First Year Working at CP

Hello!

I'm currently in the interview process for what I'm assuming will be a server position at TGI Friday's on the Beach (as the manager who contacted me is a Food and Beverage manager with TGI Friday's in her signature line). I was just curious to know if anyone here has experience in working at that TGI Friday's: how the pay scale is (since it's run by Cedar Point, are the wages still in the $2-3/hr before tips? I'm preparing myself for that but I'm curious to know if I should be expecting/requesting more), how hours are generally structured, etc.

I also have a question about housing. I know there is a $100 deposit upon entry, but do they take the per-day cost of living there out of your check from the start or should I plan to have enough to cover both housing expenses and food for that 21-day window?

Thanks,

Desmond

I have little knowledge regarding TGI Fridays as I am in Ride Operations.I believe it is a gratuity based service though. I've no idea what their hours or earnings are.

Regarding your question of the deposit: Your housing rent is payroll deducted. If for some reason, you on board into housing, but do not work enough to cover the cost, you will be responsible for paying whatever is not covered by your wages. You should not have to worry about this so long as you don't do something strange like take a vacation in your first 2 weeks. ~$300 is a good estimate for food until you get your first paycheck. Bear in mind that you may want to purchase additional things for your room, CP merchandise, and go out with your coworkers all of which cost more.

I would have preferred a position in Ride Operations but my initial availability (June 1-Nov 1) probably destroyed my chances for that. Some plans fell through and I'm open starting May 7th now, but I would assume they wouldn't want to do training on opening weekend.

Thanks for the info on housing though! The main issue is that I've been on extended leave from my (now former) job and I'm having to take a loan from my parents to cover initial costs until I earn enough working in the park to pay them back. (They're not too entirely concerned with it but I probably am for all of us; I don't like owing people money.) I just have to figure out how much to ask of them.

There is an employee cafeteria that you can take breaks at. Food is a lot cheaper at the cafeteria than throughout the park. Also, if you show the merchandise host your CP ID, it saves you money as well (don't know what it is nowadays, but it was 25% in 2014 and prior). There's also stores, restaurants and other retail places in and around Sandusky that gives you a discount for being a Cedar Point employee with your ID. There's a pamphlet in HR / the Rec that tells you where an employee can receive a discount in Sandusky and other places around the area.

Good to know! I'll have to make a friend or two who can drive (panic/anxiety disorder has kept me from going behind the wheel at all, even though I got my learner's permit a year ago) or figure out how to get around Sandusky another way, but I'll definitely keep that in mind.

For what it is worth, a friend has a relative who worked at Famous Dave's at the park last year and made excellent tips. TGIFriday's is probably similar as there is often a waiting list to get a table. I think you will find that you will make significantly more as a TGIFriday's server then if you would be employed as a ride operator regardless of the base pay.

^^If you don't have a car then you can take the employee shuttle from Commons or you can live On-point in Cedars to work. There is also a free employee bus that will take you out to the mall, Walmart, Meijer etc. Sandusky has a couple of taxi services though plan on them being late if you use them. There are also several pizza places who deliver to Cedars and Commons.

Last season, I always offered to give my coworkers rides to crew outings. I was also usually willing to offer rides to anyone to Clean Scene or the stores if I was driving there myself.I also would swing by the bus stop on my way into work and offer anyone waiting a ride.

There are sometimes a few employees around, myself included who if they have time and energy, will give you a ride into town for a couple of bucks for gas.

Having a crew member or a friend is a good way to get around Sandusky. However, Sandusky (outside of Cedar Point) also does have a Transit system you can use. I've never used it, but i've seen it around town.

http://www.ci.sandusky.oh.us/cms-assets/documents/237486-630450.sparc-2.23.pdf

Also, if you happen to live in Commons / Common Apartments, there is a small store with basic items (dryer sheets, soap, toothbrushes) as well as snack items. I know the store doesn't have a lot of stuff, but it does have some things that you may need throughout the summer. Also, postage stamps can be bought at the Rec center (it's the same location where an employee can pick up their mail with their CP ID.

Thanks for all of the helpful answers everyone. I'm getting more excited (but trying not to get my hopes up entirely since I haven't actually got a job offer yet) and I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed for this amazing opportunity! Would someone be able to tell me if the beds in the dorms are just standard twin size? I'm planning on buying my linens and things before I get there.

Yes they are Twin.

While you are out shopping for linens, consider buying a mattress protector to help guard against bed bugs. They are unfortunately a risk of any shared housing. Its better to take steps to avoid getting bedbugs such as washing your sheets weekly and keeping your room clean then to have to deal with all the inconvenience of getting your room heat treated.

GDUBS said:

Yes they are Twin.

While you are out shopping for linens, consider buying a mattress protector to help guard against bed bugs. They are unfortunately a risk of any shared housing. Its better to take steps to avoid getting bedbugs such as washing your sheets weekly and keeping your room clean then to have to deal with all the inconvenience of getting your room heat treated.

I would also recommend having a mattress topper to your bed. Even though they are durable, the beds are not the most comfortable to have.

Good to know from both of you. I really do appreciate all the help--this is the first time I'll be away from home long-term without staying with someone I know, and I have a diagnosed anxiety/panic disorder so I'm just trying to get things planned out.

I have one more question (unless I think of anything else): How well does Cedar Point do with non-discrimination? When I called for my first interview I asked the interviewer and he didn't really give me a concrete answer (just a general "oh don't worry, we've never had problems"). I'm female-to-male transgender; I've been on testosterone shots for about three months and I haven't gone through any gender reassignment surgeries. While I'm definitely not looking for any kind of special treatment, I just want to know for sure that I'm going to be in a safe environment and if something does go wrong, I'd be able to take any issues up with HR and get it resolved.

Cedar Point and Cedar Fair don't take discrimination lightly. Last season I worked with numerous people of various gender identities, and I didn't personally see any problems. Generally if you don't cause problems with others, they won't cause problems with you.

(I know this may sound totally random, but it was on my favorite days while working at CP). In early August, there is a merchandise tent sale. CP sells all the damaged merchandise / stuff that they want to get rid off. Yes, some of it is damaged and can be passed on. However, there are some legit good merchandise or something very small is wrong with it that can easily be fixed. So, it something to check out.

I was just curious to know, is it common to have a bit of trouble in getting a second interview? I've been waiting over a month and finally got frustrated enough to call the manager I'm supposed to be dealing with (who I've been emailing back and forth with for the past month). She told me last week she would be doing interviews this week but when I just called, she said they're still reviewing applications and would be doing calls next week. It just seems very convoluted and frustrating when I'm sitting on leave from my current job, broke and waiting for Cedar Point to pick up the pace and let me know whether or not I'll be hired on.

Sorry to say this, but, it sounds to me like you should be looking for other employment.