Complaint Review: Cedar Point - Sandusky Ohio

I have attended Cedar Point several times and have gone through the same thing of having to sit in the demo seat and not being able to get the seat belt fastened. And the worst part is no way are you getting you money refunded. But, I do have a simple solution for Cedar Point. All you have to do is provide a belt extention for large people. It is a small but useful item that they can keep at the control panel for each of the rides. Not all of us are 20 years old and fit and trim. I used to be 6' 3" and 160 pounds. Not now, age does that to us. Or maybe Cedar Point doesn't want OLD 50 year olds that are overweight.

I must say that I don't blame you for being upset. Im originally from the Cleveland area and use to go to cedar point all the time and im by no means small(id say at that time I was about 5ft 3in and 200lbs) I have NEVER had them tell me I had to sit in a special seat on any ride. No matter what amusement park I went to I never had them tell me that ,that's bull. If you were extremely over weight I could understand but like another person said you might have just had a new person or someone who had a ruff day. But at any rate that didn't give them the right to be like that to you. More than likely they let a real fat person on a "regular" seat shortly after they made u sit in a special seat. I wouldn't stop going there all together though....

As an ex-employee of Cedar Point, I remind people to be careful when you criticise other's complaints. Every May before opening day, employees are trained how to properly discriminate against large people. They are also told that it is okay to question and humiliate people, even if they know that they can safely ride. Incidents like Sherry's then become fodder for jokes in employee break areas. They also do this to minority groups. Just before the last gay pride day, one employee was overheard saying, "We sould let the ride start without locking the restraints." Working in the amusement park industry has become intolerable in some places, but not because of guests, as some employees state. It is because some parks are now scraping the bottom of the barrel as far as the employee pool goes. While those who criticise Sherry may love the rides at Cedar Point, that is not what her complaint was about. Her complaint was about the practices at a park who's seats and restraints are the most restrictive in the nation. I also opened Universal Studios Island of Adventure in 1999. On our media day, it was my job to secure the pro football player Warren Sapp in the front seat of The Incredible Hulk coaster. Warren Sapp is much larger than me, or most of you reading this, but I did safely secure him in the ride, and the local Fox station in Orlando has me on tape doing it. A man Warren Sapp's size would not fit in any of the major rides at Cedar Point. Listen to Sherry's complaint without thinking how much you love their rides, because that is not what it is about.

As an ex-employee of Cedar Point, I remind people to be careful when you criticise other's complaints. Every May before opening day, employees are trained how to properly discriminate against large people. They are also told that it is okay to question and humiliate people, even if they know that they can safely ride. Incidents like Sherry's then become fodder for jokes in employee break areas. They also do this to minority groups. Just before the last gay pride day, one employee was overheard saying, "We sould let the ride start without locking the restraints." Working in the amusement park industry has become intolerable in some places, but not because of guests, as some employees state. It is because some parks are now scraping the bottom of the barrel as far as the employee pool goes. While those who criticise Sherry may love the rides at Cedar Point, that is not what her complaint was about. Her complaint was about the practices at a park who's seats and restraints are the most restrictive in the nation. I also opened Universal Studios Island of Adventure in 1999. On our media day, it was my job to secure the pro football player Warren Sapp in the front seat of The Incredible Hulk coaster. Warren Sapp is much larger than me, or most of you reading this, but I did safely secure him in the ride, and the local Fox station in Orlando has me on tape doing it. A man Warren Sapp's size would not fit in any of the major rides at Cedar Point. Listen to Sherry's complaint without thinking how much you love their rides, because that is not what it is about.

