Theme Park Safety Failure$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Thrill rides are becoming kill rides."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music score by Midge Ure

 

 

FREAK                                                                      THREATS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the author:

"Contrary to rumours and hearsay, I am a rider and lover of various amusement rides.  However, with the onslaught of prototypes and thoughtless contraptions I disclose in my book, I know what I can and cannot ride.  It is more than a personal choice, rather a sense of instilled safety.  

Kings Island's newest installation, Diamondback, is, by far, the greatest machine I've ever taken a ride upon.  Its reliable manufacturer and performance is unparalleled.  

 

 

My biggest concern, like with all facilities, is the staff.   Everyone attending a park should be more alert to the antics of the ones in alleged control."

Jeffrey P. Stoneking

  

 

 

 
 

Purchase your discount copy of Theme Park Safety Failure$ directly from AuthorHouse

   
REVIEW:  Dayton City Paper  May 14-20, 2008, pg. 24

By J.T. Ryder


     Jeffrey P. Stoneking's latest book Theme Park Safety Failure$ (AuthorHouse) is a wild ride all on its own. The book not only recounts harrowing tales of safety flaws, but accidental injuries and death sustained through the pervasive trend of theme parks to eschew safety for the sake of the bottom line. He relates account after account of cursory safety inspections, mismanaged parks, ill-trained operators, idiotic thrill seekers, and ill-conceived ride designs. Stoneking, a former employee of Kings Island who also served as a ride operator for the Walt Disney Company, fills the book with his own observations as well. His warnings are not just the alarmist rantings of one individual, but a compilation of well-researched occurrences at theme parks around the world. Get in line, if you dare.

 

 
Delphi's CEO, Steve Miller, calls it "Fascinating and frightening!"

 

 

     

     In the wake of the tragedy at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in 2007 where a young female rider lost both feet aboard Superman:  Tower of Power,  author Jeffrey P. Stoneking compiles research and related circumstances in his new book, Theme Park Safety Failure$.  His previous experience in the theme park industry as Operations and Safety Counsel with the Walt Disney Company's North American properties during the pre-Eisner era and several positions with Kings Entertainment's Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio are re-awakened for this writing.

"The 2007 incident in Louisville is not isolated in the amusement ride industry.  For many years, accidents have been transpiring, but the park owners and ride manufacturers do their greatest to silence the circumstances.  It is gravely unfortunate that it takes such a hideous occurrence as the severing of a teenager's feet to wake people up. 

"Having been around the world at various facilities for both business and pleasure, I've seen too much and am no longer accepting what is deemed permissible.  Ride operators are unskilled in dealing with valuable and precious lives.  Manufacturers are introducing thoughtless contraptions with virtually no time for error, whose evacuations are also near-impossible.  

"This book is not only a whistle-blower, but also a light-shedding source of advice to the innocent ones who think they are safe when entering a park.  

"The  writing of it, as with my first book, Reality Therapy:  The Influence of Rollercoasters, Religion, and Rock 'n Roll, was in the same capacity of Jonathan Livingston Seagull where an unseen force was delivering it.  Those are the indefinable elements which are indicative that some things are truly meant to be.  If it offends any industry official or theme park fan, then the truth of what is being fully disclosed is upon their guilty heads."

 

 
 
CEDAR POINT, Sandusky, OH
 
Millennium Force, May 2009

  What is often considered to be the greatest steel rollercoaster ever, how great it would have been for a train filled with passengers to come plummeting vertically at 93 mph into the broken lift system? 

         

Photos from the web.

Some argue that a train cannot crest a lift without the cable.  Indeed; however, it can snap during the ascent-to-descent, and the hideousness will occur.

 

 

Top Thrill Dragster's Smoking Cable

During a visit to Cedar Point on May 12, 2008, I couldn't resist recording Top Thrill Dragster's cable which launches trains 0-120 m.p.h. in 3.5 seconds.  My position for recording was on the walkway where park attendees are able to witness their loved ones rocketing by before heading vertically skywards  42 stories up.

