While we pride ourselves in having the most beautiful park and strive to provide world-class service to our guests, we go above and beyond to ensure that our safety standards soar above the rest. Each department sets safety goals yearly, and each month these goals are evaluated. We look at our team member performance, evaluate incidences and rates, and ensure standard operating procedures are adhered to daily. In addition to our efforts at the local level, each of our parks is audited by a team of managers from other parks. With fresh eyes, it helps to keep us on top of our game.
A little while ago, I participated in an audit of the Ride Operations Department at Busch Gardens in Tampa. A team with representatives from Sea World Orlando, Sea World San Antonio and our park convened to conduct this audit.
Once in the park, we spent time observing opening procedures and all items the team needs to accomplish before opening to guests for the day. We observed operating procedures at ride locations while they were open to guests, asking questions, and ensuring they were following their procedures. At the end of the day, we also observed closing procedures, everything that needed to be accomplished to “put the rides to bed” at closing time.
I was able to spend quality time at rides in Tampa similar to rides we have here in Williamsburg, but also had an opportunity to learn some new rides. The team members in Tampa all had great attitudes and all seemed to enjoy what they were doing … some had been in the same position for several years.
We spent many hours in the park, observing, asking questions, auditing and reporting our findings to their leadership team. All in all, it was a successful trip. I enjoyed learning new things and in a different park, and getting to know some of their team members.
