SDC has been sending out more surveys lately to select season pass holders, asking how rising gas prices will affect travel plans. I'll bet the reality of $4+ gas is really hurting SDC. Quite a few SDC patrons come from several states away, but many of them won't be coming until gas goes down or they get a better transport solution. Surely SDC's attendance will have a constant dampener on it from now until gas drops again, but how long will that be? If it takes too long, will SDC scale back expansion plans?
I kinda doubt they'll do anything too drastic, but I'm sure we'll see all sorts of evidence of them trying to cut corners - not in a bad way though. Then again, the season seems to be off to an amazing start already, so how much will gas have to cost before people will stop hitting up SDC?
As for myself, I'm cutting back on my driving, but SDC will always be pretty high up on my priorities. I really just want to get an Aptera so I won't have to worry about filling up again.
SDC went into this season prepared for the higher gas prices. They have cut corners already and are being very cautious, which is wise. The positive thing for travelers is, Branson is located within a day's drive of most of the U.S.'s population, and that is a good thing for SDC and Branson. People might not drive the long journey to Walt Disney World this year or fly to the west coast, but they can travel to Branson for less then the other places. I really hope this works to their advantage.
Holy cow! I'd never heard of an Aptera before, so looked it up just now... 230 mpg at 55mph??? I WANT! :D
My sis, friend, and I are taking a daytrip to SDC next Wednesday; we're going in the morning and coming back that night in order to keep from paying for accommodations; we're also taking a backpack full of food from our own houses in order to keep from paying for food... All this just so that we can split the cost of gas three ways and be able to afford going down (since all three of us are rather strapped for cash).
I am definitely glad Branson is only 4 hours away. At least a daytrip is actually reasonable.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
Quote from: tinaalsgirl on April 24, 2008, 08:28:10 AM
Holy cow! I'd never heard of an Aptera before, so looked it up just now... 230 mpg at 55mph??? I WANT! :D
My sis, friend, and I are taking a daytrip to SDC next Wednesday; we're going in the morning and coming back that night in order to keep from paying for accommodations; we're also taking a backpack full of food from our own houses in order to keep from paying for food... All this just so that we can split the cost of gas three ways and be able to afford going down (since all three of us are rather strapped for cash).
I am definitely glad Branson is only 4 hours away. At least a daytrip is actually reasonable.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
I'm glad SDC is prepared, but I've found that people will cut back to be able to make enjoyable trips like ones to SDC. Becky, your upcoming trip is a perfect example. People get creative by carpooling, making day trips (even if they are long), and bringing their own food. So I really don't think SDC will see a significant drop in attendance or revenue this year due to gas prices.
I don't think it will affect our traveling that much, because that is just what we do. We'll just have to suck it up and realize that it will cost more to do so.
I can't remember who said it, but I think it's true. Most Americans save like there's no tomorrow, and spend like there's no tomorrow. If they normally spend their money in Branson and SDC, then I think they'll continue to do so no matter if gas prices are high. They'll find a way to make their traditional trips to SDC and Branson.
I live 2 hrs from SDC and it is a little spooky thinking that it costs $50 in gass to get there and back. I'm a teacher, so we're not rich- but not poor. $50 is definately something to think about. We get into the park on season passports.
Wow, you car must get really poor gas mileage if you only live 2 hrs away and it costs that much to get there and back. We live about 5 hours away and it costs us that much. :-\
Well, it all depends on how new or old a person's car is. I've estimated the cost of our gas at $3.40 a gallon at 20mpg (which is pretty high for my friend's car, and a bit low for my sister's; we're not sure yet whose vehicle we're taking), and it looks like we'll be paying about $75 for gas for our trip; we're coming from Independence, a four hour drive.
I sure wish we had an ethanol-powered vehicle to drive; the cost of E85 at a nearby station is only $2.85 (last I saw it).
We always try to save when we go. We do stay in a Motel (Branson Motor Court Downtown). It is not the Ritz but the beds are clean and the people are nice. After tax it is $40 per night with 2 beds. With 4 of us it is only 10 per night per person. Not bad. We take a little Mocrowave we got at a gradge sale, Ice chest of pop, and a coffee maker. Bagles for Breakfast and away we go to SDC for the day. I live about 4 and 1/2 hours away and our SUV gets 27mpg... I just filled up for $67... ouch. One tank there and one tank back.
It's just too bad that we have virtually no cross-country transportation in this country. When I lived in England, I could go anywhere in the UK just by stepping out my door and walking down to the bus station. Here it's either driving or flying - there aren't even any bus lines that I could use. Sad...
Yeah, I mean, they've got Greyhound, but good luck getting one to Branson.