Each and every launch requires the cable to halt once the desired speed is achieved at which point, without fail, smoke emits.  A clear fluid then drips down directly onto it.  

While exiting the park, several crew members of Top Thrill Dragster were walking beside me, and a conversation regarding Theme Park Safety Failure$ was initiated.  One of the workers commented that he fears the cable used on that ride.

In Theme Park Safety Failure$ an incident involving Top Thrill Dragster's cable during the second season of operation is referenced. 

On a visit to the park June, 2009, the aforementioned fluid is now practically dumped onto the cable.  I've received remarks from hysterical rollercoaster 'enthusiasts' that the fluid is water to cool off the cable.  Indeed, that is true, however, there is more than just steam with every halt of the cable.  Cedar Point's staff members, including maintenance members, confirm this.

Additionally, the steel fibers are deteriorating with every launch.  See the Knott's Berry Farm incident further below as to how this exposed cable launch system is a failure.

 

 
KINGS DOMINION, Doswell, VA

 

Intimidator 305

This woman takes a beating to the neck around the 1:07 mark.  She's not alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This guy brags about having "black-out" and "grey-out".

 

Mr. Brian Gentilini 

Hanover County 

Building Inspector's Office

P.O. Box 470

7516 County Complex Rd.

Hanover, VA 23069

April 26, 2010

Dear Mr. Gentilini;

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 with regards to Kings Dominion's latest rollercoaster installation, Intimidator 305. Be advised that during my visit on Sunday, April 18th, myself and others were subject to partial 'black-out' on the first turn at the base of the first drop. Additionally, on the second-to-last turn before the final brake, the left harness literally chopped into my neck creating a knot in the upper trapezius muscle.

Initially, I complained about the injury to two robust women wearing ‘Safety’ park-issued name tags on the ride’s exit platform. After several heated words, I told them I did, indeed, wish for medical attention. All the while, I was palpating the deeply-bruised tissue.

One of the women, a Caucasian, followed myself and fellow rider to a park bench beside a merchandise outlet. Still kneading the tissue, I walked over and pointed on a billboard-like diagram of the ride where I experienced the battering. Several other Safety people arrived carrying clipboards and soda bottles for their own consumption. It was more than 15 minutes before Jeff from First Aid arrived pushing a wheelchair.

While I declined any further attention, other than a Tylenol, I was asked to fill out paperwork describing the injury and symptoms. Additionally, I had to sign a release of some sort indicating that I was going to remain in the park and continue to ride other attractions.

I have several concerns with regards to the matter and how it was handled. The woman’s first inquiry was whether I was a Season Pass holder or not, which is completely unwarranted. Never once was I asked to present proper identification. Jeff even made mention that the First Aid office is not conveniently located to the more intense ride experiences in the park, giving rise to his delayed arrival time.

As I conveyed to you, other riders aboard my train, including a group of rigorous, physically-fit Coast Guards sitting in front of and behind us, and in line at the many attractions we partook of afterwards, complained of the ‘black-out’ sensation. Be advised that I am in excellent health with a clean medical history. One young Navy woman was bleeding from her earring stem puncturing her neck.

While waiting to board the front seat of the Backlot Stunt Coaster, a ride operator named TJ told myself and a woman I was paired with that “there is an ambulance behind Intimidator” for anticipated and expected circumstances.

I have since read the fine print Kings Dominion includes as a part of their Park Guide and Map. It states:

Many rides at Kings Dominion are dynamic and thrilling. There are inherent risks in riding any amusement ride. For your protection, each ride is rated for its special features, such as high speed, steep drops, sharp turns, or other dynamic features. If you choose to ride, you accept all of these risks.

Under no circumstance should Kings Dominion be permitted to operate Intimidator 305 in the capacity of which they are, knowing that riders are being subject to excessive forces causing injuries.

The weather conditions on Sunday, April 18th was a sunny, cool, 64-degrees. When summer arrives, and the Virginia heat index reaches its peak, the riders aboard Intimidator 305, many unfit, and digesting unhealthy food and drink products, will, indeed, be subject to the black-out. Some may not recover accordingly.

