When SDC was young, it was run like a city, with Shad having to run for Mayor in a election campaine and the workers acually playing the role of being a citizen. What would it take to return to that kind of atmosphere. I know some of the workers do play the part some of the time ,but what a change it would make if all the employees felt like they were real citizens.
Didn't they use to give almost every park worker their own backstory?
It would be nice to see them push the old atmosphere again. I did notice today how much more the park felt like a regular theme park than the unique novelty it used to be.
The sad thing is, hardly any of the other guests care, so there's absolutely no incentive for them to go back to some of the old ways. I mean, when you have other parks selling ad space on their rollercoaster cars, the varying effort SDC still puts in to their atmosphere still blows them away. I think that if they tried though, a lot of people would notice and appreciate it. There's just a lot more profit in keeping things simple.
The staff does not seem to get into the show as much as they used to. 90% of them are still nice but..............it is not the Silver Dollar City Mary ran.
How many trees were cut down to build the two big rollar coasters?
give me a great roller coaster over a few trees any day ;D
QuoteWhen SDC was young, it was run like a city, with Shad having to run for Mayor in a election campaine and the workers acually playing the role of being a citizen. What would it take to return to that kind of atmosphere. I know some of the workers do play the part some of the time ,but what a change it would make if all the employees felt like they were real citizens.
Yes. And it wouldn't be hard to do it. Plus it would make for a more genial atmosphere with more teamwork among employees. As much as they might like to "keep it simple", this really would keep employees from shunning guests and making them vow to never return.
My hope is that once I finish college in May 2011, I can go straight into a full-time job at SDC. Doing what, I have no idea; don't know if you have to start out in a certain place or not... I'd kinda like to be a ticket-taker or an umbrella artist.
Either way, if I can get hired onto SDC, be assured there will be a new Citizen with a full backstory who will be VERY into keeping the "magic" alive.
Of course, in my ideal world, I'd like to learn Interactive Acting and play Becky Thatcher in the Landing area, but who knows if that'll ever happen...
Joy
Quote from: Firstvisit1967 on July 19, 2009, 05:55:16 PM
How many trees were cut down to build the two big rollar coasters?
They plant two trees for every tree they cut down for construction, so that's a moot point.
Mary never let them ever cut down a tree. That is the point.
I thought she never let them cut a tree that wasn't absolutely necessary to cut for whatever development they were doing?
And just look at the Grand Exposition; it used to be a parking lot, but now they've got some nice trees and other plants growing there.
Joy
^^I don't think SDC has ever cut down a tree that wasn't necessary for development. They're always good about incorporating greenery into the park. And they plant two trees for every tree they cut down; they plant them on the grounds of the park.
As for "Mary never let them cut down a tree". How do you think they built the park? If you believe that SDC just wantonly chops down trees for no reason whatsoever, I'm not sure what gives you that impression. ???
Quote from: tinaalsgirl on July 19, 2009, 10:44:14 PM
My hope is that once I finish college in May 2011, I can go straight into a full-time job at SDC. Doing what, I have no idea; don't know if you have to start out in a certain place or not... I'd kinda like to be a ticket-taker or an umbrella artist.
Either way, if I can get hired onto SDC, be assured there will be a new Citizen with a full backstory who will be VERY into keeping the "magic" alive.
Of course, in my ideal world, I'd like to learn Interactive Acting and play Becky Thatcher in the Landing area, but who knows if that'll ever happen...
Joy
If I were in charge of human resources at Silver Dollar City, you would definitely be on my short list for people to hire as soon as possible. Finding someone that really loves their occupation and who really wants to be there is golden. Good luck, and I am sure you will be working there as soon as you are ready.
I've always envied the ticket-takers at SDC, because they're the Citizens people meet first when going into the park. They're the Citizens who get to smile at the guests and assure them they have a "great past ahead of them." Outside of the parking lot attendants and ticket booth cashiers, the ticket-takers are the guests' first real introduction into the theme and enjoyment of the park.
