Reflections of a Knott's Employee

[SmoothOperator]

My name is Alex and I remember my very first day as a ride operator at the Calico Railroad. I was walking from the Western Gate to the Rides Office to meet my trainer. Clad in full conductor uniform, I walked with a brightness that I lost later in my tour of duty at Knott's. A tired 40ish looking man was leaning against the fence post that rings Bigfoot Rapids. He was the only person in sight, other than fellow employees who breezed by me with none of my pep. The man spoke to me and I stopped a moment to listen. "Remember this moment," he said somehow knowing it was my first day,"looking back later you'll realize you never had it better in your life." The full impact of his words was not realized until later.

I was asked the other day to name the most enjoyable job that I've had. My answer was without a doubt being a ride op at Knott's. It simply was. In the same convosation I was asked which job I disliked the most: Being a ride operator at Knott's Berry Farm. I've found that time has revealed the truth to me, at least my own version of my own truth. I'll never be able to get back those times I had at Knott's. The feeling of walking through the park as a guest and having at least thirty employees notice me and say hi reguardless of department. That's something that does not exist in many places. I'll never forget my coworkers, the guests who almost lived in the park (hi Bert) and the feeling of knowing that I knew a ride like the back of my hand.

I've had experances at Knott's I would never trade for anything. Getting up in the morning and catching a quick ride on Xcelerator first dispatch. Seeing the sun while shooting straight up. Looking down on Buena Park and beyond from the towering Supreme Scream. Those are moments that are frozen in time for me, just like the bright blue days with the slight wind walking back from Calico PC to help the next load of guests board the train.

There are many things wrong with Knott's. That's why I left once without warning and then left again without warning. I've worked Log Ride twice. I cared about that ride and I cared about my team. I loved working at K's. But I also hated it at the same time. Morale is important. When it counted, I chose to give in to my negativity. And I'll always regret that. At the same time, I've moved on (as much as I can) and I know it was likely the right choice. That Knott's is in trouble and going down with the ship could be pointless. I totally expect to one day look at the shuddered site that was Knott's and shake my head, knowing just how close we came to greatness, but also just how far we missed the mark.

I take back nothing I've said about Knott's that is critical. I stand behind it all. However, thank you Knott's for all that you have given me. Thank you Jack Falfas for working your butt off in the sun for 12 hours straight literally shovling dirt and proving to me once and for all that your no Micheal Eisner. Thank you Knott's for showing me how good life can be when everything is going right and for trusting me when things were not. And finally, thank you for making me a better person.

(Alex is now a CM @ the DLR)

[murf]

I feel your pain and joy my friend! I was once a KBF employee as well and the one thing that I think was better over there was that we seemed a lot closer to one another. here sometimes its easy to get lost in the sea of CM's! When did you work as a conductor? I was an Engineer on the G.T.C.R.R. in 2002.
my last days at KBF were all about working for next to nothing! I was working as a mechanic on GhostRider during fall rehab in the rain in Nov. and I woke up and realized it just wasn't worth the $8 an hour to stay at a temp job! :(