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[kerrydale]

We've been three times so far this year (and we're headed back next week for a week-long stay), and we've never had issues with employees, even in the GE.  We even saw some kind of street show in the square early in the day (noonish) and some of the performers came over and gave our daughter a deputy's badge and took their picture with her...she thought it was the coolest thing ever!  She proudly displays her badge in her room and mentions it almost every night before she goes to bed (and this visit was four weeks ago!).

It might be worth considering that bad employee experiences are, from the standpoint of the employee, brought on by a number of factors (i.e., grouchy patrons with a sense of entitlement).  Combine the occasional irritable guest with heat and humidity and everybody probably gets a little antsy late in the day.  I know I can only speak from my personal experience, but in my first year with a season pass I already consider it to be some of the best money ever spent (even I though I got it as a gift, but will definitely renew at the end of the year).  Each time we've been this year, the citizens have been very hospitable, from the ones that greet us at the gate to the ones we encountered cleaning up after the big storm that blew in the second weekend in May.

Anyway, our visits this year have been great and I'm stoked for another trip...five days and counting!

[Coaster]

I had a great time in the park yesterday! The park wasn't too packed but the lines were there. The park has done a good job with Kidsfest this year as there was plenty to do. I didn't get to do everything I wanted. (No cinnamon bread from the bakery!  ) We also didn't make it the the Expo.

Our cave guide was really funny (I looked for you Doc!) and he told me a lot of things that I did not know. It seems like I learn something new each time I go down there. All the rides were running smoothly and I got to ride the toboggan for the first time in a few years. I was never willing to wait in a long line for a waterslide but at the end of the day the line was only to the scale.

If you get a chance during KidsFest you should definitely watch the cloggers in the gazebo and try out for the banana split contest. The cloggers were really awesome and great with the crowd.

Another perfect day in the city!

[MichaelM]

Sorry Kerrydale but it was not hot the day that we went it was a cool 80 degrees July 4TH. And you would figure that if you are a season pass holder you would have visited the park as all Americans celebrated their Independence. We had a great time in other areas of the park it just seemed like most of our problems happened at the Racing Regotta whether a customer before us made him mad or not still don't give the gentleman any right to be the way that he was. One thing to remember THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got to the park at the time that it opened so we was there till 30 minutes before they closed and never saw but one entertainer and that was a Duck as soon as we walked in te gate. Being a holiday weekend you would think they would have had alot more entertainers. I will not be back anytime soon to far to drive for a park that is rated at 5. I can say back in the day Silver Dollar City was the park to visit but I was 11 years old then. Hopefully they will get the park back in order.

[sdcforever]

Sorry Kerrydale but it was not hot the day that we went it was a cool 80 degrees July 4TH. And you would figure that if you are a season pass holder you would have visited the park as all Americans celebrated their Independence. We had a great time in other areas of the park it just seemed like most of our problems happened at the Racing Regotta whether a customer before us made him mad or not still don't give the gentleman any right to be the way that he was. One thing to remember THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got to the park at the time that it opened so we was there till 30 minutes before they closed and never saw but one entertainer and that was a Duck as soon as we walked in te gate. Being a holiday weekend you would think they would have had alot more entertainers. I will not be back anytime soon to far to drive for a park that is rated at 5. I can say back in the day Silver Dollar City was the park to visit but I was 11 years old then. Hopefully they will get the park back in order.

That's not true.  Anyone who works in the service industries (including amusement parks) can tell you that.

[tinmann620]

Sadly, when there are economic issues, "extras" are cut first.  Thankfully, I am unaware of any characters being cut.  Many of the people have more than 1 job, in fact, I think Terry works like 80 hours a week!  Considering all the clothing they must wear to complete their costumes in the heat, I'm sure they're under paid!  Each time I've gone, I've seen a minimum of 5 characters, Tue-Sat, (most have their days off set to the slowest days of the week, I believe).  These people are no different than you or me, they have outside issues, such as deaths in the family, illness, etc., yet they always greet people with a smile and laughter.

As far as the Grand  area,  it is the hottest area, with the lack of shade.  I've only seen some issues with 2 of the older guys, seems like they lack patience.  Regardless, I've had a great time, each of the 14 times I've been there this year, rain or shine!   

