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Ol'FormerRideOp

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  1. Ol'FormerRideOp
    You are again correct! They are head-choppers placed there to help folks "remember" to keep their hands inside the train and hold on because the last turn really requires you to hang on! Anyone notice how rough these turns have gotten over the years??? Used to be pretty smooth and fast... now it's painful, louder, shakier, and slower!
  2. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Does the fireworks bunker count?
  3. Ol'FormerRideOp
    You are 100% correct! The park had NO canned music, nor a PA system in the early years. Even when the entrance moved, the only music you heard was at the main gate while purchasing tickets. Once inside the park, the only music was from the Musik Express or from a bandstand with live performers. I don't mind having soft background music being played, or music "themed" to a specific area, but having ear-blasting "comin-atcha radio-style" or the latest "trendy" beats being pummeled into your head is too much.
  4. Ol'FormerRideOp
    I worked Mine Train for years... You could NEVER run 4 trains (as many have asked) because with three, there was only 45 seconds between trains. It was a VERY fast paced ride to work and required many employees to do it. At the first sign of ANY rain, we would automatically drop to a "one-train" operation without any supervisory permission needed due to the skid brakes becoming wet. We had many trains that would not stop because it was too wet. We used to put "quick dry" on the trim and ready brakes, but that would eventually leave the brakes with a slick coating over time - requiring replacement. We found that plain ol' kitty litter did a much better job! I remember telling those guests waiting (behind the old swinging wooden doors) to back up all the way to the wall of the station, so if a train didn't stop in the station, there would be less chance of them falling into the track or into the fast moving train. I would LOVE the comments made by guests who didn't get the whole "wet brake" thing and would see a train slide through the station and then complain "HEY how come THEY get to go again?!?" Too funny!!! Here's your sign...
  5. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Believe it or not, the amount of tension on the cable is no where near it's capacity. The weight of the cars is counter-balanced with a huge weight at one of the station ends (in the fort at GA.) The cable can support an incredible amount of weight... something like five times the amount it was tasked when I worked there back in the 80's. Someone asked "How do you work that fast???" We had a lot more employees on rides back in the 80's... many more than the park puts out there now. This is why lines went fast, crowds were happier and employees had a much better time. We worked out butts off, but had a great time doing so! Cars flew into the station and had to be "caught" every 20-25 seconds... You had one catcher, one loader and one dispatcher per side, per station. it could be done with two, but three was the norm. Mine Train for example, used to run three trains with a train being dispatched every 45 seconds like clockwork! It required a person to work the "chain" to let exactly 28 people into the station and measure small guests, another person to "usher" them into the stalls (no waiting for front seat back then...) Three people on the unloading side (one person to lock & unlock the first car and handle the spiel over the PA system, one person to handle cars 2 and 3, and the third person handled cars 4 and 5.) You also had an operator, and an extra person who would either sweep queue lines or provide breaks for others. It was very fast paced, but boy did the time pass quickly!!! We also never got out on time - especially after concerts!! Today, the ride is "computerized" and can't handle a three train operation. There are no employees on the loading side, and only two or three on the unloading side (including the operator.) Eliminating all of the staff certainly cuts payroll, but it also increases the work-load for those remaining, as well as wait times for guests... Sad...
  6. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Probably because at the time, you didn't have the pedestrian pass-through under the Mine Train - PLUS the train path was over the lake which could be a potential safety issue. The paddle boats did in fact operate in the 80's for two seasons...
