Got another survey this week from H2R about the theme of SDC, why do I go, and lots of other questions.
Here's one of them -- Which of the following statements would make you most likely to visit SDC?
1) A world steeped in hometown values, traditions, and a genuine desire to make guests walk away with a lighter heart.
2) With an immersive 1880s theme chiseled out of our great pioneering past, everything from the rides to the food and entertainment honors that spirit of exploration, resourcefulness, and grit.
3) The surrounding natural beauty seems to transform visitors, bringing families and couples together in a way nowhere else can.
4) None of the above.
Then there was a follow up asking you to explain why you made your choice.
Later on there was a series of questions based on the statement below, and opportunities to write why you felt the way you did about certain things.
What makes this park special is that every visit is an adventure. With an immersive 1880s theme chiseled out of our great pioneering past, everything from the rides to the food and entertainment honors that spirit of exploration, resourcefulness, and grit. World-class roller coasters scream through the hills, in the park's rustic, natural setting. Big, high production shows celebrate the good times with lively entertainment. Demonstrating artisan craftsmen line the streets and squares showing guests how candy, iron, glass, wood and other goods are made by hand. There are even areas just for the little ones to explore. Adventure, exploration, and discovery are everywhere.
Also questions about festivals, how often you visit, what type of passholder are you, and more.
Took a long time to answer since it wasn't just multiple choice.
Anyone else get this survey?
I did not get the survey. I don't want them to advertise the park as a rustic getaway in hills of the Ozarks anymore. It doesn't really fit when the outside road can clearly be seen from the new roller coaster.
I do like that they seem to be taking the theme seriously...or seeing if enough visitors care enough to see if it is worth it to keep it.
Yeah as I suspected for a while I think this is another omen that they are wanting to break away or possibly even completely retheme the park away from the 1880's ozarkain/hillbilly themes into something more generic or something new altogether and of course they recognize that the parks original target audience is getting older & attending less or dying off altogether as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see a revival of Celebration City with the 1950's theming brought into a portion of the park since so many elements have already been consolidated into SDC as it is. An example of this multi themed format can also be seen at Dollywood. I think their idea is to eventually make SDC a clone of what Dollywood currently is today.
Was this in an Email? or mailed to you?
Quote from: sdcfan88 on February 16, 2017, 11:26:50 PM
Yeah as I suspected for a while I think this is another omen that they are wanting to break away or possibly even completely retheme the park away from the 1880's ozarkain/hillbilly themes into something more generic or something new altogether and of course they recognize that the parks original target audience is getting older & attending less or dying off altogether as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see a revival of Celebration City with the 1950's theming brought into a portion of the park since so many elements have already been consolidated into SDC as it is. An example of this multi themed format can also be seen at Dollywood. I think their idea is to eventually make SDC a clone of what Dollywood currently is today.
Agreed....this is an obvious indication that they are looking to add new themes to the park. Lets face it most of the amusement park attending public are already used to having parks with multiple themes so it wouldn't be that big of a deal to all the non SDC historic fans.
If they do some time of various era's of Ozark history they better start soon. The generation who'd most enjoy the 50s is dying off right now too. We may end up getting the Ozarks of the 1970s/80s/90s. Not sure how appealing that would be....lol
This is going to make me sound like a conspiracy theorist, but honestly, I'm not.
I have gotten these surveys quite often in the past. I have not gotten this one. On EVERY survey that I get from SDC, I comment about how important keeping the 1880's Ozark mountain village theme is to me.
Are the recipients of these surveys completely random, or could they be picking their recipients in order to get the responses they want?
I received the survey several days ago. I was thrilled to finally give my opinion, as I can only think of one other time that i got a survey.
I believe the survey's questions changed depending on which answer you gave for the 1st question. They kept asking about "Adventure" for most of my questions. What adventure means to me and so forth. Several questions also asked about "Immersive Theming."
It was quite lengthily, and gave me several opportunities to state my opinion, which I appreciated.
LOL. Some of you have a really bizzare way of interpreting anything the park puts out. Relax, there's no boogie man running around SDC secretly plotting to find the things we enjoy and ruin them for us.
I like all of those statements and think they all apply in different ways (well, other than "none of the above"). I think they pretty much describe what the park has offered for awhile now.
They are just trying to hone their marketing as always. They go with what works. At the end of the day they are always going to go with what makes them the most money. As customers we have a say, but time and people move on and sometimes you don't always get exactly what you want.
