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[Preachin_Bill]

I noticed Delilah's has a new sign as we walked through on our way out.  Hubs said it best - "Hey they changed that sign.  It doesn't really fit in!  I have to agree with him.

I did not know they changed the sign, has anyone else seen it?

This is probably the thing that bothers me the most about the newer theme styles at SDC: the signs.  The new signs around the park are an eye-sore.  While they try to use old style fonts and styles, they use modern materials and techniques to create them, which of course makes all the signs look modern and out of place.  They need to use old methods to make signs that look old, or just keep all the old ones they have.  I love the signs and art around the older sections of the park.  We stay out of the new areas of the park and I think the poor and feeble attempts that theming have a lot to do with it.

Or I'm just a cranky old man who needs to stop yelling at kids to get off his lawn! 

[biscuitcreek]

Hubby and I went on Thursday 5/29. The on and off showers didn't seem to diminish the crowds; busiest day I've seen out of the 3 days I've visited this year. All lots near the park were being used except for lot 5 (6 was being used). Heard some complaints about how few concession stands were open. As we stood in line at the Riverfront Playhouse people were complaining that Elmers Frankfurters and Jim Owen Fish Camp were both closed. The lemonade stand by the saloon has been closed on all 3 of my visits. By the way, the former Minute Maid Lemonade stand is now a Minute Maid Smoothie stand; it was also closed. Very long lines at the Riveside BBQ and Crossroads Pizza.

We went for the music, didn't ride anything this time but walked around enough to see that the rides were busy. Outlaw Run had a 20 minute wait. Have noticed on our visits this year that more and more background employes are wearing golf/polo shirts.

[ithai]

Here is my mega trip review. This last week we were at the city 4 times. Our first day was Tuesday. Crowd was light as expected. Got to sample bbq from the festival. It was nice to see other styles of bbq there. The last time I was there a few years ago it was all sdc bbq. I was pleased with the quality and portion size. I was rather disappointed by the lack of mustard based sauces but other than that I was very happy. It was a good day. This was our warm up day. We hit the Grand Exposition. Broke in Thundration by riding it about 6 times that day. My youngest daughter was tall enough and had never ridden a roller coaster before. When the train started leaving the station she was delighted. When we pulled back in I asked her how she liked it. She emphatically told me "Let's do it again!" She is only 4 and 1/2 and I was thrilled to have my whole family riding a roller coaster together. We dodged a brief rain storm and got a little taffy. It was good to be back in the city. We celebrated my older daughter's birthday. She turned 9 and didn't have to be in school for it. She let me know it was the best birthday ever!

On Wednesday it was water day for me and my girls. The temp was great. The crowd was light and it was overcast. By the time we were done we soaked from head to toe. Toms water gun ride was quite literally a blast. Both the girls and I loved riding it. So much we did it twice. When we rode the lost river the crowd was so thin that we went in the ride lover entrance. Ive never encountered that before. I also got the wettest I've ever been on my ride that day. Usually I'm the one who stays dry but that record has been broken now. My girls loved spending some time at geyser gulch and it was really fun to see them enjoy it. I'm looking forward to what the landscape will be next year for this area. We got in some more time on thunderation. For some reason the ride was moving faster than the day before and it was a blast! We capped off the day with 2 different bowls of dippin dots and then each of us getting a taffy stash. It was a completely fun and satisfying day. And we did it all from 12:45 to 5:30!

Friday was the day I got some ride time in on my own. I've ridden outlaw run before but never in the front seat of the front car. That is a trip and a half. Wait time was very light and all rides were running multiple trains. After riding outlaw run twice on  the very front, I rode wildfire and found myself a bit bored. I was really surprised by this but learned a valuable lesson. Ride wildfire first! We hit up Thunderation another 5 times as a family and loved every moment of it. Strangely Thunderation did not lose its thrill but likely having the fam with me made it more fun. We encountered something on Friday I've never had happen before, the train was not running. We got some cool pictures with the conductor. Didn't get a chance to ride the train that day due to pent up demand once it started running.  It was a really enjoyable day, temp was right and overcast again. One of the coolest things was enjoying my girls riding the kid rides by them selves without me or my wife having to ride with them. I got in a cave tour with my youngest. She was totally taken with the cave. I felt her sense of wonder and amazement. I've always loved the cave but this was a special trip. It interesting to note that in years past I've felt SDC kind of losing its spirit but by the third day there I really felt that a big effort has been made to make it feel more like the past in some ways. I dare say there were element that were approaching disney standards!

Last day was Today, Sunday, we started the day with breakfast at Mollys Mill. It was very good and we left happy and satisfied. The grits today were most excellent. Especially with apple butter on them! We got in some candle making, picked up a cheap outlaw run tshirt. The still had a ton of those from when I bought one back in the beginning of may. We got to rid the train today and it was a great ride. The conductor had awesome timing and alfie and ralphie hit their cues in excellent form. I couldn't tell if the flubs were on purpose today or not but I laughed harder than I can remember. We hit the mine ride and I've come close to figuring out where a high point target is in the mine. My only hint is shoot for the hard ones. After the mine we did the teacups and then thunderation. Only did thunderation one time though due to crowd levels. It was actually packed for a sunday but not un-enjoyable.