As an ex-employee of Cedar Point, I remind people to be careful when you criticise other's complaints. Every May before opening day, employees are trained how to properly discriminate against large people. They are also told that it is okay to question and humiliate people, even if they know that they can safely ride. Incidents like Sherry's then become fodder for jokes in employee break areas. They also do this to minority groups. Just before the last gay pride day, one employee was overheard saying, "We sould let the ride start without locking the restraints." Working in the amusement park industry has become intolerable in some places, but not because of guests, as some employees state. It is because some parks are now scraping the bottom of the barrel as far as the employee pool goes. While those who criticise Sherry may love the rides at Cedar Point, that is not what her complaint was about. Her complaint was about the practices at a park who's seats and restraints are the most restrictive in the nation. I also opened Universal Studios Island of Adventure in 1999. On our media day, it was my job to secure the pro football player Warren Sapp in the front seat of The Incredible Hulk coaster. Warren Sapp is much larger than me, or most of you reading this, but I did safely secure him in the ride, and the local Fox station in Orlando has me on tape doing it. A man Warren Sapp's size would not fit in any of the major rides at Cedar Point. Listen to Sherry's complaint without thinking how much you love their rides, because that is not what it is about.

As an ex-employee of Cedar Point, I remind people to be careful when you criticise other's complaints. Every May before opening day, employees are trained how to properly discriminate against large people. They are also told that it is okay to question and humiliate people, even if they know that they can safely ride. Incidents like Sherry's then become fodder for jokes in employee break areas. They also do this to minority groups. Just before the last gay pride day, one employee was overheard saying, "We sould let the ride start without locking the restraints." Working in the amusement park industry has become intolerable in some places, but not because of guests, as some employees state. It is because some parks are now scraping the bottom of the barrel as far as the employee pool goes. While those who criticise Sherry may love the rides at Cedar Point, that is not what her complaint was about. Her complaint was about the practices at a park who's seats and restraints are the most restrictive in the nation. I also opened Universal Studios Island of Adventure in 1999. On our media day, it was my job to secure the pro football player Warren Sapp in the front seat of The Incredible Hulk coaster. Warren Sapp is much larger than me, or most of you reading this, but I did safely secure him in the ride, and the local Fox station in Orlando has me on tape doing it. A man Warren Sapp's size would not fit in any of the major rides at Cedar Point. Listen to Sherry's complaint without thinking how much you love their rides, because that is not what it is about.

I am overweight but have lost quite a bit of it so far (I once weighed about 350). I started going to Carowinds in the 90's. I was always told to cross my ankles when I rode one of the coasters. This always worked. I never had to get off a ride because I could not ride it. I did once see a man who could not ride the Goldrusher at Carowinds, and he was given 2 free passes. I do know of one ride where there was a weight limit, in Six Flags in MD, but by the time I went there, I was under the limit (265 lbs maximum for the Batwing). Even when I was at my heaviest, I would put use some good arch supports, and good back support, and walk all over the parks. We always had fun. I have been on wooden as well as steel coasters, and I love 'em. On one of our visits to Carowinds, when my son was 5, we went to one of the slides in Water Works, I think it was the Typhoon Plunge. He was the shortest one in our group at the time, so I took him over to the measuring stick at the entrance to the ride. According to that stick, he just made it. However, after waiting in line - and it was the height of the season - when we got to the top of the slide, a ride attendant came over with a measuring stick. The stick she used came right over his head. She told me that he was too short. The lady behind me said that she had seen me measure him at the entrance, that he had been tall enough there. My oldest niece said the same. I decided that the wisest thing was not to argue, safety first, the employee was doing her job. I took my son by the hand and started to walk back through the line, but the attendant showed me to some back steps where we could walk down easily without obstruction. She pointed out all the other water slides and said that my son was tall enough to ride all the other ones-just not the Typhoon Plunge. We went down to stand at the bottom of the slide to watch the rest of our party scream (and to laugh at them) as they each came down. We went on all the other water rides in Water Works. My son had a good time, and there are pleasant memories of that trip. Perhaps it would not have been so pleasant if I had tried to argue with the attendant. It wasn't worth it. I have been thinking of planning a trip to Cedar Park, is it really that bad? Have they improved? And I have also heard of Knoebels in PA. My family and I are coaster enthusiasts. I used to purchase season passes at Carowinds-I still have our old family passes too. I went to Kings Dominion with them also. It does sadden me to see the changes the park has gone through in just the past 10 years. There used to be more shows, which was good for elderly people, like my mother, who are not going to ride rides all day. Wayne's World is called something else, and all the Wayne's World props have been removed. I understand that the ferry ride is no longer running, and I know that the Comedy Wild West Show has been replaced with a virtual reality feature-which is a separate cost, of course. So we have stopped getting the season passes and started going to different theme parks.

