"CAVEAT EMPTOR!! BUYER BEWARE!!"
I'm usually not one to write reviews for places but the other night's experience was so troubling that it's worth it. We were a pretty large group with 4 families present - from kids to grandparents, ages 14-80 represented. We've been coming to ocean city for years and decided to do some go-karts at Baja this time around.
The night was going fine until one in our group got cursed out by the workers for "bumping" a few times on one of the tracks. Not all of us were there, but thankfully it didn't escalate as those in our group merely ignored it and went to a different track once the turn was over.
Now, as evident in other reviews of Baja, I understand they admittedly do not hire the most respectful employees. And let's be honest, having teens working for your company can be a risk. But it doesn't excuse the F-bombs hurled at a young member of our group for bumping. Nor does it excuse the same rude demeanor we were met with by the management, which I'll later explain.
We were frustrated once we heard this, but still had tickets so we went to another track. By this point we were all together with some of us on the track and the remainder on the outside watching our friends and family.
On this track there was apparently some bumping and a few spin outs on the tight turns, which of course led to bumping/light collisions. On our second go around we were slowed down* and directed to the pit, being told our ride was over. The staff (and the owner of the establishment) were there and had disgruntled, angry expressions on their faces. We were very confused at the brevity of the ride. It must have been no more than a minute and a half of racing. As we got out of the carts and inquired what happened? The owner ignored us. We asked again and he said "ask him!" as he gestured to the 14 year old in our group. Staff members directed us out as if we were a group of punks or hecklers. When the parents and older individuals in our group (ages 40-60), some of whom were riding on that last ride, attempted to approach the owner, he was already on the far side of the track as if he knew he was wrong and wanted to avoid addressing us.
From there the manager, Valerie, and eventually the owner again began confronting us in a very harsh manner. We tried expressing that we would like a refund for just that last ride, which cost a hefty $9 per ticket. We were told "no" and when we asked why were ignored again. When expressing that we were mistreated and that we would be writing a negative review, the manger would just repeatedly say things like, "good, good." And "Okay, great. Bye bye now" in a sarcastic tone. It truly felt like negotiating with a child. So they eventually exhausted us and we saw we were getting no where with them so we made our way out as they "escorted us" to the parking lot. I'm still surprised at how unprofessional their demeanor was.
Now I'll be the first to admit the customer is not always right and that we did in fact "bump" a few times. However, I wish we would have been warned before the ride or that only those who bumped would be stopped rather than the entire group. It ruined the night for everyone - even the riders who did not bump at all. And besides, with such a larger group of people, we spent a significant amount of money on all the tickets, so you would think they would be a little more respectful.
As a final note, I completely understand that go-karts are not "bumper cars" and shouldn't be used as such. However, being a go-kart race track, it is inevitable that some bumping will occur - especially since the track is not very large and has tight turns.
They should have done the right thing and stopped us to warn those who bumped (and who may have done so accidentally). Or, since they did stop our ride after a minute and change, they truly should have reimbursed us for that last ride.
Reflecting on the night, I can only assume management's vision for the facility is every driver distanced 6 feet apart with no passing each other. Essentially, just a gasoline merry go round. So, if that sounds fun to you, save yourself the pricey $9 per short ride, find an empty parking lot, and just drive some gentle circles there instead.
But in reality, I've been coming to OC since I was a child and my suggestion is just stick with the tried and true family fun - mini golf, the boardwalk, ice cream spots, etc.
*it seems they can automatically control each go-kart remotely through some kind of speed governor. read more