I don't understand why so many people are clamering to see FITH and FM overhauled. There are some improvements that could be made for sure, but if they were to completely overhaul those attractions I'm sure they would lose a lot of their old charm and imagination. You just can't replicate the spirit the designers had back when these rides were originally constructed. These days I think it would turn out very PC and bland, and would only loose the ride popularity and the classic appeal that it has. Maybe there's a right way to do it, but I wouldn't mess with such an integral part of the old SDC spirit right now.
Now AP could use a serious overhaul, but I could see that costing $6-$10 million easily, and would basically entail them ripping it all out and putting in a new Intamin flume system.
^^^ That looks pretty cool!
I don't understand why so many people are clamering to see FITH and FM overhauled. There are some improvements that could be made for sure, but if they were to completely overhaul those attractions I'm sure they would lose a lot of their old charm and imagination.
Now i could do the bumper cars because i have always enjoyed them, ( because i am a auto racing fan. :D ) unless they were just for kids. Great themed idea!
A fireworks factory sounds like a shot tower.
Geyser Gulch really isn't charming now, so not sure what you are getting at Shave. This is a remake of GG. Some of the buildings would stay while others leave. Let's not kid ourselves, GG has not been the same every since Splash Harbor left.
As far as "concepts" go - they have been pretty accurate with the past few ones. River Blast looks a lot like the concept as did Half Dollar Holler and a lot of Outlaw Run. I guess we'll see.
It's also a great way to get park hours extended with a fireworks show :).That's the rumor anyways, more extended hours for summer next year. Think they see this as a way to peddle more two day visits via After a certain time , next day free promo they do. Milk the concession money from the visitor teet. ;D
Forgive me for being blunt, but you've got to be kidding! A fireworks factory is really not any different from the explosive theme of PK - where, btw, the shot tower could easily be installed. Take out GG? Definitely! But that's not what this is. It looks like they want to use the current structure and just color it up with brighter, up-to-date color scheme.
Not sure which side of the fence I come down on about the theme, BUT I agree that GG needs something. It was looking pretty sad the last few times we visited. I would be very happy to see the Balloons make a comeback in the park.
I would be very happy to see the Balloons make a comeback in the park.
Revamping that area could help spread out the crowds at Christmas. Other than the show venues, really not much to do down that way when it is too cold for water rides.
History Buff...glad to see you commenting again! I'm OK for having a revamped balloon ride back. The comments about more roaming characters and line entertainment warms my heart...if I were to go back to SDC, that type of work is what I would like to do, including a greeting line at the Hospitality House again each morning and afternoon/evening. It would be interesting to see about five family rides put in that area where the Tobaggan used to be. So, we will see what will happen. The old school shows at Riverfront Playhouse would be great, too!
I think the Fire Station theme would be the easiest to integrate into the city, yet at the same time it would be kind of awkward in terms of stretching the theme to an entire area, and it might be the least interesting of the three in terms of catching people's attention. The flight one is probably my favorite - it's playful enough yet still fits the essence of the park. I hope they aren't considering a plane ride in there though like the artwork shows, because that would be way out of place.
The fireworks factory is interesting and could be done well, but it still seems a little out there and like it would contrast so much with the rest of the park. It would be cool if they tied in some other factors of the park with it like bat guano, and an occasional fireworks show could be interesting.
All of the three certainly sound neat in their own right though, and I wouldn't be too
-Did the survey indicate this is for 2014?
Rube Dugan WAS SDC's resident inventor, BEFORE Doc Harris. Here is a quote from the back side of the diving bell post card that was sold on park in the 1970's: "Rube Dugan was a legendary Ozark inventor who built the weirdest diving bell of all time...and everybody who visits Silver Dollar City takes a cruise in this curious contraption. It's a part of the special fun on the "lighter side of life" at the little town which is the Capital of the Ozarks." So, for me, seeing Rube reappear on park after so many years absence is fine, provided we don't have WWI Era planes flying around down by the lake. It is OK in my opinion to have hot air balloons or even the bicycles with wings thing. However, all that said, I too would LOVE to see a diving bell revamped and at Lake Silver again. If the powers that be actually go forth with a Dugan attraction, I am more than happy to lend a hand to helping them theme the area with old diving bell memorabilia that could go along the area people line up to get on the new ride. Group shots of diving bell crews, and other things to make the standing in line less boring. Something to look at that gives a nod to an attraction that used to be by the lake.
It would be neat if they put the tracked horse coaster thing by OR and themed it to the pony express.
