Cedar Fair Associate Life Portal

Travel Arrangements/ Transportation

It is recommended that you fly into the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. Other options include the Amtrak (train), but there is limited service to the area and the nearest station is further away from the park than the airport, so the cost to get from the train station to the park would be more expensive, so we recommend flying. There is also bus service to and from the Minneapolis airport, but it is very limited so plan accordingly. We cannot guarantee airport transportation.

Days And Times To Arrive

We are open everyday but, please plan your arrival between the hours of 9:00am and 11:00pm. This will help potential roommates not having sleep interrupted and ensure ease of travel from the airport. If your flight is after 11:00pm, please plan to stay at a hotel and checking-in in the morning.

Transportation In The Area

Shakopee offers several transit services including a bus line to downtown Minneapolis. There are bus services to Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Mall of America and more! These buses leave from the Marshall Road Transit Station located in Shakopee (approximately 3 miles from Valleyfair). There is also a bus stop between the dorms and the park that can be used during the season. Lyft and Uber are also available in the area.

We recommend investing in a bike (second hand or new) for the duration of your stay as ride sharing services can become expensive and bus service is limited.

Valleyfair Housing Campus
5605 E. Highway 101
Shakopee, MN 55379

You do not need to live on site, but housing in the area is MUCH more expensive and difficult to find. Also, transportation to and from work may be difficult if you do not live on site. Our dorms are located within walking/biking distance to the park and associate entrance.

Additional Housing Notes

Each room houses four people with bunk style beds. There are two dressers and a small refrigerator provided in each room. Each resident also gets a locker, and each room has its own heating and air conditioning. Each floor of housing has a bathroom and basic cooking areas with a microwave and sinks. Dishes and other miscellaneous kitchen items can be borrowed free of charge.

There are common lobby areas in each building for social time. We also have items available for community use such as video game systems, board games, pool table, TVs, and movies. We do have a floor with basic workout equipment, and a floor with quiet places to lounge and read. Each building has a laundry facility, mini market, a fully equipped kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.

Outside of the building we have a volleyball court, basketball hoop, soccer field and other outdoor games you can use. A housing associate is available to answer any concerns or questions you may have. Rent is approximately $56 per week and is deducted from your paycheck. Your will be required to pay a $100 deposit via credit/debit card before arrival.

Processing/ HR Paperwork

You will need to meet with HR on the first day of your DS-2019 to complete the steps to get added to our payroll system. Below are the documents that you will need to complete processing. You will set an appointment time when you check into housing!

• Passport
• DS-2019
• I-94 – Printed by HR

Call SEVIS

You will need to call SEVIS to register your time in the US (888-268-6245). This should be done on the date indicated on your DS-2019 Form. You will not be able to do this prior to your DS start date. You will need to complete a survey monthly that will be sent to your email after your initial call. Failure to complete the monthly check-in may jepordise your ability to remain in the US.

Orientation Information

You will need to attend a meeting that will provide you with important information about living and working at Valleyfair. It is important that you attend these meetings as soon as possible AFTER YOU COMPLETE YOUR PAPERWORK WITH HR, as you cannot begin work until you’ve attended. The front desk staff at the dorms will be able to assist you. We have a lot of fun and exciting things planned for this season!

Training Information

It important to us that you have an awesome summer and experience working at Valleyfair. Making sure you feel comfortable providing our guests with an awesome experience is key to your success. To get you started, you will learn about the company's mission, our cornerstones, and overall Valleyfair policies and procedures in new hire orientation. You will participate in a number of additional training sessions that will provide you with more specific information about your role, including department training, location training and any job specific training that is offered/required (i.e., Lifeguard training). We encourage you to participate, take notes and ask questions so you have a good understanding of your job and expectations.

• Please dress for the weather as you will likely be outdoors for at least a portion of the training
• Lunch will be available for purchase in our Cornerstone Café
• If you have received your uniform, you do NOT need to wear it to orientation. However, Speak to your department for on the job training and if you need to wear your uniform during that time.

Social Security Information

After arriving at Valleyfair, you will need to go to the social security office and apply for a social security card. The Social Security Administration recommends going to the office after 8 business (Monday-Friday) days from arriving in the country. Valleyfair will help provide transportation to the social security office or help you find a bus to take you to the office.

Here is a list of documents you will need to have to receive a social security card.