I will add that holding onto the black handles beside the legs does not allow for support of the upper body, thereby causing lateral damage to the upper torso and cranial areas.

Were it not for my knowledge and skills to appropriately restore my muscle tissue, I would be subject to severe damage. The Safety staff of Kings Dominion is inept in their ability to immediately respond, too busy carting their soda bottles and clipboards.

There are a number of YouTube broadcasts showing media personalities subject to the same battering on the exact turn I was injured. Additionally, as you and I discussed, numerous Internet coaster enthusiast message boards are already commenting with praise about the black-out and “neck chopping”.

For Kings Dominion, its parent company, Cedar Fair, and Intimidator 305’s manufacturer, Intamin, to knowingly operate Intimidator 305 with its “aggressive” nature is unacceptable.

It is my encouragement that your department seek stricter inspection standards, and immediately close Intimidator 305 until Kings Dominion and Intamin are able to prove it to be safer, without further damage to others.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey P. Stoneking, Author

cc: Richard E. Bartell

Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II

Pat Jones

Dick Kinzel

Sandor Kernacs

Teresa Earnhardt

Edward J. Markey

 

Virginia Department of Health

Attn:  Kim Hewitt

 

Dear Ms. Hewitt;

 
On April 18th, 2010, I was ordering food in Borders Cafe at Kings Dominion.  There was a basket of BBQ sauce on the counter, and I was making a selection for my chicken tenders meal.  There were two brands from which to choose, and knowing the T. Marzetti one, I picked it up, and noticed the expiration date of 1/17/2010. 
 
I brought it to the attention of the worker, Karen, and handed it to her to discard.  She said, "My supervisors told [us] not to throw them out, to put them out here to get rid of," and she replaced it in the basket along with the other expired ones. 
 
When I told her that's not how it should be, and how dangerous doing so was, she merely smiled and giggled.
 
The unknown brand did not have a visible expiration date.  In addition to the ones I picked out for consumption, I also included one of the expired ones.
 
After eating, I returned to the counter to take two more.  All three are included in the photo attached to this e-mail.
 
Upon exiting the park, I spoke with an older gentleman wearing a tie at the front gate.  I pointed to the restaurant facility, and told him of the circumstance.  He then radio-ed someone as I walked away.
 
I need not detail the health threats expired food products poses upon an unsuspecting, trusting general public.  Kings Dominion knowingly and willfully threatened my health by insisting that these items be distributed.
 
It is my encouragement that your department seek a thorough investigation on all of Kings Dominion's food and beverage locations to ensure that other innocent consumers, most of who do not read labels, are not further threatened.
 
Respectfully,
 
Jeffrey P. Stoneking
 
cc:     Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II

 

 

 
KINGS ISLAND, Kings Island, OH
  

From the city of Mason council meeting, February 8, 2010

Now on-line:  http://icrctv.net/mason-city-council-2-8-10

RE:  Proposed Tax Increase

My name is Jeffrey P. Stoneking. I provided my Ohio property address in an electronic submission via your website; however, due to security measures stemming from my 

authoring a book entitled Theme Park Safety Failure$, I would prefer to give my Michigan residency.

Thank you for the opportunity to present circumstances which I believe would defend council and the passing of the proposed tax.

First off, the agreement to not raise taxes with Kings Island was with their former parent company, Paramount Parks, not Cedar Fair.

For the past 13 years, minimum, Kings Island plays host to non-profit organizations by having volunteers of 501-c3 groups staff their facility.

A Kings Island sales manager, Linda Jensen, once stated that the "Fund Raiser" program, as it is called, "Saves the park alot of money." 

Volunteers staff the resale outlets in the park, where incorrect change is often provided during cash sales transactions. Hourly payroll employees are dismissed from their 

work shift so the busloads of volunteers can fill their position.

Unskilled volunteers are not adequately trained, and have been placed on ride platforms, posing a safety threat to riders. When park visitors require directions or assistance, self included, the common 

response is, "I'm just a volunteer." One even announced he was "working for Jesus", referencing his church's involvement. There is no responsibility when volunteering. 

