My Experience as a Kings Island Ride Operator
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2022
- After years of having friends who have been ride operators and loved it, I decided to spend my summer last year working in the rides department at Kings Island, and I'm extremely glad I did. So many fun details and events that I never would've expected!
Buy YOUR Thrills United merch now at www.thrillsunited.com/shop
Follow us on social media @thrillsunited on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat
THRILLS UNITED VIDEOS ARE NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN. THEY ARE INTENDED TO BE WATCHED BY ADULTS AND TEENAGERS 13 YEARS OLD AND OLDER.
Contact Logan on email at logan@thrillsunited.com
The Thrills United logo was designed world-class branding experts Lemon Grenade. Check them out at lemongrenade.com
I was glad to work with you this season, drop bat was an amazing crew and is in my top 3 favorite crews- Mike from Backlot
Ya ya know it will be a good thing to do it now you can do it and you can’t do anything to help you get to know me and I love you so much love ya love ❤️
biggest tip for anyone wanting to be a ride operator, safety is always number 1 no matter what! think about it would you walk in front of a train on a coaster as it goes by at whatever speed it goes. always pay attention to what the ride is doing and the sounds its making, that will usually be your first indicator of something not being quite right,
I'm a ride operator at a Six Flags park and I have to agree with a lot of the points you said about the job position!
But one thing is that Six Flags, just like Cedar Fair, makes safety their number one priority and we are also trained with the highest standards. ❤
You're right. I cut that part out. Keep up the great work!
I was a supervisor of both of your home rides back in the day. You are a stand up ride op! Keep up the good work! (Congo/Drop 2001, Face/Off/Congo 2002-2003, DOT/Drop 2003,2005, SOB/GUN 2004,2006)
Logan inspired me to get over my fears of inversions now he’s inspired me to get a job at my local park which is Discovery Kingdom. He is doing things right. I’ve also loved seeing him grow up too from when he first started his channel
To be honest, becoming a Ride Operator looks kinda fun! I'm glad you decided to choose that one! Becoming a ride operator is very important.
I work at Kings Island (In Entertainment) and it is such a great company to work for. I actually looked forward to going to work every day
When you say "in entertainment" what exactly do you mean, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks!
@@calebbb95 Singer, actor, dancer, parade performer and scare actor
@@theohiojoneses thanks for the reply! I guess I was unaware of those things, pardon my ignorance haha. Are there actually singing roles at Kings Island? I just went in for my orientation yesterday to be a ride operator, but I LOVE singing more than anything in the world tbh. I did not realize that was a job you could have here!!
@@theohiojoneses OH MY GOD I SAW YOU YESTERDAY
So proud of you, Logan! We just watched this and learned so much. Such a cool full circle moment for you! Really impressed how many different rides you are trained to operate. I’m sure you’ll move up to management in no time!!
Thanks so much!!
I have been going to Kings Island for many years and now bring my daughter. As an adult who loves coasters, I have noticed that the ride ops at KI are absolutely incredible! Thank you to all of you for your hard work and for keeping everyone safe!!!
Good points about safety. Kings Island has a keen eye for safety AND the best operations I’ve ever seen outside Universal and Disney. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!
Amazing job Logan! I'm really happy you enjoyed the season. As for it was my 1st Season as well I couldn't have said working as a ride operator at king's island was really fun! It was great working with you! -Ronjae Delishot
That's awesome you were a ride op logan. On 6/1/21, me, Avery Heaney TV, and Santino went to visit you at the bat, I was wearing an El Toro t shirt from sfgadv. The second day, it was just me and avery, we met your Dad at Diamondback, he's a cool guy, we talked to him briefly. Hours later we saw you again at drop tower. Not sure if you remember us, but it was great seeing you work there. Hope we can cross paths again. BTW, I was a ride op myself at six flags great adventure from 2018-2020, it was a great experience for me and sometimes it had unpleasant moments.
I just recently joined the rides department at kings island, im so excited
Yo I did too!
@@xz0mbie.k1ttyx good stuff bro
I just got a job in rides here and after watching this I'm even more excited to start than before
I’m currently a safety trainer at my local amusement park and I can say it’s one of the best things I’ve done I’m glad I came across that job while being a college student
Im glad youre going back! Last year was my first year having to transition to use the green sheet, as my disabilities are starting to progress and Ill probably be in a cane or perhaps having to use a scooter in coming years. I hope it won't happen this year. But, anyway on The Bat, I was always glad when you were there. You did amazing at helping me with that!