It may seem like a simple job, but to me, it seems like one of the most important of all.
Joy
Quote from Crystal Payton and her book.
"As the park was built, Mary Herschend's firm hand could be seen in all aspects of its development. Her fixation on protecting the City's trees has grown to the stuff of legend. Stories abound of Mary firing people over harming trees."
"Building were built around trees, paths wound through them."
"Mary objected to the site of the Wilderness Church. She did not want the giant sycamore to be cut down. A compromise was reached, the tree became the pulpit that is still used today in the church.
In the early days Mary would not let citizens of the town carry ink pens, they were not around in 1880's. Men who smoked were not allowed to use filtered cig. they were not around in 1880's.
When the coasters or other park facilities were planned, the developer was always reminded of the "career trees" there were dealing with.
If the trees went so did their "Careers" ?
You got it! ;)
Quote from: shavethewhales on July 18, 2009, 09:09:38 PM
The sad thing is, hardly any of the other guests care, so there's absolutely no incentive for them to go back to some of the old ways. I mean, when you have other parks selling ad space on their rollercoaster cars, the varying effort SDC still puts in to their atmosphere still blows them away.
The bar is continuously being lowered industry wide, thus even if SDC slips in some area it's still proportionately better than that of what other parks are doing at the moment.
I was wondering about the tree rumor: there is simply no way that 2 trees were replaced for every tree that was trashed during the parking lot project- no way
I wonder if perhaps they plant them on other Herschend-owned properties?
Joy
I agree with Tom, I've been over every inch of SDC this year, and the only new trees I've noticed were some of the 55 I donated this spring! (They're around the Homestead area) :)
Quote from: Tom on July 22, 2009, 11:34:00 PM
I was wondering about the tree rumor: there is simply no way that 2 trees were replaced for every tree that was trashed during the parking lot project- no way
Of course they're not planted inside the SDC park. HFE owns a
lot of land (26 family entertainment parks across ten states) so, like tinaalsgirl said, they do plant two trees for every tree that they cut down for development (like for the parking lot project), just not always in the same area. They are planted on HFE-owned land. Many people seem to believe that HFE is a cold, faceless corporation (and those that do seem to believe that Jack and Pete Herschend are as well). That is simply not the case. HFE is very environmentally conscious and environmentally friendly. There's no way Jack and Pete would allow all of those trees to be cut down for the parking lot project and not replace them. No way.
I've never gotten the privilege of meeting the Herschends, but from all the articles and interviews I've read about them, they seem like wonderful people who would make sure to withhold the family legacy, including making sure that trees are replaced if they have to get cut.
Joy
They wouldn't have to only use HFE property either. They could just as easily have trees planted in parks, reforesting efforts, etc.
Speaking of the Herschend's wishes, does anyone know how much of the park's operation is still legally guided by regulations the Herschends put on future managers?
I mean, food and drink at the park is still so cheap, the majority of the parking is still free, and we still don't have a true "flashpass" style system. It's like somebody is forcing the park to actually cater to the guests rather than corporate profits. Even DW doesn't have free parking anymore, and they're food is more expensive too.
I hope this lasts! It's easy to look at the small details that are disappearing and be disappointed, but try going to any major park on the east or west coast and your mind will be absolutely blown open to the reality of how amazing our park is. Seriously, at any SF park you have to pay over $100 to get in and ride much of anything, and their crappy food will cost you over $20 extra, not to mention the forced locker policies, advertising, etc...
There's a lot to be thankful for.
Well, of course, Herschend doesn't have 100% of the final say in Dollywood like they do SDC, right? That might be a factor.
And speaking of lockers, just as a quick aside... They really should put little locker icons on the SDC map, to make it easier for people to locate where the lockers are....
Joy
Quote from: tinaalsgirl on July 24, 2009, 07:50:49 PM
Well, of course, Herschend doesn't have 100% of the final say in Dollywood like they do SDC, right? That might be a factor.