I understand that what has happened is rude and embarrassing but do your children understand why they will not be going back again? I'm only asking because I had a situation occur once at a bowling alley near me that was rude and embarrassing too. My son loves to go bowling, I used too as well, but cannot due to carpal tunnel syndrome and other joint problems in my arm. Well I couldn't purchase a lane for just him because of his age (policy they told me.) Well I purchased both for me and him but he was the only one bowling both times. A new person started working and came out to yell at me that he was not allowed to bowl unless I had purchased both tickets and then proceeded to argue with me when I mentioned that I had because (as he mentioned) if I had I would have been bowling as well. The place was full and I was embarrassed. Have I been back to that place (even though I did make a report and heard nothing back,) YES! WHY? Because my child loves the place and I'm not going to punish him for my anger and/or embarrassment.

As a fun loving roller coaster enthusiast I to have visited Cedar Point many times. Over the years there seem to be fewer and fewer rides I can (or want to)ride at Cedar Point. As of last weekend (Aug 05) I counted 8 of the many great roller coasters. I am 6'5" and weigh 275 lbs; yes I am over weight and excessively tall and this is something I have come to understand is just a part of life and I must deal with. It is enormously discomforting to be pulled from a ride that you have ridden in the past. For the safety of the majority of guests attending the park they must configure seats to be safe for the majority not for the exception. Can anybody visualize what would happen to my 9 year old daughter if she were put into a seat designed to hold somebody as tall as myself then sent on her way on the Top-fuel Dragster? The last time I went to Cedar Point I had a talk with three security guards and they all had the same friendly advice. Go talk to the park operations office and get a partial refund. I went and talked to them and they offered me a refund, which I refused. People in this world must understand the liability issues in today's society. Take a look at the registration for this site as a prime example. Is our life becoming so stressful that we can't even go to an amusement park and have a relaxing enjoyable day?

I'm sorry but I do not feel sorry for you at all. I am an overweight girl who is an avid coaster rider, BUT!!! I understand and know that the reason I cannot get on some rides is due to the safety restrictions which is understandable. I just find something else to do. There is PLENTY of other stuff to do. Now some places have started accommodating big people like me with specified seating for rides or exrtra harness etc Like Busch gardens in Williamsburg VA (Thank you for that).I will not cause a stir because of the reasoning I cannot get on these rides plain and simple because I AM THE REASON WHY.. I did this too me not anyone else. If you are uncomfortable or have any reserve I recommend as has everyone else go onto the amusement park or beaches whatever website and check out restrictions whether your tall short fat or thin, has purple spots (ha ha) etc. If you are so bold call them, I did that with Busch Gardens and had a wonderful experience on the phone. Good luck and as for me, well I've decided to change cause I can't miss another coaster loop. 4 pounds down .. Meg

I Work for an Amusement Park (not cedar point) and if you ever wonder why you ever encounter a rude employee who seems to hate their job, its because they just encountered some snotty a*s customer trying to start an argument with him. If an employee asks you to sit in the test seat even though your obviously the right size for the ride just DO IT. If you argue with an employee like way you suggested over something that concerns YOUR safety then it serves you right if you are ejected out of the park and/ or banned from it. Employees deal with alot of people per day and they usually do it with a positive attitude but one rude customer could really change their attitude that day. Also, not all teenagers hate their jobs and think their life sucks. I love my job and i think my life is great and im a teenager. Imagine if you were in the ride attendants shoes and you had to deal with hundreds of little snotty a*s customers everyday from may till october. Give them a break their just trying to do their best to make sure your safe and everyone else who rides the ride is safe!

Sherry, Create memories for your children and PLEASE move forward. Take your children to the park and have fun again. Why should you suffer because of an employees screw-up? Be the bigger person, keep your chin up high and go have fun! You are punishing yourself by boycotting this park, they will not miss your $$$. FORGIVE in your heart this employee and move on.

