Theme-Park Accidents Can Happen When Visitors Lose Hold of Belongings
TwisterBret
Teri Sforza
09/27/2000
KRTBN Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News: The Orange County Register
- California
Copyright (C) 2000 KRTBN Knight Ridder Tribune Business News; Source:
World Reporter (TM)
A 13-year-old girl is hurt when her toy falls from a Disneyland ride
and she tries to retrieve it.
A 25-year-old man is killed at Paramount's Great America park in Santa
Clara when his wife's hat blows off on a roller coaster and he tries
to retrieve it.
And a 4-year-old boy remains in critical condition after being pinned
beneath a Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin carriage Friday at Disneyland,
possibly after a toy fell out and he tried to retrieve it.
"That's one more reason you shouldn't let people carry anything onto
these rides," said Edward Pribonic, a ride-inspection safety
consultant and design engineer in Seal Beach.
"I know when I do inspections, you get down under the ride, and the
ground is covered with broken sunglasses, stuffed animals, hats,
broken pencils. ... It's just another potential problem, and as
engineers, we try to find those problems and engineer them out. Here
we're facing something very obvious and very clear, and we continue to
ignore it for the convenience of the guest. That might not be the
right thing to do," Pribonic said.
Disneyland won't comment on whether the boy, Brandon Zucker, of Santa
Clarita, was hurt trying to retrieve something he brought onto the
ride. But while some parks prohibit people from taking stuffed animals
and loose objects on rides -- such as Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park
-- Disneyland has no such policy.
"Obviously, if they're carrying a large bundle, the (Disneyland) cast
member will ask them to find someone to hold it or find a way to stow
it on the attraction," said Ray Gomez, Disneyland spokesman. "But
ordinary items can be carried safely on an attraction."
Not everyone agrees.
"We don't allow it," said Bob Ochsner, spokesman for Knott's Berry
Farm. "Occasionally, on a small kiddie ride, we'll allow a sweat shirt
if it's tied around someone's waist. Otherwise, it's left on the dock.
You don't want anything to come out of the train, for obvious
reasons."
Even with such a policy in place, Knott's runs into problems: On
Saturday, 24 people were trapped on a Knott's roller coaster for
almost four hours after a rider's jacket got stuck between the train
and its track. The jacket was on the rider -- not loose -- when the
train left the dock, Ochsner said; the rider must have removed it
during the ride.
Merchandising is a major source of revenue for theme parks , and they
have a vested interest in seeing every child with a Mickey Mouse or a
Snoopy tucked under his arm.
Many parents are loath to leave such expensive toys unattended while
the family piles onto a ride, and many parks are loath to ask them to.
That's how stuffed dogs and mice make their way onto bumper cards and
flume rides -- and out of bumper cars and flume rides.
"Everything has changed so much in just the couple of decades since I
was a kid," said Kathy Fackler, whose son was maimed on a Disneyland
ride two years ago. "There's way more stuff to buy. Parents also
indulge their kids more, and parks profit from that indulgence. If
there's a problem, the parks should figure out how to fix it."
Carry-on policies vary from park to park, but there's a clear trend
away from allowing people to tote stuff onto rides, according to the
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
"There are many parks and many rides that do not allow you to take a
purse or a stuffed animal on, particularly for the larger rides," said
spokeswoman Susie Storey. "I just got back from Cedar Point (a large
amusement park in Ohio), and I wasn't allowed to take a backpack on
with me. I had to put it in a locker. Lockers are really becoming a
trend, particularly with the larger rides, for safety."
The same is true at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. The premiere
roller-coaster park began installing lockers last year to discourage
people from carrying things onto rides.
However, people still may carry items if they're small enough to be
held with one hand and can be kept secure, said spokesman Andy
Gallardo.
There are lockers at Universal Studios Hollywood's Jurassic Park ride
as well, said spokesman Eliot Sekuler.
But lockers for tame kiddie rides?
"It's a fine line," said Storey, of the park association. "It does
come down to rider responsibility. Maybe the parents shouldn't let
children bring those things on the rides."
Many parents agree the ultimate responsibility rests with them.
