A.J. Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 The train design looks awesome, but I thought that the cars were going to be single-bench. Maverick proved that really tight transitions are comfortably possible with two-row cars, so I'm not worried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Received a bounty of press releases this evening from the park on their wildly popular Christmas Event Silver Dollar City Debuts New Musical‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for An Old Time Christmas November 3 - December 30 (Branson, Mo. 10/2012) Silver Dollar City debuts the all-new musical show It’s a Wonderful Life, an original production from Silver Dollar City’s award-winning show producers, created for the park’s brightest season and one of the most acclaimed holiday festivals in America, An Old Time Christmas. The festival is presented November 3 – December 30 at the Branson, Missouri theme park. It’s a Wonderful Life, adapted from the Frank Capra classic, presents a new, musical interpretation of the inspirational story that is a world-wide Christmas favorite, voted the #1 “Inspirational Film of All Time” by the American Film Institute. “It’s a Wonderful Life is real Americana, a story many people already love, but our production takes the audience through it in unexpected ways,” said writer/producer Brad Schroeder, Silver Dollar City’s Director of Entertainment and Events. “Telling this classic story with music adds a new connection, making it even more emotional and impactful.” The show also features unique special effects and a talented cast of 14 singer/actors. The new production joins Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed Broadway-style production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, another original musical adaptation of a famous classic which is also featured during the festival. A Dickens’ Christmas Carol includes elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, pyrotechnic special effects and a talented cast of 15, accompanied by a live band. An Old Time Christmas transforms the 1880s-style park into an evening wonderland, featuring the Christmas on Main Street light and sound show, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, a Holiday Light Parade, the two Broadway-style productions, festive holiday foods and over four million lights – and rides too. In temperatures down to 42 degrees, guests can soar into the night while viewing the park’s lights from above. The 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree is the park centerpiece, a towering visual icon that comes to life at dusk each evening when the Christmas on Main Street shows begin. During the shows, the massive tree blazes in synchronization to the musical movements of Christmas songs -- up to 100 light changes per second -- while lights on buildings, in hanging canopies over Main Street and on Christmas trees around the Square flash along with it, accompanied by surround-sound, immersing guests in the experience. While technologically incredible, the tree is “green” too, operating with energy-saving LED* lights. Since its debut more than two decades ago, Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas has become one of the country’s most recognized events for spectacular lighting and world-class entertainment. Profiled as one of the nation’s top holiday celebrations by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America, AOL Travel, Yahoo Travel and MSN.com, the festival features dazzling elements throughout the 100-acre park. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening as costumed characters interact with guests along the parade route. Additional shows include a musical presentation of the Living Nativity and the interactive show Frosty that invites kids to help bring the legendary snowman to life. Fine craftsmanship is also showcased, as the park’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen create one-of-a-kind handmade holiday items, from blown glass ornaments, angels and snowmen to pottery dessert platters and scotch-pine scented candles. Guests sing Christmas carols as they ride the Silver Dollar Steam Train and for nighttime thrills, most of the rides and the park’s five roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the lights from above. Silver Dollar City presents the Midwest Living Culinary & Craft School, offering classes on holiday specialties. The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with apple-raisin dressing. Festive holiday treats from apple dumplings to hot wassail can be found throughout the park, and the bakery cooks up homemade fruitcakes, cookies and breads. For kids, there’s a lunch with Santa, available weekends throughout the festival. During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Thursdays through Sundays through December 23, plus Wednesday, November 21, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and open daily December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days, with extended hours on Saturdays – check the website for exact schedules. Information: 800-831-4FUN(386) or visit http://www.silverdollarcity.com. Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time ChristmasNovember 3 – December 30 · Silver Dollar City presents the all-new musical show It’s a Wonderful Life, an original production from Silver Dollar City’s award-winning show producers created exclusively for An Old Time Christmas. The production, adapted from the Frank Capra classic, presents a new, musical interpretation of the inspirational story that is a world-wide Christmas favorite, voted the #1 “Inspirational Film of All Time” by the American Film Institute. · An Old Time Christmas has been profiled as one of the nation’s top holiday celebrations by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America, AOL Travel, Yahoo Travel, MSN.com and Mainstreet.com. · Silver Dollar City has over 4 million lights for An Old Time Christmas (that’s 350 miles of lights), plus over 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, 250 Christmas trees around the Square alone. · Thousands of LED lights festoon the streets and 40-foot-tall trees wrapped from trunk to treetop display colorful “snowfall lights,” making 1 million lights on the Square alone for the spectacular light & sound show, Christmas on Main Street. · The 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree on the Square has 350,000 energy-saving lights. The Christmas on Main Street show features incredible synchronization - The lights are synchronized down to one-hundredth of a second. We can have 100 light changes every second or 6,000 light changes per minute. · The Holiday Light Parade, winding through the streets each evening, has 8 lighted, musical floats with 100,000 lights, plus 18 costumed characters. · Silver