Transformers: The Ride - Summer 2013

[HHN Maddux]

I like Transformer a lot. I remember Robert Niles (Theme Park Insider) loving reviews of the ride when
it opened in LA before Orlando got theirs. First time I rode it was when the TM's had the act down pat,
hurrying you on the ride just like the queue videos so aptly portrayed. It still gets a decent line most of the
time, which indicates good GP acceptance of the attraction. Yes, it's lots of FUN, and bottom line, that's
what's important.

YES! I remember when the TMs at the loading area would actually be pretty in-universe, acting like NEST agents and hurrying you on like this is an actual high-stakes mission, it was exciting! Wish they still did it.

 

[HalfGlass]

YES! I remember when the TMs at the loading area would actually be pretty in-universe, acting like NEST agents and hurrying you on like this is an actual high-stakes mission, it was exciting! Wish they still did it.

Miss this on Rise of the Resistance too. When I first rode and everyone was so in character, it made you feel like a part of the action.

It used to be “HEY WERE THE RESISTANCE, FINN SENT US! WERE HERE TO GET YOU OFF THIS SHIP!”

Now it’s like “oh hey guys, we’re gonna break you out. Just match the color on the floor. Okay cool.”

I get it, people get tired of the schtick and the TMs aren't paid actors. But I miss that initial enthusiasm when these attractions first opened.

 

[DOOMBOT]

I get it, people get tired of the schtick and the TMs aren't paid actors. But I miss that initial enthusiasm when these attractions first opened.

I think it's one of the worst boundaries major theme park companies have crossed regarding their operations staff. The "high-immersion" land concept, with the Pandora gift shop clerk being "encouraged" to improv with you in Navi, the in-character operations roles in preshow rooms or the Rise load area, Nintendo World ops being urged to not say the word "game" anywhere, etc. There's a part of me that does find it gross from a corporate level. It feels kinda like the local theatre or high school program urging their members to come in to help build the set and really go above and beyond, but instead of volunteer work for a hobbyist activity, it's now an extra unpaid expectation for a Food and Beverage position.

If they really want that level of engagement from their employees, as opposed to the "friendly but detached from theme" type of behavior expected from most amusement park ops, then they should pay the ops people for that level of work. Because it's significantly more difficult to do, especially consistently.

But that'd be a logistical and financial strain, so they never will. It's not as enjoyable from a guest perspective, but as someone who's worked in the parks, I can totally understand why a Rise of the Resistance CM not wanting to act their heart out in the load room 128x a day, if they're just getting the same hourly pay as the guy doing nothing but pushing the "Ride Start" button on Triceratops Spin. Not even a dump on Triceratops guy, but they're clearly being asked to do different things.

 

[Jake S]

But that'd be a logistical and financial strain, so they never will. It's not as enjoyable from a guest perspective, but as someone who's worked in the parks, I can totally understand why a Rise of the Resistance CM not wanting to act their heart out in the load room 128x a day, if they're just getting the same hourly pay as the guy doing nothing but pushing the "Ride Start" button on Triceratops Spin. Not even a dump on Triceratops guy, but they're clearly being asked to do different things.

Yeah, they made a big thing about themed phrasing during training at Disneyland but even back then (2010) it was not consistently applied and largely depended on the motivation of the individual employee. Anyway, I can't go on Winnie the Pooh without thinking "buzz on in honeybees" and I expect Disney to compensate me one day for this small piece of trauma.

 

[UOR92]

What is the average ride ops TM making and what would be an acceptable dollar amount for adding in “acting the part” to the degree of ROTR or what Transformers used to be?