Dollywood's Ride Operators are ADULTS not KIDS (Thankfully)!

[TheTeckLife]

I am a ride operator at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and trust me, we care. Our jobs and financial future depend on your safety.

[fyadcorp]

If you don't want teenagers to check your restraints, then just exit the line.

[lambchopxoxo]

I agree. I've been to Disneyland more times than I care to admit and some of the ride operators... um just no.

[RocketRodder]

I think that people younger than 18 should have no right to be a ride op. If something should happen to a guest, mommy or daddy won't cover your butt once a person is tried as an adult. Just sayin'.

[justnevershoutnever]

Lol, I've never seen a kid working at Dollywood to be honest... XD

[itsthebrod]

All this age talk is nonsense. I've seen 16 year-old ride operators act in a safer and more mature manner than 40-year-old workers. In fact when I was 17 I was lead of a 20-million-dollar roller coaster and caught numerous safety issues for which my ride eventually won the park's "safest ride award." Again, it's all about maturity and that doesn't come from a single number stating how long you've lived.

[mpapile]

However I disagree that young people make bad ride attendants. Like now I work a much better job, but was a good employee at the time there. Adults you will get for that job may not be very good because like I said it is a boring low paying job. Not all kids are idiots, and you can get some very bright good workers that will work the job en route to something better

[mpapile]

I used to operate rides, and then became a ride mechanic. We often had 16yr olds operating kids rides, and 18yr olds working others. It is a really boring job and these people turn away from ride, talk etc. Every ride had to have "deadman" controls or these people would walk away. Ride operation needs constant attention because kids often try to climb out of the ride, or run in gate while ride is operating. Overall tough job because it is so boring.

[BestPlaymateEver]

No one under the age of 21 should be allowed to operate any ride. Also no one with tattoos from their wrists all the way up to their necks, those freaks scare me, you know they would derail a roller coaster if they ever had a bad day. And no smokers, smokers have absolutely no judgement and have no desire to die old. My personal preference would be really hot women 21 to 26, especially on the rides where they have to pull down the lap bar into your lap to make sure its secure.

[RocketRodder]

I think that ride ops should be AT LEAST 18. If someone gets seriously injured or even KILLED, Heaven forbid, they COULD... find prison time. You know?

[TrumpetDave89]

I'm sorry but this drives me CRAZY!!! You say thankfully they are adults and not teenagers. I began working at an amusement park in 2008 when I was 19. I go back every year for the experience and to make money in between semesters at school. I watch them check the train, and the guy sitting in 1-1-load side (Front seat closest to the gate) according to the ride operators manual for arrow coasters the rider isn't in a proper seated position. Notice his the ride op "double take?"

[martingtech]

supid shit

[sjtom57]

I've worked with numerous ride operators in the past of all ages and witnessed many accidents and injuries over the years. The fault was nearly always that of the rider and not the operator.

[rollercoastersrock]

I'm 17 and started working at Six Flags when I was 16 and am applying for a rides manager position for the 2011 season. We would certainly operate this ride more safely than these adults, these guys are not checking together (if one of them misses something the other attendant is not there to see and fix the situation) and they don't seem to have any all clear signal. They may but from what is in the video the train dispatches without an all clear.

[RocketRodder]

@rollercoastersrock A thing or three you "kids" could learn from us "adults" is how to dispatch in a timely manner. No wonder the lines suck at Six Flags!

[rollercoastersrock]

@RocketRodder Maybe some of the Six Flags parks could learn from you but my park wouldn't need such lessons. On most of our coasters we have to wait for our dispatch interval in order to dispatch, for example on Kingda Ka we have to wait for our switch track before we're able to dispatch. On GASM (Arrow looper) we would have to wait for the train to reach the block before we could dispatch even though we had already finished checking the train.

[rollercoastersrock]

@RocketRodder Even on the rides that take longer to dispatch by their nature like our flyer (Superman: Ultimate Flight) we could get consistent roll-ins. On some occasions the lift would automatically slow down when the train get closer to the lift crown because our other train was still making its way through the safety brake/transfer. The Nitro crew sends trains out lightning fast and almost always has to wait for their previous train to clear the lift before the can send their next train.