Rube Dugan WAS SDC's resident inventor, BEFORE Doc Harris. Here is a quote from the back side of the diving bell post card that was sold on park in the 1970's: "Rube Dugan was a legendary Ozark inventor who built the weirdest diving bell of all time...and everybody who visits Silver Dollar City takes a cruise in this curious contraption. It's a part of the special fun on the "lighter side of life" at the little town which is the Capital of the Ozarks." So, for me, seeing Rube reappear on park after so many years absence is fine, provided we don't have WWI Era planes flying around down by the lake. It is OK in my opinion to have hot air balloons or even the bicycles with wings thing. However, all that said, I too would LOVE to see a diving bell revamped and at Lake Silver again. If the powers that be actually go forth with a Dugan attraction, I am more than happy to lend a hand to helping them theme the area with old diving bell memorabilia that could go along the area people line up to get on the new ride. Group shots of diving bell crews, and other things to make the standing in line less boring. Something to look at that gives a nod to an attraction that used to be by the lake.
I see a lot of assumptions building here that don't seem to have a lot of backing to them, so maybe it's time we regathered some thoughts here and slowed this rumor mill down a bit.
What we know right now that the park has been investigating a combination GG-refurbishment and Zamperla kiddie/family ride package with the S&S tower from CC included as well.
What we don't know is when they'll do this, or even IF they'll go ahead with it. We also know nothing about the next coaster project. Even if we did know something, so much can change if the PTB doesn't get the response they want or if they start freaking out about the park's numbers not being as high as they expected. I've heard SDC's numbers are at least not down from last year anymore, but with a new $10 million coaster I'm sure they were hoping for at least a 10% increase in attendance.
I could see the GG project happening in 2015 honestly, with them using 2014 to sit back and let their finances recover and try to push their numbers back up with the new festivals and events. That's purely speculation on my part, but it's just an example of a different route they could take right now.
The only reason we have to believe that another coaster is on the way soon is because Pete Herschend reportedly said something to someone that sounded like a hint. While I think that was something to get excited about, it really doesn't bear that much weight when you consider that Pete isn't really involved with the park's operations anymore, and it was only an off-the-cuff remark that could have meant anything. I know Swoosh has some speculation to offer, but when it comes to another B&M coming anytime soon I'll believe it when it's announced. It just doesn't add up when you look at the way this company behaves and how the market seems to be acting right now.
I see a lot of assumptions building here that don't seem to have a lot of backing to them, so maybe it's time we regathered some thoughts here and slowed this rumor mill down a bit.
What we know right now that the park has been investigating a combination GG-refurbishment and Zamperla kiddie/family ride package with the S&S tower from CC included as well.
What we don't know is when they'll do this, or even IF they'll go ahead with it. We also know nothing about the next coaster project. Even if we did know something, so much can change if the PTB doesn't get the response they want or if they start freaking out about the park's numbers not being as high as they expected. I've heard SDC's numbers are at least not down from last year anymore, but with a new $10 million coaster I'm sure they were hoping for at least a 10% increase in attendance.
I could see the GG project happening in 2015 honestly, with them using 2014 to sit back and let their finances recover and try to push their numbers back up with the new festivals and events. That's purely speculation on my part, but it's just an example of a different route they could take right now.
The only reason we have to believe that another coaster is on the way soon is because Pete Herschend reportedly said something to someone that sounded like a hint. While I think that was something to get excited about, it really doesn't bear that much weight when you consider that Pete isn't really involved with the park's operations anymore, and it was only an off-the-cuff remark that could have meant anything. I know Swoosh has some speculation to offer, but when it comes to another B&M coming anytime soon I'll believe it when it's announced. It just doesn't add up when you look at the way this company behaves and how the market seems to be acting right now.
That's on the mark, shave. Besides, as they market things, everything they do is "going to be exciting". Remember when HDH was going to be a huge deal or when C&C was going to be a huge deal? You have to admit, those things weren't the most exciting additions in the world (The word "huh?" comes to mind.).
I do have a three year old, but I can go to McDonald's or Chik-Fil-A and do a play structure for free. I don't plan to waste a lot of time chasing him around HDH. Not to say we don't go, but as you say, the styling looks great, but it seems like a lot of money for what it is. More play to go with the structure would have been nice.
Anyway, to keep this thread on topic, don't be distracted by the required marketing language that hypes expectations - no matter what the payoff.
Merging threads... Again, I like to keep things in specific threads. It makes it much easier for people to follow and prevents us from having numerous parallel threads where people are copying and pasting the same responses into each one.
^Right, there's lots of pyro themes, but fireworks have always seen like a modern, foreign thing to me. I associate them with China mostly. I've never heard of there being fireworks factories scattered around missouri towns in the 1880s.
That's not to say it matters too much in this case, because with this being the GG area they are trying to be somewhat whimsical and that works for this particular area of the park. Like I've said, there's ways to do it right, but I personally don't see what others are seeing in it.
Its just me.... I'm a purist & would want the Rube Dugan name to remain Nautical & legendary to lake Silver.
I don't care for the flight theme at all. Seems too carny. My vote is for fireworks if done properly.
