Riding Drunk?

Well, I guess since I'm one of the "some of you" I'll reply. No, I don't think that everyone who ever drinks a beer doesn't know when to stop. But I also know that all it takes is one out of control drunk to ruin a good time for dozens of people.

I mentioned in a post elsewhere on this site that a guy who once lived in my neighborhood decided to stand up on a coaster while drunk. Luckily, he landed in a nice thick layer of mud, so he survived. That incident and the ensuing mess was a factor in the closing and eventual demolition of that coaster.

Now, that was back in the 60s. What if something like that were to happen today? What is in place to prevent something like that from happening today? There are enough accidents nowadays-- what happens when "rider error" is combined with drunken bravado? People on this site may not think it's a big deal, but I'm sure Rep. Markey and a whole bunch of legal firms across the country would think so.

Back in the day, they used to sell beer in The Beast line. I was too young to drink, but I certainly saw quite a few people enjoying a few cold ones. This was also the first time I smelled a joint (in line) and my father had the task of telling me what "that smell" was. Anyhow, I'd love to know how much downtime there was to clean up messes OR if it was no big deal...

dexter, miller has plastic bottles for sporting events and most outdoor activity.

Most of the parks I have been to only sell beer in restaurants and for serious upcharge. I'm guessing the majority of the beer sold is to non-riders, but even if it is not, the parks are making a profit on it so they won't stop selling it. Of course I eat/drink as little as possible in parks because of the prices in general.

Serving alcohol in amusement parks is no different then serving them at ballparks,outdoor festivals, zoos, etc. So I don't buy into the argument that beer has no place at an amusement park. All these other places cater to families as well.

To much of anything can be bad and it's not just alcohol consumption.

Besides, if a park's beer selling gets out of hand, they could easily lose their liquor license so I am sure they are on their toes to control it.

O.K. Now it's Miller time. :)

I remember once when I worked at Disneyland Paris. It was a paid for special event after park hours and strangely... the attendees had dinner before the ERT, while usually its after ERT. They all ride the coaster (Space Mountain) heavily and were all drunk.After other CM's get them to their shuttles... one of us walk down the exit path and that path was completely filled up with puke! 3rd shift clean up crews had to hose down the walkway!

Rode the RED DEVIL at Ghost Town in the Sky slightly intoxicated. Actually, we only had 2 beers each before taking the chair lift up another 1000ft. to ride the coaster. I think the combination of alcohol and high elevation increased the feeling of light-headedness. I almost blacked out after the loop~!
:)

Who needs a break dance when the world is spinning on it's own?

Chuck, who never meant to make it sound like all drinking was a bad thing. The name of the thread is riding drunk and in my experience Drunk means beyond buzzed and in control.

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RatherGoodBear said:
Why is it necessary to serve alcohol in parks anyway? Do they actually expect a 16 or 17 year old ride op to tell a loaded 20- 30- or 40-something ride they're too drunk to ride? Actually, it would probably be a group of drunks.

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Yes. Its funny when you see it happen to because security and management show up really, really, really fast.

People that have a problem with alcohol being sold where families gather crack me up. My family always has/has had alcohol at family get to gethers, and most of my friends that have larger gatherings do as well. Do we get drunk? No.

Actually, go to another country and you'll see kids joining in on a drink, be it wine, beer, whatever.

Go to Japan and you'll see beer in soda type vending machines. It isn't a big deal in other countries because people here are the ones that make it a big deal.

Have I ever? Nope. Will I? Nope. Have I had a drink or 2 and then rode? You bet. In fact, in Vegas, I had a reasonably strong Long Island Iced Tea right before Manhattan Express that cost almost as much to drink as ME cost to ride (thankfully it was 2 for one, so my friend got the other one). But, then, if you've ever been on ME, you know any little bit counts. Buzz? Perhaps. But I was in full control and still think ME suxors.

I still don't get the references to "losing control" I guess I've just never been to that point. Granted I've been really, REALLY drunk, but I was still able to think and fuction. I won't deny that reaction time slows down, and I won't deny that inhibitions are definitely gone, but that's most of the fun.

I knew a girl who, everytime she referenced alcohol she would always say "everyone's getting drunk and acting like a dumbass" even if they were sitting around sipping on 1 or 2 beers. She had never touched a drop of alcohol in her life.