[rollercoastersrock]

@RocketRodder Sorry for the extra long response, but I just wanted to point out that not ALL Six Flags parks operate the same way. I'm sure Magic Mountain could use better training and they could certainly watch you guys to see how to properly check a train but there are also some parks that have no problem at all with throughput.

[JonnyTips]

It's actually a bad thing that so many adults are running rides; it basically shows that the economy is in bad shape and adults are taking on seasonal jobs to support their families

Like others have said, the ride operating aspects are fairly fail-proof. None of the kids test or fix the mechanics of the rides themselves, they just close the restraints and press go (which is fail proof as well. So even if the kids mess up somewhere, it's unlikely the ride system will get far anyways)

[TheInflicted]

@JonnyTips Dollywood has had an adult workforce for years, certainly before the recent economy. Look at some older pictures for proof. It's just a different staffing philosophy. The rumor was that most of Dollywood's staff were related to Parton herself.

It really does make a difference. Last time I watched the load crew at Thunderhead working they all had grey hair, but were dispatching trains faster and with a better attitude than I've ever seen done. Real professionals, they were.

[TeamSatsChannel]

don't be so glad you got old people, could have a heart attack white operating the rides ;)

[PrincessSinderella]

I cant wait till this September!!! Im going to Dollywood for my birthday on Labor day weekend! : )

[xxhairstylistx]

to be completely honest, most of the 'kids' you see working at theme parks are over the age of 18, i work at disney world and every single person who operates an attraction is over 18, i have never even worked with a minor.

[tierren]

Anyone wanting to know where the real rides are ? Go to six flag Magic Mountain in Valencia, Ca which is only 30 miles from Los Angeles. Its the largest six flags plus has the most rides of any. The park is so large that it takes 2 days to ride every big ride in the park & the roller coasters are very futuristic & extreme !!!!! So if you go get a hotel because remember its California 27 million people in the state so yeah long lines

[givemymouseacookie]

Yay its not six flags!

[thechoosendude]

I've worked as a ride operator, been a trainer, been in management, and been fortunate enough to have worked at multiple theme parks. Let me just say that most respectable theme parks (Disney, Universal, Herschend, etc) have an age limit of 18 years old - largely due to the legal issues. That said, I don't believe that any random 19 year old cares less about safety than a 60 year old. It is the operator (theme park) that causes bad employees, not the age of the ride operator.

[iParalyzer]

Indiana only requires that you be 16 years old to operate rides.

[ATLCoasterMan]

In some States you only have to be 16 to check restraints on larger attractions, and operate a small kiddie attration like the small swings. Then 18 to operate a larger ride and roller coasters. They are mostly run by computers now. All you really have to do is your checks and hit start and stay alert! Most rides run in automatic so they stop by themselves, and if sum goes wrong you hit the big red button or stop like in shop class..

[gdoggy1678]

Hmm you sure?? i got my first operator job at 16....

[RocketRodder]

18 in some parks.

[huskeyman9]

What is this ride?

[tntornadox]

@huskeyman9

This is the Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood. .. having actually been a ride attendant on this ride, you must be 18 years old... I was 19 when I worked it- and amongst the youngest on park to be certified on it.

[haydensrollercoaster]

@huskeyman9 the tennesee tornado

[XxJakeStollings1xX]

wooow

[zeroboard]

so i read like all the comments and you shouldnt be aloud to do shit unless your 18 or above

[zeroboard]

its bs you should have to be 18 just like everything else

[coasterroads1]

what exactly is bs. Depending on the state and its child labor laws, even 15 year olds can be attendants on roller coasters. However, very few states allow anyone less than 18 to "operate heavy machinery" under employment terms.

[golfisgreat123]

iam 16 and operate steel force at dorney park and wildwater kingdom once ur clicked in you wont b getting out and if u question my safety i have every rite to not allow you to ride

[CincinnatiGifts]

Nice attitude.

[TeamSatsChannel]

@CincinnatiGifts it's called having common sense. As long as you get people who actually know what they're doing, your fine.

