2008 New Employees

The rainsuit is about $25, and is the plastic poncho type material suit that is really essential when it rains. It rains a lot in May and early June, and then pretty much off and on all summer, so the rainsuit really helps.

The windsuit, aka "blue-suit" is I think around $30 for the jacket and $25 for the pants. Thats basically needed for the all the cold days early in the season and at the end of the season, but is just nice to have for any cold day during the season.

I bought both my first season, and they have lasted me now for 3 years, so they are a pretty good investment. You can pay in cash or payroll deduction at Wardrobe. Wardrobe also has sweatshirts in tons of colors to wear over your uniform for about $14.

lol the smurf suit is a term that can be used for both the wind suit and the rain suit. I think more people buy the wind suit, because its allowed to be worn at all times, not just during the rain...and the pieces are sold seperately. The rain suit is sold as a set, is more of a vinyl (nylon really but lol just so you can get the idea) material, it is actually pretty waterproof. I get both, but thats cuz I'm there from set up (before opening day) to tear down (after last day) so I make good use of everything...and with me being a sup I only have to and can buy or make use of the upper half of the suits anyway.
I guess after the first rain that is when a lot of people realize how handy the rain suit is but the wind suit will keep you relatively warm and semi dry (if you're out in a sprinkle for only a few minutes).

Zach. said:
It rains a lot in May and early June, and then pretty much off and on all summer, so the rainsuit really helps.

They also double as a personal sauna if worn on a warm or even mildly humid day. ;)

Oh god. Those rain suits are very sauna-like. I can remember days where it would be really hot and humid and I'd be stuck at entrance with a rains suit on. Or vice-versa, and be sent to entrance when it looks nice outside, but once I got down to entrance, it'd start pouring down rain and I'd be without a rain suit. :D

Yes...keep your rainsuit with you at ALL TIMES, you never know when its going to rain. It definitely sucks not having your rainsuit and getting caught in the pouring rain and having to spend the next several hours wet and miserable.

So.... cough up the $80 and get both, or...? (I hate asking newbie questions, it embarasses me for some reason... lol...)

lapseofreason said:
So.... cough up the $80 and get both, or...? (I hate asking newbie questions, it embarasses me for some reason... lol...)

Haha, don't worry about asking questions! Not a big deal at all. Honestly, I would splurge and get both. I bought both my first year, and, they're both good to have. The regular blue suits aren't waterproof like the rain suit, but, the blue suits are what you'll want when it's cold.

Could some experienced employee make a list of what all new employees need to get or do...cause I have so many questions but I can't think of them all at this given point in time..

You don't have to list everything but maybe the important stuff we all need to do or get...

Thanks! :)

The problem is, what you need and what you might need to do can very greatly depending on where you're working. Many departments have different requirements. If you've been hired, the JobNet information about your division, Cedar Point's online employment information, and the information you'll receive in the mail should be enough to guide you through the absolute essentials. Anything that's not explicitly stated by one of those means will be addressed when you process in and go through training, and it's not impossible to survive without knowing them upfront. If you have any specific questions, I'm sure many are happy to help.

With that being said, here are some very abbreviated things to think about:

1. Get a good, preferably new, pair of shoes and break them in prior to starting work. Check with your department or division for specifics on color, sole, etc. Believe me, they will be well worn out after the summer is over.
2. Pack clothes for both warm and cool, wet and dry weather. Being on a peninsula on Lake Erie, the weather can change quickly and without notice. Be aware that weather forecasts for Sandusky only give you a hint of what might be in store for you at Cedar Point. Shower shoes are a must, and watch will help to keep you on time throughout your day, and I'd highly recommend it.
   
3. Be sure to bring an alarm clock and a pillow. Towels, bed sheets, mattress covers, etc, are available from housing if you so choose. However, bringing your own might help to make your space your own. A fan is also a good idea if you're living somewhere without air conditioning, or with poor air conditioning.
   
4. Don't bring anything you fear might be stolen. If you choose to do so, be sure to keep your belongings locked up and secured when you're not using them. Some have great experiences with these types of items, and others have terrible ones. Just play it safe.
   
