Unfortunate Experience w/Apollo's Chariot
Rideman, my point was that those ride ops didnt know what they were talking about. We even told them we were waiting for some friends, so one way or the other we were going to be with them. Whenever i am with someone in a wheelchair and some friends, we always wait, which I think is the polite thing. I just dont think its right when a ride op sees an invalid and goes ahead and tells them we cant ride: especially when the next ride was going to be ours!
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all about PKI
the Beasts` Den
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http://www.islandguide.8m.com
all about PKI
the Beasts` Den
Chitown: I'm practicing out my letter to them now, the funny thing is I think I found a doctor type that's giving me a legitimate letter to carry to show these type of folk. I know that's a little dishonest, but the op told me to bring a note from my doctor, so he'll have it next time. As for GR, he and she were awesome, they were upright on the situation and even were ready to get me a nurse and all that, but I didn't want Busch's nurse messing around in my pants(especially if I hadn't seen her yet(j/k)), you know. They acted like I was supposed to ask for something, I hate to sound, what's the word for it, a brat, but they should have been forking things at me without me having to ask, that ride supervisor(Bill) was very harrassing, and probally hasn't been on that ride, even the other ops could tell my experience was being watered down, it was thier "boss" though, we all need to be nice to our "bosses" even if they do not deserve it.
As for the knee and things in my pocket trick, they almost took my camera, but it was zipped in, they knew that trick, plus it was like being interrogated, feet out, flat on ground with the op and supervisor just giving it to me.
But those brakes people! Was I stupid last year? I remember the first half the ride being intense, with the third hill and all waiting for you, now the ride starts when you pop of the midcourse and do the small drops, IMO. Are the GP scared of these B and Ms? Do they not understand what free flight air flying speed and harnesses designed to create free flight are? Obviously not because the lines that day were all for Alpengeist and Big Bad Wolf(which was soaring, old school BBW style!), walking onto Apollo was like going to the restroom.
*** This post was edited by p_c_r on 6/24/2001. ***
As for the knee and things in my pocket trick, they almost took my camera, but it was zipped in, they knew that trick, plus it was like being interrogated, feet out, flat on ground with the op and supervisor just giving it to me.
But those brakes people! Was I stupid last year? I remember the first half the ride being intense, with the third hill and all waiting for you, now the ride starts when you pop of the midcourse and do the small drops, IMO. Are the GP scared of these B and Ms? Do they not understand what free flight air flying speed and harnesses designed to create free flight are? Obviously not because the lines that day were all for Alpengeist and Big Bad Wolf(which was soaring, old school BBW style!), walking onto Apollo was like going to the restroom.
*** This post was edited by p_c_r on 6/24/2001. ***
I agree Dave OBrian. Is the customer right who wants their little child to ride a ride even though he/she is 6 inches too short? At any rate, that really sucks what happened on AC! Hope those employees did get chewed out.
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A New World. A New Technology. One Last Hope for Salvation. Neon Genesis Evangelion
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A New World. A New Technology. One Last Hope for Salvation. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Sorry guys, I didn't mean to make it sound like the customer is ALWAYS right in every action or thought they have but in certain situations like this one there was no need for that treatment. In fact I love BGW! When I first heard this story I couldn't believe it, I guess I over reacted with my statement.
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Steel- 1.Millennuim Force
Wood- 1.The Beast
"We're not worthy, We're not worthy!"
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Steel- 1.Millennuim Force
Wood- 1.The Beast
"We're not worthy, We're not worthy!"
Wow, I was shocked when I read this story. I've been to BGW twice in the last few years and never had any problems. I don't remember the AC lapbars being uncomfortable, nor do I remember being stapled. I have worked on the other side of the counter and like it or not, the customer is right. That doesn't mean you have to kiss their ass, but rather you should try to accomodate them somewhat or they'll go elsewhere. In other words they should've let him have the lapbar where he wanted it as long as it wasn't violating his safety. As for the question Incline Looper asked, the restraints are similar to Intamins but are much larger and bulkier and have handles built into the restraint. I'm sure someone has a picture somewhere.