• Passport
• DS-2019
• I-94

Social Security Card Application: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
More Information: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf

Food

You can buy food in the Cornerstone Café near the administration building inside the park on breaks or you can buy and cook food in the kitchens at the dorms and bring a lunch for your shift. Mini Markets are available on campus for your convenience. Food available in the Cornerstone Café is very reasonably priced.

Making Extra Money / Extra Hours

It is possible for you to have a second job, however Valleyfair must be your primary job. You will be expected to work all scheduled shifts at Valleyfair without interference from a second job if one is obtained.

Extra hours may be available depending on the time of the season. Mid-May, late August, September, and October are typically when extra hours are available. We are typically fully staffed during the months of June and July and cannot promise/guarantee extra hours beyond an average of 32-hours during those months.

Valleyfair does not offer a bonus or overtime pay.

Job Transfers

Job transfers are not offered unless for safety, physical limitations, or otherwise approved accomodations. Wanting to work with friends or seeking more hours are not appropriate and will be denied.

HR will determine where approved accomodations will transfer. The participants cannot choose where to transfer, if approved. In addition, the transfer must be approved by your current manager and the manager of the department you are being transferred to. Transfers are not guaranteed.

Drug Screens

Drug tests are required for anyone who is working in a safety sensitive position. Safety sensitive positions are those who are working in Rides, Aquatics, and Safety/Security.

Days Off, Activities, Job Perks

Valleyfair offers many after-hours events such as ride nights, game nights, waterpark nights, Valleyfair Olympics, and other weekly/monthly social gatherings. We also have other events such as Meals with Management, and housing-only events like volleyball tournaments and much more!

Valleyfair is located approximately 30 minutes southwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There are many cities and places that you can visit in Minnesota.

Bank Accounts

Associates can sign up for any bank account in the United States. Please refer to the “Signing Up for Direct Deposit” instruction packet to sign up for direct deposit. This is available at HR or the Front desk of both dorm buildings.

BMO is available on-site for your convenience.

• How do I deposit a paper check?
  You will need to visit a branch of your bank or a location with your banks ATM or depository to deposit any paper checks.

Job Perks

• Free admission to the park/waterpark.
• Weekly/monthly associate events (ride nights, game nights, meals with management (free food) etc.).
• Learn new work/job skills to prepare you or your future.
• Affordable on-site housing.
• Competitive pay rates.
• Life-long friendships.
• Special Dorm/housing-only events.
• Working with people from all over the world! (We have over 20 different countires living on campus.)
• Supportive administrative staff to answer any questions or concerns.
• Employee recognition programs - One Team Award, Memory Maker Award, Values Awards, and Associate of the Month.
• Discounts on park merchandise and food.
• Flexible scheduling.

Change of Contract Dates

We require all work and travel Students to complete their agrred upon contract. This includes working on their start and end dates according to their DS-2019. If you believe you cannot complete your contract, it must be changed beofre you arrive to the US. Please double check your school calendar and plan for 3-5 days of travel! Contact life@valleyfair.com for assistance. The decision will be pending and will require approval from our recruiters, your department, and your sponsor.

Leaving Early

We are not able to approve end date changes for personal travel reasons. If you would like leave prior to your contract end date, please turn in your 2 weeks’ notice. Due to early departure, you will not be eligible for a housing deposit return.

If you are requesting a change due to your school schedule, this should be completed before you arrive in the US. You will need to provide proof in the form of a school schedule or letter from a university. Shortening your end date may put you in a non-rehire eligible status at Valleyfair and may hinder your ability to participate in future work and travel program experiences.

Leaving Later

You will have up to a month (30 days) after your DS-2019 to travel throughout the United States. Unfortunately, you will not be able to work any later than the date on your DS-2019. Many countires limit how late participants can stay, but if you are interested, please contact life@valleyfair.com.

End of Contract & Departure

You are allowed to remain in Associate Housing for up to 72 hours (3 days) after the end of your last shift. It is important that you work on until the last day of your DS-2019 work contract. Early departure and/or failure to work until your contracted end date may result in your deposit not being returned and not being allowed to be rehired in the future.

When checking out of housing please thoroughly clean your room, remove all personal items, trash, and return your keys and uniform(s). Failure to do so may result in additional fees and charges. We encourage you to check-out at the front desk to have a Housing Team Member do a final walkthrough with you. This will allow you the chance to fix any issues that may have been overlooked. However, if you are short on time, we have express checkout available.

If you are the first to leave your room, we encourage you to take pictures of how you left the room to avoid being charged when the rest of your roommates leave. If we are unable to prove who is (or is not) responsible for issues in a room, all residents will be charged equally.