As a new season is upon us we begin to make preparations for the influx of new employees that must be trained to our clients standards. For some, this will be their first job. For others, the passion of working in the entertainment industry is enough to justify their reenlistment. Those that returned from the previous season are battle hardened and ready for another season. A little older, and little wiser. For new employees the first person they will likely meet will be a park/department trainer. Ultimately this person has the difficult and complex task of transferring the knowledge, skills, rules, and expectations of the organization to many different audiences. The skills learned in training will reflect upon the park as a whole for the entire duration of the season. A great trainer is an employee who has the experience, knowledge, and persona to address employees in many different age groups with many varying levels of experience.

Understanding, engaging, and entertaining your audience is a great way to deliver a message across. If you walk into an auditorium and start preaching about company polices like your reading from a book, the likely hood that your training program to succeed is going to diminish. However if you walk into an auditorium and immediately entertain, and engage the audience. Your prospective employees are going to be more apt to pay attention and absorb the knowledge you are giving them. From the moment you start talking they must be able to easily relate to you, and trust you. Employees are equally the heart and soul of any park, as much so as any ride or attraction. With out their dedication and support success would be very limited.

The role of the trainer is always evolving, there is always room for improvement in the training material and methods. Annually evaluating employee performance as it relates to the training material, and adjusting policies as necessary should be part of your standard training procedures. Another important role of the trainer is address employee grievances. Some of the most common training mistakes we see are rushing threw the training material. Not stressing the importance of procedures and policies, and trying to force feed information. Trying condense three days worth of training material, and two days worth of department training material into two one day sessions is just to much.

Our clients are always looking for new ways to generate additional revenue. Since September, we have been receiving a lot of request for information on coin operated water cannons and special effects. You know, the kind kids love to drop a stream of quarters in to soak the entire boat full of unsuspecting guest. Many large parks have already implemented successful systems, and are generating a fair bit of revenue. However certain manufacturers who specialize in these primitive and basic spray systems charge outrageous amounts for their product. In quite a few cases, over $30,000 for a three station system. In the following article, I’m going to tell you how to build one in-house for less then $2,500 in parts and materials.

Basic Parts & Materials

1 x Direct Logic (KOYO) 205 with 24V INPUT/Output Card
1 x 1500 GPH Pump or a pump capable of maintain 35-60 PSI at the output nozzle.
1 x coin mechanism ( 12/24 Volt)
1 x photo eye & reflector
1x Automatic 3/4 In-line valve with flow control (12/24 volt) (TIP: You can use control valves from sprinkler systems like Rainbird.)
Waterproof Lighted Push buttons
Conduit, Wire, PVC Nozzles, PVC Pipe, Flexible hose to plumb everything together.
Assorted NEMA Enclosures

For example purposes, please refer to the diagram above.

Based on the diagram above it should be self explanatory how the system is setup. Water is pumped at pressure from a source into a set of valves which are controlled by the outputs on the PLC. The valves are operated by push buttons on the guest interface which become active after a trigger signal from the coin mech is received on the input side of the PLC. A photo eye is used in combination with a timer to suspend the system after a specified time of ride inactivity.

System Inputs

1 x Photo Eye
3 x Pushbuttons
3 x Coin Mechs

System Outputs

1 x Pump Relay
3 x Valve Control
3 x Pushbutton Lamp

Things that you need to consider and know when building a system like this;

Position, type, and control of spray nozzles – Spray nozzles should never be directed at the oncoming motion of ride units. Guest do not want a water cannon to the face, and you don’t want the liability of injury. We recommend the up and over approach to nozzle placement, the spray should always come from behind or above the motion of travel. This reduces rider discomfort and adds an element of surprise. Different nozzles create different spray patterns, you will need to perform some trial and error test to determine what type works best for your system. Look for nozzles which create a soft stream or a rain affect. You should consider limiting each cycle of the system to 4-7 seconds of spray time, this time frame we have determined provides the best compromise of rider comfort, and sprayer enjoyment. Make sure that you include safety signage regarding the use of such a system.