I have been "stapled" before on the Big "G" Goliath out here in Cali. It sucked I didn't even get air timeon the Bunny Hill You know the one that literally thrusts you out of your seat. The Reason I got stapled was for saftey they push down on the restraints well my secret is to sit kinda slouched in your seat and then when they push down it locks on your legs now move backand sit upright and you know have got good airtime room On Goliath now I get enough Air that I can put my hand sideways underneath my gluteus maximus and place it between my gluteus and my seat fingers extended now Thats Airtime.
I just got my pictures in from the 1/2 hour, and on your way into BGW through thier fab new traffic pattern, huge brakes, third hill, it's the first thing you see on the way in! I can't get to my friend's scanner, somebody's got to know something about this, it truely bleeks the Chariot. I met a guy at PKD Thursday, and was bragging of that hill, Saturday he was surely let down.......
First of all, this whole thread reeks of crap. There's another side to the story here that we're not hearing.
The fact of the matter is, p_c_r was breaking the rules, period, and being a real jerk about it. If the lapbars operate as Legendary (who works on Bull) indicted, then they have to be at a certain point to allow the ride to dispatch. Furthermore, it was obvious he was trying to get away with something, and at that point the ride ops have every right to make sure that he is not a safety hazard to himself or other riders.
What I find particularly stupid about this encounter is that the seats and lapbars are engineered as such so that gravity will always cause the bar to come down to a comfortable level in your lap, because of the deep seats and the fact that the bar can freely move down, but not up. In other words, unless you purposely push the bar away from you the entire ride, it's going to fit snug but comfortable.
Just because you're a coaster enthusiast doesn't mean that you know better than Swiss engineers and the people who run the rides. He's not a victim, he's a troublemaker.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
The fact of the matter is, p_c_r was breaking the rules, period, and being a real jerk about it. If the lapbars operate as Legendary (who works on Bull) indicted, then they have to be at a certain point to allow the ride to dispatch. Furthermore, it was obvious he was trying to get away with something, and at that point the ride ops have every right to make sure that he is not a safety hazard to himself or other riders.
What I find particularly stupid about this encounter is that the seats and lapbars are engineered as such so that gravity will always cause the bar to come down to a comfortable level in your lap, because of the deep seats and the fact that the bar can freely move down, but not up. In other words, unless you purposely push the bar away from you the entire ride, it's going to fit snug but comfortable.
Just because you're a coaster enthusiast doesn't mean that you know better than Swiss engineers and the people who run the rides. He's not a victim, he's a troublemaker.
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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
Excuse me? Trouble maker? I'm completely shocked to her this on this site. Let someone staple you rudely to thjose seats and see how it feels. I was in no danger, the other ride ops told me I wasn't. All I wanted was enough room to not be in pain! What's the deal? I couldn't make something like that up. Excuse me........
Jeff said:
>>First of all, this whole thread reeks of crap.
That's a little harsh I think.
>>There's another side to the story here that we're not hearing.
Possibly, but I doubt it's that far from the truth.
>>The fact of the matter is, p_c_r was breaking the rules
Technically speaking, yes. Was he unsafe, NO
>>and being a real jerk about it.
Where in the post was he "being a real jerk" ?
>>If the lapbars operate as Legendary (who works on Bull) indicted, then they have to be at
>>a certain point to allow the ride to dispatch.
Yes, at SFGAm, there is a red line on the pole that connects the restraint to the car. It must be visible.
>>Furthermore, it was obvious he was trying to get away with something, and at that point the ride ops have
>>every right to make sure that he is not a safety hazard to himself or other riders.
True, but they don't have to be a**holes about it, and as long as that red line is visible, and there's not a huge gap where the corner of the restraint meets the side of the car, he is 200% safe.
>>you purposely push the bar away from you the entire ride, it's going to fit snug but comfortable.
Yes. And that's exactly why I DO push it away all the way up the lift hill. Because gravity will let it drop snug. Yes, it is confortable - when it is naturally set snug against your pelvis - NOT when some overzealous ride op pushes it against you with all their body weight !