Loved this vid and hearing about your experience. When I was with TPEG doing assessments and events at parks I got to meet a ton of awesome people and it just seemed like Cedar Fair employees, management, and maintenance were always very proud and energetic about their jobs and providing great experiences. It isn't like that at every chain and I can heavily say the employees can really make or break a park day exemplified by my awesome experiences at Kings Island when I have been there.
Universal Orlando as a ride op you stay at one attraction and have specific wardrobe for that attraction.
You have the opportunity to transfer to another venue after 6 months at your current venue if you keep your attendance points up. After you transfer you can still pick up a shift at your old venue provided you work there a few shifts every quarter.
Each ride has their own training which is anywhere from 2 to 4 days with a long, written test at the end. If you fail the test they either work with you 1-on-1 training for another day or transfer you back to your original venue. The test is mostly about safety but also usually includes specific theming for that ride, park operations and radio codes. If you work in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter you will also be scheduled an 8-hour Potter Class at some point.
Universal is a great employer and they do many fun and free things for their team members.
We have some of the fastest dispatches in the industry and we constantly strive to keep on top. At The Incredible Hulk rollercoaster (my venue) we keep our dispatches under 1 minute from unload to dispatch. At Forbidden Journey we dispatch a 4-seat vehicle every 6 seconds.
i probably saw you a few times, i went about 38 times last season and I ride every roller coaster and flat ride. I'm glad it went well
I just saw you operating the Bat yesterday! Had a great day and it was my first time ever getting fast lane plus. I would have told you how much I enjoy your videos, but you were clearly busy. Thanks for all the info.
Glad you had fun! Say hi next time!
I am from Ohio and worked at Cedar Point for two seasons. My first season half of it I was a catering supervisor. The second half and my second season I worked in the foods warehouse as the office clerk. I also did extra hours as a bartender at the two saloons and Famous Dave's. I earned the cornerstone award my first year. I really enjoyed my experience. One of my favorite jobs ever. My experience was extremely different however. Most of my friends that worked games or rides worked twelve and longer days and I worked like a traditional day job. I went in between 8 and 9 and was done by 5 or 6. I had most weekends off. I'm very thankful for the life experience. There's no way to get the same experience anywhere else. Maybe I'll see you at King's Island next season. I live in Indiana now and it's closer for me. 😁
I'm very excited to start my job as a ride operator at Legoland California Resort!! I went there a lot as a child and every experience was extraordinary and thrilling. As a Machine Operator at my prior job I believe I have enough experience or at least some knowledge of how safety and mechanics work haha. Amazing video my guy🙌
$15 an hour is pretty much unheard of in the UK, that’s really really good pay. Even if you got $10 an hour in the UK you are lucky
Great job, Logan! I'm so glad you got to work a job you truly enjoy. My first job was/still is a nursing assistant (CNA). I started working it when I was 21-years-old, but I just started working full-time in November 2020. As of now, I can say working-full time definitely helped me grow and mature a ton, and I know working has definitely helped you grow a ton, too. Ironically, I was watching the video of you operating rides at Walibi Holland last night. Btw, I don't think I'll be able to come to KI this summer, but hopefully I'll get to see you sometime soon.
Awesome Logan! I can relate to you 100%! I will be back for my 3rd season this year! You should come pick up a shift at the Tower and Grand Carousel sometime! I'm sure you'd love standing up on the platform telling people about the park! I also plan on picking up shifts/being sent to big park this year to finally step up and do the bigger rides!
This is why I love KI. I used to work with guest services and everyone on my team loved the park and took pride in the park. The atmosphere at KI is amazing, honestly in miss it.
You're really taking a step up! Keep up the great work!
i want to work at ki so bad. hoping maybe next year i can:)
i have several friends who work there. my friend is a area supervisor i think. i live about 45 minutes from ki and with the gas prices right now is one reason why i can’t work there. but, i also haven’t had my license for that long and i’ve never driven to ki.
so hopefully next year i can work there!
edit: i saw logan working at drop tower and i said hi. good seeing you again, logan!
KI is fun to work at. I’m also a ride op and I love it. Edit: This season (2024) will be my fourth.