[History Buff]

SDC knows things happen, and they (being primarily a service industry) have built in a guarantee.  Unless the policy has changed, there is a money-back guarantee.  Just voice your concern at customer relations.  They don't want grumpy employees (and I know they can be grumpy in the GE area at times).

I am wondering why you would sign up as a member of a fan forum to voice these complaints.  You do realize that SDCFans is not affiliated with the park, don't you?  Like you, most of us long for a return to many of the past amenities, so I would hope you would wait a year or two and give it another try.  It sounds like you're not the season pass candidate for SDC, but a return trip every two to five years probably wouldn't be out of line.  And if you don't like it, let someone at customer relations know about it.  They will at least try to satisfy you.

[amazonman]

I don't have any problem with people who want to complain about something here.true,if they want the complaint looked into by SDC then they should talk to SDC directly.

I think a forum such as this is for people to give praise or vent about something they don't like

[themeparkguy]

We must accept the good with the bad.

[KBCraig]

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's not true.  Anyone who works in the service industries (including amusement parks) can tell you that.

Absolutely. The theory behind the saying is that one unhappy customer will be able to persuade other potential customers from coming. But there's the flip side: customers who demand too much time and attention from staff, or who raise too big a ruckus, will themselves drive away other paying customers. Customers who create an unpleasant environment have to go.

In practical application, what the phrase really means is, "Front-line employees don't get to make the decision, but should treat the customer as if they're right while a manager is summoned."

Of course, all customers should be treated politely, even those who are so bad they have to be kicked out. And never, under any circumstances, should employees treat customers as anything other than unique individuals who have nothing to do with the jerk that just pissed them off.

[saloongal]

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's not true.  Anyone who works in the service industries (including amusement parks) can tell you that.

Of course, all customers should be treated politely, even those who are so bad they have to be kicked out. And never, under any circumstances, should employees treat customers as anything other than unique individuals who have nothing to do with the jerk that just pissed them off.

That was a great way to put that.
Also...I love SDC more than most places that I could spend a day.  I have never had an experience that would turn me away from the park.  I do see disparity in the GE area from all other parts of the park; it seems like different park.

[stlphotogal]

I worked for Sears during the height of the "Customer is Always Right" craze - I can't tell you how miserable it was to have people say that to you day in and day out. Whenever you didn't give them a deal or an expired coupon they'd say "but the customer is always right". Personally, and I am a huge proponent of raising the wages of servers and those in the service industry, I think that there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule. Sure, maybe the employee was having a bad day (maybe just cranky or maybe something really bad happened to them) or maybe the same for the customer. My point is, no one is always right (not employee or patron). Sure the employees are "customer service" but service doesn't mean that the patron is always right and they are lowly (which, honestly, is how a lot of people treat those who work in the service industry). Three cheers for the workers who have to deal with BS day in and day out and three cheers also for those patrons who realize that the employees are wonderful people too and just trying to do their job. 

[History Buff]

My point is, no one is always right (not employee or patron).

That may not be true - Swoosh is always right! 

[shavethewhales]

Lol, anyway - back on the subject of visits, I'll finally be heading out to SDC this weekend. Finally get to see those glorious mounds of dirt for myself again. I'll have a full photo TR on the site by Monday night.

[History Buff]

It'll be August before I can get back to the park.  I look forward to your photos and insight.

Taking anyone with you?

[Firstvisit1967]

We went on Wed, July 14th.  Overall we had a GREAT DAY!  The problem was the the lows (and there were some) needed the highs to make it a great day.  First the things we did not like.  Buffet Breakfast at Molly's.  Close down when you want but do not stop taking care of the guest you let in.  10 people in line 3 plates left, all were dirty.  When the ladies were told they acted put out.  Keep the food on line hot and fresh.  (Hint) When not as busy cut down on the amount you put out.  Ran out of breakfast rolls, cold pancakes, and fresh fruit.  All oranges does not count.
Second had the Raft ride break twice on us in one day.  Then were told it was shut down on Tuesday.  Get the ride fixed and then open back up.  I know money is tight but guest do no like to hear the same ride broke twice in one day, or three times in two days.
Train conducter was terrible.  Learn the lines and do not talk when the train whistle is blowing.


Splash Harbor was great, banana split eating contest was fun, lines were managed well and move at a great pace.  Great job by rest of the cast.  The family had a great day.