>>Just because you're a coaster enthusiast doesn't mean that you know better than
>>Swiss engineers and the people who run the rides.
Apparently, the engineers and the park have decided that that little red line means the restraint is closed enough for the train to dispatch.
Also - I have been caught leaving myself a little room in the restraint on Raging Bull, and the ride ops have been firm, but pleasant about it. They just gently push it down, and remind me that it should be tighter. They don't go on a power trip, and they don't force it down further than it needs to be. This ops behaviour was unexcusable in my opinion. He could have acomplished his goal a lot easier by being nice, yet firm about it. He didn't need to staple the guy in, or be a jerk to insure "safety" on one of the safest rides out there.
*** This post was edited by Joe Carroll on 6/24/2001. ***
>>First of all, this whole thread reeks of crap.
That's a little harsh I think.
>>There's another side to the story here that we're not hearing.
Possibly, but I doubt it's that far from the truth.
>>The fact of the matter is, p_c_r was breaking the rules
Technically speaking, yes. Was he unsafe, NO
>>and being a real jerk about it.
Where in the post was he "being a real jerk" ?
>>If the lapbars operate as Legendary (who works on Bull) indicted, then they have to be at
>>a certain point to allow the ride to dispatch.
Yes, at SFGAm, there is a red line on the pole that connects the restraint to the car. It must be visible.
>>Furthermore, it was obvious he was trying to get away with something, and at that point the ride ops have
>>every right to make sure that he is not a safety hazard to himself or other riders.
True, but they don't have to be a**holes about it, and as long as that red line is visible, and there's not a huge gap where the corner of the restraint meets the side of the car, he is 200% safe.
>>you purposely push the bar away from you the entire ride, it's going to fit snug but comfortable.
Yes. And that's exactly why I DO push it away all the way up the lift hill. Because gravity will let it drop snug. Yes, it is confortable - when it is naturally set snug against your pelvis - NOT when some overzealous ride op pushes it against you with all their body weight !
>>Just because you're a coaster enthusiast doesn't mean that you know better than
>>Swiss engineers and the people who run the rides.
Apparently, the engineers and the park have decided that that little red line means the restraint is closed enough for the train to dispatch.
Also - I have been caught leaving myself a little room in the restraint on Raging Bull, and the ride ops have been firm, but pleasant about it. They just gently push it down, and remind me that it should be tighter. They don't go on a power trip, and they don't force it down further than it needs to be. This ops behaviour was unexcusable in my opinion. He could have acomplished his goal a lot easier by being nice, yet firm about it. He didn't need to staple the guy in, or be a jerk to insure "safety" on one of the safest rides out there.
*** This post was edited by Joe Carroll on 6/24/2001. ***
I want to add this before this thread is closed:
Yes, it is the ride ops responsibility to make sure that the patrons are safe. However, it is also their duty to make sure that the patrons enjoy themselves and have a pleasant overall experience.
The ride op is in the service industry. No, they do not "deserve'" to be mistreated, and they should not have to suffer abuse from customers. But at the point they feel they are being "abused", they should direct the issue to park security. They have absolutely NO right to be abrasive and/or confrontational with a customer.
This patron was well within his right to attempt to be comfortable on the ride. HE should be able to decide what is comfortable, not the ride op. Even though his original attempt at leaving space was because he wanted airtime, I'm sure he would have been reasonable enough to have the lapbar set snug, but not overtight ! All the ride op needed to do was ask (nicely).
If the lap bar is down enough to keep him from falling out (which I believe it was), then he is safe, and the ride op should butt out. The ride op did NOT have to staple him down, or be rude. If it esclates to the point of rudeness, then it should be referred to security and the ride op should get back to operating the ride, not arguing with customers.
Disagree ? Well, lets just agree to disagree then. I think I've made my point. Over and out.
Yes, it is the ride ops responsibility to make sure that the patrons are safe. However, it is also their duty to make sure that the patrons enjoy themselves and have a pleasant overall experience.
The ride op is in the service industry. No, they do not "deserve'" to be mistreated, and they should not have to suffer abuse from customers. But at the point they feel they are being "abused", they should direct the issue to park security. They have absolutely NO right to be abrasive and/or confrontational with a customer.