I thank you so much for getting me into coasters when I was 7-8 and now me at 14 could not have been more excited when I saw you working at the beast at night on 6/23/22 and now me thinking about starting a TH-cam channel and wanting to be a ride op once I am of working age at Carowinds,I have to thank you so much for how many people you have inspired.I don't think I ever would have convinced my parents to take me on a coaster trip to Ohio of all places if it wasn't for you.
That's great!
Need to have some other Coaster Enthusiast TH-camrs work some ride ops.
Logan, when I first started watching your videos a long time ago, I was terrified of rollercoasters. Years later I’m starting to love them and I’m even considering working rides opps at my home park of Cedar Point in the future. I could not thank you enough for inspiring and teaching me as much as you did.
Thanks for the info! Planning on working at Over Texas and/or Fiesta Texas when I get older.
Wowww, thanks for sharing!!💝
I was looking for a video on ride operating. And I found about my home park!!!
I was a ride op at CP and I’ll be back this year! I’m glad you liked you’re experience at KI!!!!!!
thanks for the details on this, I'm planning on working at Cedar Point next season so knowing the specific details on things will be very useful for me
i just got a rides job at ki....this is really nice to hear that it is actually fun. Ive been waiting to do this job for a few years now and am very excited to start
Thank you for getting me into roller coasters for the longest time I had a fear of them
I'm gonna be a ride operator there this summer! I cannot wait! this video is awesome! 💫❤
Cool, hopefully I'll get to meet you this year for Drop Tower.
I worked at KI for 3 seasons in the 80s. My last season I was on Vortex crew in its first year. I enjoyed working rides. How enjoyable it is really depends on your crew. My first several seasons I worked several rides that are now gone, but also Troika aka Shake Rattle and Roll. My crew was great and we had a lot of fun. My last season on Vortex was completely different and needless to say, I didn't return the next year. I remember summers as hot, busy, smelly, cleaning up barf (you never forget the smell of Voban), and tiring. I loved employee ride nights, testing rides after they had been down for repairs, and getting to pick up shifts at other rides. I haven't been back to KI since my last shift ended in 1987. Still burned out. But enjoy those years because they can be some of the best memories. I also worked several Winterfests in food service. Great crews and lots of fun. Sounds like you all get much better pay than we got but it has been over 35 years since then!
I heard that you were a ride operator from An Epic Life. Keep up the great work!
Ride operator at Kings island itself, I worked 2021 and kings island was such an amazing first job experience for me. I’m working it again this year and hope I learn and gain more experience!
I’ve been thinking about being an operator, this is very good to help me think about it
Awesome job!
Flight of Fear’s operators are awesome!
All clear… GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES
(Launch)
Awesome Logan. You've come a long way since your Koasterkid days. Pretty sure your dad is super proud of you and your achievements. I met you and your dad at Vortex closing day, but i'll sure be saying hi again if I see you at the park on my next USA coaster trip hitting up KI.
This is Logan’s dad. I am indeed proud!
@@AnEpicLife Jeff you are awesome. I would be proud too. I'm that guy from NZ that Sean introduced to you and Logan. Can't wait to get back to KI hopefully later this year. My son is 6 and he's getting better with coasters but we don't have many options here. Our biggest ride is an old Arrow loop and corkscrew that he's done. Can't wait till he can go on these big rides with me.
@@Marty_NZ I remember you! Let us know when you are coming back and we can try to meet up.
Thanks for the info video! I'm planning to start working at Kings Island this year since I'm turning 14. I went be able to be a ride op yet, but I'm planning to start doing that when I'm 16. For now I'm hoping to work in the gift shop department to get a start at Kings Island.
You best get that job
I’m 14 and I also applied, but I applied for the cleaning department. Best of luck to you!!
Kings Island ride operators are literally the nicest of any chain park. Last year, I marathoned Orion so often that I was just having conversations with the ride ops. We ended up realizing this his sister goes to college in the same town that I do! Different colleges, but it’s a pretty small city across the country.
I had a very similar experience to you in working as a ride op at Cedar Point last summer. The only difference is that I was only at one ride the entire summer (Raptor), which I didn’t mind staying there bc I love that crew to death
Were you part of that Raptor shuffle video I saw lol
@@bigblueamusementproductions yes I was lol. Best video I've ever been a part of
Great video. My son Greyson is starting his first year there in the food dept, cuz the higher pay. I’ll look out for ya next week, on opening day.
