CoasterMania weekend observations

Took a park newbie for my first CM, his first visit. Hosted our respective wives and kids for the weekend following. Grand time---here are the tidbits.

* The park seemed pleased that MF finally made it up. I was pleased too. I ran into Mr. Kinzel on Saturday AM at Breakers Express, and after thanking him for a good time on Friday, his first question was "Did you get on Millennium Force?" His second question was "How long are you staying?" Gotta keep those resort rooms full! ;)

* We didn't make it to AM ERT, but it sounds as though rides were plentiful. We were there for evening ERT, and only waited for MF, and then only 15-20 minutes. Lots of trains, little or no waiting. I ran into surprisingly few enthusiasses---fun environment. In short, the event surpassed all expectations based on prior CM reports. Maybe I just got lucky.

* For a free lunch, the food was surprisingly good. Heck, at $30, the day is a complete and total bargain. As a passholder, I feel almost guilty.

* I managed to link hands with a rider in the opposite train for the entire run between the first and second turn after the lift on Gemini. It was effortless---I'm not sure I've never been on two trains that ran neck and neck for an entire straightaway before.

* We hit the top of the Mantis lift just as Hot Summer Lights started. That was pretty cool. From the ground, the show wasn't nearly as impressive.

* Magnum. Trimless. Night. Good times. We ended there. My new-to-CP buddy proclaimed Magnum his favorite of the bunch even before ERT. After, he had full-on converted to Magnumism. He has good taste in friends *and* coasters. :)

* I take back what I said about the quick service food places being okay this season. Several long waits. Screwed up orders. Even the usually-reliable Coasters (a) couldn't figure out if kids cups were or were not included in the kiddie meal---line staff or management, (b) had a cashier that couldn't figure out how to run a credit card, and (c) couldn't keep several of our orders straight.

* The food at Hurricane Hanna's was pretty good. The service was truly dreadful. It should not take ten minutes to get four items. Perhaps the problem is that there are four registers open, and only one person in the kitchen?

* It wasn't all bad, though. RoundUp seems to be getting it done. SkyRide refreshments may not be fast, but at least the staff there are friendly and eager to help. So, there is hope.

* I was a little surprised to see that despite being completely renovated, they didn't bother to put credit card readers in Hurricane Hannah's. Why not make it easier for me to spend money? Why do some window service places have readers while others do not? I suppose they'd have to chew up some midway to get a data line there, but honestly this seems like the sort of technology upgrade that costs more money every year they don't do it.

* Seemed like a larger-than-usual police presence. I'm not sure whether it was just my imagination, or if staffing in that segment has really increased. I think it's a fine thing, if the latter.

* Saw lots of full time staff during the weekend. Couldn't count the number of times I saw one of them bend over to pick up trash. Leading by doing.

Good call on the credit card machines. That is my preferred method of paying for ANYTHING. I hate having to find an ATM, to have to take out in multiples of $20, for a $5 lunch.

Well I got to go potty three urinals over from Kinzel on Friday night. I win!

^ Did you get his autograph, or at least talk to him while he was going? I mean, that's an opportunity of a lifetime!

Also, I got to say hi to Judy K. and the dog when they were walking around the park on Friday, so there.

-Josh

Regarding the police presence, it's not your imagination. I noticed a lot more members of authority on the weekend. (Come to think of it, I saw 7 police cars pulling over people just on the drive to the park, let alone in it.)

All I got was a handshake. I didn't even think about meeting him in the bathroom! ;)

CP's credit card readers operate over phone lines, and there are already phones at every location (I think) so installing card readers shouldn't be too difficult.