[PolishGuy89]

what if someone is about to throw up? Or they feel sick?

[CincinnatiGifts]

I guess they just either let them throw up, or try to give them a bucket to heave in to!

[chimayai]

@golfisgreat123 amen

[Sniper2477]

it doesn't matter how hard down the harness is....once it clicks once it will hold whoever is in the seat that meets the height requirement....ive worked at many amusements parks. Would rather not deal with a person that complains about me squishing their boobs in the harness every 10 seconds.

[somanyupsanddowns]

i dont pay attention on whos doing the rides....

[WoahItzMehTOTZx3]

i LOVE the people that work there. :] one time a little kid was crying cuz he was scared to go on thunderhead, and instead of ignoring him like most people would; they didn't start the ride until they got him calmed down. it was adorable; lol. :)

[FLefty18]

I like it when the harness is a little loose anyway, gives you more airtime.

[the1ButterFli]

that ride looked boring idkwut the name is

[alisiaRAWWR]

What is this ride called?

[arroofx]

the Tennessee Tornado

[bignate217]

anyone reguadless of age can operate a ride, it's easy, its the customer service part that i would rather have a more mature person operating the ride

[CincinnatiGifts]

Perhaps, but is a 16 or 17 year old going to know how to react, or react quickly enough when something goes wrong- something with potentially harmful or deadly ramifications?

[gdoggy1678]

Im 16 i operate rides at legoland california i can safely say i am way more safety oriented/E-stop friendly then the older people there. I was on one side of the ride when i saw someone jump into the ride envelope i E-stopped my ride like supposed to and the lady on the other side was clueless of what happened. Just because you've had a bad experience with some doesn't mean there all like that.

[XcupcakeXprincessX]

why wouldn't they? you can't just clump every 16 and 17 year old in the same category, people have all sorts of personalities, and they obviously meet the qualifications if they got the job...

[xxhairstylistx]

@CincinnatiGifts well since most 16 yr olds play much more video games than a 32 year old, their speed and hand eye coordination with reaction time is going to be much quicker, and to be honest, an older person is going to let an unusual situation slide so that they do not cause the ride to shut down to prevent the hassle of rebooting the whole system whereas a younger person like a 16 year old is going to shut the ride down even for something minor

[CincinnatiGifts]

@xxhairstylistx That's gotta be the dumbest logic I've ever heard.

[xxhairstylistx]

@CincinnatiGifts yeah well its what makes disney world operate..so...take it or leave it

[xxhairstylistx]

@CincinnatiGifts older people that operate attractions in the park are the slowest and most careless and lazy people i have ever worked with, not trying to be mean, its just the truth

[CincinnatiGifts]

@xxhairstylistx. Mmmm hmmmm. It's not the older people that I see constantly chatting with friends and texting people while they're working. It's the younger ones. Not trying to be mean, it's just the truth.

[xxhairstylistx]

@CincinnatiGifts well i have never seen anyone texting and thats poor management if that is a problem but also, a regular guest does not know which positions are safety critical positions so 2 people could easily be chatting and have no safety responsibilities

[kittyoxox]

i hate it when like teens do the rides and stuff like operate it make me scared

[TheCug]

I have to honestly say that age doesn't affect my opinion on ride safety procedures. It's the level of maturity the ride operator has that I look at. While I will say most older people are more mature, I do know older people that I wouldn't trust my safety with for a second. I've been to both Kings Island and Dollywood and I can say both age groups do a great job. I will say that Dollywood ride operators are more friendly though. At most rides I would have little conversations with them:)

[TheCoolyGirly]

I love Dollywood! My 1st upside down ride was Mystery Mine. I've never been to Dollywood Splash Country. Is it better?

[jtkirkfan2002]

Dollywood is able to get more adult employees since they operate on nearly a year-round schedule and keep most employees as permanent instead of temporary.

[ofelixdacat]

This is a shock to you? Ever been to a Disney park? the ride operators there are not 15 & 16.

[waffle652]

Actually, some of them are. They're good at what they do though, so i'm never worried. not fifteen, but i've met some sixteen year olds who work on the attractions.

