Loose Articles: How Strict Should Parks Be?

The guest-employee relationship at amusement parks, particularly on roller coasters, can have some very difficult moments. Two of the most common issues being height requirements and loose articles. We have discussed and debated height requirements in every way possible, but the issue of loose articles hasn't been as much as a hot topic.

The question I'm posting for discussion is as follows: "How strict should a park be about loose articles on major roller coasters?"

Why do I ask? From working at a park and visiting several parks, I have seen several policies in action; some more strict than others. For example, at my home park and place of work we have a very strict loose article policy on Ravine Flyer II. All loose articles are banned such as any hat, bag, or purse no matter what method a guest might choose to secure it (hats and other items are allowed to be in pockets if they fit). No article may be held onto in the hands which includes small handbags with a strap around the wrist. Glasses must be worn on the eyes or in a pocket, not the top of the head or held in the hands. People will often refuse to ride because they are asked to place items aside in the bins, and that we will not physically hold them for them. I was at Kennywood this past week and witnessed a whole different approach on Phantom's Revenge. Articles were being held onto by the hands, bags around the legs, etc. In my opinion, these are two ends of the spectrum. What is an appropriate middle ground if there is one? Examples from enthusiasts as well as former/current operator experiences are appreciated.

I personally say ban it all except for hats and glasses. Don't even let it in the lines. I don't know why people feel they need to carry so much crap with them. I know the across the board ban would be unpopular since guests at most parks have come to expect that they can carry all that crap wherever they go, so it'll probably never happen. I do like Universal's method with the free lockers outside of each line. Seems like a win for everyone.

For men, this is not a big deal. We can stuff all our daily needs into a cargo pocket. Women on the other hand tend to carry a bit more things in their purses or bags. I know that my wife is not happy when she does not have her bag with her.

I don't know what the big deal about drop boxes is? I don't think they add but a few seconds to a dispatch unless someone decides that they don't want to use one. I also don't have a problem with using lockers for rides that have separate load and unload stations. I think that Universal's locker model is the best I have seen. They are free while you ride, but if you try to abuse the system, you shall pay (insert voice of KI Adventure Express dude).

What gets me is the lax attitude many parks have about people shooting POV videos with their phones. In the past 10 days I have sat behind 4 different people that are doing this. One left the station with their phone out shooting. While I can't be sure if the opp saw this, he was appeared to be looking straight at the guy and did nothing.

How many different POV videos of the same ride do we need posted on YouTube anyways?

Occasionally I'm refused permission to wear my strapped glasses on a ride.

The worst example of this was in Salitre Magico, where the operator insisted that I should hold my glasses in my hand while riding (but couldn't have them strapped to my head). A nasty jolt caused me to break them off the side of a hard OTSR which would never have happened otherwise. Sigh.

In some parks in Japan, articles are not permitted in pockets even if those pockets are zipped shut. I still think the highlight might be Universal Singapore, though, which has metal detectors at the queue entrance for Battlestar Galactica...

I also just don't get the seeming inconsistency of policies, even within park or chain. Like, I can't wear glasses, even with a strap on Xcelerator, but I can wear than without a strap on TTD? What?

Richard Bannister said:

In some parks in Japan, articles are not permitted in pockets even if those pockets are zipped shut.

Same goes for Roller Coaster at New York, New York in Las Vegas. Cell phones aren't permitted "ON" the ride, and since your cargo pockets are technically "ON" the ride, you can't stow your phone in there. The ultra-sized lockers on the platform are 50 cents, although there's no change machine near them.

I also just don't get the seeming inconsistency of policies, even within park or chain. Like, I can't wear glasses, even with a strap on Xcelerator, but I can wear than without a strap on TTD? What?

My understanding is that this particular rule is a requirement imposed by the state of California rather than something the park wants to do.

Same goes for Roller Coaster at New York, New York in Las Vegas.

I don't have any desire to ride that ever again, so that one at least doesn't worry me :)

It seems Knotts may have relaxed their glasses policy for some of the coasters just a bit. During our visit last month (our first trip to this park), we made a point to inquire about the specific rules in regard to glasses since I knew from reading various reports over the years that they were quite strict in this regard.