Coin Mech PLC Integration Hints & Tricks – Coin mechanisms handle coin counting in a couple different ways. You will need to adjust your PLC trigger event to accomodate this, or order a specific type of coin mech. The first kind sends a single pulse when the desired coinage count has been entered. The second, sends a 5 count pulse for every 25 cents entered. The third sends an exact pulse count, 5 for a nickle, 25 for a quarter etc. We recommend the single pulse or pulse coin mechanisms for simplicity. Ask your vendor to verify the output on the coin mech before you order them or be prepared to handle the pulse programmaticly.

Increase profitability -

Make sure that your system is highly visible and on a high traffic street.
After a period of inactivity use the push buttons as a light show or a beacon to gather interest.
Insure your system has a bill changer near by and that its operational at all times.
Use thematic elements to integrate the water features into your ride.
As an up charge option, position a photo eye as to trigger an automatic spray that guarantees it will hit the target.

CTO Jeff Bridges:

Last Sunday CEO Michael Jordan fell very ill after his 1705th ride on The Texas Giant. He is recovering, and he says he will be back on Monday. It’s not to often that we get to poke fun of our CEO, aka Captain Mikey. So in the TPI spirit of fun, we are going to take a look back at the top 10 myths surrounding our CEO Michael Jordan.

10. Michael was responsible for the creation of linear induction technology after an entertaining experience with an MRI machine and a pair of steel toed boots.

9. Michael is the only person in a park who can be spotted in three different areas at the same time.

8. Michael doesn’t need a radio to know whats going on in a park, he sticks his hand in the air and listens.

7. Michael once hit an E-Stop so hard, candy came out of the control box.

6. For his hundredth birthday, Michael set the operations world record of 2200 flips on a 1997 Huss Topsin.

5. Some say that if you tune a radio in to exactly 99.7 FM you can hear his thoughts… and that his blood type is Mil-H-83282.

4. Michael sends emails in one of two languages, english and ladder logic.

3. Michael once raced a bumper boat on a go kart track and won.

2. Before boarding, remember that Michael has a free fall key for every elevator ever made since the beginning of time.

1. Michael once put a man on the moon with a rubber chicken and a Schwarzkopf shuttle loop.

What a bad day for The Texas Giant and Six Flags over Texas. Railroad did not finish the night, and neither did Mr Freeze. The Texas Giant was plagued with technical problems through out the day, and didn’t open again until 9:15 PM. Many guest were disappointed that they were not able to have closure with one final ride. For the rest of us, This is just another testament to her defiance until the end. She will not go quietly into the night.

This is just a reminder that daylight savings time ends on Sunday November 1st at 2:00 AM CST. Don’t forget to clock back and sleep in for that extra hour. There is no need to worry about any systems TPI manages, the time will change automatically at 2AM local time.

Happy Halloween everyone.

Helicopters from every local network hovered over Six Flags over Texas for almost two hours on Friday. Shooting enough video for a well deserved seven minute final tribute on the ten o clock news.

This lonely banner above the station is the only reminder of the pending fate of ride once called “Americas coaster”.

Life in the park continues…. Stay tuned.

In just a few hours we will be departing for Six Flags over Texas. The next three days will be spent along side a good friend of ours, The Legendary Texas Giant. This weekend is sure to be an emotional one for everyone involved. Stay tuned to TPI, we will be updating the site with pictures and video of the days events for those who can’t attend.

CEO Michael Jordan:

They say that when a guest enters a theme park they immediately turn into a three year old child. We happen to agree, and over the years we have compiled a list of the most common “guest” we see on a daily basis.

10. The Angry Irate Father – Like a ticking time bomb, this personality is prone to strong emotional outburst with or with out logical reason. Often accompanied by one or more family members, the angry irate father looks for an excuse to vent frustration resulting from any number of common theme park problems. (Generally money and long waits in line with screaming kids)
Be fair warned that this type of guest is one of the most dangerous on our list, and if further provoked, may be hazardous to your health.