I don't see any indication that they are going to add any crazy themes beyond the crazy themes they are already experimenting with. We've always had wild characters running around SDC. Now there's a world expo, a crazy scientist, a daredevil society, a fireman training area, and soon there will be a conman trying to sell a time machine apparently.
Quote from: DollarCityBoy on February 17, 2017, 10:08:22 AM
I received the survey several days ago. I was thrilled to finally give my opinion, as I can only think of one other time that i got a survey.
I believe the survey's questions changed depending on which answer you gave for the 1st question. They kept asking about "Adventure" for most of my questions. What adventure means to me and so forth. Several questions also asked about "Immersive Theming."
It was quite lengthily, and gave me several opportunities to state my opinion, which I appreciated.
Several of the questions I had to answer were also about adventure and theming in the park. This survey allowed more opinions to be expressed than in other surveys. I mentioned things I liked plus things that bothered me.
And yes, Sanddunerider, the surveys come via email.
Quote from: shavethewhales on February 17, 2017, 10:33:13 AM
LOL. Some of you have a really bizzare way of interpreting anything the park puts out. Relax, there's no boogie man running around SDC secretly plotting to find the things we enjoy and ruin them for us.
I like all of those statements and think they all apply in different ways (well, other than "none of the above"). I think they pretty much describe what the park has offered for awhile now.
They are just trying to hone their marketing as always. They go with what works. At the end of the day they are always going to go with what makes them the most money. As customers we have a say, but time and people move on and sometimes you don't always get exactly what you want.
You are naiive if you ask me. There are plenty of people working in the PTB who would love to break away from the 1880s ozark theme. These new people didnt grow up with the park or care about tradition. They want to have a park based on whims and current trends. Its easier, they think, to throw a new theme or ride every few years to tey to get people looking for the next new thing. This is the easy thing to do, which is why its done at so many parks.
I disagree with this and think a huge opportunity is being missed by not going all out in an original theme found no where else and so thorough people are amazed by it (which is what built SDC). Worked then and it can work now. Human nature doesnt change, folks.
The PTB are getting further and further away from original theme. This survey proves they are looking for more reason and justification for doing so, dont believe what shave says. Hes using wishful thinking, i dont blame him.
What we need is a mass email to sdc whether you got the survey or not.
I don't see any indication that they are going to add any crazy themes beyond the crazy themes they are already experimenting with. We've always had wild characters running around SDC. Now there's a world expo, a crazy scientist, a daredevil society, a fireman training area, and soon there will be a conman trying to sell a time machine apparently.
If they want to drive me away then get rid of the original theme. Their problem is not attracting visitors with an 1880s theme- the problem is the number of years passing before they add another thrill ride. 5 years since Outlaw Run before the new coaster goes in. Sure they put in Fireman's Landing and that was needed for younger guests but the only "thrill ride" of the area is a very under-whelming Firefall. Hopefully the survey was put out trying to feel how much "theming" they need to put into a new attraction. Of course most of us will say "go all the way" because that's what makes their attraction so unique to SDC.
QuoteIf they want to drive me away then get rid of the original theme. Their problem is not attracting visitors with an 1880s theme- the problem is the number of years passing before they add another thrill ride. 5 years since Outlaw Run before the new coaster goes in. Sure they put in Fireman's Landing and that was needed for younger guests but the only "thrill ride" of the area is a very under-whelming Firefall. Hopefully the survey was put out trying to feel how much "theming" they need to put into a new attraction. Of course most of us will say "go all the way" because that's what makes their attraction so unique to SDC.
You dont know what you've got till its gone............
The new signs along 76 were the first nail. Departure from the rustic SDC feel. You dont have to have stupid Hillbillies to have a 1800 theme. Look at Knotts berry farm, the money they invested in their older origional rides, there was a reason.
SDC is slowly making a big mistake. They are becoming Six Flags and Worlds of Fun. Replacing wood with tan stucco. You must set your selves apart but they are homogenizing their theme. Look at the Firemans landing, we got the baloons back, a fair ride from Celebration city and a reduced tree house playground. The direction the park is taking is a mistep, its common, nothing special. Trash the Flooded Mine and FITH and its pretty much gone. The treehouse finally hit the ground this winter. Rides are important but the park contains so much more, theme, setting, atmosphere. And the more is being chipped away at rather quickly. I have been to DW. Nice place and I enjoyed myself but I could tell where SDC existed within the park and I felt like I was looking at our future. It was the only part of the park that had real flavor. I enjoyed my time but was it worth repeting? Not like SDC, I havent been back in 5 years and dont see it on my radar.