Sherry, I understand that you would be embarrassed. I am bout the same size as you and dont consider myself to be overweight either. I would probably be embarrassed if I was told to try the sample chair before standing in the regular line. However, the park probably does this because they've had overweight people stand in the line only to find out that they dont fit in the ride itself or in the sample seat that is at the front of the line. These people then have a hissy fit because they stood in line for the ride then didnt get to ride. I dont think you should blame an entire park for the actions of one employee. Yes, you got transferred around to voicemail instead of a live person, but I cant think of one big company that doesnt do that these days. They also probably get a ton of calls a day that they have to filter to the correct person. Yours may have gotten lost in the shuffle. I understand that the employees are supposed to be a refection of the park, but I dont put too much into any employee being a reflection of any business these days, let alone one where the majority of employees are teens or young adults. Most of these kids dont have any respect for authority or anyone in general. They hate their jobs and they think their lives suck, therefore they should be a sourpuss and make the lives of those around them suck as well. I was recently at DIsney World and didnt find the kids working there to be any better in attitude or performance than any other park. The parks have to cover their asses these days because the true fatsos will sue for "size discrimination", even WITH the sample seat to try. They want the rest of the world to adjust to their ever-expanding a*s sizes instead of living a healthy lifestyle. I think what you may want to try is wrigint a letter informing them of your experience and suggest that they give the employees more training and education on exactly which people need to try the sample seats. Also, while you were embarrassed to have to go in thte otherline, I'll bet that everyone who saw you trying the sample seat was thinking"Why is that stupid kid making that woman try that seat? She's not overweight!". So you see, the kid looked stupid, not you. I think you should go back and if it ever happens again, argue with the kid and demand to see a manager and get an on site explanation as to why you need to try the seat when you arent overweight. In addition, if it only happened on 1 ride, you may have been dealing with a particularly dense kid who doesnt have a clue. DOnt deprive yourself from something you've enjoyed for years because of one dummy.

Sherry, I understand that you would be embarrassed. I am bout the same size as you and dont consider myself to be overweight either. I would probably be embarrassed if I was told to try the sample chair before standing in the regular line. However, the park probably does this because they've had overweight people stand in the line only to find out that they dont fit in the ride itself or in the sample seat that is at the front of the line. These people then have a hissy fit because they stood in line for the ride then didnt get to ride. I dont think you should blame an entire park for the actions of one employee. Yes, you got transferred around to voicemail instead of a live person, but I cant think of one big company that doesnt do that these days. They also probably get a ton of calls a day that they have to filter to the correct person. Yours may have gotten lost in the shuffle. I understand that the employees are supposed to be a refection of the park, but I dont put too much into any employee being a reflection of any business these days, let alone one where the majority of employees are teens or young adults. Most of these kids dont have any respect for authority or anyone in general. They hate their jobs and they think their lives suck, therefore they should be a sourpuss and make the lives of those around them suck as well. I was recently at DIsney World and didnt find the kids working there to be any better in attitude or performance than any other park. The parks have to cover their asses these days because the true fatsos will sue for "size discrimination", even WITH the sample seat to try. They want the rest of the world to adjust to their ever-expanding a*s sizes instead of living a healthy lifestyle. I think what you may want to try is wrigint a letter informing them of your experience and suggest that they give the employees more training and education on exactly which people need to try the sample seats. Also, while you were embarrassed to have to go in thte otherline, I'll bet that everyone who saw you trying the sample seat was thinking"Why is that stupid kid making that woman try that seat? She's not overweight!". So you see, the kid looked stupid, not you. I think you should go back and if it ever happens again, argue with the kid and demand to see a manager and get an on site explanation as to why you need to try the seat when you arent overweight. In addition, if it only happened on 1 ride, you may have been dealing with a particularly dense kid who doesnt have a clue. DOnt deprive yourself from something you've enjoyed for years because of one dummy.