9. The Professional – Like a true professional, this guest is the first to arrive in the morning, and the last to leave at night. Most likely a tourist, but can also be a season pass holder. Will sample all of the available rides, shows and food establishments. If satisfied with your park offering, most likely to recommend friends and family and proactively promote your park. You will not get a second chance if this guest is dissatisfied, and you probably wont hear the end of your miserable failure either.

8. The Season Passholder – Similar to the professional but lacks the desire to visit on busy days, or spend large amounts of time in line. Most likely to visit on cold, overcast, or rainy days. Will visit multiple times in a year, less likely to purchase food and merchandise in park with out reasonable discounts. Season pass holders are most likely to trigger a guest complaint if anything is out of place. Are generally in a relaxed or laid back sense of mind and are least likely to break park rules, and most likely to observe safety instructions.

7. The Couple – Typically seen in the evenings on Friday and Saturday nights. The couple are most likely to purchase one or more meals in park, and are most likely to play a game of skill. This group is at risk for confrontation by security for personal displays of affection.

6. The Abandoned – Similar to The Professional and The Season Passholder. Typically children or young adults between the ages of 7 and 15 who have been abandoned at a park by their parents in lieu of daycare for one or more days a week. Those in this category are most likely to get injured, or have a confrontation with security or the police. They are least likely to obey safety signage and operator instruction.

5. The Mob – A large group of individuals of varying age and demographics who belong to the same organization. Generally arrive after park opening, and leave around dark. The Mob is named such because they walk in large unescorted groups causing traffic backups in the park streets. Most “Mobs” have made arrangements with the park for catered food, or will have a picnic outside the park. The Mob is at most risk for confrontation due to the large disruption they cause to ride and food service lines, and some entertainment venues.

4. The Zombies – Generally out of state guest who have traveled all day/night to get to a park. Al-tho they are tired, they will make the most of their trip. Similar to The Professional in behavior and spending habits. Does not generally participate in risky activities.

3. 10-96 – One of the rarest and most dangerous type of guest you will find in any given park. Routinely disobeys park policies and safety procedures. A general threat to public safety, most likely intoxicated. Law enforcement should be notified to handle any involvement regarding a 10-96. This personality is so dangerous it doesn’t even have a name at TPI, only a radio code.

2. The Thrill Seeker – Most likely a season pass holder with similar characteristics of the professional. Addicted to things that go zoom, boom, and wooosh. (Yes those are technical terms.) Most likely to wait for a ride to reopen after mechanical or weather shutdown. Due to its nature, the thrill seeker is one of the hardest guest to get approval from. However doing so will grant your park God like power and popularity. Will use any and all available discounts available to them. Not likely to play skill games.

1. The Average Guest – A happy go lucky personality generally associated with a one day ticket. Most likely to misunderstand safety procedures and ride apparatus and operation. Generally spends significant amounts of money on food, games, and merchandise. Most likely only visits a park once a year, or every few years. Is attracted to new rides and attractions not present on previus visit. Will generate guest complaints under certain conditions, such as rain or particular ride is down.

There are just two weeks remaining until the final train rolls out of the station of the legendary Texas Giant. Over the last nineteen years, many of us here at TPI have had the privilege of working on this great ride. We are saddened by the replacement of this Texas icon.

Please join the TPI team at Six Flags over Texas on November 1st 2009, for one final ride on the Texas Giant. Tickets will be provided free of charge to all TPI customers, their employees, families, and friends. There are only a limited number of tickets, so please R.S.V.P by 10/30/2009. Hope to see you there!

WHO: Theme Park Innovations & Distinguished Guest

WHEN: Sunday, November 1st 2009

WHERE: Six Flags over Texas, Texas Giant Entrance – 6:30 PM

Northern view of the Texas Giant, and Six Flags Railroad.