"I ride with my kids -- they don't ride by themselves -- and I don't
let them take anything on a ride. I know better," said Richard Harris,
a ride-safety expert in Yorba Linda. "If it gets stolen, oh well. It's
easy to replace a toy. I can't replace my child's life."
Staff writer Bernard J. Wolfson contributed to this report.
Coastering Solo once again
Twister (Bret)
Dana Schwartz
>Theme-Park Accidents Can Happen When Visitors Lose Hold of Belongings
(snipped the story)
Great. Next time I ride Superman the Blue Monkey can sit in a pool of
sticky, red slush drink and guard my waistpack.
Dana Schwartz (give me a *safe* place to stash something on the
platform during my two minute ride and I'll comply; *don't* tell me to
put valuable things that I may need into an inaccessible locker
*outside* the queue and then stand in line to wait for a ride for two
hours; and, I *don't* visit parks accompanied by non-riding friends or
relatives who sit around holding my belongings)
doo...@ix.netcom.com
Dave Thomas
Schwartz) wrote:
>
>Dana Schwartz (give me a *safe* place to stash something on the
>platform during my two minute ride and I'll comply; *don't* tell me to
>put valuable things that I may need into an inaccessible locker
>*outside* the queue and then stand in line to wait for a ride for two
>hours; and, I *don't* visit parks accompanied by non-riding friends or
>relatives who sit around holding my belongings)
YES!!!!!
One of my main irritation at parks is this new trend of "you can't
bring anything with you on the ride". I can understand large objects
like stuffed animals, or loose items like purses or backpacks. I can
even sometimes see glasses being restricted (though they shouldn't be
if you're wearing a strap), but if the items are in your pockets, or
attached to you (like a waist pack) and they in no way block any of
the safety restraints, I think you should be allowed to ride. If you
don't want people taking things on the ride, then provide a SAFE place
for them to put their items. Safe meaning that you are assured of
getting your stuff back when you return (randomly piling things on the
exit side of the platform is not what I consider "safe"). I've heard
rumors of parks making guests completely emptying their pockets before
they're allowed to ride. I'm not leaving my wallet and car keys on the
platform, and I'm not going to be running back and forth to a locker
every time I need some money. There has to be a balance here.
Dave Thomas - Editor
Pixel Planet - Reviews Of Stuff
http://www.pixelplanet.com
DeadAndRestless
>roller-coaster park began installing lockers last year to discourage
>people from carrying things onto rides.
The people at SFMM should be shot for the lockers in the Riddler queue. I put
my locker in them before I rode, then had to walk back through the queue (thank
god there wasn't a wait) and walk all the way back. Why? Because SFMM was too
busy building one of the worst hyper coasters ever rather than connect the
lockers with the exit line. Die SFMM. Die alongside SFEG.
-
Alan
turtle77
quite a bit into this piece of equipment. When I go on rides, it goes with
me. Period. It doesn't get left in a locker. Hell would freeze before I'd
leave it on the loading platform. Lockers are simply too easy to rob. I have
a soft case that attaches to my body. The only person responsible for my
belongings is me. It is my decision to carry it onto the ride. I am
confident that should I drop any item during a ride there is little chance I
will risk injury to myself or others in attempt to retrieve it. We are not
all stupid. We are not children. Children should not be permitted to ride
thrill machines without a parental guardian.
tj...@fea.net
wrote:
Hey there,
I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately, there are a lot of
STUPID people in this world. We should consider ourselves lucky if
people who work in parks are trained at all. I've been to a few that
I had to wonder. If employees are trained, they certainly wouldn't be
trained to know intelligence from stupidity. That would require
effort, and we can't have that now, can we, not in a world where
everyone wants the easy way out. You do know that thinking is
dangerous, don't you?
Later,
Tom RAILS TO RAILS
P.S. Yes, I am cinical.
RayW
> confident that should I drop any item during a ride there is little chance
I
> will risk injury to myself or others in attempt to retrieve it.
the lady that carried a cell phone on one of the park's SROS rides, and used
it on the first hill. This resulted in it flying out of her hand, and
injuring someone behind her. SO, they need to make rules.
RealRideO'Steel
>I am
>> confident that should I drop any item during a ride there is little
chance
>I
>> will risk injury to myself or others in attempt to retrieve it.