Be advised, also, that there are no laws, whatsoever, governing the operation of theme parks. There are only structural inspections by the Department of Agriculture, who admits they know nothing 

about rollercoaster technology.

In essence, Kings Island is utilizing these 501-c3's to cut operating costs, and avoid paying taxes by "donating" to the non-profit groups. The city of Mason is missing out, 

all together, on being the recipient of these tax-exempt funds.

Kings Island and their parent company, Cedar Fair, also engage in Foreign Labor Contracts. It should be questioned as to the amount of tax credit they receive for doing so.

During my years with Kings Island as an accountant, and later a concessionaire, Bard Reed, a merchandise administrator, often stated, "Season Pass holders don't spend any money."

Instead, they congregate in a water park constructed beneath high-voltage, overhead power lines, and line-up for an injuring battering ram known as Son Of Beast

which is the cause of many civil lawsuits for the past decade.

It is a well-known fact that court operating costs are paid for with public dollars.

It should also be questioned as to whether certain criminal activities requiring the dispatch of the Mason City Police to Kings Island are caused by Season Pass holders. 

A particular riot incident once made National News Headlines. With today's technology, it would be Global Wildfire, much like the sleazy measure Kings Island officials are 

taking in an effort to oppose this tax.

Even their so-called "Tail-Gate Party" tonight, which in actuality is a glorified title for a 'protest', complete with refreshments served in the restaurant facility above the front gate, 

is an expense that will result in less tax payments to the city of Mason.

What these emotional protestors do not realize is how taxation actually works. People, not businesses, pay taxes. With the large amounts of expenses incurred by Kings Island, 

residents of the city of Mason, through income and property taxes, are forced to make up the difference.

That being said, if these protestors cannot afford the proposed 3% admission tax, which on a $50 cover charge would amount to less than $1.50, then, clearly, they should not 

seek entertainment beyond the confines of their homes.

When my organization was planning an event with Kings Island in 1997, Linda Jensen was quick to inform me, in writing, that a $16 admission charge for an attendance figure 

of less than 5,000 would cover the park's operating costs and profit for our six-hour usage.

At the time, the non-discounted front gate admission was $30.95. Again, our group was only required to pay $16 per person. Do the math.

What I have presented for you is documented, undisputed truths about this facility and their operation.

My encouragement is for the city of Mason to pass this tax to provide the necessary measures to ensure a safer environment than what Kings Island officials permit to exist 

upon their property.

Thank you.

 

 

 

Adventure Express, October 2, 2009

This platform worker would not put down his steaming styrofoam cup while checking restraints, nor would his fellow co-worker at the console.

The threat of having hot fluids dumped on riders, or into the operating console, is a thoughtless act, and one whose repercussions are discussed in  Theme Park Safety Failure$.

 

 

Photo by S. Hurley
The Racer, October 24th, 2008

Around 8:15pm, this control panel operator, with loaded trains in motion, enjoys stuffing his face with a double cheeseburger, french fries, and a bottle of Mountain Dew.  The bottle tipped over between the panel and the monitor.  Thankfully it was capped.

When I contacted the park to report it, I was told by the operator, "We are not allowed to transfer any calls to the executive offices."

Welcome to more truth as told in Theme Park Safety Failure$.

 

 
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM, Buena Park, CA
Xcelerator 

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, a man and a boy are aboard this cable-launched ride, with accelerating speeds of 0-70mph in 2.5 seconds.  During the take-off, the cable snapped, showering them with metal shards.  The loss of momentum prohibited the train from making it over the summit, sending it backwards.  Something, likely the cable, caused the boy's seat to wedge loose, jarring him into the restraint.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/knotts-berry-farm-roller-coaster-shut-down-after-accident-injures-2.html

A similar incident occurred on Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster in 2004.  That incident and its multiple injuries is detailed and documented in Theme Park Safety Failure$.