This patron was well within his right to attempt to be comfortable on the ride. HE should be able to decide what is comfortable, not the ride op. Even though his original attempt at leaving space was because he wanted airtime, I'm sure he would have been reasonable enough to have the lapbar set snug, but not overtight ! All the ride op needed to do was ask (nicely).
If the lap bar is down enough to keep him from falling out (which I believe it was), then he is safe, and the ride op should butt out. The ride op did NOT have to staple him down, or be rude. If it esclates to the point of rudeness, then it should be referred to security and the ride op should get back to operating the ride, not arguing with customers.
Disagree ? Well, lets just agree to disagree then. I think I've made my point. Over and out.
Jeff, I agree with you 100%. Something doesn't sound right here. The supervisor is waiting for this guy? They were so sure he was coming back that the supervisor spent his time just watching and waiting for this one guy? Especially after only 1 complaint by him that he was being stapled? I find that tough to believe. Sounds more like he was causing other problems long before this started and the supervisor came up to check it out.
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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
O.K. I wasnt agreeing with p-c-rs actions. I even stated that them stapling him was within the parks rights. I was stating based on what he said of the employee and the supervisors comments and the way they were treating him. I only based this on if p-c-r was telling the truth about that. While we like some space between our laps and the restraint, you cant always get what you wish for. Being that I am a big guy, I dont have that luxury to begin with.
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""Coaster riding is a disease and SFGAm is the cure!!!!!!!""
Putting a hand under the bar is pretty much asking for trouble.
The other Swiss manufacture's hyper lap bars can indeed hurt if they are pushed down to far (I know RideMan has stated the same thing). If it is just taped down, resting slightly above the stomach then it's OK. If it is push down into the stomach, the base of the bar likes to dig into a very sensitive part of the body, for men anyway.
Now if an op were to push with all thier might against the bar, I don't think I would be able to have kids.
Ever since RideMan did post that complaint, I have noticed less pushing and more tapping of the bars on Millennium Force. This leave a good 1 or 2 inches between the top of the bar and the stomach which gives an enjoyable pain free ride. Now when you get the really good ride ops (there are plenty :)) they don tap or push down, they pull up to make sure the bar is secure. This leads to incredible, amazing float me out of my seat ride. As long as you are not asking for it, like putting a hand under a bar, or leaving too much of room they have no problem.
Still, I have a preference to those Arrow lap bars for some odd reason. *** This post was edited by Joe E. on 6/25/2001. ***
The other Swiss manufacture's hyper lap bars can indeed hurt if they are pushed down to far (I know RideMan has stated the same thing). If it is just taped down, resting slightly above the stomach then it's OK. If it is push down into the stomach, the base of the bar likes to dig into a very sensitive part of the body, for men anyway.
Now if an op were to push with all thier might against the bar, I don't think I would be able to have kids.
Ever since RideMan did post that complaint, I have noticed less pushing and more tapping of the bars on Millennium Force. This leave a good 1 or 2 inches between the top of the bar and the stomach which gives an enjoyable pain free ride. Now when you get the really good ride ops (there are plenty :)) they don tap or push down, they pull up to make sure the bar is secure. This leads to incredible, amazing float me out of my seat ride. As long as you are not asking for it, like putting a hand under a bar, or leaving too much of room they have no problem.
Still, I have a preference to those Arrow lap bars for some odd reason. *** This post was edited by Joe E. on 6/25/2001. ***
Some Ride Ops push the bars down when they check it, some just tap it, and some pull up on the lap-bar in my riding experiences. The way I like it is when its tapped on or pulled up on. That way I have enough "breathing room" for extra-wicked airtime on hills, the better ride experience whch doesnt neccessarily mean I am a safety hazard to others and/or myself. Since ride ops have various ways in my experiences of checking lap bars, no one is really breaking any rules unless they physically attack a ride op or something to that nature. Since when do most not keep their hands inside the cars of Millennium Force when they specifically say to keep all hands in the car at all times?
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