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[sanddunerider]

Sadly no  

We had a last minute change of plans and had to come home this morning... 

NO trip to SDC.... 

So now I have to wait 4 weeks to try one....

[HikerDan]

I was a bit apprehensive about the potential size of the crowds while walking towards the park a few days ago. Normally my wife and I attend on sundays, but work related issues pushed our visit to a day earlier and a rare saturday morning at SDC for us.  

Usually we're near the Gazebo early enough for the days opening ceremony, but didn't walk through the gates until a little after 10 on this day. Was very surprised about the overall lack of a huge crowd aound the turnstyles and at the Gazebo.

We stopped to watch the Pickers for a few minutes but moved on quickly as we like to see those guys in the afternoon down at the picken shed. We were glad to see Steve Bush (aka V.D. Cleverly) on the porch with the guys.  As is the norm we cruised straight down the hill heading for PK and hopefully a couple of launches before the hordes really hit. And as is too frequently the norm PK was not up and running at that time.  Oh well, we're used to it, so we wrote PK off for the day and strolled over to the ol' realible FITH.  

We rode in the back car and I always try to hear what the guy who is on the ladder and had his pants stolen by the baldknobbers is saying to his honey as the train moves away: I think it's something about "gold in my pockets" and maybe she says "holes in your pockets". I never can hear it because the kids on the train always holler at the guy dumping the bucket overhead. Got plenty wet on the FITH, lots of water in the last drop nowadays; love it.

Still no PK one hour after opening so on to WF. Two trains rolling on WF and hopped right onto the back seat of it as well. Like that big drop riding in the back and enjoy watching the whole train in front us snake it's way through the track. Could have ridden WF repeatedly but its on to the swing as we'd like to hit as many rides as possible before the 11:15 Wallenda show.

Uh oh, the swing isn't gonna work out for us this time, line already out of the barn and one swing a-swingin'; so since we dressed appropriately for the wet stuff we headed over for some raging rapids. Got onto the river pretty quick and I had the tremendously wet seat this time, drenched.  It's almost showtime so back towards the Opera House .

Hey looky here, PK just opened up. With 15 minutes before showtime we hustle into PK and hopefully a quick ride.  Two trains running and just a handful of folks up front, we jump in the short line for the first car.  Probably my favorite roller coaster of all I have ridden when riding up front.  And off to the Opera House with a few minutes to spare. The line for PK is growing rapidly, that's it for the day on that one.

The Wallenda circus was a lot of fun; I'm not sure if the Dancing Gouchos were funny or ridiculous, but we were entertained. My wife (Jane) really liked the Wallendas and their highwire act.  That was the first time we've seen them as they normally don't perform on sunday; glad we finally saw the show.  O.K., now we're off to the train and an up close look at the new coaster under construction.

Not a long wait for the next train and we were just able to sneek onto the first one into the station. Wow, that is going to be one heckuva ride on that new wooden coaster; that first drop appears to go way down into the hollar. Off the train and now over to TNT.

I can't believe it, two trains operating on TNT. They never do that on sundays. Front car again and around and around through the tunnel we go; we still like going through the tunnel even after so many rides on it.  Now it's decision time: either the Luma show or the Gazillion Bubbles.  We picked the Luma as it starts earlier, and we'll catch the bubbles next time.  A quick stop for some soda refills and a couple of giant pretzels and we're off to the Heritage Hall and Luma.

Big crowd for the show, the kids must really like this one; lots of families and kiddos. The show was decent but not something we'll probably see again, but the children seemed to really enjoy it.  We really miss the Birds of Prey show from last summer, saw it many times.

Time for a couple of frozen lemonade refills (the real ones!) and off to check on the Homestead Pickers.  Uh oh again, the Pickers aren't playing in the afternoons this weekend; instead it's Frisco Jack and someone else. Oh well maybe next time we'll stop and watch the guys in the morning.

A short stop at the candy store for some buy one get one half-price peanut brittle (to munch on the way home) and we're headed for the parking lot and on to home in Nixa,MO.

Another fun day in the park and looking forward to coming back around the 4th and after!

See ya'll

HikerDan

[MissinTheGreenTrams]

I like your narrative. Fun.

[tiffanylynnt]

The FITH conversation is:
"Red Flanders! You get back in here and put on your pants!"
"Well Sadie! I ain't got no pants no more! The dang Baldknobbers stole 'em!"
"What the sam hill they want with your pants!"
"Maybe its the gold in my back pocket."

(correct me if I'm wrong)

[sanddunerider]

welcome hikerdan.
sounds like a great day in the city!