 

 
LUNA PARK, Coney Island, NY

 

March 1, 2010

Dear Mayor Bloomberg;

Given my direct relation to Frederic Thompson, himself, I am elated to learn of Coney Island’s Luna Park being revamped. It is, however, disheartening that Zamperla Rides is the driving force for the project.

At the beginning of the past decade, I met with Zamperla Rides representative, Mark Rosenzweig, for a project I was directly involved. Rosenzweig kept stating that his superiors, including Alberto Zamperla, repeatedly told him to “be careful working with those Native Americans. They have a different way of conducting themselves.”

Whenever I asked him to explain what was meant by such a racist remark, he could never respond directly. I eventually spoke with Alberto Zamperla who seemed surprised to learn of Mark’s comments, indicating that everyone at Zamperla “is a minority”.

During that same conversation with Mr. Zamperla, he briefly mentioned their work with the Native American people in Cherokee, North Carolina. Just before ending the call, he stated, “I apologize if we offended you.”

I brought the matter to the attention of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) president, Bret Lovejoy. The following week he resigned without a word.

It is unfortunate that Zamperla Rides exhibits such racism in an industry meant to include all.

Be advised that this is who is representing this long overdue renovation. The Native American group in Cherokee have yet to receive a formal apology.

While I wish all involved parties well, I would encourage you to be certain that no one is affected further by the lingering ugliness Zamperla Rides deems acceptable and ethical.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey P. Stoneking

 

 

 
 
MICHIGAN'S ADVENTURE, Muskegon, MI
 

 
Shivering Timbers

Mr. Mark Doman

Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth
Commercial Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909

July 13, 2009

Dear Mr. Doman;
 
On Friday, July 3rd, 2009, I visited Michigan's Adventure.  Around 5:15pm I was riding the second-to-last seat aboard Shivering Timbers.  On the base of the second drop the lap bar shoved hard against the lower portion of my left rib cage.  At the same time, a woman behind me, on the right side of the train, was heard saying to her very young son, "You hit your head!  Are you alright?"
 
The rest of the ride circuit was spent protecting my ribs from any additional areas with a grip across the lap bar.
 
When our train stopped on the final brake, I turned and saw the mother holding her son.  He was extremely pale and silent.
 
As the train approached the station and during disembarking, I insisted that the mother tell the ride attendant, Cody, about her son's misfortune.  I initially commented to him about my rib, also stating that the ride was extremely painful and rough, then introduced the woman and her son.  While she was telling him about it, Cody brushed her aside, motioning for her along with her son, myself, and my ride partner off the platform, then closed the gate behind us without a word.
 
Under no circumstance should an incident of this nature be disregarded by anyone, particularly one who is responsible for rider safety.
 
 I am well aware that there remains no laws at the state or federal levels governing the operation of amusement rides at either travelling or fixed sites.  Given the lackadaisical response to injuries by the said staff member of Michigan's Adventure, I would not be surprised to learn that this particular incident is not the first, nor will it be the last.  My regret is not investing in the on-ride photograph shoving myself gripping my rib, and the mother protecting her son as best as possible.
 
If the state of Michigan's ride inspection  is merely to oversee structural integrity, then I suggest you and members of your staff ride Shivering Timbers to discover first hand how turbulent, brutal, and painful the ride experience truly is. 
 
My additional encouragement is that your department seek additional inspection on Shivering Timbers during this operating season. 
 
Should you require any additional comments, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
 
Respectfully,
Jeffrey P. Stoneking
P.O. Box 81741
Rochester, MI  48308
937-291-9972

***NOTE:  As of September 21, 2009, no response has been received by either Mr. Doman or Michigan's Adventure's General Manager,  Camille Jourden-Mark.

Both Mr. Doman and Ms. Jourden-Mark were phoned on September 21, 2009.  Mr. Doman phoned, indicating he never received the correspondence.  It has been re-sent.

