think he is probably well aware of that.

Anyway, a little speculation on why operations are better this year:

-Cedar Fair has a good track record when it comes to this. I think this was one of the more positive changes that I expected when the parks were first purchased by them.
-Insanely high amounts of job applications this year mean they are able to select only the best.
#32742
There was a black lady (I didn't quite catch her name) checking the restraints on Drop Tower the other day. I thought she was absolutely hilarious and added to the experience. She also made sure everyone was super-secure and did her job very quickly.

I'd also like to give a compliment to Andrew, the ride-op for Afterburn, who is the best ride-op in the park, in my opinion. He flies through the seats checking the restraints, and is easily the most efficient driver in the park. He makes sure the train is dispatched as soon as safely possible, and really maximizes the capacity for the ride.

I also remember someone saying something about Carowinds trying to win "nicest staff of the year" for Cedar Fair.
#32758
I, also would like to not only give my compliments, but to say congratulations. This is the first year that I have ever been to Carowinds when the staff not only does their job right and quickly, but has a good sense of humor about it. When Paramount owned it, the staff was VERY lazy, and one time my friends seat belt came off on Top Gun because of it. (just the buckle thing)
I haven't been recently, so I have forgotten most of the people there, but there are a few people I would like to point out. Anthony at the fliers is awesome. Not only does he do his job 120%, but he adds his own excitement to the rides he operates. There's a younger guy at After Burn named (I think) Chris, and he is very polite/friendly, something you look for in an employee.
There's a black guy (I don't know his name) at the Hurler that is just awesome... He makes sure everybody is buckled in securely, but it's really amazing how fast he does it. He also adds a great deal of humor to the ride area with his dancing (he's a BEAST at the robot).
So once again, thank you for training and disciplining the staff this year. It has been noted!
#33113
I was just there on the 9th, and I have to agree--they were consistently enthusiastic on pretty much all the rides and made the atmosphere fun for everyone. (Nothing like a bored, sullen ride op to kill your buzz, eh?) I would also like to compliment the rest of the staff--almost every employee I interacted with had a smile and something pleasant and/or funny to say. My group (two adults and two 10-year olds) had a great time, and the staff definitely helped that happen.
#34968
BillCollins.

"There's a younger guy at After Burn named (I think) Chris, and he is very polite/friendly, something you look for in an employee." There isnt anyone that I know of by the name of chris at Afterburn... Although, I havent been in a few weeks. Are you sure that that is his name?