After Dolly's display this year at the media event -- the Herschends have A LOT MORE SAY then they used to. She was pretty much seen as a "liability" for some of the comments she made. Pete was not happy to say the least.
Really? Any chance of more info, or is it something better left unsaid?
Joy
There is no doubt that SDC is so far ahead of 99% of all theme parks. Change must happen to keep growth going. It would be nice to see some take a little more time in building rides in the park. A wooden roller coaster with a great theme might look a great deal better than the two steel, do not fit in, roller coaster they built.
I understand why they had to build them, they just look so bad compared to the rest of the city. They have just about ruined the train ride. A tradition that familys have passed down from Great Grandfather to Great grandson. I hope a little more Mary is used when build future parts of the park.
I feel this way about the Grand Exposition. It just doesn't seem to be SDC to me...
Quote from: Riverman on July 25, 2009, 11:17:30 PM
I feel this way about the Grand Exposition. It just doesn't seem to be SDC to me...
GE is an odd one: it's period-appropriate, but has never really fit with the theme.
The problem with the GE is that it is not themed like the rest of the park. When you walk over there you feel like you have entered Six Flags. It looks nice, it is clean, but the rides and the story line do not fit SDS. It goes back to the Victorian Theme they tried several years ago. You can get the GE at any park in the United States. You can only get SDC in SDC. That is what makes the park so special. I truely believe that they have lost some of that. Do not get me wrong the park is clean, everything looks good, but........it is starting to change. The GE, the parking lots and shuttles, the way the put up the two steel rollercoasters. The park is still a great place to bring the family, and everyone has a great time but.......They might need to remember they have a great past ahead of them.
Without those steel coasters and increasing their number of rides they will have no past to share- you must remain competitive with the local markets. Like it or not an equal number of guests go just for rides as an equal number appreciate the shows, crafts, and setting.
I think they need some characters in GE to "sell" it to the guests. The theme is a traveling exposition, but where are the carnies that come with it? We need some characters to liven up the place; stand around and do call-outs like, "Come see the amazing Electro-Spin! It will ELECTRIFY you!" Stuff like that.
And have characters/Citizens in the park talking to guests about. "Say, have you heard about that Exposition with all those new-fangled dee-vices they're displaying?"
We need some continuity, people!
Joy
Quote from: KBCraig on July 26, 2009, 02:04:46 AM
Quote from: Riverman on July 25, 2009, 11:17:30 PM
I feel this way about the Grand Exposition. It just doesn't seem to be SDC to me...
GE is an odd one: it's period-appropriate, but has never really fit with the theme.
I know what you both mean, but I think it actually fits the period, but doesn't fit the area. It's too modern. However, I have accepted it as what it is - an exposition of the most modern scientific discoveries of the era. I do wish those copycat flying elephants and teacups could have been more original.
One thing I noticed this past weekend was that the GE seems to be about 10 degrees hotter than the rest of the park as well. Probably because there are only a few SHADE TREES. I'm not much of a fan of the GE, but my 6 year old LOVES the "Hopping Frogs".
I'll also put my 2 cents in on "genuine citizens". I was VERY disappointed in the train this year. I only rode it once, but the robbery was terrible. The conductor and "Alfie" seemed to get off track then they started messing with each other. (Alfie tried several times to knock the conductors hat off with the stick) This is TOTALLY out of character. Another example (and the one that made me angry) was when the conductor says the line about giving him another belly button....well, he didn't even say it. He just blurted out some mumbling and ran off because they were more interested in trying to make the other character laugh. If Mary had been on that train, she probably would have jumped off and fired them on the spot! They really did blow the entire gig that bad. And, like you good people said, they are getting too far away from "SDC" and simply becoming an amusement park. While I agree that they are lightyears ahead of places like 6 flags and WOF, I hate to see them slip and fall backwards only to end up like another amusement park "with trees".