Thank you Logan for inspiring me to work at my home park Carowinds as a ride operator I’m coming up on my second year at Carowinds I worked at Copperhead Strike where when I got certified at drive it felt so amazing but I was super nervous because I have autism so thank you for inspiring I hope I get trained at more rides at Carowinds this year 😁
Logan, you’ve had quite the journey from the beginning. I couldn’t be more proud - I was fortunate to meet you while working the beast. Wish I would’ve gotten the nerve to ask for a picture🤦🏼♂️ Have a great day man!
Say hi and ask for a pic next time!
@@ThrillsUnited hey i have something to ask you so i failed the ride operator test in the month of march 26th 2023 and is there a ride operator practice test because i have no test taking skills and i never took a test in high school because i was in the muitl disability class and do you know if theres any ride operator test from kings island to print on online
because i have a printer
if you will help me out that would be nice man thanks
@@ThrillsUnited looked for you when I was there last month - couldn’t find you :(
I haven't been to King's Island in a few years...your enthusiasm makes me wanna go back and visit ASAP. You represent the place well!
Thanks! It's an awesome place.
Pretty sure I saw you working Drop Tower during my visit last year. I also think I talked to you in line for a Beast night ride the same day, we were waiting in line for the fireworks to finish and you got the 2nd to last train of the night before me
I'm starting my first year as a ride supervisor at my home park this coming season and I'm so pumped this will be my third year at the park even though management isn't good I love my job so much and am counting the days until the season starts
@Milo's Red Dead Tips And Tricks Lagoon in Farmington Utah
Even though Dorney is my home park, I worked at Cedar Point in Park Services last summer partly to get back to the park because it had been 5 years. Partly because I don't drive and they have their own bus between the dorms and the parks as well as a small Bus system in Sandusky. A lot of my higher ups were engineering majors. One is a history teacher and the other a military track. There was another guy who wasn't officially a supervisor although he briefly was w/o benefits has a sister in the air force and wants to finish his education to work on military planes. Also apparently landscaping was getting paid less than other positions so one guy moved over. I agree that I have a new found appreciation for the park and the industry, although seeing the skyline everyday lost its magic.
Sure I still interacted with some enthusiasts in rides like my roommates Grant (whose main was Windseeker, but was train on Dodgem, Tiki Twirl, Troika, Iron Dragon, and incomplete training on Val) and Tommy (Wicked Twister, he wanted to be a screamster but he went back home to work at Hobby Lobby and then quit that), Santino (Who was mostly in Forbidden Frontier), Ella (Val and Millie) and most of Valravn Crew, a few people on Blue Streak (since Park Services is right there), then toward the end of it there was this random emo/goth chick at Mine Ride I talked to. I think I had more fun meeting people like El Toro Ryan and his coaster idiots, Alec, APESAGETSET Gang, finally meeting Steph/Emotional Roller Coasters, and Trent of Not Your Normal Guy Theme Parks (he mentioned me in one of his fast lane series of videos at the start of the season and I actually was able to spare a min to chat with him on my last day-great guy). I wouldn't trade them for the world. Even though I am not returning simply because I'm currently studying in Madrid until late May and would like to focus on driving instead when I get back before graduating in the fall (then I really want to do Orlando at the end of the WDW 50th anniversary before saving up for a Japan trip in 2025).
Just want to say Thank you for this video! You have convinced me to be a ride operator at Hersheypark!
I Thought I recognized the guy checking the restraints at The Bat last season lmao
You're lucky man! But KI is your home park pretty much. Both you and your Dad are pretty cool and your posted videos have helped a lot of riders to overcome their fears. But yea you gotta be safety mindset to run those rides. The one thing I like most about KI is it's a very clean park and some really great rides. Wish you best of luck for your next adventure Logan
Nice presentation--you're going places!
I wish I had as positive of an experience as you did! It definitely felt like work after two months, plus I was way older than everyone else. Still made some great friends though!
North pie here. I’ve never been to big park but everything you said applies to snoopy. It’s a great job
I work at six flags laronde and also work the same model of slingshot, SURREAL EXPERIENCE OPERATING so much fun!!