And MAN! I went out tonight to look for some swimwear, and in the time I was gone, the gas prices went from $3.39 to $3.47! This is OUTRAGEOUS.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
Quote from: oklaSDCfan on April 24, 2008, 04:51:26 PM
We always try to save when we go. We do stay in a Motel (Branson Motor Court Downtown). It is not the Ritz but the beds are clean and the people are nice. After tax it is $40 per night with 2 beds. With 4 of us it is only 10 per night per person. Not bad. We take a little Mocrowave we got at a gradge sale, Ice chest of pop, and a coffee maker. Bagles for Breakfast and away we go to SDC for the day. I live about 4 and 1/2 hours away and our SUV gets 27mpg... I just filled up for $67... ouch. One tank there and one tank back.
We usually stay in the Blue Bayou Motor Inn. It's definitely not the Ritz, but it's comfortable. The Starvin' Marvin's Restaurant at the Inn is pretty good too. The room rate is $60/night. We drive a Focus and for a 4 and 1/2 hour drive it takes about 3/5 of a tank to get down to Branson, so our gas mileage I think is pretty good.
Um, why don't you guys use Priceline and get a motel for under $40 bucks -- a name brand hotel at that? That's how we roll. ???
^Sometimes we do. It's been a few years since we've stayed at the Blue Bayou. We have a relative that lives in Springfield, so we've been staying with her when we go to Branson. Looks like she'll be moving in the next 6 months, so we'll have to keep Priceline in mind. Depends on how our finances are, since we really like the Blue Bayou! :)
If it's warm enough, we camp, since that's only around $14 a night.
And man, apparently we in Missouri got lucky; on the Kansas side of the Metro, they're at around $3.53. They said on the news that it's because the barrels are costing $160 a piece; if it goes up to $200 a piece, we could be seeing $7 a gallon for gas!
~ "Becky" Joy ~
^That is ridiculous. I think gas here in our town is $3.37 a gallon.
Last time we went to Branson we filled up before we left and filled up in Branson and that was it. I don't know the cost of it all. It won't affect our trips to Branson any.
FWIW, the CHEAPEST gas in the Branson area is at the QT in Nixa. ALWAYS gas up there before going into Branson as you will pay between 10-20 cents more in Branson then in Nixa because in Nixa you don't have to pay the tourist tax like you do in Branson.
ALSO, the rooms in Branson have a tourist tax added onto them whereas rooms in Branson West do not last time I checked
Gas prices in Illinois have just reached $3.99. We have a 5 l/2 hr. drive to Branson. We will make only two trips to SDC this year, one in the summer and one (hopefully) during the Christmas season. I am wishing I hadn't purchased 4 season passes, but who knew at the time what was coming down the line. We plan to stay a few days longer each trip instead of making multiple trips like we usually do. As far as boating, well, that may be out of the question for this year. We'll also take advantage of free breakfast at the hotel and fill up on snacks before entering the park. Servings are usually large enough at the park that two can share if needed. I teach also - that means not rich, but not poor. I grew up vacationing with a cooler in the car and a bag of groceries. Looks like we might be doing the same thing this year to cut corners. What a bummer! The best part of vacationing is EATING OUT.
^We hope to make two trips this year, maybe three. Continental breakfasts are the best! We always take advantage of them!
We're from far Northern Wisconsin where the gas is now $3.79 a gallon.Plan on going to Branson the end of this month for 2 weeks...will be staying in cheap motels and eating cheaper this year too.Don't like the preferred seats at SDC...people are paying enough for being there now.
^I don't think they do preferred seating. Your admission to the park is your admission to all shows, on a first-come, first-served basis. Is this something new? I can't find it anywhere on their website...
BS they don't do "preferred seating" -- it's called "Show Lovers Pass" and it took the place of the Chamber of Commerce building just inside the front gate across from the rental depot
After seeing the line for Feet of Fire, I'm not the least surprised that they have the Show Lover's Pass. If I'd had the extra money, I would've gotten one.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
There's no way I would buy a Show Lover's pass. I'm paying enough as it is. Plus, Feet of Fire kind-of sucked when I saw it. World Fest is my favorite festival, and I am always saddened to see how little representation Ireland has. After this year, however, I'm thinking they may need to scale it back again.
^They don't publicize the Show Lover's Pass very well. I didn't even know it existed until now (or I knew about it once and completely forgot about it, which is pretty likely). I looked all around their website and even did a search and nothing came up. I don't think it's on their website at all.
Well having large sections of each of the main theatres roped off with signs saying "Reserved for Show Lover's Pass" usually isn't a telltale sign of it existing. ;) lol
Yeah, it's pretty prominently advertised in the park, but I agree it should be more prominent on the SDC website. The best thing to do is advertise it there so that when people are planning their trips, they know about it ahead of time and can plan accordingly.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
The problem with the Show Lovers Booth is that it is located in a congested part of the City, The Entrance. Most people walk past it and have to be redirected back to it. I think a locker booth would have made a better feature then the Show Lovers booth, but then again I am not a big fan of SDC's Entertainment Department.