Agreed. I see a compromise with having a fireworks factory and volunteer firefighter station next to each other in the area, but I do not like the airplanes.
Agreed. I see a compromise with having a fireworks factory and volunteer firefighter station next to each other in the area, but I do not like the airplanes.
A fire station next to a fireworks factory - that would be funny, and ironic! :D
Fireworks were definitely used during the 1880's, but it would still have to be done right to avoid being cheesy. Regardless of the theme, I would still like to see the return of the Balloon Ride somewhere amongst it. My personal nostalgic side always seeps back in. :D
I would like to see the park focus on bringing in craftsmen and maybe redoing some of the older rides. put some $$ into sprucing up the AP tunnel, making some improvements at GM. That kind of thing.
How about a revamp of Jack's Sandwich Shop and a complete rebuild on the tree house? Steel support covered in lumber for the tree house and a ramp for handicapped access, redo the concrete stair tree and bridge to accommodate today's larger sized folk, and fill the tree house with all sorts of new fun stuff to enjoy for kids and adults. I'm in favor of a new "Infinity Room" at the tree house, too! I know, wishful thinking? ;)
I like the irony of a fire station next to a fireworks factory. It would fit perfectly with SDC's sense of humor, like the designated smoking spot that's next to the cemetary.
I voted for fireworks, but I want any PTB that may be lurking to know I also vote for a return of the balloons!
^I think at this point there's enough demand for more kid's rides, not less. As for the balloons, I've heard that the old ride has been left to rot and probably won't operate again. It's been sitting in a back lot unprotected all this time. I believe you can see it if you know where to look when driving past.
When it comes down to it, what difference is there in the balloon ride and and any other turning/flying ride? These rides just don't have the true nostalgic appeal of, say, a diving bell or a flooded mine, and they don't have the thrill factor of a roller coaster or a giant swing. I can pretty much drive in circles on the top level of a parking garage and receive the same effect.
Nostalgia. Purely Nostalgia. We rode those baloons when we were kids and wish that our kids could ride em too
Nostalgia. Purely Nostalgia. We rode those baloons when we were kids and wish that our kids could ride em too
Exactly! The balloons weren't really in-theme anyway, but the nostalgia of that particular ride is what I'm attracted to.
Nostalgia. Purely Nostalgia. We rode those baloons when we were kids and wish that our kids could ride em too
Exactly! The balloons weren't really in-theme anyway, but the nostalgia of that particular ride is what I'm attracted to.
Heh, sometimes I think we are too rigid on what constitutes "in-theme" at SDC. There's a certain amount of kitsch involved. SDC came close at times to being a true frontier town, but there's always been an edge to it, and the balloons fit within that to some degree. I mean, hot air balloons have been around since 1800 at least. Obviously they wouldn't be flying around a little Ozark town, but that's where the kitsch aspect comes in.
As for History Buff's comments, I think at this point it has to be conceded that there will be an increasing number of off-the-shelf flat rides installed around the park. At one point, even the balloon ride was kind of a sore thumb for the park's ambiance, but if it were still there now I don't think it would clash nearly as much. We talk every other week about how the park is changing in that aspect, but I still say that there's a right way to do it that keeps the SDC spirit more or less in tact while giving the current market what it wants. Look at TGS for example - a revolutionary (at the time) level of theming for a simple S&S screamin' swing, with a whole area full of interesting little perks around it. It's all about putting these rides into a 'place' instead of just a bunch of rides.
Take out the elephants and replace with the balloons. Everyone's happy ;D
No. I'll write more later.
The solution to GE is definitely not to spread it out across the entire park. The area could use some work to make it more immersive, but the fact that it is off in it's own little off-shoot of the park is what has always made it 'acceptable'. When you look at it as SDC's take on a carnival, it just sort of works. The back portion simply needs to be re-done. Perhaps someday they'll tackle that, but as it is I certainly wouldn't want to see those particular rides anywhere else. They are nicely tucked away back there where they don't interfere with the experience of the rest of the park.
"spinning rides" add movement to a "dead" section of the park. It is amazing how much life even one moving attraction can addTrue enough but I cant count the times I have been back to the GE and the rides are not all running.
That's about what I expected. Sounds good to me.
I just think it's funny how much they harp on Screamscape, when literally the only thing that site does is scrape forums like these for little tidbits of information.
Please! Stop the madness!I did think SDC acknowledged us in their comments when they mentioned they "put it out there in the world" and then listened to comments and suggestions. It does sound as if they are doing more than taking objective data, but that they actually mold the comments of their followers into the final product.
Listen to this, SDC researchers: I want a combo fireworks/firefighters attraction - without modern fire engines. In many small towns, the volunteer firefighters are the ones who light the fireworks.