Sherry, I understand that you would be embarrassed. I am bout the same size as you and dont consider myself to be overweight either. I would probably be embarrassed if I was told to try the sample chair before standing in the regular line. However, the park probably does this because they've had overweight people stand in the line only to find out that they dont fit in the ride itself or in the sample seat that is at the front of the line. These people then have a hissy fit because they stood in line for the ride then didnt get to ride. I dont think you should blame an entire park for the actions of one employee. Yes, you got transferred around to voicemail instead of a live person, but I cant think of one big company that doesnt do that these days. They also probably get a ton of calls a day that they have to filter to the correct person. Yours may have gotten lost in the shuffle. I understand that the employees are supposed to be a refection of the park, but I dont put too much into any employee being a reflection of any business these days, let alone one where the majority of employees are teens or young adults. Most of these kids dont have any respect for authority or anyone in general. They hate their jobs and they think their lives suck, therefore they should be a sourpuss and make the lives of those around them suck as well. I was recently at DIsney World and didnt find the kids working there to be any better in attitude or performance than any other park. The parks have to cover their asses these days because the true fatsos will sue for "size discrimination", even WITH the sample seat to try. They want the rest of the world to adjust to their ever-expanding a*s sizes instead of living a healthy lifestyle. I think what you may want to try is wrigint a letter informing them of your experience and suggest that they give the employees more training and education on exactly which people need to try the sample seats. Also, while you were embarrassed to have to go in thte otherline, I'll bet that everyone who saw you trying the sample seat was thinking"Why is that stupid kid making that woman try that seat? She's not overweight!". So you see, the kid looked stupid, not you. I think you should go back and if it ever happens again, argue with the kid and demand to see a manager and get an on site explanation as to why you need to try the seat when you arent overweight. In addition, if it only happened on 1 ride, you may have been dealing with a particularly dense kid who doesnt have a clue. DOnt deprive yourself from something you've enjoyed for years because of one dummy.

Jessica: Thanks for understanding. It is a sad day when we come to expect poor customer service. I have never heard of Kneobels, but it does sound like something our family may be interested in. We plan on taking the kids on a trip out west to Disneyland and Sea World in July. Kneobels seem like it would be a good road trip...I will have to do some research on the area (hotels, other attractions)it seems like it would be a good road trip this upcomming summer. I will keep your advice in mind and I'm sure we will amke it there...if not next summer, possibly 2006. Thanks for your understanding and pointers!

Dear Sherry, I see how multiple experiences can build up, and I don't blame you for wanting to make a stand. I guess after reading yours and other's posts on this site about amusement parks, there is a decline in customer service and respectful treatment. If I took your point out of context, I apologize, and consider myself fortunate that my family and friends have not experienced inappropriate behavior. (Must mean I don't go often, enough, right?) :) I do agree that the importance of revenue has become more blatant, and visitors can leave feeling ripped-off. It's pretty sad when I think about it, because we "plan" to be ripped-off. That is to say, everything costs an arm and a leg, and what you get definitely isn't worth it on the surface, and "paying for convenience" which isn't convenient anymore because of poor service is pathetic. Again, I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope the parks see this trend and start to make changes. (Especially with CP's new Castaway Bay to entice more visitors.) BTW, if you're out east looking for something, there's a small amusement park called Knoebel's (pronounced "ken-o'-bulls") in Elysburg, PA, which I would consider the opposite of CP. It's quite a bit smaller with only a couple of coasters, but much more people-oriented, with NO parking OR admission costs! (Tickets are purchased for rides, and food/drink costs are very reasonable.) We discovered it this year on our annual coaster trip to CP and two other Ohio parks, along with another park in PA. (Five, total - what a trip!) Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is nice, too. Well, keep Sandusky nice - It's a great place, and I always enjoy visiting!