[ofelixdacat]

really? Because I use to work at Disney, and the Attractions Cast Members there where ALL over 18, because no one under the age of 16 was allowed to opperate heavy Machinery. At least that's the way it is in California. When I visited Disneyworld, NONE of the Attractions Cast Members were 16.

[waffle652]

Yeah, no one under the age of sixteen had a job on any of the attractions. But there were quite a few 16/17 year olds working the rides, checking harness managing the lines, stuff like that.

My pass expired 2008 so i havent been in a while. I mainly go to knott's, since the passes are cheap and there's no crowds during the weekdays. All the ride operators at knott's are over 18 though. Gonna apply there after i turn 18. 4 more months to go ^_^

[ARedMoonStudio]

Jungle Cruise operator= Best job at disneyland.

[ofelixdacat]

No, Parade Performer = Best Job at Disneyland.

[ARedMoonStudio]

Wait, we are both wrong. Being the Mickey at the top of the mountain for Fantasmic! is the best job at Disneyland.

[tinkerbellcutie1010]

are bein like a princess in like a prade cause u see all the little girls faces light up!! wait no tinkerbell is the best job flyin over the castle before the fireworks leadin the prade thats magic

[Stealth220]

the operators are actually doing a terrible job, checking the harnesses with only one hand. maybe that's dollywood's policy, or maybe the operators aren't following procedure, but many parks have the operators push down with both hands (gently) and pull up to make sure the harness is locked. the age of the operator doesn't matter, it's the maturity level. i have worked with man teenagers at an amusement park and there are good and bad ones, it all depends

[TombraiderTy]

I agree entirely about how age does not matter, maturity does. However, I have noted that Dollywood's staff (all adults) proved friendlier than parks like Kings Island's (mostly teenagers).

And as long as they're guaranteeing that the restraint is down and will not come back up, I don't think it really matters if they're using both hands. Just my thought on it, however.

[chancen12]

when i first went to dollywood i went up the exit i couldnt find the entrence all i saw a game room

[marcoC1991]

lol they are just cheking like everybody does @ every coaster, normal ''kids'' will do this to.

[gizmonuts]

mystery mine is the best ride there!

[whattheheck1000]

Thunderhead kicks ass!

[chad4bear]

WOOF that guy with the shaved head is hot

[xrune6]

Once when I went there, and I was in line for this ride, a little girl who looked too small to even be on that ride almost climbed across the tracks! Thankfully, one of the coasters employees who was like 50 was close enough to stop her.

[mysoldiergirl]

I think the reason that the ride operators are older is because there is no other industry aside from tourism in Pigeon Forge. I don't know if that's worth celebrating.

[CincinnatiGifts]

That may be true.

[iamdabomb523]

Dude thats true...All the ride operators at Dollywood are usually older and they are very thorough. Places like Six Flags, theres all these teens running the rides goofing off with their friends...thats probably why theres so many deaths at Six Flags Parks.

[CaitlynTheLoneWolf]

I dot know if it was six flags,probley alabama adventure,but i saw some 15-17 year olds as life gaurds!!!

[Fairycat001]

I live near Dollywood and I know four kids that have parents that work for Dollywood. So yeah more adults work there than kids. It maybe because Dollywood is the biggest employer in the region. There is not that many industrial companys in the area to work for since it is a tourist trap town. Gotta find a job somewhere.

[Ftownskate17]

thats one of the smoothest corkscrew roller coasters ive ever been on.

[tegolin]

I think everyone that worked at the park was over 45 years old.

EVERYONE. The ride ops the concessions, the janitors.

[xXMEGATOMXx]

How the fuck has this vid got 23,000 views it's shit and pointless so what if their old give them a break dude.

[CincinnatiGifts]

Who was dumbass #23,001 who watched it, then bitched about it? As I mentioned below, in response to another viewer, I clearly state that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a senior citien ride operator. I simply thought it was different, and somewhat refreshing to see something other than 18 year olds operating the rides.

Clearly you missed the point entirely.

