Thursday, July 22, 2004
Paramount's Carowinds Bans Off-duty Works From Park
An interesting story, as being able to get into the park for free has been a major selling point of any park's employment campaign.
Paramount's Carowinds has banned its teen workers from the grounds after their shifts end at the theme park.
The ban, which went into effect last week, eliminates a perk that helps lure some 2,000 mostly young workers during the park's operating season in spring, summer and early fall months.
Carowinds spokesman David Mandt said too many off-duty workers, often wearing portions of their khaki pant and blue-shirt uniforms, were socializing with on-duty employees, creating the wrong image for paying customers.
He noted that employees are welcome to visit the park - which straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina line off Interstate 77 - on their days off for free, a savings of $42.99 on the price of adult admission.
"We made this change to enhance the overall park experience for our paying guests," Mandt said. "The expectation is, if you're not working, you shouldn't be in the park."
Disneyland requires off-duty workers to change costumes of uniforms and remove name tags if they want to hang out the park in Anaheim, Calif., a spokesman said. Disneyland also grants free access for up to four guests of workers, except during the peak months of July and August.
They can come into the park only when they don't work that day and only when they pay to get in. I hope this trend doesn't spread to other parks.