  7. Ol'FormerRideOp
    My Guesses! 1. Mine Train - (Runaway Train) 2. Monster (I think it's the Pretty Monster because the cars aren't black.) 3. Super Sidewinder 4. Carousel 5. Big Fury 6. Sky Ride (Guessing Western side) 7. Swabinchen 8. Enterprise (2nd generation - park model installed between the fountain and the Musik Express) 9. Cars Cars (kiddie ride with trucks and other vehicles under an umbrella. Oh yeah, with those annoying buzzers kids can push!) 10. Swings (Flying Wave) 11. Roundabout Boats 12. Dream St. Cables (Skyway) 13. Dune Buggies (kiddie ride - one of the rides under an umbrella, again with those same annoying buzzers!) 14. Scrambler 15. Super Round-Up? 16. Bumper Cars (Bumper 1?) 17. Bucaneer - VERY difficult to tell... Picture quality is very poor... 18. Swiss Bobs 19. Musik Express 20.1979
  8. Ol'FormerRideOp
    You certainly have my vote on this! The original vision of the park is almost completely gone since all of Time Warner's "improvements" back in the early '90's ... So many trees were removed, simply because they weren't "straight." Bob Pittman (then CEO of TW) literally went through the park with a spray can of paint, and marked all of the trees he felt needed to be removed. The property was originally owned by the Switlicks, and then the Girl Scouts purchased it for $1 per acre. They used the woods for camping retreats and the like until they sold the property to the developers. When the park first opened and for many seasons following, great care was taken to not disturb the beautiful, natural environment wherever possible. No matter how hot the summers were (sometimes near 100 degrees) the park remained comfortable and breezy with all of the shade that the trees provided. Now, the park is nothing but concrete (and now in some areas black tar) and steel with NO cover from the trees whatsoever. The park is so hot, they've had to install misting stations and fans with sprayers! Time Warner also made a terrible mistake by making every SF park look exactly like one another. Same themes, same rides, same names, same food.. same colors, same logo etc. What is the point of visiting other SF parks if the one in your state pretty much resembles the same things in another? Great Adventure had it's own unique charm and with the constant mismanagement, and ever expanding corporate structure, it's lost itself. Disney has invested heavily in themes, rides and shows. They put so much into everything and maintain it so well, that it sets a very high bar. Six Flags can NEVER compete in that same arena and shouldn't try. They COULD however, follow the playbook that Universal Studios does - have you seen the Mummy themed coaster? Harry Potter World? Nice huh? Marketing and catering to teenagers (who have very limited funds) and largely ignoring "families" (who spend more money as a whole) has caused a lot of their problems... By installing "heart-pounding rides" every year with minimal investments, instead of focusing on the fundamentals of the inner-workings of a successful family-oriented theme park, they've alienated a huge segment of the market that will instead, save their money for a Disney trip instead. Give me the $50 Million, but mostly give me 5 years as General Manager with no corporate involvement whatsoever (other than general funding and reporting of course) and you'll see Great Adventure return to the glory it once had over time. First things I'd do: 1. Revert back to the logo with the rainbow, stars and Six Flags across the top 2. Get rid of every food contractor. Bring back unique restaurants and serve food that you can ONLY get at Great Adventure, or at least food that GA is well known for... 3. Uniforms: Bring back themed costumes throughout. 4. Parades. Various... Lot's of them 5. Nightly fireworks 6. Longer Park Hours (Remember Magic 'Til Midnight?) 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Daily - Occasional additional "Season Pass Holder Hours" - including off-season times 7. PAINT PAINT PAINT!!! It's a cheap facelift! 8. Install a minimum of 20 flat rides for all ages (mild to wild) 9. Construct parking facilities instead of a parking lot. (Universal did it...) Land could be "reclaimed" for other use. 10. New Super Teepee 11. TREES TREES TREES EVERYWHERE!! 12. Stop soaking guests by nickle and diming them at every turn. (Preferred parking... really?) 13. Lower prices. They have gotten completely out of control!!! 14. Free fast pass system similar to Disney's. (See #12) 15. Overhaul employee training completely That's just in the first year... a five year plan would include a LOT more! It all boils down to this: Ensure your guests have a wonderful experience, and make sure they leave with some money in their pockets - they'll SURELY come back!! Anger them by making them feel ripped off, after spending a hot day in long lines, dealing with minimally staffed rides, closed attractions, crappy mall-court food (at 5-star restaurant prices) and you're sure to lose your audience.... quickly! Oh if only someone would give me the chance!
  9. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Holy cow! I remember working on Loop II and whenever the park lost power during a storm, we had to run down to Rapids to help unjam boats during the unplanned "flush all"... I can't tell you how many times we would wind up falling in while jumping on the outsides of the boats... You would have to hang on to the ropes that ran through the grommets on the outside tubes and would eventually end up in the reservoir! Good times.. LOL!