Next was the cave. Which turned out to be the highlight of the trip. We just got in on the tour about to leave. Our guide was Tony. Didn't really detect anything was going to be different until we were at the last rules briefing.  Out came the shades and the cool spin he was going to put on the whole trip. At every stop Tony put his fresh spin on things. I even got in to the act and was the one who responded when he ended the line with and knowing is half the battle. The energy he put in to his tour was awesome and made the tour that much more informative. The was my older daughters first time in the cave. Up until today she never wanted anything to do with it but after hearing her little sister talk about how cool it was she had to give it a try. One of the most interesting thing that happened on this tour was caveman theater. My wife and I volunteered to be the mom and dad and another kid was chosen for little Timmy. The performance happened at goldie's throne. On our way there Tony pointed out the passages people used before the improvements were made. I learned more on this tour than I have in my many times past through the cave. Once we got to goldie's throne Caveman theater commenced. Tony used this to tell the story of goldies throne in the most creative way. He whispered our line to us then we performed them. It was a blast and again I leaned so much. I also realized there are seats built into the walls. I never spent enough time in this room to even see them. If you get a chance to tour with Tony do it. He has all kinds of SDC spirit and is what lets people take away memories from SDC that will be treasured for years to come. After the cave we rounded out our trip with a taffy resupply and red velvet funnel cake. Red velvet is totally worth the higher price. Also to note the frozen lemonade that had the frozen strawberry will give you half and half in your cup. That is awesome if you've never asked for it before.

Well that about sums it up. I had an awesome vacation. This one will be remember by all of my family for some time. Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!

[mhguy77]

I arrived at the Homestay as usual on Saturday evening after work and stopped at a few shops then made the way to the room.  My partner went to sleep and I took the dog and walked the strip around Andys to WhiteWater and back while they were making a dance video on the sidewalk.  I didn't really understand what was going on here.
Se  grabbed a late sandwich and went to the room and caught a few hours slepp before we were up and ready to make it to the park for the opening and chain drop.  There were a fair amount of people today, I am guessing school letting out is starting to kick in the crowds.  We made a stop at OR and had a front seat ride and then made a loop around the park listening to music and grabbing some candy for friends.  A quick ride on TNT and the crowds were starting to grow so we decided after listening to a little more Bluegrass to head back to town ( luxury of a seasons pass and living close.) All the rides seemed open today with all cars running.  GG looks really rough with paint peeling and all, its sad to see it go but I am sure that is what is in the works for winter 2014.  I did notice that the fence for the new area runs almost all the way up to the base of the old WB tower.  Its tough to see through the trees but its back there.   Time will tell what will happen, I look forward to the unveil.   It was a nice day and although it was short I had a great time.  I must also report that Mr Flanders has completely lost any muscle tone he ever had in his bottom half, to make things worse although he may never complain himself his arthritis is obviously setting in.  His choreography was stiff and suffering from still joints.  God bless him, 32 years on that ladder day in and day out.......  On the same ride the light is still just peeking in all over. I think the scenery lights are also getting old, you can see the colored bulbs looking like the colored paint is pealing off.  PLEASE lets throw some love at this ride.  It would be a shame to have another AP treatment........enough said.
I do have some good news, knowing how I am a advocate of the trees in the park I noted that they have planted a new tree at the crossways on the side of the saloon, train bridge and photo shop.  They have planted a maple and also built up rock planters that double as seating around the base of each of the 3 trees.  This warmed my heart thinking they may be building the natural canopy back up.  Bravo SDC.
I am already looking forward to my next trip to the park.

[How-doFolks]

great review ithai!! glad ya had a good time. i always enjoy the cave too.

[History Buff]

I must say that it was so nice to be able to get my free guests through the turnstiles without having to stop at the ticket booth.  We plan to do the same thing tomorrow (Thursday).

[mhguy77]

I must say that it was so nice to be able to get my free guests through the turnstiles without having to stop at the ticket booth. 

I did the good Samaritan thing for some kids a while back getting them in free and I must agree it was easier and much more convenient to circumvent the ticket booths.

[History Buff]

When we rode FitH, last week, we got wetter than I ever had - quite wet, actually.  Then, this morning, ride operators were talking about turning on the "water cannons", and once again everyone ended up soaked, head to toe.  This is the first I've heard of such a feature on the final drop, and I wonder if anyone can enlighten us about their reality.  I had assumed the water level had simply been raised until I heard about them, but now I wonder if this is something that has been recently added.

[mhguy77]

When we rode FitH, last week, we got wetter than I ever had - quite wet, actually

I agree, I was there last Sunday and also got very very wet on the ride.

[Swoosh]

Finally getting caught up on PTRs.  Here is my report from Bluegrass & BBQ.
This is one of my favorite festivals - because it is about food.

http://midwestinfoguide.com/migcrew/2014/SDCbbq/

[History Buff]

Apparently, these flags are the summer decor.  Kinda took the easy way out IMO.



Thursday started with a horizontal downpour, but about 1pm, it cleared up and the day was great.  Strangely, the Family Feud skillet was closed:



Strangely (again), the Swinging Bridge was locked up:

[Swoosh]

I heard that they were doing some work where the former Lil Swings was located and that is why the Bridge was closed.  Did you see any movement over there?

[mhguy77]

Apparently, these flags are the summer decor.  Kinda took the easy way out IMO.

That is a cute idea for a homespun crafty look.  What you did not disclose is if they added as many of these as they did patriotic bunting.  As in bulk.  A little bit is ok but overkill comes quickly.

[History Buff]

^^Swoosh, I figured as much, but didn't venture into HDH to look.

[sanddunerider]

I will be there sunday, will check from the wooden bridge...  try to take pics...