Everything You Need to Know!

I've decided to step up and bring a thread here that can be used for all new employees, as far as helpful hints, what to bring, etc.

Make you sure have a water bottle. You'll be using this all day, with almost unlimited water to last you during the day. Just be sure to not have your water bottle out in guests sight, this is a big no-no.

You'll also want a book bag or duffle bag, to not only store the water bottle, but your wind/rain suits. Sandusky and Lake Erie has a mind of their own, and the weather can quickly switch. Just be prepared for the worst.

CP gives you sheets, blankets, towels. And they also give you clean ones when you give back your dirty ones. This is unlimited, so it's pretty cool. But, there's no problem at bring your own blankets, towels, and pillows.

Remember to bring an alarm clock, unless you use your cell phone.

Try to get rides with your friends if you do not drive. CP does have employee bussing that takes to and from work, as well as Meijer and the Sandusky Mall, all for free. However, the busses tend to late-- a lot, and are often over-crowded.

Be careful with your stuff. Don't leave valuable things out to the open, and always lock your doors. CP is very crowded with people of all kinds. Make sure yourself and your stuff says safe.

You'll want an extra pair of flip flops for shower-only use. The bathrooms and showers are pretty nasty, all due to people being retarded.

Be friends with the Employee Discount Guide. You'll get this when you process in at Human Resources. Inside it, is local businesses giving the CP employees discounts. Some offer free bowling, 10% at many locations, etc.

Always make sure your CP ID (or badge, sometimes called) is on you at ALL times. Without this, you will not be able to get into housing, the park, and you won't get the discounts the businesses offer without the ID.

Bring sunblock. Otherwise, at the start of the season, you'll be red. And that's not exaggerating.

If you have a camera, bring it, and keep it on you. Your crew is your summer family, as well as other friends you meet elsewhere in the park. Whether it's a night-in in your room, or at Louie's, you're going to want lots of pictures. Something not to forget.

Your money will quickly dry up if you do not watch it closely. Be careful how you spend it on food, fun, and alcohol.

If you're having a bad day, don't let it ruin your emotions to the guest. Try to remain courteous and polite. Many guests are not afraid to complain, and will talk a lot. Also, the "higher-ups" are frequently walking around. Be careful.

If you see trash, go out of your way to pick it up. Same if you see people that are confused or lost. If you find money, or anything that may have been dropped, turn it into Lost & Found. Doing these things will usually pay off by some type of an award.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Post them here, send me a private message, or AIM me (check signature).

And do not be shy. Introduce yourself in the 2008 New Employees thread, and meet everyone else.

For Ride Operators, go to www.tideblue.com for the CP staff. Another helpful site to meet other crew members.

Here's a post where I discussed some of the most important things to consider.

I also made a long list of tips and while alot of them are the same as he listed, there are some other good ones.
http://pointbuzz.com/Forums/Thread/22144.aspx?page=18#354596

Request for this to be pinned.

I have a few questions:

Are the beds in Cedars acceptable? (comfort-wise)

How do you move up ranks to positions like "team leader and assisstant team leader"?

If you're not available right when the season starts, does that affect your chance of working on rides like coasters? I won't be able to start until Mid-May, and would have to quit around September.

Also, is it 100% worth it to work there? I've heard nothing but good things, but you never know...

Thank you.

beds in Cedars, i think, were fine. nothing bad, nothing special.

you should still be able to get a coaster, but you can get moved around a lot. it depends where the park needs workers most.

moving up usually takes awhile..just don't be stupid, late, have a good attitude, and you'll get somewhere.

Moving up is overrated and not worth it. RED POWER (but not Light Green/Green). The beds were at times uncomfy but it was bettter then the times I slept in my car there.

I think it matters on the bed itself. No two beds can exactly match-up. Mine was pretty good, when I stayed at Cedars in 06. The bed I had at Commons in 07 was also good, but I wouldn't say one was better over the other.

I would definitely suggest spending about $10 for one of those foam mattress pad things. The mattresses (at least in Commons) are alright, but they have a plastic surface on them. In my experience, just a sheet between you and the mattress isn't enough to keep you from feeling like you're sticking to the plastic. Plus the foam pads make it a lot softer.

Bringing a small fan for your room wouldn't be a terrible idea, either. The air conditioning in the rooms is spotty as best sometimes, and it can get rather toasty in mid-July with no AC. Always have some snack food handy in your room so you don't have to go out to eat as often. Sometimes if you get off of work late at night, a snack before bedtime is more financially sound than going to Steak 'n Shake for a $10 meal.

I went to Steak 'n Shake like one time and even that was a debate. I would get to my room at night (MORNING) and be like "God do I really to want to nuke something in the Store" Thats the CP diet for you. It made my actually think about eating for that day. Lost about 20 pounds and 3 inches from my waist.

I second getting a mattress cover and I should have done that but I will this year I plan too. I also recommend rope lights if you are on the bottom like I had. Also used an adjustable 3 level shower rack as a night stand.

Brandon....I just realized you have "Im CedarFANtastic" on your signature do-dad thing...ummm..no..wrong!!!! That would be me!

Anyhoo...I like this thread...very useful and helpful

CaptainChris said:
Moving up is overrated and not worth it. RED POWER (but not Light Green/Green). The beds were at times uncomfy but it was bettter then the times I slept in my car there.

Moving up was the most fun I had at CP, what's the fun in doing the minimum with your abilities? I learned a lot from my time in leadership with CP, I doubt I'd have the position with Target that I have now if I didn't learn from my summers of responsibility and fun.

Mathew said:

CaptainChris said:
Moving up is overrated and not worth it. RED POWER (but not Light Green/Green). The beds were at times uncomfy but it was bettter then the times I slept in my car there.

Moving up was the most fun I had at CP, what's the fun in doing the minimum with your abilities? I learned a lot from my time in leadership with CP, I doubt I'd have the position with Target that I have now if I didn't learn from my summers of responsibility and fun.

So what position do you have with Target?

Indeed a mattress pad is a good idea... Plastic is sticky

Another good thing to know is that the bus "schedule" doesn't really exist. If the bus drivers are off their schedule they just skip stops. Whenever they show up at wardrobe they are going on a break.

Find a friend with a car for rides to work.

EVERYONE loses weight at CP =D working on Dragster, I drank water like it was my job, walked EVERYWHERE, and it really pays off! and quick too! the biggest meal of the day was at the employee caf on breaks & then you just kind of forget that you're hungry...lol

Well, you forget you're hungry until you get to Buffalo Wild Wings or BK after work. ;)

I know how that goes, though. I've always operated on a tight stomach at the park, although working did increase my appetite.

Yea those plastic mattresses are just no good.

Yeah I am going to pick on up when I get there. Anyone remember the size of the bed?