Hi-

I just accepted a position for a Gemini Ride Host. It will be my first job at Cedar Point.

Anyone else have a job, or are going to apply, at Cedar Point for the 2007 season?

Hey sfmman2000, congratulations on being accepted to Cedar Point's 2007 Ride Operations. I guarantee you will have lots of fun, with plenty of friends and experiences by the end of the summer. Gemini is a fun roller coaster to work, consisting of a large crew, with plenty of duel spieling. Be aware though, around half the people who process into ride operations in late May get immediately transferred to the current ride in most need of staffing, rather than your contracted ride. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I know pretty much everything at this point, as I'll be returning for my 4th season in Merchandise.

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'09 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, Michigan's Adventure
'08 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, SFoT; '07 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, Cedar Point
'06 Ride Operator, Batman:TR, SFGAm; '05 Front Desk, Disney's BoardWalk Hotel, WDW
'04 Merchandise, CP, Coaster Count: 268

Hey Marcus-

Thanks for the info. So you say if you don't start until a few weeks after open, you might not get the ride in your contract? I will be starting very early June - I have no choice, it's when my school gets out. Coming in that late, do you think any off point housing will still be available? I've heard the off-point housing (or whatever the term is) is better than the on-point dorms.

Yes, especially in June. By June a lot of people who can't handle the work quit or get fired which leaves some rides with fewer people than others. Of course, you're still more likely to get Gemini than of the other unit, but there is a chance they will put you somewhere else. My friend was originally contracted to Blue Streak, was moved to the train for a few days, then ended up on Mean Streak for the rest of the season.

Excellent question on the housing. When you process-in at Human Resources, the people there will probably tell you...
"Ok just go over to Cedars(on-site housing) to get your housing assignment."
And if you ask about Off-point housing, they usually say...
"Ohhh I don't think we have anymore availability for off-point housing."
LIESSSSSS
There's about a 90% chance of housing available off-point. When you're processing-in, and you get to the point for selecting housing, first drive to Commons(off-point) and check with them for housing availability. From my experience, on-site housing is where all the internationals stay so few people speak good English, it's somewhat infested, and has very awkward smell to it. I made a list describing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of housing at Cedar Point in this thread.

http://www.thrillnetwork.com/boards/...ad.php?t=40716

__________________
'09 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, Michigan's Adventure
'08 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, SFoT; '07 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, Cedar Point
'06 Ride Operator, Batman:TR, SFGAm; '05 Front Desk, Disney's BoardWalk Hotel, WDW
'04 Merchandise, CP, Coaster Count: 268

Sounds like off point is the way to go for housing... as I thought. That is a great comparision you wrote up there - thanks.

I won't be driving up there, so I'll have no car. How easy is it to get around? I know there are shuttles, but are they often on-time, etc.?

Thanks for your input

I had no car my first season working at Cedar Point, and I got around just fine. I made my most money that year saving on gas and insurance. The buses run from something like 5AM-1AM every half hour, and the ride is only like 5 mins. They are almost always on time, but on Saturdays in July, there tends to be heavy traffic going in and out of Cedar Point so they can be late. I personally loved playing race the clock where I would take the 6:30 bus, for a 7 o'clock shift and get there right on time. Other people who hate to be late, will take the 6o'clock bus for a 7 o'clock shift and get there 30-40mins ahead of their schedule and never be late. I'd recommend getting there fairly early your first week until you get a feel for things.

Also once you get to know your crew, they will often have the same shift as you and offer you a ride to work. Sometimes I just asked random people with cars if I could get a ride and they usually would,(except for some girls who think you're going to rape them. Rolleyes.) The bus will have it's share of experiences as well. It's a great place to meet people and a common place to see a big, funny, drama-filled argument. The bus drivers are cool too, one looks exactly like Usher, (if he returns for 07.) The bus also goes to the mall and Target so you're not always on CP property, just don't miss the last bus or you have like a 4 mile walk home.

If you have no car, for housing I'd recommend Commons Apartments. My first season I stayed in the Commons Dorms which has only 1 room for up to 4 people. Well when you have no car, and a roommate is getting some action at night, you have no place to go other than wait in the hall or outside. Where as the Commons Apartments if this situation occurs, you're free to go to the living area and watch TV. But the choice is really up to you.

If you haven't found this site http://cpstaff.kg631.com/ is the main site for CP ride ops. In the assignments you can see the names of people on all the crews, and there's also a chat forum for Ride Operators to talk about your crew and concerns for the upcoming year

__________________
'09 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, Michigan's Adventure
'08 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, SFoT; '07 Area Supervisor, Merchandise, Cedar Point
'06 Ride Operator, Batman:TR, SFGAm; '05 Front Desk, Disney's BoardWalk Hotel, WDW
'04 Merchandise, CP, Coaster Count: 268

Just thought that I'd chime in and mention I'm on the 2007 Skyhawk crew. I can't wait for this summer, as Zone 4 sounds like it is going to be a fun zone, and I've already got a couple friends that are returning employees elsewhere in the park. I process in June 12, and for me, that day won't come soon enough.

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Point Xtreme: Your Xtreme Guide to America's Roller Coast!

8 bits and Goomba-stomping fun is all you need for a fun afternoon. Forget shooting and thousands of polygons, I want bits and funny sounds.

So Marcus, why aren't you listed on CPStaff yet?

I have several people that are trying to talk me into going back this season, but I just can't decide if it is a good idea. I loved working there, but I have three other opportunities that pay significantly more and require fewer hours. I don't really need the money at this point, but I'm not sure I can convince myself that I am doing the right thing if I go back. It just seems like such a bad economical decision.

Anyway, I'm still considering it, and I did apply to be a supervisor at ValleyFair ($10.00/hr.), as well as Kaman's Art Shoppes (TL of Old Time Photo), but I don't know what I'm going to do yet, or even what department I'd go back to if I do end up back at Cedar Point.

I'm a finance major, so I'm considering auditor or office clerk, but I'm also thinking about food supervisor, food server, or even ride host. I really have no idea what I want to do if I go back. Maybe I should just start a poll.

How do you past employees recommend getting to Cedar Point once your at the airport? I will probably fly in to Cleveland.

The most economical way to get to Cedar Point from Cleveland is Grayhound. The Grayhound station in Sandusky is about 15 minutes from Cedar Point on 250. You'll need to either find someone that has a car to pick you up or you can call a cab to get you to Cedar Point. Most other options are too expensive unless you have other people traveling with you, in which case you can get a one-way town car for about $90.00. It's easier, but a lot more expensive than just taking the bus.