Dear Sherry, I see how multiple experiences can build up, and I don't blame you for wanting to make a stand. I guess after reading yours and other's posts on this site about amusement parks, there is a decline in customer service and respectful treatment. If I took your point out of context, I apologize, and consider myself fortunate that my family and friends have not experienced inappropriate behavior. (Must mean I don't go often, enough, right?) :) I do agree that the importance of revenue has become more blatant, and visitors can leave feeling ripped-off. It's pretty sad when I think about it, because we "plan" to be ripped-off. That is to say, everything costs an arm and a leg, and what you get definitely isn't worth it on the surface, and "paying for convenience" which isn't convenient anymore because of poor service is pathetic. Again, I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope the parks see this trend and start to make changes. (Especially with CP's new Castaway Bay to entice more visitors.) BTW, if you're out east looking for something, there's a small amusement park called Knoebel's (pronounced "ken-o'-bulls") in Elysburg, PA, which I would consider the opposite of CP. It's quite a bit smaller with only a couple of coasters, but much more people-oriented, with NO parking OR admission costs! (Tickets are purchased for rides, and food/drink costs are very reasonable.) We discovered it this year on our annual coaster trip to CP and two other Ohio parks, along with another park in PA. (Five, total - what a trip!) Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is nice, too. Well, keep Sandusky nice - It's a great place, and I always enjoy visiting!

Dear Sherry, I see how multiple experiences can build up, and I don't blame you for wanting to make a stand. I guess after reading yours and other's posts on this site about amusement parks, there is a decline in customer service and respectful treatment. If I took your point out of context, I apologize, and consider myself fortunate that my family and friends have not experienced inappropriate behavior. (Must mean I don't go often, enough, right?) :) I do agree that the importance of revenue has become more blatant, and visitors can leave feeling ripped-off. It's pretty sad when I think about it, because we "plan" to be ripped-off. That is to say, everything costs an arm and a leg, and what you get definitely isn't worth it on the surface, and "paying for convenience" which isn't convenient anymore because of poor service is pathetic. Again, I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope the parks see this trend and start to make changes. (Especially with CP's new Castaway Bay to entice more visitors.) BTW, if you're out east looking for something, there's a small amusement park called Knoebel's (pronounced "ken-o'-bulls") in Elysburg, PA, which I would consider the opposite of CP. It's quite a bit smaller with only a couple of coasters, but much more people-oriented, with NO parking OR admission costs! (Tickets are purchased for rides, and food/drink costs are very reasonable.) We discovered it this year on our annual coaster trip to CP and two other Ohio parks, along with another park in PA. (Five, total - what a trip!) Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is nice, too. Well, keep Sandusky nice - It's a great place, and I always enjoy visiting!

I can certainly understand the suggestions you've made. It wasnt just the seat...cause you are right, I fit. But, rather how I was told that I had to sit in it before I could stand in line. The way it was said. This was the one major event that made our decesion to not return. It has been a funnel of bad experiences and this was the icing on the cake. There is a sample seat before you even get in line with a loud recording stating that the seats are smaller and that the park reccommeds that people with a larger physical condition should sit in the seat before standing in line. People with a LARGER physical condition, not me. That was warning enough. As we all know, 1 statement can be taken 1000 different ways. The way I was approached was wrong. Since I was not the only person at that particular time told we HAD to sit in the seat I am assuming that at least 50 other people standing in that line to see if they "fit" were also humillated in the same way I was. Then, when I called to complain, I was not only doing it for myself, but every other visitor to the park. Cedar Point is the biggest money maker for our town. They offer jobs to hundreds of locals during the summer. That is to be commended, but they are making a bad name for themselves. They need to train their employees to be more respectful and courtous. They also need to address complaints the proper way. Our society has gotten accustomed to "rude" customer service. I will not have it. My husband and I work hard for our money and will spend it where it is appreciated. As you can see, it is not the mere fact tht I had to sit in a seat. The employees are rude and from the experience I got when I complained, I see where they get it from...MANAGEMENT. My family has gone to Disney World and Disney Land. Now, that is service....friendly, outgoing, service. Cedar Point was wrong, very wrong. Will I return? As of now, no. Will I ever return? In my mind I say no, but chances are, eventually I most likely will. Do I reccommend somone from far away to save money, plan a family vacation and expect their visit to CP to be appraciated by the park? No. As a Sanduskian, I appreciate the fact that people from all over the country visit my town and spend their money, unfortunatly tho, CP will not. That is unfortunate, yet true. As for you enjoying the park and plan on future visits: Thank you. In times such as these, the economy here needs you. The rides are thrilling and I am sure millions of people every year will enjoy them. I just hope that you will be treated with more respect and dignity than I was. I know that I am not the only person complaining about this issue. The local news recently had interviews asking if people are going to jump the rush and get their passes for Christmas gifts. The news visited several towns and in almost every town, there was someone who said no, not this year. When asked why...their response was the same as mine here. Hopefully Cedar point is beginning to realize that they need to make changes and are putting forth the effort to do so. The park offers many opportunities for thrill seekers and is an awesome place for children to go and just be kids. Right now, they just don't deserve my hard earned money; however, I will keep in mind your suggestions.

