Who has worked at a park?

cedarpointfreak · #1 09-26-2003, 01:20 PM

i know there are several members who have worked at many different parks, but I was just wondering, who has all worked at a park, where did you work, and howd you like the job

LoCoSuMo · #2 09-26-2003, 06:01 PM

Well I worked at this little tiny park which used to be cool, but then sucked pretty bad in recent years, here in my town. It was more of a family park in it's hayday, but it was still cool. I worked there when it was crap but it was still fun because we did nothing the majority of the time. I would usually work the water wars attraction, which usually clocked in about 10-20 in an 8 hour period. There was a few days where we had people, but for the most park, nobody had to do anything. The city is supposed to have the zoo expanded and have a new indoor carousel put in, but I'll believe when I see it. Here's the site, and check out the rides. [url]http://www.city.lafayette.in.us/park/Columbian-Park.htm[/url]

CrystalKat · #3 09-26-2003, 09:49 PM

I've worked at Cedar Point for several seasons...

1996: Merchandise -- Raptor Cart, Pagoda Gift Shop, Park Plaza.
1997: Park Operations -- Zone #1 Sweep; Disaster Transport Ride Host
1998: Park Operations -- Iron Dragon Ride Host; Zone #1 Sweep
2002: Park Operations -- White Water Landing, Power Tower, Millennium Force, Iron Dragon Ride Host
2003: Park Operations -- White Water Landing Ride Host Team Leader

I enjoyed the job very much (not the social aspects, the job itself). It's not for everyone, certainly, as you work 60+ hours each week on a rotating schedule, but it is a lot of fun and well worth the experience.

***Chip*** · #4 09-26-2003, 10:20 PM

You were a sweep, Melissa? No way! Go sweeps!

If you couldn't tell, I was a sweep at Cedar Point over the summer. It was the best summer of my LIFE! I'm planning on going back to Cedar Point and I hope to work at an amusement park full time later on.

This is also of a poll-ish (not Polish) nature, so it will be moved to the correct forum.

LoCoSuMo · #5 09-26-2003, 10:26 PM

Is CP good at requesting time off, or are they kindof anal about that? I'm thinking about either working at IB (mostly to operate quality wood), or at CP. I'm swaying for CP but IB is also only 45 minutes away from my house and less to the college I'm planning on attending.

Skeeber · #6 09-26-2003, 10:46 PM

This is my second season working at Paramount Canada's Wonderland.

Last season I started off as a ride op on the Vortex crew (Vortex, and Shockwave)
This season I started out as a lead at Whitewater Canyon (that, and Timberwolf Falls), and now I'm lead at Thunder Run (Thunder, klockwerks, and Krachenwagens).

This job is extremely challenging, however I can't think of anything I'd rather do right now. I get to meet thousands of people, play with large pieces of machinery, and I've met some of my best friends through it too.

Zach · #7 09-26-2003, 11:29 PM

Has anybody worked at SFGAm? I'm contemplating applying there.

CrystalKat · #8 09-26-2003, 11:35 PM

Cedar Point is not particularly good with requested time off, depending on your contract and what time you want off. The longer your contract (you can go from the end of April to the end of October), the better your chances of getting the time, IF you're not asking for too much, or you have a really good reason (band camp, previously scheduled engagement, etc.). One or two days you can get no problem, without an inquisition, but the longer the request the more likely they will look into it to verify it. You have to put such requests (usually with verification) into your contract, and after you get your contract, it can be very difficult to change to get any more time off.

Honestly, I'd probably recommend the park closer to your home and college, because you'd be able to work at it for a longer period of time if you're able to commute.

Yes, Chip, I was a sweep for two seasons, in the toughest zone -- we had to clear the Raptor queues long before there was a Millennium Force or a Top Thrill Dragster. And we got some incredibly interesting stuff, too... I've also swept with Zone #2 toward the end of the season when they're combined due to staffing. I loved sweeping, and would still be a sweep if they'd kept it under the direct jurisdiction of Park Operations, instead of sub-grouping it with Park Services.

ltngrcr9051 · #9 09-27-2003, 05:14 PM

I was an Opening Retail Clerk at Hersheypark. Basically, I was working in the gift shops from before the park opened until 4:00P. I loved it. I want to work there again next season.