We were told that glasses with straps were actually allowed to be worn on all rides except Pony Express (!) and Rip Tide (top spin). The ride operators throughout the park then proceeded to be 100% consistent with that comment all day. On most of the coasters, they were definitely making a concerted effort to make sure a strap was in use. But aside from those two rides, they were allowing glasses to be worn with the strap, Xcelerator included.

ApolloAndy said:

I also just don't get the seeming inconsistency of policies, even within park or chain. Like, I can't wear glasses, even with a strap on Xcelerator, but I can wear than without a strap on TTD? What?

As I (sorta) mentioned in the ADA lawsuit with USH thread - every time I've heard from someone *reliable* on the issue of ride weirdness in CA, the phrase "manufacturer's recommendations" features prominently in the explanation. It doesn't do squat to explain the bastardization of Revolution, but it does make sense in terms of the Knotts seemingly-inconsistent policies. And now I've said it more clearly...LOL!

I think unless the item can fit in a pocket, it shouldn't be allowed to be taken on the ride and either left in a bin in the station or a free locker. I don't like SF's locker policy because all it does is slow down loading when people get past the person at the entrance and then get to the station and argue with the ride op about leaving an on ride photo, or prize from a game on the side of the station while the trains are stacking. If the lockers were free, people probably wouldn't try to sneak the items in line and try to leave them in the station.

On the other hand, I don't like how Disney lets you take anything on the ride. I have seen people take backpacks on Rock N Rollercoaster. Even those mesh stoarge areas they have in the ride cars for other rides aren't secure.

YoshiFan said:

On the other hand, I don't like how Disney lets you take anything on the ride.

I feel the opposite. It seems to me that if Disney lets you carry-on nearly any loose article without issue, other parks should too. Of course there should be exceptions, but as a general rule, I doubt a secured backpack or camera bag is going anywhere.

In the past I would have agreed that loose articles should be placed in bins on the side of the station. However, having my iPhone stolen last month after being forced to place it in a cubby on Batman at Six Flags Over Texas instead of in my zipped-up pocket changed my opinion.

I was outright shocked at the way I could bring my camera bag on everything from RnR to Space Mountain. This is a shoulder sling bag that I can carry two SLR bodies, three lenses and a flash in... it's not small.

Jeff said:

... it's not small.

Or maybe that is because actually It's a Small World after All.

Ha, now I've got that obnoxious song in your head for the rest of the day.

sws said:

Jeff said:

... it's not small.

Or maybe that is because actually It's a Small World after All.

Ha, now I've got that obnoxious song in your head for the rest of the day.

Dude. Wtf.

Platinum Bass said:

It seems Knotts may have relaxed their glasses policy for some of the coasters just a bit. During our visit last month (our first trip to this park), we made a point to inquire about the specific rules in regard to glasses since I knew from reading various reports over the years that they were quite strict in this regard.

We were told that glasses with straps were actually allowed to be worn on all rides except Pony Express (!) and Rip Tide (top spin). The ride operators throughout the park then proceeded to be 100% consistent with that comment all day. On most of the coasters, they were definitely making a concerted effort to make sure a strap was in use. But aside from those two rides, they were allowing glasses to be worn with the strap, Xcelerator included.

That is good to hear! I have had no desire to return to Knott's due to the policy. I wear glasses to see and they are also great eye protection! Especially when it comes to riding Intamin coasters where cables rip apart in front of you!

DantheCoasterman said:
However, having my iPhone stolen last month after being forced to place it in a cubby on Batman at Six Flags Over Texas instead of in my zipped-up pocket changed my opinion.

I don't understand this. Did you have your iPhone zipped up in your pocket when you boarded? Are they forcing people to empty their pockets now?

^No they aren't. DantheCoasterman, I am sorry but no way would I leave something that valuable in the station bins. I would rather not ride.

As were boarding, the group in front of me (whom I rode with) had their phones out and the op asked them to put their phones in the cubbies. He then asked me if I had one (of course I did) and to put it over to the side, as well.

Holiday World does the same thing--the difference being that you can put your valuables in a free locker instead of leaving them out for anyone to take. I think it's a bit stupid, regardless, but what can you do?

You can say I won't do it and leave the platform, then complain.