This is more representative of most Missouri towns these days 8)
(http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/2/2a/Beavis-fire.gif)
If by "most Missouri towns" you meant "NWA" then yes, I agree with you
More like Nevada and Lamar
Court secretary, please notate in the minutes that "most" now refers to "two"
Good lawrd I love me sum Arkysaw edumikatshun
Examples, I don't have all day
Unless something has changed, the WB tower is staying. I would imagine it would get incorporated into the rollercoaster design much like a couple of the towers are being used on Firecracker Express at DW from the rope course
“Anyone born in (1976) or that was married, and is still married to that same spouse, in 1976, will get a free season pass for 2014.”
Also in your first trip to the park you might have to look for the kettle corn stand. It might just have up and moved on us.
Well besides the closing of the Bittersweet Gallery what other changes do we know as about?So, how much is this going to cost and what effect will it have on those of us who are old fashion and wait in line for their turn?
I know you can now get a trailblazer pass that is unlimited rides. I was hoping they would never do this.
and what effect will it have on those of us who are old fashion and wait in line for their turn?
Magic Kingdom is now $99. Also FastPass+ is the newest version of the "cut system" -- while it is "free" to most people. Those staying onsite have a few more "benefits" with the system proving that even the "best of systems" can be "bought"
I loved Universal's system, probably because we stayed on site so we had unlimited line bypass and didn't wait more than 5 minutes for a ride the whole time we were there. The longest waits were in Wizarding World for Olivander's "show."
Not a fan of the new Disney system and don't know if we'll be going back due to it. I loved the old Fastpass and am not excited about the changes.
Also not excited about the new Trail Blazer, however if we go to SDC, we buy season passes and we can do as someone here pointed out... line too long? leave and come back tomorrow. We're always at the park at opening, knock out the big rides in the first hour and then relax and do smaller rides and shows. Trail Blazer doesn't usually bother us.
Just can't wait to try the new funnel cake a week from today. Outlaw Run. Cholocate, Carmel & peanut butter, with sea salt.
Just can't wait to try the new funnel cake a week from today. Outlaw Run. Cholocate, Carmel & peanut butter, with sea salt.
Cowboy Jeps has moved to the old Greatest Gift shop. GG moved to old Love My Country. And where CJ was next to General Store is the Celebrate American shop. Bishops water color is moving to the old Bitter Sweet gallery.
Cowboy Jeps has moved to the old Greatest Gift shop. GG moved to old Love My Country. And where CJ was next to General Store is the Celebrate American shop. Bishops water color is moving to the old Bitter Sweet gallery.
I didn't realize this was to be made public yet. I guess better you then me to spill the beans early.
The kettle corn sign doesn't look like it fits in. There isn't enough "rustic" to it.
I just posted some early morning shots of the park activity. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/120383076@N06/
I will wait unitl I see the new building to decide......
An eyesore! Not that I wish ill for SDC, but I hope it fails as a generator of profit.
An eyesore! Not that I wish ill for SDC, but I hope it fails as a generator of profit.
Why do you think SDC is going with the Americana theme this year? I don't remember a year long theme happening in the past, other than to mark their anniversary. Do you think it's to promote something big coming in the future? I just wonder what the thinking is behind the plan.
Has anyone got any pictures of the new Outlaw Run train lap bars and seat belts yet? I heard from a park goer posting on the official SDC Facebook pagr about it but no pic.
Normally I try to avoid nit-picking the newer thematic developments in the park. I'm normally happy if they at least keep putting some effort into the park's atmosphere and character.
That new carnival game is just tacky. It's the kind of thing that's hard to wrap your head around when you think about their operations from a business perspective. How much value did they take away from the park experience for the little bit of pocket change that game will make? If they keep making additions like this, it'll be hard to keep convincing people that SDC is the kind of place that can reasonably demand the kind of ticket prices they do... I think this kind of thing is more damaging to the park than the PTB think, at least its tucked away for now. What went in by TGS?
Then there is this. I've passed this area a few times, but this was the first visit I saw the new water fountain across from the potatoes and kettle corn at the barn:We were there a week ago, and I remember seeing the sign and pipe, but the barrel wasn't there (as far as I can remember).
(http://www.weebly.com/uploads/6/0/7/6/6076564/922154.jpg)
Its just a big sign about how far the great AP has fallen. I remember coming to SDC a couple times a year with my family when I was younger and AP was always my favorite water ride. But now that they've taken away pretty much all of the theme from it, its lost a lot of its luster. I hate that the tunnel is all boarded up and nothing more than darkness. I really wish they'd revamp it a little bit and bring back some of the theme elements.
The face is gone. They have taken the face out and replaced it with a line of lights. It has to be the stupidest, cheapest replacement ever.
could not get pics to download.. check this link..??
https://www.facebook.com/lorrie.crumb/media_set?set=a.10203879779826405.1073741882.1578260143&type=3