5. Read and be prepared to adhere to the employee grooming guidelines everyday you work, including your hair, facial hair and legs, tattoos, piercings, and other jewelry. These policies are taken very seriously, and there is no way around them. Your uniform must meet the qualifications of your department on a daily basis.
6. Read the Employee Guidelines handbook and any training manuals provided to you. They will provide you with a plethora of valuable information about your job, Cedar Point, and your summer.
7. Learn everything you can about the park during your "Cornerstone Training." Being able to identify nearby restrooms, attractions, smoking locations, food venues, show venues, and gift shops will be a common part of any job you hold at the park.
8. Come prepared with enough money to get through about 2-3 weeks. Any expenditures, including food and personal items, will need to come out of this money, as you won't receive your first paycheck until about 21 days into work.
9. Whether you're taking the bus or driving to work, be sure to allocate enough time to make it to work on time. The bus can run late, and traffic can always get backed up on the Causeway.
10. Remember to eat and drink consciously. Many positions are outdoors 90% or more of the day. Drinking plenty of water and getting good meals each day are vital to your personal health and your ability to affectively do your job. Sleep is also important. While you're certainly going to have some late nights with friends and/or working, be sure you're getting enough sleep to keep you feeling your best.
    
11. Most importantly, if you have any questions during the process, ask someone. There are plenty of managers, supervisors, and other co-workers who will be more than happy to help you.
    

Really, those are the bare essentials to getting yourself on track for a successful summer. Anything over and above that is a bonus. While some of these ideas sound kind of dumb or "cheezy," they really will help you in the long run.

A side note about sleep...naps on the benches and picnic tables in break areas can really do a number on your back after a while, and it isn't fun when you're bending over to check restraints all day. In other words, enjoy the nights with your crew, but do get enough sleep to be ready to go (I think 7 hours was the most I ever got during the summer). Now, if only I followed my advice during college...stupid 7:50s. ;)

So when we are driving to CP and we get there do we go in like we are going to park or where do we go...sorry I'm asking so many questions I just want to be prepared...

Go right down the causeway, they will stop you at the gate and explain where to go.

You mean on a daily basis or when you process-in?

When you process-in, tell the person at the toll booth that that's what you're doing, and they will direct you to Human Resources.

On a daily basis, the person at tolls will see your parking sticker and wave at you allowing you to pass. The only place you'll be allowed to park on the peninsula will be in the main parking lot up near Space Spiral. Again, this will all be explained to you once you arrive. (Some restrictions on parking on certain days may apply.)

It seems like there is so much to remember or do and I haven't even gotten there yet...

Ahhh...

It's not that complicated. Just show up and you'll figure out the rest from there.

Exactly. In fact, going at the whole thing partially blind-sighted might be somewhat to your benefit. Not knowing what there is to remember before you need to remember it might make things a little easier. Just go with the flow and you'll be fine.

This is going to be my first season working at CP and I'm so excited but I have a couple of questions.

First of all when/where do you find out what ride you're on? I got an email saying I've been hired as a ride host but it never mentioned any particular ride.

Also (really stupid question), do you process in on your first contracted date or turn up the day before to get housing, uniform and all the rest sorted?

Thanks for all the answers! You guys have been very helpful! I have another question. My friend is going to work at the point as well....he is in games and i'm in merchandise....is there any possible way we could get our off days scheduled for the same day of the week?....and do employees generally have the same off day every week? Thanks!

^^IIRC the date that is listed on your contract as your process-in date is one day prior to the date listed that you actually start work. This process in date is when you will get the housing, uniform, etc.

theme park addict said:
This is going to be my first season working at CP and I'm so excited but I have a couple of questions.

First of all when/where do you find out what ride you're on? I got an email saying I've been hired as a ride host but it never mentioned any particular ride.

Also (really stupid question), do you process in on your first contracted date or turn up the day before to get housing, uniform and all the rest sorted?

Within a week or two of being hired, you should be able to log into JobNet (the site you applied at), and see your agreement. You should also be expecting something in the mail with your actual contract and other documents. You should definitely know where you're at within a month (usually less) of being hired. Something you need to remember, though, is that no matter where your contract says you'll be, you might be moved upon processing in, or at anything throughout the season.

As for your other question, when you get your contract, you'll have a couple dates listed. One will be your job start date, which is when you actually start work. You'll report for processing in the day before your contracted start date. It's all listed on your contract when you get it.
But as an example, my start date is May 5, but I process in (which includes getting ID, uniform, housing, etc.) on May 4. Hope that helps :)