Dollar City also presents its acclaimed Broadway-style production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol - an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens, with elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects. · Additional holiday shows include the interactive musical show Frosty where kids help bring the legendary snowman to life, a musical Living Nativity, and the comedy “Frontier Fa-la-la Follies” in the Silver Dollar Saloon. · Night Rides: For nighttime thrills, Silver Dollar City’s roller coasters and select rides are open after dark with great views of the lights from above. · Holiday cooking at its best is presented at the Midwest Living Culinary & Craft School, featuring festive holiday specialties and Christmas treats. · Guests can dine on holiday food from a Prime Rib Buffet to a traditional turkey & dressing feast. Holiday treats include make-your-own S’Mores, Apple Dumplings and Hot Wassail, plus fresh-baked fruitcakes to take home. Sail into the Season on the Showboat Branson BelleChristmas ‘Made in the USA’ Show Runs November 1 – December 31 (Branson, MO 10/2012) The Showboat Branson Belle kicks off the holiday season with a new Christmas experience. Made in the USA, the world-class headliner production show, presents classic Christmas carols, holiday favorites and a patriotic finale, plus a one-of-a-kind performance of The Nutcracker Suite by violin-playing aerialist Janice Martin. The Showboat departs from White River Landing decorated with Christmas lights and guests can view holiday lights along the shore as the ship cruises Table Rock Lake. Following a 3-course meal, the stage comes to life as the vocal group The ShowMen performs Christmas favorites including Carol of the Bells, Let it Snow and Do You Hear What I Hear. The sounds of the season fill the stage with powerful harmonies and standout solos of the talented vocalists. Janice Martin, the world’s only violin-playing aerialist, takes the stage with an original performance of The Nutcracker Suite. The artistry of this world-class violinist, vocalist, acrobat and multi-instrument musician has been heralded worldwide following performances on four continents, on stages from Carnegie Hall to the White House. The show is emceed by ultra-sharp, uber-funny comedian and magician Christopher James backed by Showboat’s signature live band Rockin’ Dockers for a totally live entertainment experience. Noon and Sunday cruises feature the vocals of the female quartet The ShowBelles, fiddler Dean Church, piano virtuoso Julie McClarey and the comedy of David Hirschi as Slim Chance through November 18. Each cruise features a three-course meal from the Showboat’s Chef Larry, including slow-simmered beef roast and honey-Dijon glazed chicken topped off with the chef’s own Golden Brittle Lemon-Berry Torte. All meals are prepared onboard in the ship’s galley and served in the three-story atrium dining theater. Specialty dining options include the Paddle Wheel Club Room and Captain’s Row. Christmas cruises run November 1 through December 31, with a special New Year’s Eve cruise at 8 p.m. on December 31. For cruise times and ticket information: http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com or 1-800-775-BOAT(2628). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spideyfreak Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I like them, but how in the world are they going to navigate those wacky transitions??? You can see that they are trailered like NTAG, so it shouldn't be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mechanic Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Oh noes! Teh wheelz gonna hit all dem boltz! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voxelmatic Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Oh noes! Teh wheelz gonna hit all dem boltz! Seriously, though, that problem should be resolved when they add the part of the track the trains actually ride on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJeXeL Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 ^^Thank you for that. Made my morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Yeti Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I almost made a stupid comment about how only one side of the track has those holes in that picture. Those trains look fancier than any PTC's I've seen, and I'll bet they'll be a bit more roomy. Maybe like a less bulky NTAG or like a 4-seater Intamin. I feel like it would be tough to mimic a stagecoach with 2-seater trains, so I'm even more pleased with this design. They also look a little like something from a Wes Anderson movie with those great aesthetics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texcoaster Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I'm sure it's just some sort of optical illusion based on the camera angle, but every time I see the pic of that barrel roll, my brain keeps thinking that it's just not right. Just after the first roll, the track should appear to be like this ___ ___ but instead the two rails seem to be angled away from each other like this / \ and as it goes through the second roll, it looks even more skewed. Has anyone seen a different pic of it that corrects this illusion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Mutts Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Those train look really cool! Very stage coach like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mechanic Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 I'm sure it's just some sort of optical illusion based on the camera angle, but every time I see the pic of that barrel roll, my brain keeps thinking that it's just not right. Just after the first roll, the track should appear to be like this ___ ___ but instead the two rails seem to be angled away from each other like this / \ and as it goes through the second roll, it looks even more skewed. Has anyone seen a different pic of it that corrects this illusion? I thought it looked odd at first as well. The rail on the right in the foreground of the picture is upside down, so you're looking at the portion of the rail that the upstop and side wheels would be touching. If you study the picture a little more it will all make sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Yeti Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 ^Yes, it would look much different if the picture was taken under the track, but really it's about level with the track and only allows you to see one side of the rails that the train will run on - we're only seeing the edge of the right side of the track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 (edited) Howdy Folks! Citizen Chadster back with some beautiful fall photos from Silver Dollar City. Fall has always been my favorite time of year and when the park posted