  10. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Why would you want an "online game site" started by what is supposed to be a historical site dedicated to a specific theme park? Online gaming has nothing to do with SFGA's history, nor the intent of this site. Stick with your "roblox" or "gamefly" or whatever for your online gaming... that's what those sites are for... IMHO
  11. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Lightnin' Loops Ride Video
    Eiseong, you are partially correct. A woman DID in fact fall from the train, but it wasn't due to a seatbelt failure. Loop II was my ride the first year I worked at the park, and during my entire stint (9 years altogether), I never knew there to be seatbelts; only the standard over-the-shoulder horse-collar restraints. The reason the girl fell out, is because her and her boyfriend had just ridden and were exiting. The next group boarded the train, but there were still empty seats in the back. We always used to have to police the area and make the guests walk "down and around" to re-ride. This couple however, instead of going all the way down the exit stairs and going back through the entrance, decided to sneak back onto the ride in the last car of the train where there were two empty seats, while the attendants weren't looking. The train however, had already been locked and prepared for dispatch when the two jumped in... The boyfriend was somehow able to wiggle under the harness and secure himself, but the girlfriend couldn't do it and subsequently wound up sitting on top of the bar. Attendants didn't see the couple sneak back on, and gave the "all clear" signal and the operator dispatched the train. Even though the emergency stop may or may not have been pushed, the train was too far along when the girl was discovered screaming sitting on the harness. The exit brakes do NOT stop the train once it's almost near it's full speed (trust me, I know from experience) it only slows it down enough so it won't complete the circuit and will "saddle" at the bottom of the hill. The train continued down the hill, the boyfriend tried to hold onto the girl, but we all know the outcome. There were no mechanical failures, no faults found in the operation of the ride. This was a simple case of stupidity on behalf of the couple, and carelessness of the ride attendants. When I worked that ride, we would NEVER dispatch a train while there were guests ANYWHERE on the exit-side of the platform. It was the job of the attendant working the last two cars closest to the stairs, to ensure that all guests were ushered down the stairs, and to pay close attention to people trying to sneak back on. It happened all the time! I noticed over time, the management has decreased the minimum number of staff on all of the rides. This may save a few bucks in payroll, but the increased risks and the longer wait times and upset guests are NOT worth it. When I worked there years ago, we busted our butts, handled the crowds efficiently and did our jobs well - because we had the proper number of people working the rides. I see it all over... The Enterprise (when it was running) used to have three employees at all times; one operator, one entrance and one exit attendant. They dropped it down to just ONE person during the last few years of operation. You think one person can operate a ride as safely and effectively as three? Nope. I don't care what management says... can't be done. Who suffers? The guests. My last ride, was the Mine Train BEFORE it was computerized! We use to run three trains all the time (unless it was raining or there were no crowds!) We had a staff of 6 MINIMUM at all times in the station... One attendant was positioned at the "chain" at the top of the stairs, and their job was to count in exactly 28 people. A second attendant would "usher" groups of two into each stall... there was no waiting for front seats back then... On the exit side of the station, you had an operator, and three attendants - two would take care of loading/unloading cars 2 & 3, and 4 & 5. The last attendant would take care of the first car and the speil every 45 seconds! You had to hustle on that ride during three train operation - but there was NEVER a wait beyond 30 minutes from the end of the queue line. I went back to the park and discovered the ride in a state of shambles. The trains have beeen stripped of all the details, the maintenance is horrible and the wait time from just down at the bottom of the stairs, took almost an hour. Okay... so I'm done ranting... a little off topic, but I wanted to make sure you were informed of what really happened. Make it a great day!
  12. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Wow... I just had a flashback of an even UGLIER traffic mess... the Andy Gibb concert back in June of either '77 or '78! I can't remember which year exactly... Heck I was 10 for chrissakes!!!
  13. Ol'FormerRideOp
    How about all of the huge trees they've eliminated over the years?!? I miss the whole "theme park in the woods" feel...
