chadster

Branson is usually dead on opening weekend for SDC. Many of the shows don't come out of winter hiatus for another month further contributing. With SDC closed Monday and Tuesday I wouldn't expect the mass Spring Breakers to arrive until Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning.

Headache

Unfortunately thats nothing new, DO is just behind the times on this one for whatever reason, I mean they are usually on top of it. The story today is the website has been updated, or de-updated to remove pretty much everyone from the about us page. Guess a few people figured it out and bailed.

So as I sit here and procrastinate getting my life together (and avoiding online classes at the same time) I thought I'd share a few from last night. I'm sure many don't know this but yes, I do visit the park more than I should, but it's a great way to exercise and keep my girlish figure. Last night was one of those nights with a crowds refusing to leave I walked for a few hours stopping every now and again to wear out my camera. Anyway, here you go. Looks surreal But this was actually what it looks like at 10pm Snowy might be a tad damaged, but in a creepy way, I like it.

Its up and running.

The 21st will likely be busy, last saturday of spring break and all, but getting there at rope drop you should be able to knock out 5 or 6 in the first 90 minutes. I'll be around I'm sure. Also on the solo front for those local, I rode solo in the back row on Freeze the other day, nothing was said, so here's to hoping that rule is gone as well.

Howdy Partners, today Silver Dollar City hosted a media event for the opening of their all new 8 million dollar expansion, Fireman's Landing opening this Saturday! Welcome to the all new Fireman's Landing! Re-purposed from Celebration City, Firefall has been re-themed and looks amaazing! Up The Ladder is a smaller tower drop ride for junior recruits at Fireman’s Landing Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin and Lucky the Rescue Dog welcomed everyone! Hi Lucky! Southern Stone County Fire Protection District Chief Dave Gyger rides Fire Wagon Frenzy Fireman’s Landing opens with the park this Saturday, March 14! Inside Fire Station #3 we find Firefighter’s Fire Drill, with foam ball cannons for showering mock fires.

^I take you don't like CP? Anyhooter, I embarked on a journey to the park today for the explicit reason of seeing how the front gate changes were doing under super high volume. The secondary entrance was open, line of about 250 people long and moving sloooooow. Bypassing it and expecting the worst at the main gate I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. About 400 people were snaking through the queue and moving at a steady pace. Instead of one person at the end of the queue directing you to the next entry point as had been the case over the weekend, the procedure was modified slightly to split you off Mr. Freeze style. So at the end of the queue you went left or right (very short distance, max 10 people in line on each side) thus dramatically improving efficiency even from the weekend. Based on my very scientific experiences, a crowd of this size would have taken me 20 minutes to get through the entry, today, 6 minutes. Great things are happening, stay tuned, I understand more is on the way.

Oh and due to rain the park is closed today.

Front gate remodels on the scale that SFOT would need to do aren't cheap. Electrical, new fencing, enclosed covering to house the machines etc all add up. While it may seem cheap, I've been involved with projects of a similar type that hit 500k in a matter of no time.(a super small sporting venue) But even a full blown remodel doesn't solve the problems people have with their tickets holding things up(mostly because people are dumb) nor does it solve the even worse problem of line cutters. On numerous occasions I've been in line for a period of time only to see 20 teenagers 'catch up' to their friends. Um no. This simple and essentially no cost solution has already shown to be effective in solving most of the complaints people have had just trying to get into park. Even better not once did I hear anyone complain about while waiting for the next ticket taker. It seemed to be well accepted by the public.

Thanks! A few weeks after the red train came back from rehab/quarantine (Sept/Oct) an issue developed that would have required extended downtime for one of the two trains that were running at the time. In an effort to keep two train operation(the third train was out for its annual) and capacity, the errant car was removed resulting in shorter trains. There were many rumors surrounding why the trains were shortened, however they were just that, rumors.

The mandatory test seating stopped sometime last summer

Almost forgot, small bags and drink cups are allowed on The Mine Train, Log Flume, and Runaway Mountain further increasing dispatch times. Hearing more rides may be allowing this now as well.