The point is, like Jeff was saying, people react differently. Not everyone's going to get wild and crazy and barf everywhere. It all also depends on the environment. You see these crazy spring break kids going nuts and getting naked. That's because that's what happens on spring break. Alcohol just makes it easier because when you're feeling confident, you'll go for it.

When you're dealing with someone who's had experience and knows their limits, usually everything is cool.

-Josh - Oh yeah... I forgot to mention that Disaster transport is one HELL of a drunken experience.

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Raven-Phile said:
I won't deny that reaction time slows down, and I won't deny that inhibitions are definitely gone, but that's most of the fun.

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Thats what people mean by losing control. You don't have total control over reaction time, and you don't have total control over your inhibitions, so you have lost a measure of control. Some people lose control in other ways as well.

Any time you're under the influence of something that makes you act in a way you normally wouldn't, then you've lost control to an extent. Not saying you aren't 'having fun' doing it, but you asked.:)

When you're dealing with someone who's had experience and knows their limits, usually everything is cool.

-Josh - Oh yeah... I forgot to mention that Disaster transport is one HELL of a drunken experience.

But thats the difference right there Josh, Knowing your limits is something many people either don't know or don't care. I've seen the nicest people become fighting machines. People who would never do so sober, Smack the crap out of their girl and people utterly make fools of themselves.

Its fine by me if you wanna have a couple and ride with me, I'd probably join ya. Im not getting trashed though.

Chuck

I would love it when a group of 20-somethings would come up to Magnum's entrance with a full or nearly full cup of beer. I'd have to stop them and tell them that they couldn't drink it in line and that they had to finish it before getting in queue. More often than not they would turn to each other and chug it down real fast. I always wondered how their rides were. :)

I haven't done it yet, I might when I'm actually old enough to buy it in the park ;) I've had friends that have done shots before enter the park for an employee right night and they said that Corkscrew was hellafun while drunk.

Nobody enjoys an obnoxious drunk, no matter where it is.

I have seen some borderline "out of control" people at amusement parks, including a few enthusiast events. It's not something I would rather see or deal with again. BUT, I do not see anything wrong with moderation/responsibility.

I would be a hyprocrite to say that it is wrong to *drink and coast* since I have done the same. I have ridden my fair share of rides while high and/or buzzed. I think a lot of us have at one time or another.

The only time I have rode any ride "plastered" was at Myrtle Beach right after high school graduation years ago. I remember riding the Corkscrew and almost getting sick afterwards. But then again I was 18 and knew nothing about "limits". Heheheh.

The Skycoaster at night is pretty crazy after a few painkillers. :-P I remember just recently at Solace how less painful the Ghostrider felt after a few *hits*. And as Clint mentioned, Manhattan Express was MUCH more tolerable after a few 99 cent margaritas. :-P

Being that I have a bad back a little help is always welcomed. I think the most interesting experience was ERT on Magnum after popping a vicoden and doing a few *hits* prior to entering the park. WHOA!

I have plenty of stories...lol. BUT, I have NEVER been out of control. Usually nowadays (now that I am old and tire more easily...lol) I usually wait till after the park (motel room, dinner) to enjoy a few cold ones, especially if it's in the summer. I cannot stand alcohol in the heat. It dehydrates me VERY fast.

Josh, I cracked up at your comment about Disaster Transport. Been there/done that.

-Tina

*** Edited 5/6/2005 9:00:44 AM UTC by coasterqueenTRN***

You shouldn't be drunk at a theme park.

Tina, where was I when you were getting said 'hits' for Ghosty? Or was that the nite before Solace and I was watching Maroon 5?

Not that it matters, don't smoke, just like Adam Ant.:)

It was Friday night, Clint. I rode Ghosty once and then the Rev got ahold of me with his camcorder and started asking me questions about Insanity and Duran Duran. YIKES! Good times. lol.

-Tina

*** Edited 5/6/2005 8:57:28 AM UTC by coasterqueenTRN***

Remind me to tell him I need a copy of *those* chronicles...

;)

Wow, how absolutely terrible - getting drunk at a park. I think all forms of alocohol should be outlawed again. Prohibition was such a good thing! Will somebody PLEASE think of the children!

Joe "never been drunk at a park...this year" C.

Never been drunk in a picture before either, have ya Joe?

:)