[EvolutionRider88]

There's nothing wrong about being too old to be a ride op. I'm 20 now and I've been a ride op for three years now since I was 17 and its a fun job. Some people just enjoy that kind of stuff.

[CincinnatiGifts]

No one said there was anything wrong with it. After seeing so many ride ops ranging in age between 18 - 20, it was kind of different seeing older people running the rides. That was the entire reason I posted thi vid.

[gemela823]

i noticed that they were older last week when i was there. i really don't mind the age so much i guess, but my parents really thought it was neat. my dad asked one of the operators if they were treated well, and one of the people told him that a lot of employees had been there since the park opened, or at least quite a while. that means something to me. that's awesome if a company can hold on to great employees.

[lilkitten29]

haha the harness is barely holding the fat guy in

[texasinstrument82]

That was mean!!! He's not fat. He's just a big strong bear right out of the Smokie Mountains ;-0

[kennywoodracer]

You have to remember most parks are seasonal, which means that most adults won't work for 3 months at minim wage.

The year round parks tend to have older operators, or at least an older manager at each ride.

[kennywoodracer]

BTW, the minimum age to operate a coaster in PA is 18.

[sully82889]

BTW for you i operated a coaster at the age of 16

[fjdollars2015]

I'm a ride operator at six flags and i just turned 18 what's your point? I was trained to operate my ride safely an all the other ride operators are at my park. Most of them are 16-18 I don't see the problem

[CincinnatiGifts]

My point is, regardless of your training, one simply can't expect a teenager to offer the same amount of care & concern that an adult might show.

[CincinnatiGifts]

It's similar to this: When you walk in to McDonal's and see two people taking orders. One is a bubble gum-chewing 17-year old, twirling her hair, an texting someone on her cell phone, completely unuaware that you're there. The other is a 35 or 40 yer old adult woman, standing there, looking you in the eye, greeting you and waiting patiently to take you order.

[CincinnatiGifts]

Which one would you rather have take your order? Which one do you think would be more concerned about your order, that your fries are hot, and that your hamburger has no pickles like you asked? Obviously, it's going to be the adult.

[Rcrby525]

dude, so your saying that kids shouldn't work?, and ya know what, if you DO see kids doing that, TELL THE MANAGER, THEY NEED TO FUCKING KNOW!, i work in a restauruant, my co-worker did that shit to, guess what, i reported it, SHE GOT FIRED!

[CincinnatiGifts]

I don't beieve I implied that kid's SHOULDN'T work. I was suggesting that the ones that are seem to be lazy, inefficent, and seemingly coudn't care less about the customers.

And, we DID tell someone about those kids. We told a park security guard who was nearby. He quizzed the kids, who actually admitted to doing it, and the security guard LET THEM STAY IN THE PARK!

[Rcrby525]

well, if that's the cas,e that he let them stay there, i mean, i know how it is, i find that VERY bad manegement if you ask me, the park is a buisiness, the kids are making payroll off the job there, i'd report the manegement to the local BBB, becasue if the kids are endangering themselves or attendees of the park you need to let someone in a government office know, becasue they can get in serious shit (the park owners)

[omgtehbunny]

Sure kids should have jobs. I think the point is that the ride operators at Dollywood are amazing. They're friendly and do their job well. I've been to other parks where the employees never crack a smile or say a word to anyone. The folks at Dollywood are amazing compared to other places I've been.

[mewkug]

Disney world lol...they never stop smileing!!!it makes u want to hit them

[coasterluv]

i agree, was amazed that adults were operating rides than the normality of young teens operating and sub operating rides at parks that i'm used to. And the operators were so friendly, and paid attention to their responsibilities of their job. I been to many parks were kids weren't paying attention. like kings dominion (before cedar fair took over) where the other kids kept yelling at this girl everytime to give the "thumbs up symbol" to dispatch the train cuz she kept talking to guest.

[CincinnatiGifts]

Now, this is not the case across the board. Obviously there ARE some well-trained teenagers in the workforce, and obviously there are some very badly-trained adults in the workforce. But I think most people would agree that an adult would strive to work harder, show more concern for a customers' safety & satisfaction, and would want that customer back for repeat business.