I have seen SDC 2.0 its called DW. Its a bigger market, close to the coast and larger pool of patrons. SDC is a different market more regional. I am concerned about what the future holds, simply for selfish reasons. Are my fears out of line? are they unwarented or have any of you noticed?
Yes your fears are out of line.
No the park is not regional - unless that region includes Louisiana and Texas all the way up to Minnesota.
Usually I just let you guys drone on with your faux outrages but you're beyond ridiculous this time and have taken it to the next level. My goodness it must be complete hell to feel the need to find something in every change (most for the better) and completely disregard any attempt of enjoying yourself while at the park.
Oh and since you're already worked up - ignore the streamlining of light fixtures in certain areas this season. I'm sure that'll send some of you to the corner in a fetal position.
QuoteOh and since you're already worked up - ignore the streamlining of light fixtures in certain areas this season. I'm sure that'll send some of you to the corner in a fetal position.
Streamlined light fixtures??? :o PREPOSTEROUS!!!
Quote from: Swoosh on February 18, 2017, 04:08:13 PM
Yes your fears are out of line.
No the park is not regional - unless that region includes Louisiana and Texas all the way up to Minnesota.
Usually I just let you guys drone on with your faux outrages but you're beyond ridiculous this time and have taken it to the next level. My goodness it must be complete hell to feel the need to find something in every change (most for the better) and completely disregard any attempt of enjoying yourself while at the park.
Oh and since you're already worked up - ignore the streamlining of light fixtures in certain areas this season. I'm sure that'll send some of you to the corner in a fetal position.
Oh look everybody, the board asshole is back doing what he does best, being high and mighty! Our own little Napoleon to tell us how naughty we all are from his self-anoited throne.
Must suck to be you. Seriously.
QuoteUsually I just let you guys drone on with your faux outrages
So kind of you...........As Bill said I see you are back.
Even with it being unseasonably warm...I see some snowflakes out today :-\
Lighten up and grow some thicker skin folks....it's an internet forum about an amusement park.
Quote from: Preachin_Bill on February 18, 2017, 06:54:13 PM
Quote from: Swoosh on February 18, 2017, 04:08:13 PM
Yes your fears are out of line.
No the park is not regional - unless that region includes Louisiana and Texas all the way up to Minnesota.
Usually I just let you guys drone on with your faux outrages but you're beyond ridiculous this time and have taken it to the next level. My goodness it must be complete hell to feel the need to find something in every change (most for the better) and completely disregard any attempt of enjoying yourself while at the park.
Oh and since you're already worked up - ignore the streamlining of light fixtures in certain areas this season. I'm sure that'll send some of you to the corner in a fetal position.
Oh look everybody, the board asshole is back doing what he does best, being high and mighty! Our own little Napoleon to tell us how naughty we all are from his self-anoited throne.
Must suck to be you. Seriously.
My goodness you must be fun at parties.
Quick question, do you have a spare tinfoil hat?
Oh and you may approach the throne and kiss my ring now.
;D ;D ;D
All right guys, let's chill.
Quote from: mhguy77 on February 18, 2017, 09:56:23 AM
You dont know what you've got till its gone............
The new signs along 76 were the first nail. Departure from the rustic SDC feel. You dont have to have stupid Hillbillies to have a 1800 theme. Look at Knotts berry farm, the money they invested in their older origional rides, there was a reason.
SDC is slowly making a big mistake. They are becoming Six Flags and Worlds of Fun. Replacing wood with tan stucco. You must set your selves apart but they are homogenizing their theme. Look at the Firemans landing, we got the baloons back, a fair ride from Celebration city and a reduced tree house playground. The direction the park is taking is a mistep, its common, nothing special. Trash the Flooded Mine and FITH and its pretty much gone. The treehouse finally hit the ground this winter. Rides are important but the park contains so much more, theme, setting, atmosphere. And the more is being chipped away at rather quickly. I have been to DW. Nice place and I enjoyed myself but I could tell where SDC existed within the park and I felt like I was looking at our future. It was the only part of the park that had real flavor. I enjoyed my time but was it worth repeting? Not like SDC, I havent been back in 5 years and dont see it on my radar.
