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Personally, I don't mind the design as we love the DreamMore.

I honestly think that they didn't go with a rustic lodge look for a few reasons and Big Cedar being a big one. Why make a resort that everyone just says looks like Big Cedar?

Another is what is more appealing to most moms picking a resort for their family, a rustic lodge or a nice clean looking resort in a beautiful setting? My wife is going to pick the current rendering over something rustic basically every time.

This is a great point, and I honestly feel like you hit the nail on the head.

As far as this resort bringing in more people, I think it's important to remember that this is only the first announcement in a decade's worth of expansion. The park will be expanded, along with potentially bringing a waterpark to the property. These things will turn SDC into a multi-day destination.

Thanks for all the work you're putting in, Shave.

Initially, I was so excited. The video sucked me in. I've loved this park and visited this park for my entire life. I'm thrilled they're expanding and the thought of a decade of announcements and expansion is so exciting. The rendering of the hotel is not at all what I pictured, however. I was hoping for a more rustic look, something more in line with the theme of the park. This looks like a copy and paste of the style of the Dollywood resorts, not something that matches the aesthetic of SDC. Hopefully this can evolve over the next two years before the resort opens.

Historically, SDC makes their announcement for the next season in August. And in recent seasons, they have had countdowns and reminders on their social media for the announcement date. There's been no word on social media and nothing from the park. So, I'm not expecting any major announcements for the 2025 season. The park has also taken at least a season after a major ride addition to focus on festivals and smaller improvements.

We are likely looking at an announcement for the resort sometime late 2024 possibly but probably 2025.

I'm here for the long haul. I also like the opportunity to go back and read old threads. Thanks for all the work, Shave

Just filled out an interesting survey from SDC. This one was focused on shopping.

It began by asking the last time I visited/how much I enjoyed or considered visiting the following destinations:
SDC, Disney Springs, Disneyland, Busch Gardens VA, DCA, Universal FL, Universal City Walk FL, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios FL.

I found this an interesting grouping of shopping districts/parks to ask about. Then the survey just got more specific to SDC asking what shops I visit, what motivated me to buy something, asking about what is important to me for the retail experience, the last thing I bought, etc. There were also specific questions about what retail experiences I feel are missing and also what could SDC remove without the overall experience declining.

Obviously SDC is looking to make some changes to their shopping and retail experience with this survey. The inclusion of Disney Springs and City Walk make me think that some of their questions were related to the upcoming (likely) SDC resort and shopping options they may or may not include with that resort. The Busch Gardens inclusion in the survey is the most random to me but that's also the park I'm least familiar with having never visited.

Either way, interesting survey.

I also received this survey, and mine had a heavier focus on the Great America Exhibition with fewer questions about Flower and Food. I'm not extremely excited about either festival, but Flower and Food is my preference. I would much rather them bring back World Fest than the American festival.

Anyone have any info on the auction barn? I have never heard of that being at SDC.

No there was not.

Thought about this more overnight and just how happy I am with the announcement. Lots of comments on social media had a negative reaction to the announcement which I just don't understand. If Disney or Universal made this kind of an announcement to replace a classic attraction, the fans would be thrilled.

I'm hoping this announcement puts to rest the negative discourse on these forums for awhile regarding changes to the park and how the PTB don't care about the theme or history of the park. To me, this announcement makes it clear that they do care and do want to carry forward the legacy of the park. Yes, things will change and evolve. We will surely lose more classic or iconic things which are tied to core memories for each of us. But things have to change, as SDC is a business and they have to continue growing and give people reasons to return. But just because things change does not mean that the core of SDC and the legacy of the park change with it.

I'm hopeful that the final product of FITH 2.0 matches up with the concept art, and we get a truly great reimagining of the classic ride. Can't wait to experience it.

Very surprised at how faithful this appears to be to the original ride. Also very excited and thankful that this isn't the end for FITH. Seems to be carrying on the amazing legacy while updating the technology.

Will never know this answer but I would love to know the maintenance costs that the old FITH was costing on a regular basis to justify a re-build (with updated technology obviously) at 30 million.

I like the new logo better than the 2010 version. It's all just a matter of personal taste and I like the minimalist/retro design. What is most interesting to me is taking out Branson, MO and inserting Ozark Mountains. Is this to make it more in line with Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains?

Awesome stories, Smokey! Thank you!

Thanks for your well thought out and explained insights, sirwillow. I tend to agree with you and your contacts and your theory makes a lot of sense.

I just hope that the situation can be sorted out so the train can open and safely operate again.

I can see how this announcement was jarring for the general public. But anyone who follows this site or the theme park community closely, knew this was coming. FITH was the first roller coaster I ever rode, so it is upsetting to see it go. I've had time to process it and am hoping to make it to the park this season for one last ride.

I'm hopeful that the replacement will be something resembling the original with better technology. I don't want a cheap "gimmick", but a high quality dark ride with modern technology is something that SDC has needed for awhile. The fact that in the announcement live stream, they openly talked about baldknobbers gives me hope that they won't sanitize the story and still give us something special.

Change is inevitable. SDC has certainly changed, and while some of it is painful, it's also necessary for the park to continue evolving with the times. Some of the charm has been lost, but it's still there. SDC remains one of the best theme parks in the country. Saying it's Six Flags is laughable.