>the lady that carried a cell phone on one of the park's SROS rides, and
used
>it on the first hill. This resulted in it flying out of her hand, and
>injuring someone behind her. SO, they need to make rules.
>
Well, if the pheaun~, or camera or whatever is in one's pocket or hip -
pack, AND IS KEPT THERE!!, then ride ops cannot say or do anything. They
are simply not allowed to strip search or go in anyone's pockets. I, for
one, am developing a head-mounted cam that can transmit images to a vcr
manned by someone on the ground. Only catch is the rider holds their head
still.
; )
-Chris
tj...@fea.net
<ckoz...@snet.net> wrote:
>RayW wrote in message ...
>>I am
>>> confident that should I drop any item during a ride there is little
>chance
>>I
>>> will risk injury to myself or others in attempt to retrieve it.
>>I agree but like the other post said, there are a few that are stupid. Like
>>the lady that carried a cell phone on one of the park's SROS rides, and
>used
>>it on the first hill. This resulted in it flying out of her hand, and
>>injuring someone behind her. SO, they need to make rules.
>>
>
>
>Well, if the pheaun~, or camera or whatever is in one's pocket or hip -
>pack, AND IS KEPT THERE!!, then ride ops cannot say or do anything. They
>are simply not allowed to strip search or go in anyone's pockets. I, for
>one, am developing a head-mounted cam that can transmit images to a vcr
>manned by someone on the ground. Only catch is the rider holds their head
>still.
>; )
>
>
>-Chris
>
Hey Chris,
That sounds like a pretty cool idea. Keep us posted on your
progress.
Joe Schwartz
> My camera is often in my possession during visits to any park. I invested
> quite a bit into this piece of equipment. When I go on rides, it goes with
> me. Period. It doesn't get left in a locker. Hell would freeze before I'd
> leave it on the loading platform. Lockers are simply too easy to rob. I have
> a soft case that attaches to my body. The only person responsible for my
> belongings is me. It is my decision to carry it onto the ride. I am
> confident that should I drop any item during a ride there is little chance I
> will risk injury to myself or others in attempt to retrieve it.
If you drop your camera during the ride, there is a chance that it will
injure somebody -- either somebody else on the ride, or somebody on the
ground. I'm not opposed to bringing cameras on rides (I do it myself), but
make sure the camera is *securely* attached to your body.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Come visit the Joyrides website <http://www.joyrides.com>,
a photo gallery celebrating the joy and beauty of amusement rides!
CoAsTeRDaN
No, just 90% or a bit more.
CoAsTeRDaN
PKD 4 ME
Check out my web page: CoAsTeRDaN's PaRk
Http://members.aol.com/coasterdan
# 1 Wood, The Legend, # 2 Knoebel's Twister
# 1 Steel, Mindbender at West Edmonton Mall, # 2 Superman: ROS at SFNE
Rielyn
coast...@aol.comBigWins (CoAsTeRDaN) wrote:
> >Subject: Re: We are not ALL stupid here.
>
> No, just 90% or a bit more.
>
> CoAsTeRDaN
> PKD 4 ME
If you hate us all so much, why do you hang out here?
Carrie
--
Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult
DC2D Gf L8i3t16w W T--- PfPlPvPw Skh C~ A Fr--- N+ Mv Fo R Ac+ J+ S--
U! I V+++ Q+++
rie...@miribiledictu.net
http://www.miribiledictu.net
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
CoAsTeRDaN
>
Because of the people like you who bother to post back. You are the ones that
make it funny.
Joe Schwartz
> >Subject: Re: We are not ALL stupid here.
>
> No, just 90% or a bit more.
Give yourself a little credit, Dan -- I think you're only about 80% stupid.
mjwheels
mjwheels
"Joe Schwartz" <j...@joyrides.com> wrote in message
news:hjajus8s7av98vq4i...@4ax.com...
> coast...@aol.comBigWins (CoAsTeRDaN) wrote:
>
> > >Subject: Re: We are not ALL stupid here.
> >
> > No, just 90% or a bit more.
>
CoAsTeRDaN
Shoot, I guess the vultures havn't arrived yet.
