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[History Buff]

Oh, and everybody comes on now, after the show!  45 people on the forums.  I think this is an official high attendance for us, since the 111 was something weird that happened once.

[rubedugans]

I have worked 3am shifts before in a warehouse, and it was one of the toughest jobs I have ever done. I could not imagine being up and out hosing the city down even in the early chilly hours like that. I enjoyed the show, and as you said, I was glad to not see the token negative employee.

[jeffthephotog]

I was so proud of the way the employees conducted themselves, the way the boss conducted himself, and the wonderful way that HFE was represented. I'm happy to pay $77 for a season pass so that HFE can expand their employee assistance programs. I am glad that my 40+ years of admiration for SDC has not been in vain. This is a caring company run by good people. Can I get an AMEN on that?

[Ozark Outlaw]

I thought it was a good show! Yes, I may live under a rock, but I was surprised to see the CEO does not have Herschend at the end of his name. So I guess the family owns the parks, but someone else is hired to run it?

Anyway back on topic, I was excited to see just a small glimpse into how Silver Dollar City operates. There truly are some hard working, and inspirational people there! There is no other theme park in the world that I would rather spend my hard earned money at.

[Joy]

I thought it was a good show! Yes, I may live under a rock, but I was surprised to see the CEO does not have Herschend at the end of his name. So I guess the family owns the parks, but someone else is hired to run it?

Well, as a multi-million dollar corporation, I imagine the Herschends wanted someone trained in the operations of such a huge company to run the business-side of things.

Joel made the Christian values point.  I'm impressed that CBS let that in.

I'm not really surprised. CBS is the network that brought us nine years of Touched By An Angel (which I watched religiously... pun intended )

What do we know about Albert?  For all I know he's on the forum here.  He's a young guy working the stroller rental, and he showed Joel his idea for a coaster that goes underwater.  He wants to be CEO of HFE.  Good thing he complimented the current CEO.

I loved when Albert said he wants to be CEO... Go ahead, Albert, take Joel's job, then I'll take yours (ticket taker, the position I really, really want). LOL

All in all, a great episode that had me bawling like a baby when Joel was revealing himself to the employees he'd worked with. I was glad that the only "mention" of Dollywood was a quick shot of Timber Tower; they didn't even mention the park by name. I liked that; SDC deserves the limelight, since without Marvel Cave and SDC, there wouldn't be an HFEC (more than likely).

This show just reinforced my desire to work at SDC as my career. I also loved how it really did reinforce the idea that Herschend employees really are the friendliest of all!

~"Becky" Joy~

PS: If Albert is working at SDC this summer, I am definitely gonna ask for an autograph!

[Twinsmom98]

I only wished I worked for an organization that actually cared about their employees.  The show only made me want to work there more.

I think it was encouraging to see a show that had didn't have to find a negative to boost the ratings.

I just can't wait for the birthday bash!!!

[Ozark Outlaw]

Working for Silver Dollar City has always been a dream job of mine! Unfortunately, the three hour commute to, and from the park held me back a bit. 

I really enjoyed the attitude, and personality of the Duck Captain! He was great with the kids, and so full of life. He has probably driven that car-boat a hundred times, and yet each time he still has the excitement as if it was his first ride.

[PastorDon]

Ditto to what everyone else has said about the show.  My entire family sat and watched the whole thing.  (We're all SDC groupies!)  I thought Richard was gonna maybe lose his patience with "John" when he got sprayed, but he kept his cool...so to speak. 

One thing I noticed that has changed since our last trip to SDC in '07 is they've replaced the magnetic strip tickets with bar codes.  When did they do that?

[rubedugans]

I am fairly positive that I was there during the filming, but only the "ambiance" shots.

[KBCraig]

Excellent!

Winds in the high-30mph range knocked out our satellite reception of local channels, but I watched it on CBS.com. I can only echo what others have said: there wasn't a "problem employee" for dramatic flair, and everyone seemed quite genuine.

Of course the best employees are picked to show the "new employee" the ropes, and no one should think this is the typical starting day for a new-hire. Typical new-hires don't come with camera crews following them around, so even if no one knew anything other than "a documentary is being filmed", they would naturally put forth their best foot and offer up the very best employees as trainers. Nothing at all wrong with that, either.

My nit-picks:
1. They didn't explain the employee assistance program nearly well enough (including how to contribute); and,
2. They called SDC the flagship attraction, but didn't mention that it's the root of the entire company.

Of course, knowing how ruthlessly the editors have to work, I can chalk both of those up to time constraints. A five-second explanation can take entirely too long when you've only got 45 minutes to introduce, present, and wrap up such a huge operation.

I don't love SDC any more because of this show (because I couldn't possibly), but I am smiling within that my adoration for the park isn't misplaced.

[SteamFreak]

As someone who has worked under albert in the stroller booth during christmas (I was in labor pool this x-mas) I can tell you the I got exactly the same treatment as Joel did he is great to work for and even thought I only did 6 days with him he still remembers my name.

[Ozark Outlaw]

I enjoyed listening to Albert's story, and I have nothing but respect for someone who is truly working their way from the bottom to the top. I think the experience his is gaining now will make him a great benefit to Silver Dollar City in the long run.

It's nice to see people from my generation taking such pride in their work, and showing so much dedication to continuing the history of Silver Dollar City.

[Junior]

Just finished watching the show on line, and really enjoyed it! Really was touching to hear the stories behind these employees' lives. The Ride the Ducks guy was great, as was the fellow at the turnstyles and the street washer at SDC.
The guy at the turnstyles really moved me, because the way he felt about the company is the way I've felt about it. Again, even though things have changed greatly in the company since I worked there, I strongly would encourage anyone who can to work there. I cannot say that about too many of the jobs I have worked since then. Joel seems like a pretty good guy, too. So Joel...if you're reading this...I'm glad to see you spent some time at "the cradle," Silver Dollar City. It's where it all began.

[themeparkguy]

CEO respect earned. Glad they help single parent families.

[oldsdcer]

I wish the employees that I work with had better attitudes about there jobs. They only seem to feel that  the company is out to do them wrong all the time.  And were in a high pay grade job, so I guess if you make close to minimal wage you are happier.