  14. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Mike, I believe you missed the point of my comments: "What park doesn't have to install misters these days?Since the new management has been in control,they have been adding trees and shrubs and all that stuff throughout the park." </FONT> Yes, but in comparison to the million$ of dollars it takes to build El Toro, Nitro, KK etc., a few hundred thousand is a lot more doable and keeps the "family ride" element alive. "The independant companies coming in are a Corperate Alliance thing I believe.But yes good food would be nice to have,but not really something I would expect to see at this point.Prices are rediculous at any theme park for food,it's just how buisness is done these days.Economically they would make more of a profit with lower food prices since when Price for food is down,demand goes up.But honestly I don't know what there sales are like for food and that stuff."</FONT> Not under a rock, but rather in reality. The Tee Pee and the other "icons" of the park, were never maintained properly and shouldn't have been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair. Hence my comment "Way to go, let the park rot..." I would have been much happier to see the park maintained properly over time, with small expansions & upgrades - rather than constantly trying to install the biggest/fastest <insert ride description here>, costing millions of $$$. It's like constantly adding on to your home year after year, without fixing the leaky roof, repairing leaking windows, painting etc. "Staffing is all part of the budget,that is obviously not that good since financially the company was going down the pooper.But honestly I think guests can be smart enough to get themselves into a row.Now you really don't need that many people,then it just becomes to crowded up there.With a good crew of one Operator,and 2 attendants,you can easily move the line along at a good pace." </FONT> Are you kidding? There's a COMPLETE difference between going to see a losing Red Skins game, and spending a day at a theme park. Marketing to sports fans, is different from marketing to a family looking to spend the day together at an amusement park. The dynamics alone can tell you that! Sporting events are out of control price-wise, but that's a whole other story! Saying they aren't too different, is like saying apples and grapefruits aren't much different either. They're both fruits right? The whole "that's the way things are today" excuse is just that; an excuse... And might I say, a poor one at that! The reason they aren't doing well, is BECAUSE of the way things are today!!! They need to get back to the basics, to the original ideas and "ways of the old" if they are to survive. The park was VERY profitable back in the day, and it still can be with proper management (at ALL levels) and a complete overhaul of the training the staff receives. Simply chalking things up to "that the way it is..." only perpetuates the problem which does nothing to improve the situation. People aren't putting up with "that's the way it is"... especially in this time of conservation! They're simply not spending $$$ for things they believe are a rip-off. VALUE is what is needed at the park. Families need to feel as if they've received something very special for their money. Hate to say it, but even Disney is feeling some pain - but they aren't facing bankruptcy. There are reasons for that... service, hospitality, cleanliness, efficiency, maintenance... the list goes on... Trust me, I've been in the service industry for more than 30 years. More than 9 in theme parks alone. I believe I know what I'm talking about.
  15. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Wow - Someone else who feels GA has "lost focus" with all of the "improvements." You hit the nail right on the head!
  16. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Ben & Jerry's.. great... another "contracted concession." If I want Ben & Jerry's, I'll eat it at home for half the price - thank you. GA doesn't "get it" anymore. They have turned the park into a very overprice mall food court. Way to go! What happened to originality?
  17. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Since the management keeps wanting to expand the park into the parking lot year after year, pehaps they should consider a mult-level garage like Universal? Yes it's very costly - but it's permanent and would free up a ton of property for expansion. And DEFINITELY bring back the trams!!! The current configuration is horrific and is an accident waiting to happen because you have "old timers" who remember the old "flow" combined with the lack of parking lot attendees to usher traffic, the rush of foot traffic after fireworks - it's MAYHEM!!!