Hola Amigos! Senor Chadster is here with your 2015 Opening Day report! Lots of changes going on at the park and I have to say they are ALL positive! * The front gate is much more organized using a switchback type queue to enter. No longer do you have to worry about getting in the 'wrong' line nor do you have to worry about people cutting in front of you. At the end of the queue they have a person directing you to the next available line. We were inside the park in a flash even with a hundred people in front of us. *All staff that we encountered were friendly, upbeat, and motivated, its really refreshing to see. *Two new restaurants and a Jelly Belly store debuted, more on those in the photos belows *A welcome but subtle operational change has happened, no more 5-4-3-2-1 countdowns, instead it's been shortened to 3-2-1, also Superman no longer has a 3 person much check you routine, instead one checks, and off you go, greatly improving dispatch times. In fact most of the day the line was a one shot wait! *Justice League is coming along nicely with the facade going in! *Roaring Rapids was testing much of the day! *Both flumes were open! *With the start of spring break as the parks opening day there were some minor hiccups such as Mr. Freeze not being quite ready to go today (weather played a huge role in that) but all in all the park looked nice and we had a great time! Ready for photos?! I thought so. Enjoy and be sure to share and comment! Here are the new switchbacks for the front entry, it may look silly, but it sure has cut down on the frustrations of years past! Hi Six Flags, it's so good to see you again! Wait, is this different? This I know for sure is different, new for 2015, the Jelly Belly Store! All things Jelly Belly, you can even mix your own bag of beans! Aquaman looks awesome in his new colors! See, he's all cheery and such That moment before you get wet Why hello there Justice League You're coming along nicely, new facade going in! Dirt and stuff Wave guys! Meanwhile This guy doesn't look amused. Where is that gymnast photo when you need it? The sky's were screaming This is like my favorite shot of batman This would be a close second But you can't beat screaming faces photos! No! Don't runaway! Ohhh, Mr. Freeze giving it the ol' college try. It's ok kids, he'll be up and running soon. Toot! Toot! Hey, wait, I told you not to runaway! Get back here! Anywho, time for some views from the top of the oil thingy It's so nice to be back to six cars. Not to mention she's running like a top! Don't worry, Superman's got your backs! Why hello Anton. How's it goin? Still treating people to crazy airtime? Well that's cool, see you next time Anton. Judge got some major retracking this year. 1st Drop, 2nd Drop, and the drop after the turn. So smooth now. Kudos to Six Flags, La Vibrator was a bit cranky today. Hey, I can be artsy too But I can also be non-artsy. RMC still rocks btw. Time to drop to ground level. O'Reilly Auto is the new proud sponsor of the Chap cars. A ride that's doesn't get much love. Next time you visit, head to the rodeo, but not right after that funnel cake. Obligatory Coke Freestyle photo. Over the river and through the woods... Holy Crap!!!! BOTH FLUMES ARE OPEN!! Wooo Hooo! Rare Flume 1 and NTAG shot! I really hope they keep them both open this season! You know what they say...Once you go black... New for this year, healthy eating! The menu looks great and pricing reasonable Yup, you look like a nutty horse alright Hey, it's my people! Stupid Drought. I miss the waterfall. Damn that's high. Judge's sign looks all fresh and whatnot. Hi guys, enjoy the new wood! 12 flags over Texas Fly Batwing, fly fly high. Another new eatery this year, funnel cakes got the boot. It only made since as there was another funnel cake place within eye shot. And like the healthy place, the menu here looks good too. Upcoming concerts in case you want to go. Speaking of going... Its time to hop this shiny (new?!?!) tram and go home. The weather was great, the staff were great, and I had a great time. Loving the changes all around, can't wait to see what else they have in store this season!

^ Not very Opening day report up in the next 20 minutes! Woot!

Can;t wait for when you show me around for a change, viva mexico

The train is good for getting you from one side of the park to the other, but no robbery or anything like that. Oil Derek is fine if you want to check out the skyline but often closes for wind. It just an observation tower, nothing special at the top. La Vibrator has a single rider line and for me I don't ride much as it can give you a good hurt on your bottom side through the blocks, however it's quite popular and often has a long line. First timers generally like it. The gunfight isn't something I'd make a point to see unless the kids need a break from walking, its 'ok' but nothing special. As far as WWC if it's warm outside and you need a break it's worth checking out. If memory serves me correct its less than 30 minutes.

Hearing that the family coaster mentioned in the article below slated for the Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix has started. Anyone local that can confirm? http://archive.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/20130318wildlife-world-zoo-will-see-wild-expansion.html

"Due to inclement weather, the park will be closed Sunday, March 1. The park will open for the season next Saturday March 7"

Six Flags Over Texas will be closed tomorrow due to snow and the fact that Elsa could make it warmer.. It will be the first time in the parks history that they have not opened on opening day.

Looks like a nice parts ride.

But but but guys, the save Jazzland people are going to rebuild it, sometime, maybe, in the future, possibly, they're still working on it, at times.

Well I come bearing good news. Spring Break, while busy, has its lighter days on Tuesday/Wednesday and with the park open 12 hours you should be fine. It should also be noted that not all (but pretty much most) Texas schools are on spring break that week nor are the surrounding states further adding to the lighter crowds. But outside of that, with Mike Apple having retired, rumor has it the new hat in the office is making changes with the goal of improved operational capacity and efficiency. Another option in your favor is the weather. Keep an eye on it, if the rain chances are 40%+ it's likely crowds will be lighter, sure the rides might go down for an hour or two but re-rides will be a plenty.