[How-doFolks]

great review HikerDan!

[Harp]

Traveled to Branson with my 8 yr old daughter on June 10th, stayed at the Fall's Village Resort, great place to stay, out of the way and quiet.
Wife and older daughter were at a art workshop in OKC, so we snuck off for a few days, gotta do what you gotta do.  Monday morning bright and early, arrived at the City about 8:45, played checkers until the opening ceremony, which is always great to see again. Went to the Homestead to watch the Picker's, then ran over to Thunderation, rode it three times, no lines, then back to the Homestead to see the Picker's, never get tired of those guys.  Heidi played the rooster for the Ghost Chicken song which was great and was given the official prize by Danny for being the rooster; "bubba teeth" which she wore with pride and a really pretty crocheted bible book marker.  Enjoyed the skits, missed visiting with Terry, saw him as the Warden, but never caught up to him. Then off to the races, Thunderation again, FITH 3 times, FM 3 times. Again no lines or next in line, really low crowds.  The rain, rain, rain, came down, down, down, in rushing rising rivulets...Back up the hill to the Mine, I honestly am a little less impressed with the Mine every time I go on recent trips, but still good food. Had to wade water to check out and was kind of cool seeing the water trickling down the walls and dripping from the ceilings.  So by early afternoon, the park was basically deserted, which we have found when people make a dash for the parking lot we stay and wait it out and have the luxury of a very small crowd when the storms clear. One of the Citizens said it was the first total rain-out since June of 2011. The heavy rains only lasted about an hour or so, we then went down to the Grand Exposition and only a couple of the rides had re-opened.  Rode the River Blast a couple of times which was fun for both of us.  We stayed until about 5:30 and headed back to our condo. A very good day at the City.   Spent the next day there as well, but will save that one for later.

[sanddunerider]

I just talked to one of the gals I know out at the city>
Ashley works in the Wilson farm area.  they sent her home early (again)... TOO HOT and low traffic flow.   She told me about 7200 quests today.. 
That's BAD for a saturday in mid-summer.. 
I hope this extreme heat doesnt hurt our city and attendance too much

[MissinTheGreenTrams]

It is very hot and that is keeping my family home. It is unfortunate when its this hot for the City....

[StaceySue]

My friend is taking her family to sdc today for the first time.  I am hoping they have a good time in spite of the heat!

[sanddunerider]

since it is their 1st time, with low attendance, THEY should have a BLAST... no lines, no crowd,,,  they should be able to do anything they want... Good for them!!

[mhguy77]

I bet the skillet sales and food sales go down with this heat.  Its just almost too much out there and the thought of eating anything in 105 at a picnic table..........

[KBCraig]

I bet the skillet sales and food sales go down with this heat.  Its just almost too much out there and the thought of eating anything in 105 at a picnic table..........

I bet they're making up for it with lemonade, though!

[sanddunerider]

I bet the skillet sales and food sales go down with this heat.  Its just almost too much out there and the thought of eating anything in 105 at a picnic table..........

I bet they're making up for it with lemonade, though!

TRue, but look at all the gas fuel they are saving, they can set the sklillets directly on the asphat and cookl!!

[biscuitcreek]

Made a very quick trip on Saturday 6/30. Got to the park around 9:30 and parking was still in area 2. Line was slow getting into the park at the passageway through the rock wall before the admission turnstiles because of a Sweeps Central guy stopping people to hand out "you are a winner" flyers. Going through the turnstiles was the easiest I can remember -- no waiting at all.

Guest cloggers were at the gazebo performing to music from the "Boot Scootin' Boogie" days -- not that particular song but very similar.   Okay if you like clogging.

Did a walk through the park and rode the Flooded Mine. Had to wait briefly -- somewhat warm and stuffy as we waited. Got to ride in the first car for the first time ever. Got some lemonade at the stand just across from the Frisco Barn -- was the good stuff. And it tasted better than the 2nd one we purchased from the booth near the saloon.

Went to the 11:15 Wallenda Family Circus show. Opera House was about 3/4 full.  Overall I liked the show better than last year although the dancing gaucho had the same routine, and my husband and I don't find it all that great.  The Saturday morning show was the first time the youngest Wallenda daughter performed on the highwire.  The Wallendas look as though they enjoy performing and they appeared to be very appreciative of the applause and standing ovation they received. Show lasted about 45 minutes. When we came out at noon, we were aware of the heat.

Left the park at 12:30 -- no cars were in lot 5 and preferred parking still had a lot of available spaces.