 

 

September 21, 2009

Mr. Stoneking,

I appreciate your interest and concern and apologize for not responding until now. Your e-mail address for me seems correct, but I have no record of having received your earlier message. I learned of your letter the morning after you wrote it, but that came from a call from Michigan’s Adventure who had received a carbon copy of it. I did a little research and found your letter on the internet and thought I should visit Michigan’s Adventure and see the Shivering Timbers ride for myself. I was there within three hours or learning of your letter. Since I expected to receive your letter from you, I didn’t respond to what I had only seen on the internet.

Before I go further, I should say that I don’t generally like wood roller coasters because they all tend to be rough. My attitude probably comes from my time with builders of steel coasters like the Michigan’s Adventure “Corkscrew”. Wood doesn’t bend the way steel does and it swells and shrinks with weather and time. Generally though, I have found the Shivering Timbers to be less rough than most wood roller coasters. I rode it on the 14th with Michigan’s Adventure’s general manager and rode it where it seemed you had ridden, in the middle of the last car of the train. I found it to be rougher than I like, but I find all wood roller coasters to be rough. I did not find it to be dangerous. That said, with the nature of wood, it could have been rougher when you rode it.

The State of Michigan inspects Michigan’s Adventures rides as we do the rides of other ride operators, but we generally we inspect them only once a year unless something special comes up, such as your letter. Ride operators like Michigan’s Adventure, inspect their rides daily and periodically as their manufacturers require. The Shivering Timbers gets a daily track walk by two Michigan’s Adventure inspectors and third-party testing semi-annually. All of us strive to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Please continue to make us aware of your concerns in the future.

Mark Doman

Michigan Ski/Amusement Safety

517 241 6634

 

Mr. Mark Doman

Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth
Commercial Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909

March 2, 2010

Dear Mr. Doman;

Your September reply to my complaint regarding Shivering Timbers at Michigan's Adventure failed to address a vital issue.

While you are quick to announce your personal opinion of wood rollercoasters vs. steel, the fact remains that the operating staff chose to ignore my bruised diaphragm, and the attending parent to her son’s battering. That is unacceptable conduct.

Another park in the Cedar Fair chain, Kings Island, had an incident on July 9, 2006 aboard their wooden installation, Son Of Beast. A portion of the structure collapsed creating what the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s inspection report terms a “pothole effect”. Riders were jarred with 10g’s of force, resulting in spinal and neck complications and bleeding from the mouths of riders, while one woman suffered a cracked sternum. A recent court hearing in October, 2009 involved another woman with pelvic complications as a result.

The circumstances of which myself, companion, and aforementioned mother and son were subject could have very easily been a similar structure collapse. With workers caring only about filling another train and dispatching it is a neglect of safety precaution, altogether.

I encourage your department to seek stricter laws and regulations governing the operation of rides in your state.

Your personal taste is irrelevant to the brutal forces Shivering Timbers inflicts upon its innocent riders.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey P. Stoneking

 
SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM, Vallejo, CA
 
This children's ride worker's hand remains on the operating console, but his attention is inevitably diverted elsewhere.

Theme Park Safety Failure$ exposes a worker at a Six Flags park doing the same thing.

 

 

 

 
SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA, Atlanta, GA
  

You've got to question a park whose 2009 Halloween event allows participants to be Buried Alive:

http://themeparks.about.com/b/2009/09/17/six-flags-fright-fest.htm

Not too surprising, the day after this post appeared, Six Flags Over Georgia was flooded.

 

 

WALT DISNEY WORLD, Lake Buena Visa, FL

Monorail Crash; July 5th, 2009

While the investigation continues as to why the two monorails collided, killing the 21-year old operator, this YouTube footage should provide a clearer insight to the horrendous accident, along with the Cast Member insisting that there be no filming. 

Theme Park Safety Failure$ discusses more about the Walt Disney Company and its deadly mishaps.

 

 

 

BLOG  **8/21/2010 update**

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Reality Therapy:  The Influence of Rollercoasters, Religion, and Rock 'n Roll

Surviving Foreclosure:  How I Lived For Free, and You Can, Too!  **8/20/2010 update**

Theme Park Safety Failure$

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