[CincinnatiGifts]

So, my perception of adults running the rides at Dollywood was similar: Hey, these adults probably have teenage kids of their own. They might just be a little more aware, and just might do a tiny bit better job and show perhaps just a smaller bit more degree of concern when checking my coaster lap bar & seat belt to make sure I don 't go flying out at 60 mph around a loop.

[jackjoe90]

What the hell, why would kids be flipping ride opperators! Well done for wasting my flamin time you idiot!

[CincinnatiGifts]

Don't spend your entire day on YouTube and get out and earn a living and quit bitching about what other people put on YouTube. I didn't force your lazy ass to watch this video, you idiot. And, if you go to ANY other amusement park, you would see teenagers operating the rides, you idiot. That's why I was surprised to see adults operating the rides at Dollywood, you idiot.

[CincinnatiGifts]

There's your answer, you idiot. An 18-year-old kid just replied that he IS a ride operator at an amusement park. Read the comments for this video.

[chockfulloffresh]

your a dumbass how are you going to call someone an idiot for not reading all the comments to your video! and its not like he was being rude or anything like that!

[flboy1982]

Um, I deleted the posts that were just too awful for printing. You have no idea how rude someone is being if you don't see all of what they type, now do you? If you don't know what you're talking about, please refrain from posting comments in other people's commentaries.

[Mamba205]

The teens that run the rides at most parks are between 18-20. 18 is the minimum age, and most of them are that age. But at Holiday World I saw a 60 year old and several older people running the rides. Odd

[warknit]

what the hell was this supposed to be about?! this is a complete waste of time to watch and has no point!

[CincinnatiGifts]

Sorry to waste your time. Don't watch it again!

[chrrymn]

Your video title killed me! haha. I'm 28 & I work @ Dollywood. You do have to be 18 to operate the rides. And, yes, most of Dollywood's employees are retirement age. Due to the fact that most are work campers. For those who don't know, "work campers" are those who travel in RVs, fifth wheels, or travel trailers and stay in campgrounds are work a few months at a time. Trust me, Dollywood doesn't pay that much, so it's primarily pocket change for retired couples.

[butterfly2234]

that looks like run away train sorta

[yingyang9805]

Why Would You Want A Kid To Operate The Ride ?? I Wouldnt ride It if someone That Young Was Working The Rides

[CincinnatiGifts]

No one really WANTS young ride operators. My guess is that most amusement parks hire them 'cause they're cheap labor.

[RollerCoasterMaster2]

Actually You Need To be At Least 18 To Operate Rides At Theme Parks. I Go To Darien Lake And I Saw On A Little Board Thing Near The Ride Operator. It Said No One Under The Age Of 18 Is Not Allowed To Operate These Rides. That Is How Bored I was Waiting Like 10 minutes To Go In The Front. Thats Afetr I Get In The Building Otherwise The Lines Are Decent Amount. The Longest I Waited Was Like 25-30 min For Ride Of Steel On A Warm Summer Day When Like Everybody Within A 50 Mile Radius Is There LOL!

[jacio129]

Actualy at Kings island in cicnincnati ohio you have to be 16 ro opperate rides....

[RollerCoasterMaster2]

oh cool i guess different parks have different ideas to how old u have to be to operate there rides safley!

[suiteplayer]

omg here at six flags magic mountain, u hav to bem 16 also to operate them but i think u can be 14 or 15 to just work in a stall or sumthing!!!

[greenpokefiend]

You Don't Need To Capitalize Every Word, haha

[jasonroxproductions]

they are all so nice people there! i live in PA and went to Dollywood the past 2 summers..AND I WANT TO LIVE IN TENNESSEE!

[spirituscanis]

That's some sicky gnar gnar!!!

[CincinnatiGifts]

What the heck is gnar gnar???

[Rcrby525]

he is refering to the fat guy.

[redrock333]

they are usally some adult running the controls there i guess Dolly knows it would be her tail end if something went wrong....lol I live just about 45minutes away from Dollywood

[holydumb26]

Yeah with one train the ops better be fast!