Cedar Fair Amusement Parks its Head in the SAND

California's Great America discriminates against The Disabled and the Segway.

The fine folks who own California’s Great America theme park seem to have their head way way up their butt.
On May 11, 2008 I called guest relations (408.988.1776 ext. 8848) at 11:30am to ask if my Segway was allowed into the park, “...oh yes, Segways are allowed into our park; no problem sir, please bring it” was the cheerful response from guest services.
As a disabled person, this was the start of a great day. I would be able to take my child to the park without the pain and discomfort an outing like this would normally cause.
Upon arrival at the park I fired up the Segway, paid admission and approached security and the metal detectors, was screened and allowed into the park.
For the next few hours I enjoyed the park , answered questions from other guests and various ride operators about the Segway... all the while enjoying a perfect day...THEN...
I was around the back side of the park when I saw several Great America security henchmen coming my way, I didn’t think much of it UNTIL I WAS SURROUNDED BY THEM!

“These aren’t allowed in the park... “How did you get this in here?”

They told me repeatedly that Segways were not allowed in the park. I attempted to explain the phone call and the FACT that I had been screened BY THEM upon entrance into the park.
Now I get the “...you have to come with us..”
I'm then escorted to the front gate by security...I'm still on the Segway, mind you...people are staring, pointing, etc. ...and not like 'wow! what I great idea the Segway was...' but rather, '...they're ridding the park of a criminal...' sort of look.
First, I’m disabled and now I'm a humiliated criminal...the day was not turning out GREAT!
At the front gate I'm surrounded by more security and park management...same story; same questions. I kinda got the idea they thought I hopped the fence with the Segway. My attempts to explain fell on deaf ears.
I was told by the park manager that Segways are not allowed according to park policy, yet when I asked to see the 'policy' in writing, I'm told “...it’s an unwritten internal rule...”, to which I reply that it seems no one in guest services or security knows about the 'unwritten rule' based on the calls I placed and security allowing me into the park in the first place...
They suggested taking my Segway and providing me with a mobility cart. What am I to do? I have a child trying to enjoy himself and the park has undisclosed 'unwritten' rules... So, I take the offer and try to salvage the day.
As I motor back into the park on the 'mobility' cart I quickly realize there is a lot less mobility with one of those things than with a Segway. Plus, people tend to avoid eye contact with the disabled so you're constantly running into people.
The first words my son uttered when he saw me were “...hey dad, you look disabled... “Why did they do that to you?”
I decided to call guest relations once again, only from inside the park while sitting on the cart, and inquire about Segways and park rules. Park representative Cynthia tells me, “Yes, of course we allow Segways in the park, no problem sir”...HA HA HA!
To be fair, the customer service people were very nice, but being told there are "unwritten rules" by security while guest relations is still telling me Segways are allowed in the park is unacceptable...isn't it?
Some places allow Segways, some don’t... In my experience, those that don’t (Disneyland, for instance) usually have valid WRITTEN RULES or bylaws...
Anyway, that's my 2 cents on the subject...
You can drop them a line HERE