Nah, he actually has to ride something for me to succeed. I probably will end up torturing him if he keeps it up though.

Edit: I figured out a way to do it. You can set VIP waypoints on the objective screen by clicking on the icon with the footsteps. You select the coaster you want him to ride to set it as a waypoint. When the VIP comes in he will head right towards that ride. After he rides it, clear all waypoints or he will just go ride it again. He will then decide to go home like he always does but he will now be satisfied and you will have completed the objective. I don't think this is how the game was meant to be played but at least this way I can get past the scenario until Frontier makes a new patch.

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