Marcus · #10 09-27-2003, 05:56 PM

I haven't been, but I got applications up the whazoo, information, connections, and coaster knowledged to ensure I get employed for next summer. Here's two things I'm shooting for...

2004 Cedar Point- I'm looking to work at Cedar Point because I have always wanted to, plus I want to move out of my house when I'm only 17 and half years old. Cedar Point has the best pay, the best quality and cheapest housing, the best atmosphere, it's closer to home, and it's holding CoasterCon and Coastermaina. On the downside, my only choice is sweep, which is great for some people, but not my first choice.

2004 Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom- This park is far from home, has a bad atmosphere, isn't holding any events, it has a bad pay with an overcharge on housing. So why would I go? You only have to be 16 to be a Ride Host. That is my dream job and I would make some sacrafices if the job is right. Plus, even though I'm far from home, I am near two great wooden roller coasters; Personnal Top10-Thunder Run, and #1 coaster- Raven.

So I'm in a Jam, or is it Pickle, I don't know I'm not good with food. But either way I'm moving out of my house and away from family so really I can't lose.

LoCoSuMo · #11 09-28-2003, 12:55 AM

Why don't you try to work at HW? I don't see anything about housing, but if you could get an apartment, it looks like it would be worth it. Just a thought. There's a lot of perks:

-Wages start at $5.00 to $6.75 per hour.
-$200 Fall Attendance Reward available.
-Season Pass for your use.
-Weekly incentive programs.
-Cash prize drawings.
-Free soft drinks while on the job.
-40% in-park food discount and 20% in-park merchandise discount.
-One-day tickets for your friends & family.
-Gain Valuable work experience.
-Employee parties.

CrystalKat · #12 09-28-2003, 10:08 AM

Those sorts of wages would not support an apartment unless you had roommates. Remember, for an apartment, you have not only rent, but utilities (electricity, possibly water, phone, cable), food, and commuting charges since you wouldn't be right at the park.

slnewbus · #13 09-28-2003, 04:39 PM

i work at dorney and i run steel force

BenHenry · #14 09-28-2003, 04:52 PM

I worked for the past two summers and last December at BGT on the ice show as a technician. We worked up to seven shows a day, and it was hard-core theatre work (hardest for me was pulling these really heavy sets on and off stage without being seen while wearing ice cleats, I fell many times

), but it was real cool. The cast and crew were extremely friendly and we would chill outside of work when we could. Overall, it was really awesome. The pay was pretty high too at 10.25/hour, which I heard was the highest non-professional pay one could get at BGT. The perks were real cool too (Universal/IOA free whenever, not too shabby!). Yeah, overall, a real good experience that I feel fortunate to have had.

DJ_ProcSwitch · #15 09-28-2003, 05:15 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Brogium [/i]
[B]Has anybody worked at SFGAm? I'm contemplating applying there. [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, if management is anything like it was 10 years ago, I'd give you a big fat DON'T DO IT!

Zach · #16 09-28-2003, 06:39 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by DJ_ProcSwitch [/i]
[B]Well, if management is anything like it was 10 years ago, I'd give you a big fat DON'T DO IT!

[/B][/QUOTE]

This requires an explanation...

**Phil** · #17 09-28-2003, 09:02 PM

I'll probably end up working at SFOG in a few years, but I'm sure General Public will be able to list 100 reasons not to.

General Public · #18 09-28-2003, 09:18 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by coasterphil [/i]
[B]I'll probably end up working at SFOG in a few years, but I'm sure General Public will be able to list 100 reasons not to. [/B][/QUOTE]

Yeah I worked at SFOG. Like anything it has its pros and cons. IF you're thinking about working at a park, IM me, and I'll give you insight and answer your questions as best I can.

