Early Entry Enforcement?

Wow I had no idea this was happening as I haven't been to Cedar Point in 13 years, we are actually leaving in an hour or so and hoping to get in a few rides before they close tonight. We have platinum passes and last year when we went to Kings Island the no entry was strictly enforced, you had to actually get your pass out and show it before you could go any further.

noggin said:
Has anyone brought this up with the park, and if so, what was the response?

In addition to sending an e-mail to guest services last week where I addressed several topics (including some praise, not just complaints) I also just completed a customer feedback survey that I received via e-mail. In the comments section I mentioned the issues with early entry.

Thabto said:

Going into the park and asking to get my picture taken is so annoying. Give them a clipboard instead of a camera. Then we could see some good changes.

Agreed. I avoid eye contact, develop selective deafness and stay as far away from them as possible.

But do they actually work for the park? I read, somewhere, sometime, that they don't work for the park but are employed by a third party vendor.

Regardless of who employs them, I would love to know how much money they make. In the world of cheap digital cameras and Instagram how they get anything is beyond me. Not once or ever will I buy a picture from them

They're like phone books. Why are they still around and why do people use them? :-)

The photo guys contract is up this year. Look for a modern solution to both park/on-ride photos coming next year.

And, if they ask you to have your picture taken, you just have to tell them "no, I don't want a picture" and they will leave you alone.

I was at the park for early entry today. I was asked to show my platinum pass at the raptor entrance and at the fence near Johnny Rockets.

It does seem a little comical that the park is worried about people being put off by employees who have facial hair and / or dreadlocks, but not by employees (contracted or otherwise) soliciting services from guests. The people who take photos at the entrance usually aren't too bad but some of the game operators, especially the ones with microphones, can be relentless.

It's the ballyhoo, man. The pitch is as old as amusement parks themselves.

Remember at Cedar Point (and Kings Island) the place where they would talk to you about vacation getaways? They're in the business to make money and they probably won't just stand around and wait for someone to ask what they're doing.

Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, same thing. Come in and have your picture taken. It's free.

Ever been to Disney? Turn a corner in a park or a resort and there's someone asking you if you've heard of the Vacation Club.

I think the pitch from the games people is fun. I dont see it as harassment, it just makes me feel like I'm at the park.

If the game operators' banter bugs you, it's a you thing. Just sayin'. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about that area of the park, and I'm not a games player at all unless my daughters are with me wanting to win something.

It wouldn't be Cedar Point without being haggled by one of the "guessers" either. It's like the smell of the train; there are little things that add up to a complete day at the park experience.

I enjoy all of the game hosts. They really make the park feel alive.

RCMAC said:

Ever been to Disney? Turn a corner in a park or a resort and there's someone asking you if you've heard of the Vacation Club.

That is not true. They are not permitted to actively engage people that way. You have to approach them.

I wish the DirecTv sales people at Best Buy were like that. They come and talk to you when you're in the middle of shopping. They've gotten better, but I was very close to not going there anymore for that reason.

This reminds me of the old Disney Store game I used to play with friends in the mall in late middle school where you tried to make it all the way to the back without one of the workers asking if you needed anything.

Wow life was simple and entertaining back then haha

Jeff said:

RCMAC said:

Ever been to Disney? Turn a corner in a park or a resort and there's someone asking you if you've heard of the Vacation Club.

That is not true. They are not permitted to actively engage people that way. You have to approach them.

Hmmmm... I remember that differently, but I'm sure you're right. I'm thinking in particular about the guy at Grand Floridian, but it's a really good possibility that I said hello to him first. Then he HAD ME IN HIS SNARE!
:-)

The banter doesn't bother me so long as I'm not the one that they're trying to flag down. :)

I was just pointing out the irony of having uber restrictive grooming policies supposedly intended to make employees appear "friendly and approachable" and then permitting employees to holler at guests with a microphone and try to talk (or in some cases guilt) them into playing a game.

You've never met Bobo the Clown. You know, the insult clown dunk tank guy?
Well, he wasn't exactly dressed nicely. And that hair...

One time I walked into the men's room at the state fair and there was Bobo sitting on the toilet. I thought "oh, my kingdom for a softball right now"!

I've never had a problem with the photo people. I just nod "no" or say "no thank you." And they usually reply with "have a nice day" or "enjoy the park" or something like that.

As for the game operators, they give the park atmosphere. You expect them. Most people just ignore them and keep walking.

I usually say "don't take my soul" and see if the photographer gets the Amish reference just for ****s & giggles