  18. Ol'FormerRideOp
    As a former "Mine Train-er" we had NIGHTLY fireworks over the lake by the Western Cables... The park used to be open until midnight DAILY - and sometimes until 2 AM on concert nights. Fireworks began at 9:45 PM nightly and were over at 10:00 PM. Wasn't a HUGE display, but it WAS very enjoyable! The best part, is that the park was open for a couple of hours afterward which allowed many guests the opportunity to either filter out of the park, or enjoy some last minute ride hopping. The way things are today, the fireworks show is TOO crowded and once they are over, that's it - park's closed. Every person is now scrambling for the exit which creates mayhem at the gates, not to even MENTION the backup of traffic getting out of the parking lot! Last time I went, it took over two hours to get out of the parking lot! TOTALLY messed up!!! I believe if they want to make an impression, lighten up a bit on the "one-day-per-week" massive display, and go for a smaller nightly show which EVERY guest can enjoy. Not just those who battle Saturday crowds! And extend park hours until midnight again. I know... money money money. Seems like they were always profitable when I worked there - what's happened since? Here's what's happened: 1. Park theming and other "enhancements" have ruined the feel of the place. It's now just like every other Six Flags park. What makes GA a special place to visit? Used to be that the park remained comfortable and cool even on the hottest days thanks to all of the trees that were painstakingly spared during any construction project. Beginning with the Time Warner days, massive trees were cut down and the park became flooded with concrete and steel. Now they have to install misting fans and other cooling areas in order to keep the guests from passing out in the direct sun. How smart was that? 2. The park has been marketed to teen-age kids for many years. They have no money. Tearing out family oriented rides (i.e., all flat rides) in favor of multi-milllion dollar heart-pounding rides hasn't proven the most cost effective. Not every ride has to be a screaming coaster. 3. Food & Restaurants - Someone should be fired for allowing all of these independant contractors in the park! GA used to have some really decent dining for a theme park - and at REASONABLE prices no less! The old Best of the West is now a complete joke. A frozen Tyson's chicken breast qualifies for "BBQ-Chicken" ??? What has happened to this place!! REALLY!?! Bring back the originality throughout the park! Seriously, if I want "Johnny Rockets" or "Papa Johns" I'll stay home thank you, and pay a heckuva lot less!!! All of this contracting out, detracts from being at a theme park. Makes you feel like you're at a very expensive mall's food court. Can someone in GA food service management please take a trip out to Knoebel's in PA and actually SEE how a park can profit with unique food? 4. Merchandise - Enough with the damn Looney Tunes characters!! LOL! Seriously though, the park used to have very unique merchandise along with the typical crap. Today, there's only crap. No more Austrian Crystal, no more Native American products (heck, no more Tee Pee either! Way to go GA. Let the park rot away. 5. Staffing - They've cut staffing of the rides to the point they cannot be run at capacity which means long lines that make for tired & angry guests. Used to be that six people at a minumum, ran the mine train. One operator, three loaders, one usher assigning booths, and a person at the top of the stairs to let 28 people into the station at a time. Yes, all these people hustled three train operation all day, but the ride ran at max capacity all the time. You could go through an entire full queue line in about 30 minutes. I have a whole list of "wishes" not just for the park as a guest, but from a management perspective. Dan Snyder may know how to rip off sports fans at FedEx field in MD., but the theme park industry is entirely different. He has no clue about it, nor how to run the largest chain of parks in the world! BRING BACK LARRY COCHRAN!!!
  19. Ol'FormerRideOp
    The guy who WAS the voice of Perthy P. Pelican, was named Eric and he would sometimes need a security escort from the pupet theatre - usually due to some drunk guys fighting with a sarcastic puppet. He'd have to wait sometimes 30 minutes until he could leave safely! Would crack me up!!
  20. Ol'FormerRideOp
    Yeah, I grew up in NJ and worked the night of the fire. The builder George Mahana also built one side of that same identical firetrap at Seaside Hieghts but called it "Doorway To Hell." He used the same polyethelyne foam used to "sculpt" the facade and interior walls (cave-like quality.) You can see the same exact exit (through a skull) is used. (http://www.darkinthepark.com/Seaside/seaside1.htm) Shortly after, Mr Mahana closed the attraction on the pier - for it too, was sorely lacking in the "safety" department. On the afternoon of the day he closed the pier-side attraction, we passed each other and he announced loudly "...Anyone wanna buy a slightly-used Haunted Castle real cheap???" While I had a twinge of sympathy for the guy, I still couldn't help running the evening of the fire through my head... That enitre night was pure mayhem for everyone working that evening. We in security, had to clear the park, handle the flood of parents calling, demanding to know where their kids are, the barrage of news crews and choppers surrounding the park for hours... all of the other fire departments responding from neighboring towns and counties! Unbelievable, very surreal and extremely sad it for everyone for quite some time after. Even with that said... I agree, .... It's still a shame that places such as the Long Branch Haunted Mansion, The Brigantine Castle, Poe's Haunted House (VERY old Seaside attraction!) and the likes, no longer exist. Kids have NO idea how to interact or have fun anymore without everything having to be "extreme" or somehow gangsta...! Too bad these kids don't have places like these old school attractions to go to... I think they'd find a completely different take on the word "extreme" - that's for sure! Enjoy!
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