Rielyn
coast...@aol.comBigWins (CoAsTeRDaN) wrote:
>
> Because of the people like you who bother to post back. You are the
ones that
> make it funny.
>
Huh? How is a genuine question funny? I mean, isn't it kind of lonely
with nothing to do but argue with people? I'd far rather talk
amusement parks with you, and I'm sure others here feel the same!! I'm
not being sarcastic here, I'm just trying to understand.
Tom Smith
news:8sb6js$kl9$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> In article <20001014222945...@ng-fc1.aol.com>,
> coast...@aol.comBigWins (CoAsTeRDaN) wrote:
> > >Subject: Re: We are not ALL stupid here.
> >
> > No, just 90% or a bit more.
> >
> > CoAsTeRDaN
> > PKD 4 ME
>
>
> If you hate us all so much, why do you hang out here?
>
Because Dan is a very bitter person who has no life other than hanging out
here and making it his personal dump. We all know the kind of person Dan is.
He was probably always picked last for the teams in Gym class, called a
bunch of names and was never really accepted here on RRC. Because of that
fact, he tends to group us all together and hates us because we never
accepted him. He hates the fact that people on RRC actually have fun getting
together and since he can't share in on that fun, he tries to make it as
miserable as possible for everyone else.
--
Tom "Do I look like a $#%@ing people person?!?!" Smith
============================================================================
===
Top 5 Wood Top 5 Steel
1) The Legend 1) Superman: Ride of Steel (SFNE)
2) Phoenix 2) Steel Force
3) The Raven 3) Millennium Force
4) Boulder Dash 4) Apollo's Chariot
5) Villain 5) Medusa (SFGAd)
============================================================================
===
CoAsTeRDaN
>here and making it his personal dump.
I have a wonderful life, and poking fun at you is part of my fun.
I didnt make RRC a dump, it was like that WAY before I came here.
>We all know the kind of person Dan is.
You dont know me from a tree in the forest.
>He was probably always picked last for the teams in Gym class, called a
>bunch of names and was never really accepted here on RRC.
Again, you dont know nothing about me other than I hate RRC. I was accepted a
long time ago and I choose to not accept RRC Mr Dorneydope.
>Because of that
>fact, he tends to group us all together and hates us because we never
>accepted him.
Little thoughts come from tiny minds.
>He hates the fact that people on RRC actually have fun getting
>together and since he can't share in on that fun, he tries to make it as
>miserable as possible for everyone else.
Negative, I find it VERY funny that people have to go on the freaking Internet
and BEG people to meet them at parks because they have no other friends. I
have never needed to do that. That rounds you all out to be losers. The ones
that dont post here are not losers because they dont want to get involved with
any of you.
At least you were able to come up with something different there dorneydope,
pigpuke, whatever.
Iain Hendry
news:20001015132537...@ng-fy1.aol.com...
> You dont know me from a tree in the forest.
...or the pile of poo that cute little deer just crapped out.
> At least you were able to come up with something different there
dorneydope,
> pigpuke, whatever.
What did you name your pet pig? Vomitoia? Do you actually eat the vomit, or
just rub it on your body and moan?
Iain
Ted Ansley
>I think you're being generous Joe...
>mjwheels
>
>"Joe Schwartz" <j...@joyrides.com> wrote in message
>news:hjajus8s7av98vq4i...@4ax.com...
>> coast...@aol.comBigWins (CoAsTeRDaN) wrote:
>>
>> > >Subject: Re: We are not ALL stupid here.
>> >
>> > No, just 90% or a bit more.
>>
>> Give yourself a little credit, Dan -- I think you're only about 80%
>stupid.
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>> Come visit the Joyrides website <http://www.joyrides.com>,
>> a photo gallery celebrating the joy and beauty of amusement rides!
>
>
IMHO I think we should all back down and not stoop to Dan's level with the
name calling. He has always resorted to name calling when he's challenged
with a logical argument, I think Brian Ondrey already pointed that out in
another thread. It is impossilbe to have an adult conversation with Dan when
actually tyring to debate a roller coaster / amusement park like topic. I
suggest we all let Dan stew in his unhappiness, and leave the namecalling to
him. He seems to get some sick joy out of insulting everyone, just let him
be.