I have seen SDC 2.0 its called DW. Its a bigger market, close to the coast and larger pool of patrons. SDC is a different market more regional. I am concerned about what the future holds, simply for selfish reasons. Are my fears out of line? are they unwarented or have any of you noticed?
I'll disagree with Swoosh (and leave it at that) and say that I think you're dead on right. We noticed it and talked about it frequently when I was working at the park, and the ones that have been there for years said that it's been going on for a while, but has certainly sped up in the last handful of years. They have actively been downplaying the "hillbilly" part, even asking their employees at times to tone it down or stop. The "themes" are becoming more generic and they are having to stretch to make it fit. And it's becoming more white washed and static. There have been fears within the park for several years that Flooded Mine is on the chopping block, and while it's still there, there's not a lot of confidence in it's long term future. I know on the train we talked about the concerns of the rides stretching out and encroaching on the woods and the future of the robbery- something that 10 years ago wouldn't have been a worry, but is now, with the PTB not being very reassuring on it.
While I don't think it will ever go so far in ditching the theme as, say, California's Great America did over the years in transition from Marriott's, I think that DW is a great picture of SDC's future, but on a smaller scale.
I think you are going to see changes at SDC as a reflection of the demographics changing in Branson. The new attractions on 76 are an indicator too: Drop Tower, Alpine Coaster, Youth Sports, Challenge Parks, etc.
I was saying things were changing away from the "feel" of SDC when they add Half Dollar Hollar right smack in the middle of the park; the atmosphere around the swinging bridge was forever ruined. You could say though that the additions of Wildfire, Powder Keg and Grand Exposition started the "change" long before; but HDH right in the middle of the park I thought was poorly done.
But with each of my "I do this differently" - there are others that love what was done. So as long as they don't start putting up Batman in one section of the park, then Superman in another, and completely abandoning the "overall cohesive theme"; I'll enjoy my day. In addition to the rides, leave me stores to shop, shows to see, food to eat, and crafts to watch and I'll be back year after year.
But if it's not special and magical and becomes generic - I'll probably find something else to do with my time and money....but so far, even with all the changes that have been made, I find that SDC is my "happiest place on earth".
Jay
QuoteI was saying things were changing away from the "feel" of SDC when they add Half Dollar Hollar right smack in the middle of the park; the atmosphere around the swinging bridge was forever ruined. You could say though that the additions of Wildfire, Powder Keg and Grand Exposition started the "change" long before; but HDH right in the middle of the park I thought was poorly done.
This is the chipping away, I am not against adding attractions but sometimes a quiet spot in your day was a great departure from the crowds. The swinging bridge was just this and the path that lead along the train. The waterfall, the creek that runs along the knife shop road. These things were or are as the case may be "SDC" Little things add up, little things all together is what makes it whole. Like an orchestra, I guess you can start removing instruments but it sure will not sound the same soon, it may take a bit to notice but when you do its unmistakable and regardless of how loud the remaining players play you know they are gone.
Quote from: HumphreyHawk on February 18, 2017, 07:56:59 PM
Even with it being unseasonably warm...I see some snowflakes out today :-\
Lighten up and grow some thicker skin folks....it's an internet forum about an amusement park.
Exactly, swoosh needs to lighten up. It aint the end of the world when people opine about an amusement park. I know we didnt check with him first so he could give us his ego-filled opinion but still..
Quote from: Swoosh on February 18, 2017, 08:36:24 PM
Quote from: Preachin_Bill on February 18, 2017, 06:54:13 PM
Quote from: Swoosh on February 18, 2017, 04:08:13 PM
Yes your fears are out of line.
No the park is not regional - unless that region includes Louisiana and Texas all the way up to Minnesota.
Usually I just let you guys drone on with your faux outrages but you're beyond ridiculous this time and have taken it to the next level. My goodness it must be complete hell to feel the need to find something in every change (most for the better) and completely disregard any attempt of enjoying yourself while at the park.
Oh and since you're already worked up - ignore the streamlining of light fixtures in certain areas this season. I'm sure that'll send some of you to the corner in a fetal position.
Oh look everybody, the board asshole is back doing what he does best, being high and mighty! Our own little Napoleon to tell us how naughty we all are from his self-anoited throne.
Must suck to be you. Seriously.