that the leaves had turned I couldn't resist. It's also been about a month since my last update on Outlaw Run, and holy crap, what a difference a month makes! Not only do the fall colors compliment the ride well but they have gotten a ton of work done! Electrical is in, plumbing is in, the outside queue is going in, sensors are going in, and the running steel is going in at a rapid pace! I had a chance to talk with the train conductors (train was in the round house for repairs most of the day, but don't worry, they got me on for one trip!) and they too are extremely excited for Outlaw Run, especially having seen it from start to finish. The energy surrounding this ride couldn't be better! Anyway, if you want to see the park at all in it's fall colors this will most likely be the last week before the leaves, well, leave! Have a love and passion to see fall photos of SDC? Clicky Welcome to a beautiful fall Sunday at the park! We've been cleared for departure to wander around and take in the sights, sounds, and smells. You really couldn't ask for a much better setting. I wonder if they park could re-create this year round? Can you guess where this photo was taken? (Hint) Anyway, so continuing our journey we look out in to the distance. And gazed in wide wonder... At the joy I had found. Yes indeed fall is here, and everything just seems right with the world. Of course it helps that I was able to ride this beauty a dozen times. Hey, like I said, I'm a fall weather fanboy. 78 degrees is perfect weather for floating the channel. Something's going on by the BBQ restaurant, looks like they are adding a roof. I mean I guess it could be the start of a new movie theater, they do have similarities. Even Thunderation is getting in on all the action. Om nom nom nom nom After lunch it was off to peek through the fence. And check out the queue construction, tons of work going on, tons of work left to do. But the end is a ton closer than it was a year ago! Mr. Lift Hill is looking good. Is it ready yet? If you recognize this then you know what time it is! (Note: It's NOT tool time) (CLUE) That's right folks, for the 50th time this year (and only once today, sorry it was beyond my control)...It's TRAIN TIME! Over the river and through the woods to Outlaw Run we go Drum roll please Ta Da! Concession Stand! The ticketing area is coming along quite nicely. Did I mention how the colors throughout the park compliment the rides and attractions? I didn't think so. So I am mentioning it. And still practicing safety, the poles have their hard hats on. I should issue the poles a safety award. I love fall. I see you! Don't try to hide from us! WhooHoo! Looks like all the running steal is in place! Just look at that element. Still baffles my mind every time I see it. Simply amazing. But all good things must come to end as this train is speeding off. and off.... ...and yet further off. But we ended up in Pottersville, Mo, Population 4. Make that 3, I ran off to hug Outlaw Run. So since I couldn't shoot from the other side today I came up with this artistic photo to give you a sense of what it's like to ride the train? Can you feel the steam powered motion? But seriously, the folks on the train line are great people. I joked with them that I should get a part time job as I would need little training. Afterall I've gotten all of their scripts memorized. The switch over to Christmas is really going to throw me off with the reading of a Christmas tale instead of a train robbery. But no worries, I'll live She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes, she'll be coming round the mountain when she comes... Hey look, people are working on it today, cool! Lots of electrical and air lines/tanks are in place on the brake run. The transfer table also looks near completion. No trains were home yet. NERD SHOT!!! (I bet you were wondering when it was coming ) Hey look, it's a giant wooden wall!! Bye Outlaw Run...I can't wait to, um, ride you!! And now it's time for me to get back in my row boat. That's all I wrote folks, come back next time for more excitement!! Edited October 23, 2012 by chadster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Chad - Did you check with park management? You might get a gift for riding the train 50 times in one season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 ^I'm afraid if I asked, they'd put me to work! (But would that really be a bad thing?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspaz1000 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Great pictures Chad! Hopefully I'll get to ride this in 2013! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Edge of Beast- Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Lovely pics Chad. It's fun to see photos of amusement parks during the fall because they look so beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Mutts Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Thanks for the pics! Looks like its progressing very nicely. Can't wait to ride this thing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voxelmatic Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 This ride gets better and better every day... Can't wait for opening! (Congrats on 50 train rides!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Fantastic photo update, thanks for sharing as always. I can't believe how pretty the park looks right now. Here in central OK the trees either look dead or they haven't started turning yet. My trees lost most of their leaves during the drought this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 ^Agreed. The park looks gorgeous this time of year! Thanks for the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 I've always wanted to check out Silver Dollar City (especially after falling in love with Dollywood) but Outlaw Run may just be the catalyst for me planning a trip out there... This thing looks amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 I can't wait to get back there this spring! It looks beautiful this time of the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoCo Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Gorgeous update! It's an interesting choice they've made, to "fence in" the lift hill. This is the first time I've seen this. Has it ever been done on a coaster before? I laugh in awe EVERY time I see a shot of that overbanked turn. MUST HAVE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Thanks guys, glad you all love the pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aLFREd_25 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Great pics, as always, Chad. With each update, I get more exited for next season. I love the look of the surrounding area there aroundt the station. I can't wait to see a train go through that fakeout-roll thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now