The main thing you have to remember is that you will gain intangible benefits more than anything concrete (i.e. money).

EDIT: I did just about everything in the rides department, from ride crew to engineer to comm center.

Frank · #19 09-29-2003, 08:55 AM

I'm currently a ride operator at Six Flags Holland. I operate the larger rides such as Goliath, El Condor and Superman the Ride. I'm pretty much capable of operating 20 out of the park's 30 rides, and am a trained Bugs Bunny and Sylvester. No, I'm not proud of that.

I hope to come to the US next summer to get an international student's job at a large themepark. Due to my experience, I prefer non-Six Flags parks.

I'm going to be accompanied by a 17-year old.. does anyone have a suggestion where to look for an operating job for me?

CrystalKat · #20 09-29-2003, 03:06 PM

Cedar Point employs a lot of international employees, and even has training programs and such geared for them to adapt to US customs and behaviors. The 17-year-old might be a problem, however, because I don't know if they will hire internationally under the age of 18, or if there are exceptions (graduated from school already, etc.). Good luck!

Frank · #21 09-29-2003, 04:15 PM

We've already tried CP, but that's not possible. They barely ever hire 17-year-olds. They don't give you any 'standard' international student benefits, such as taking care of your visum and paying for half of your flight.

CrystalKat · #22 09-29-2003, 09:51 PM

Ah, I'm sorry to hear that.

Hopefully you will find a park that is more lenient!

Coaster Freak · #23 09-29-2003, 10:57 PM

Worked from April 1996 to June 1999 at Paramount Canadas Wonderland.

Season 1 (1996): Started in Season Pass Processing and then was a cashier in the Marchandise Carts

Season 2 (1997): Started as a cashier again in Carts...moved part way through the season to the Xtreme Skyflyer as a cashier/videographer...then went back to Merchandise carts after being promoted to a Head Cashier

Season 3 (1998): Started working in Employee Services/Human Resources in January getting park ready for opening. Went back to Merchandise for the season and was promoted to Assistant Manager and worked in Merchandise Carts and closed out the season at the Sweet Shop.

Season 4 (1999): Worked in HR again from January til March. I was transferred again to the Xtreme Skyflyer as an Assistant Manager. I left the park at the end of June of the year to pursue a job in my field of study.

Overall it was a great experience that I won't forget. While there were some long, hard and frustrating days the people were what made it what it was.

WoozyRacer · #24 09-30-2003, 07:18 PM

I'm a ride operator at Hersheypark. I'll basically run anything they tell me to.

rct2108 · #25 10-05-2003, 02:52 PM

I am to young to work at a park but i would like to.

CrystalKat · #26 10-05-2003, 07:17 PM

rct2108, if you're within a commute to a park and have someone willing to furnish transportation (or a bike, or whatever), you might want to check. Many parks employ minors as young as 14 for work in different departments. No, it wouldn't be running a ride, but there is much more to a park than just park operations.

Frank · #27 10-06-2003, 07:41 AM

And those other jobs can be even nicer than ride operating.

Dr.Bruce Banner · #28 10-06-2003, 09:15 PM

Back in winter 99 i worked at MGM Studios over winter break, it was alot of fun. I was a pizza seller at Fantasmic!

CrystalKat · #29 10-06-2003, 11:01 PM

They actually hired people as only holiday help? I didn't know that, but it does make sense for the Disney parks. Is it any different than being a "regular" employee? What sort of hours or pay did you get?

MaGnUmKeLly · #30 10-08-2003, 01:50 PM

OK here is my res for cedar point
2000=CP@LE Railroad (other rides as well hahhahah)
2001=White water landing(other rides as well)
2002=Wicked Twister/Kiddy Kingdom
2003=Atl GCA/ MaGNuM Crew(best move ever)
2004=dont know yet if i come back i want maggie again

Disney All star resorts in the cafe sucked balls but loved playing in florida hahahah

total i worked over 50 rides in the park
every other job fast food hahahahaah and 2 factories

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