Dear Sherry, I'm sorry you felt humiliated. I'm even more sorry that you are so freely willing to give up your loyalty to this park you once held dear, because an employee asked you to sit in a seat in front of other people. You are obviously not overweight. As a fellow woman, about an inch taller and 10 pounds heavier than you, I understand that any kind of attention brought to our weight, especially in front of other people is embarrassing. (Whether it's justified or not) However, I would ask you to consider that instead of you who was actually humiliated, it was the park attendant, who obviously made a bad decision. (Provided there was not some park-mandated rule, like carding people in bars who are obviously over 21.) I would also like you to consider the clothes you were wearing, which may have made you look heavy. (If you've ever seen "What Not to Wear" on the TLC channel, you'd be amazed how wearing certain types of clothes can make a person look a lot heavier than they are!) Alas, perhaps these considerations are too hard for you to swallow, and I'm not trying to make excuses, just offering some rationale. My husband and I are coaster enthusiasts; we discovered Cedar Point in 2000, and have made annual trips out there with friends, since then. I don't remember which year it was, but one time while in line for the Top Thrill Dragster, an overweight person climbed into the front seat next to her young son. I was waiting in the queue for the second seat, on the next ride. The attendants could not get the safety belts fastened around her. She was sitting in front of an entire blockhouse of people who were anxiously waiting to ride this record-breaking coaster, holding everyone up. Now THAT must have been humiliating. I remember wondering at that point, why they didn't have a "sample seat" so people wouldn't have to wait in line for so long (you know how long it was) only to be denied the ride. (Although I didn't imagine people would be asked to sit in it - just that if they didn't fit in the ride, it would be their own fault for not testing the fit.) Should you have been asked to sit in the seat? No. Were you discriminated against? I would also say no. I don't how they denied you any amusements. Denied proper courtesy, sure. I guess it's just hard for me to swallow that you would give up something that obviously gives you so much enjoyment, because Cedar Point didn't issue an apology for a ride attendant asking you to sit in a seat. Maybe he was flirting with you. Maybe he was embarrassed when he saw how roomy the seat was for you. Finally, I'd like to offer one more perspective on your reaction. You said, "A family tradition gone because of a rude employee and POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE." It's not hard to find a rude employee (or a nice one having a particularly crappy day) and poor customer service. Your family tradition is gone NOT because of these things, but because YOU decided that particular tradition wasn't worth continuing because you were asked to sit in a seat. If I was asked to sit in the seat, I would think, "HA! I'll show you that you're gravely mistaken! So there!" My intention was not to upset you further, because I understand, and get frustrated - infuriated - often by incompetence. I just try not to give those situations the power to stop me from enjoying life, and wanted to offer a way to look at this which would allow you to continue enjoying what seems to me a fantastic family tradition (Heck - the fact you have/had one is admirable!) I grew up going to King's Dominion. I still have a stack of 10 season passes I kept as keepsakes, starting in 1980. I visit the park now, and I'm disappointed with it, by comparison, so I also understand what it's like to see an important part of your childhood memory deteriorate. The world changes, as well as the people. That doesn't mean I won't ride my coasters! I hope you find the understanding to move past this unfortunate event, and continue to do the things you enjoy. Remember, no one will think you're a wimp if you back out of your word to never go there again - they'll either be jealous, or ask to come along! If you stand by your decision, that just might mean fewer people in line in front of me. :)