If the park isn't expected to be busy on that day then I wouldn't expect the park to make much of an effort to make sure that all the roller coasters, or swings, are up-and-running on a timely basis...on that day.
We've seen that a hundred times: Not a big crowd expected?...then cut back on the labor hours and don't worry about getting certain rides up and running at park opening.
Think I'll skip the roller coaster 5k thing, as all riders will be rushing for whatever rides so happen to be open early on that day.
We've sometimes noted that at other parks, but not SDC. If a major ride at SDC fails to be open when the park opens in the morning, it is almost always due to an issue during inspection or whatever. Sometimes they don't have as many trains running as we'd like, but that's something else entirely. SDC makes more effort to have rides open and operating smoothly than most parks I've visited.
Once again I'm not understanding the knee-jerk negative reactions in this thread.
I have to disagree completely on this subject. Of all the parks we've visited, with SDC being the most visited by far, SDC has performed the worst at having their top rides up and running at park opening. This especially happens on days when there is light traffic in the park. Over the last 12-15 years we've averaged anywhere from 10 to 20 visits per year to SDC (we live close and it's a wonderful place to frequent) but SDC is notorious for not putting forth their best effort to having their rides functioning after the National Anthem plays.
We've learned over the years to just shrug it off, or to laugh it off, and move on to enjoy the many different aspects of the park.
I've noticed one thing though: If a very, very busy day is expected, or if some perceived important enthusiast group is expected to visit the park whom could possibly portray the thrill rides at SDC in a negative manner for a national audience which may be influenced by what that "special" group's opinion is of the operations at SDC --then you can bet your "buttocks" that the PTB will make sure ALL thrill rides are up and running, ON TIME, ready to impress the people that are important in their business philosophy. They CAN make those rides run, in most instances, than not.
Fortunately we love the variety of entertainment at SDC and have just learned to brush off what we can't control, spend our $$$ sparingly around the place, and give positive feedback to the remaining great aspects of the place.
Timely start-ups of their rides NOT being one of the "great" aspects of the place.