Many of us know of his atttitude, and actions, from RRC and out in the real
world, let's just leave him alone. He conviently has a big mouth but tends
to avoid RRCrs in the real world. I say we should just let him be and
maybe he won't attack any of us again with his 5th grade insults.
Entertainment value aside, which is great sometimes, he's a lost cause.
Oh, one more thing...I forgot but mjwheels and Brian are "in" the industry so
therefore they must like Dan and think the rest of us are geeks, fools,
losers...by Dan's words. (Not an actually quote, I'm paraphrasing here)
I guess you two should start telling us how you think Dan's is a wonderful
and responsible coaster enthusiast now,and a really great guy too! :-)
Ted Ansley
**Rollercoaster Fan<atic>**
ansl...@earthlink.net
CoAsTeRDaN
>name calling. He has always resorted to name calling when he's challenged
>with a logical argument, I think Brian Ondrey already pointed that out in
>another thread. It is impossilbe to have an adult conversation with Dan when
>actually tyring to debate a roller coaster / amusement park like topic. I
>suggest we all let Dan stew in his unhappiness, and leave the namecalling to
>him. He seems to get some sick joy out of insulting everyone, just let him
>be.
>
>Many of us know of his atttitude, and actions, from RRC and out in the real
>world, let's just leave him alone. He conviently has a big mouth but tends
>to avoid RRCrs in the real world. I say we should just let him be and
>maybe he won't attack any of us again with his 5th grade insults.
>
>Entertainment value aside, which is great sometimes, he's a lost cause.
>
>Oh, one more thing...I forgot but mjwheels and Brian are "in" the industry so
>therefore they must like Dan and think the rest of us are geeks, fools,
>losers...by Dan's words. (Not an actually quote, I'm paraphrasing here)
>
>I guess you two should start telling us how you think Dan's is a wonderful
>and responsible coaster enthusiast now,and a really great guy too! :-)
>
>
>Ted Ansley
>**Rollercoaster Fan<atic>**
Thanks for the laugh, your are a ton of them.
Wolfhound
wrote:
>
>IMHO I think we should all back down and not stoop to Dan's level with the
>name calling. He has always resorted to name calling when he's challenged
>with a logical argument, I think Brian Ondrey already pointed that out in
>another thread. It is impossilbe to have an adult conversation with Dan when
>actually tyring to debate a roller coaster / amusement park like topic. I
>suggest we all let Dan stew in his unhappiness, and leave the namecalling to
>him. He seems to get some sick joy out of insulting everyone, just let him
>be.
Yep, and as usual he had no real response for my post. The email I
got however had me howling in laughter and just gave that mental image
of a child slamming the door to his room after hearing something he
didn't like from his parents.
>Many of us know of his atttitude, and actions, from RRC and out in the real
>world, let's just leave him alone. He conviently has a big mouth but tends
>to avoid RRCrs in the real world. I say we should just let him be and
>maybe he won't attack any of us again with his 5th grade insults.
Agreed, I am probably done with him too. It does get tempting
sometimes to feed the trolls, but my point is made and I'd much rather
get back to talking about roller-coasters and the amusement industry
than this.
>Entertainment value aside, which is great sometimes, he's a lost cause.
>
>Oh, one more thing...I forgot but mjwheels and Brian are "in" the industry so
>therefore they must like Dan and think the rest of us are geeks, fools,
>losers...by Dan's words. (Not an actually quote, I'm paraphrasing here)
>
>I guess you two should start telling us how you think Dan's is a wonderful
>and responsible coaster enthusiast now,and a really great guy too! :-)
>
>Ted Ansley
>**Rollercoaster Fan<atic>**
Sorry, had to get back on my chair after falling off in laughter. You
know, as I am sitting here thinking about it, I can't remember ever
hearing Dan's name mentioned by anyone working in the industry outside
of here on the newsgroup. How odd....you'd think you'd hear something
since he is such a model enthusiast *shrug*.
-Brian Ondrey
Send replies to: wolf...@toad.net
"All I did was draw pictures." - Charles M. Schulz
Here comes Speed Racer!
wrote:
Then why continue to post .. why show up at events ... go your own
way.
It'll Never Be Fast Enough!