Good luck in any further future employment 👍🤘
Bro i love being a ride opp at Kings Ialand, its my second season and i couldnt be been more happy, My home Crew is MSD and i wouldnt change it for the world
Great job !! 👏
You had good operations on The Bat when I went last summer. I didn’t want to say hi at the time since I knew you were busy. Great work!
Thanks! Say hi next time!
SON OF BEAST RETURNS! LEAK IT LOGAN!
Cool stuff! 👍
You inspired me when I was a kid, I kept riding rides, now I work at magic mountain, mostly on full throttle, I love making people scream
Awesome!
I am a ride op in the UK and work on some of the biggest rides in the country as well as a former world record holder. I can confirm everything he sais is true. One of the best bits genuinly how easy it is to make friends and the fast paced environments. If your considering becoming a ride op, I would certainly say go for it, you'll have an amazing time.
I wish I could have worked a season at kings island. I feel like its probably too late since ill probably be starting an internship at the columbus zoo next year. But who knows, maybe ill do a month or two in one of these upcoming summers.
i really hope to get a job as a ride op at morey’s piers some day they have such friendly staff i already made friends with half of the ride crew at great nor easter, how were you able to get trained at the more popular rides versus some of the non popular rides like the family rides
We went a few days ago and we saw you working on The Bat!! My cousin actually recognized you!
Saw you operating the beast. Wish I could of gotten a picture with you for my vlog. But good job sharing your experiences with other enthusiasts waiting in line.
Say hi next time. I'm happy to get a quick pic with you
Awesome man
I remember meeting you at the bat and drop tower
I love flight of fear and drop tower and intimidator 305 and Every ride is a W
This video makes being a ride op sound so much fun ngl lol. Unfortunately I live like 2 hours from kings island so I could never work there. Kings Island seems so much more enjoyable than Kentucky Kingdom (my homepark). I'm hoping I can take a trip to KI this summer so maybe ill see you there :)
find me and say hi if you do!
@@ThrillsUnited you bet I’ll try lol
Hey neighbor🤙🏾 just went las wkend. If you haven't gone yet. Go asap! I drive by KK everyday and it's no KI🌹
I remember when you came to FoF you’re amazing to work with!
Yo I'm gonna be working at kings domain and i start next month as a ride operator so I'm excited and it looks sm fun
What ride are you on? I’m a operator at kings island
I'm gonna work at kings Island this year but in only 15 lol so I can't be a ride operator but I'm gonna work for like the front or sum but I'm still exited
I was a ride operator at my home amusement park (galaxyland) and the worst part of the job is customer service, please treat ride operators nicely they put up with a TON of crap❤️
This. As a ride op we really do appreciate the guests that have sympathy for us and the things we deal with
I am hoping to be a Ride Operator at Flamingo Land soon!
Wow, I might think of working at cedar point- oh I forgot… I’m in the uk ☹️ looks like it’s Thorpe park or Lego land… better then nothing? Sure hope they do rollercoaster nights
Great video bro 👊🏻 I worked there in 1992.
I just went there today and I swear you were working at shake,raddle and roll
I swear I saw you last Wednesday after they shut everything down after it started pouring.. Waiting in line for the racer
Just saw you working drop tower today!
7:22 LOL
Love your videos! :) Just a quick question. Do some ride ops at Kings Island grant a little bit of (airtime) room when requested? I can imagine it's annoying with people trying to cheat the restraint (how do you deal with that btw?), but being stapled is also not a lot of fun and can impact someone's ride negatively. Asking as a ride op (from europe) :).
We always follow the requirments
I really wish we had more workers like you. Last time I went to CP most of the workers felt like they just weren't in it and this kind of ruined the day. I just got a platinum pass this year so hopefully I can help them (at least their mental state with more positive words due to some guests being awful like my dad was)
Man, get on the ride, enjoy and get off. The staff is not there to boost your mood. People complain about everything. Ruined the day ? That was your clue to do better.
Bro I saw you last season at Diamondback and I just awkwardly said “waddup” LMAO you seemed busy so it didnt know what to say 😂😂
I plan to visit aug 26th !!!
Logan, how are you able to work when you have school? I'm thinking of working at Kentucky Kingdom when I turn 16.
I might work on mystic timbers at Kings Island
Do you have to like roller coasters to be a ride operator? Cause i dont like the stomach dropping feeling. Also does anyone have any tips that can help me either like the stomach dropping feeling or not be bothered by it?
I'm hoping to join the rides team at KI in 2024