My goodness you must be fun at parties.
Quick question, do you have a spare tinfoil hat?
Oh and you may approach the throne and kiss my ring now.
;D ;D ;D
I see what you did there. Props.
i dunno if im fun, but at least im not the guy walkin around lookin for someone to disagree with....or saying "look at my website so i can feel important" 8)
And it aint a hat, its a security system ;)
Sorry folks. Lets go back to this survey which obviously means nothing and was always intended as merely a waste of time and resources.
Quote from: mhguy77 on February 19, 2017, 11:03:46 AM
QuoteI was saying things were changing away from the "feel" of SDC when they add Half Dollar Hollar right smack in the middle of the park; the atmosphere around the swinging bridge was forever ruined. You could say though that the additions of Wildfire, Powder Keg and Grand Exposition started the "change" long before; but HDH right in the middle of the park I thought was poorly done.
This is the chipping away, I am not against adding attractions but sometimes a quiet spot in your day was a great departure from the crowds. The swinging bridge was just this and the path that lead along the train. The waterfall, the creek that runs along the knife shop road. These things were or are as the case may be "SDC" Little things add up, little things all together is what makes it whole. Like an orchestra, I guess you can start removing instruments but it sure will not sound the same soon, it may take a bit to notice but when you do its unmistakable and regardless of how loud the remaining players play you know they are gone.
I'm also a fan of the non-ride things in the park (though I do enjoy most of the rides). In my earlier post I was just pointing out that as far as some attendees are concerned they have to add more new attractions to get return visitors. Have they had a big year (besides Old Time Christmas that is almost always busy) since 2013 and the debut of Outlaw Run?
I actually got the survey too & was excited to use my voice.
I just reiterated that they always should keep in mind three words
besides the word "Adventure" they seemed intent on using, and that was "Rustic,Family & Faith" which had always set SDC apart from other parks. I also kept reminding them every chance I got to use the words "1880's & Past" as well .
Maybe the new coaster can take me back in time to SDC 1979.
There are a lot of things that I've been disappointed about here and there as the park has progressed through the years. I've definitely done more than my fair share of gripping about theme elements slipping and certain things being taken away carelessly. I don't mind seeing people wax about the way things used to be, and I certainly don't mind complaining about poor choices the park has made.
I just don't see what this survey has to do with it. If you want to complain about something, look at hobo junction, or the empty spaces where old antique equipment used to be that was allowed to rot away until it was unceremoniously thrown out. Look at the antique one of a kind rides that aren't taken care of or celebrated the way they should be. Look at how midtown is apparently being ravished with ugly semi-permanent false facades.
This survey just seems to be talking about marketing verbiage, and it's all pretty much normal stuff that applies to any generation of the park. If it were asking about adding a 1960's section to the park, that would be one thing, but "rustic" and "adventure" are just generic marketing terms that people are using a lot these days.
You gotta watch out for the whole "boy who cried wolf" situation with regards to stuff like this. If we complain about every little thing, it has less impact than if we actually point out specific stuff that matters.
Somebodys been into the wildfire. That stuffs not for drinking!
Quote from: Injun Joe on February 20, 2017, 03:38:25 PM
Somebodys been into the wildfire. That stuffs not for drinking!
That, or riding the train and stopping at the still.... :o :o ::) ::)
Quote from: sanddunerider on February 20, 2017, 04:15:23 PM
Quote from: Injun Joe on February 20, 2017, 03:38:25 PM
Somebodys been into the wildfire. That stuffs not for drinking!
That, or riding the train and stopping at the still.... :o :o ::) ::)
Moonshine stump. I'm stumped why they call it that.
That's the engineer's favorite part of the ride. My grandpappy used to call that stuff frog water. One sip your face will turn green, two sips you start hoppin' aroun'. Three sips, you croak. *ribbet*
Good grief, give it a rest. Some of you don't have room to talk about being an asshole or being annoying.
There is no excuse to resort to name calling and insults on something as silly as a theme park discussion website.
I received a survey by e-mail but it was not the same as the one we have been discussing in this thread. It was more just a general season ticket holder survey. What benefits I expect, am I satisfied with the benefits, etc. Nothing too interesting. One page asked me if I have been a season ticket holder at SFSTL, Legoland (KC), Magic Springs, SFSA, or WOF in the last 5 years. I found it interesting SFSA was listed as it doesn't seem very regional.