Speed
Here comes Speed Racer!
wrote:
>In article <20001014232512...@ng-fy1.aol.com>,
> coast...@aol.comBigWins (CoAsTeRDaN) wrote:
>>
>> Because of the people like you who bother to post back. You are the
>ones that
>> make it funny.
>>
>
>
>Huh? How is a genuine question funny? I mean, isn't it kind of lonely
>with nothing to do but argue with people? I'd far rather talk
>amusement parks with you, and I'm sure others here feel the same!! I'm
>not being sarcastic here, I'm just trying to understand.
>
>Carrie
Carrie, noone understands .. you can't talk to him ... It's impossible
.. if you don't agree with everything he says, he hates you. It's kind
of sad. Jealousy is a hard thing for a person like him to live with
and I think he's jealous because he doesn't have the kinds of
friendships some of us have with each other. He'll deny it or ignore
me (since I'm killfiled for standing up for what I thought was right
last year). But I think that's the god's honest but sad truth. If he'd
try to be a friend, this wouldn't happena nd maybe we'd take him
seriously for once.
Dreamfish
Ted Ansley wrote:I guess you two should start telling us how you think Dan's is
a wonderful
> and responsible coaster enthusiast now,and a really great guy too! :-)
mjwheels' wife here, he can't come play..went to new job..and has no 'puter
right now...but I'll ask him when I talk to him tonight if he considers danny boy
worth a thought...k?
Mrs mjwheels
Janis
>way.
>
>
>Speed
>
Danny posts because it amuses him - he's having fun. Are you? If not, you're
taking life too seriously.
He has *NEVER* attended an "RRC" event, so I don't know where you are going
with that. (There really haven't been many RRC events)
One thing I can say about Danny, he goes his own way. He's definitely *not* a
sheep.
Janis
Robert Ulrich
time to post:
>>There Goes Speed Racer posted:
>>Then why continue to post .. why show up at events ... go your own
>>way.
>
>Danny posts because it amuses him - he's having fun. Are you? If not, you're
>taking life too seriously.
Now everyone knows that Dan posts because he likes to get the
responses back, it probably makes him smile, so everyone stop feeding
his habit, please. If we don't respond to the troll he will go back
in his cave.
STOP REPLYING TO HIS POSTS AND HE WILL GO AWAY!
He has before and will again.
> He has *NEVER* attended an "RRC" event, so I don't know where you are going
>with that. (There really haven't been many RRC events)
TGSR didn't say "RRC Events", just events. Through Dan's words it's
become obvious that he enjoys mentally tormenting enthusiasts because
he feels they're stupid. Thus he must really be tortured attending
park or club events full of other low-life enthusiasts including
lurkers, GP, and all the other enthusiast types brought together in a
horrible mix of personalities at an event. Although I don't think
he'd ever do or say in person what he does over the anonymous internet
where his words have spewed some of the most outrageous slander.
>One thing I can say about Danny, he goes his own way. He's definitely *not* a
>sheep.
Then maybe Dan will find his way out of here very soon, and find a
community of his "own kind of enthusiasts" wherever they may be.
Perhaps a board on his own web site? Then all his flock will have
somewhere to go and "blah-blah-blah" to themselves.
Sad, but I dropped my MACC membership because of Dan's involvement
with that group. I can't abide by the discriminatory thoughts that
spew forth from his keyboard no matter how much of a "good guy" he may
appear to be in person.
Robert Ulrich
(who's very tired of seeing the kill file take over and remove a good
percentage of posts due to this situation)
Here comes Speed Racer!
You know what .. you are right ... I just got done with an e-mail
conversation with him because of something he said in private e-mail.
I realized it's like fighting with your parents. You just can't win.
It irritated me that I got brought into something I had nothing to do
with and I felt I had to respond and defend myself. It went around in
circles with the truth being stretched to ridiculous means. I like to
stand up for myself in situations like this, but unfortunately this is
one instance where I will have to let it go.
Locoboy
Some people just *HAVE* to get the last word in, no matter what that
last word is. I'm sure you know of people like that on this newsgroup
and in real life as well. I'm sure the RRC names popping in your head
are the same ones that are in my head too as I type this. I think
Robert is right and ignoring them is the best thing.