Silver Dollar City (SDC) Discussion Thread

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Oh and just for the record, I'm very skeptical about Wonders of Wildlife (the aquarium) reopening again, as much as I used to go to that place as a kid I would be excited about it reopening, but I just don't see it. I have a feeling that pretty soon the owner is going to abandon the project as it is taking too much money because he's already dumped about 50 million into the place and it's STILL not open. By the way, do you know the where abouts of Celebration City's Electric Star Ferris Wheel? I will not stop scouring the internet until I find out where it is.

 

Don't be skeptical, just be disgusted over Johnny taking his sweet time. It'll be reopened.

 

It's full of living things now

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2015/03/18/big-changes-ahead-wonders-wildlife/24988721/

That aquarium was open for a few months in 2001, then has been closed "for renovations" for 14 years. The only project in town with more delays and restarts is the Heers building. Let's call it what it is; it's a nonprofit subsidiary that exists solely to be a tax write off.

[ElvisLuv]

Oh and just for the record, I'm very skeptical about Wonders of Wildlife (the aquarium) reopening again, as much as I used to go to that place as a kid I would be excited about it reopening, but I just don't see it. I have a feeling that pretty soon the owner is going to abandon the project as it is taking too much money because he's already dumped about 50 million into the place and it's STILL not open. By the way, do you know the where abouts of Celebration City's Electric Star Ferris Wheel? I will not stop scouring the internet until I find out where it is.

 

Don't be skeptical, just be disgusted over Johnny taking his sweet time. It'll be reopened.

 

It's full of living things now

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2015/03/18/big-changes-ahead-wonders-wildlife/24988721/

That aquarium was open for a few months in 2001, then has been closed "for renovations" for 14 years. The only project in town with more delays and restarts is the Heers building. Let's call it what it is; it's a nonprofit subsidiary that exists solely to be a tax write off.

 

Johhny will open it 2016, How do I know? It's advertised in the fall catalog. When he starts pimping something in the catalog, it's happening. He is already talking a second hotel and zip line at the Memphis Pyramid store. But there's plenty that Wonders will not have. Branson ain't getting an aquarium equal to Atlanta's(though I'd love it) but something lIke the one in Chattanooga with other things like the water steps is plausible. I'M going to plan around with Google and come up with rough plan of what I suggested. It's too hot for other stuff.

[Mertens S. Elias]

Oh and just for the record, I'm very skeptical about Wonders of Wildlife (the aquarium) reopening again, as much as I used to go to that place as a kid I would be excited about it reopening, but I just don't see it. I have a feeling that pretty soon the owner is going to abandon the project as it is taking too much money because he's already dumped about 50 million into the place and it's STILL not open. By the way, do you know the where abouts of Celebration City's Electric Star Ferris Wheel? I will not stop scouring the internet until I find out where it is.

 

Don't be skeptical, just be disgusted over Johnny taking his sweet time. It'll be reopened.

 

It's full of living things now

http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2015/03/18/big-changes-ahead-wonders-wildlife/24988721/

That aquarium was open for a few months in 2001, then has been closed "for renovations" for 14 years. The only project in town with more delays and restarts is the Heers building. Let's call it what it is; it's a nonprofit subsidiary that exists solely to be a tax write off.

Are you sure about the 2001 date because I remember going at least until I was four in 2005?

[ytterbiumanalyst]

It closed almost immediately after opening, might have been into 2002. There were major problems. I've heard "re-opening" so many times over the last decade, I don't know what's real and what's not. Wikipedia says it closed in 2007, and that sounds a bit late to me, but might be true. I have heard rumours that they were allowing admission at various times--rumours that always went to the tune of "Quick! Before they close it again!"

 

So to get back to the topic at hand, if the Herschends open an aquarium on the old Celebration City lot, it'd probably do pretty well. The Butterfly Palace is right across the street, and the Tiger Sanctuary's just down the road. Branson needs to attract younger families who don't care about hillbillies or old country music stars, and animals are a great way to do that. As for the shops, the Herschends tried that once with the Grand Village. It did better than the Grand Palace, and they kept the Village around longer, but Branson doesn't really need another strip mall. The Branson Landing has done very well, but I'm not sure having another one on the opposite end of 76 is really what the city needs.

 

The Highroad isn't getting extended. The project hasn't been delayed, it's been canceled. The Highroad works for people coming from Springfield to bypass 76 and get to SDC, and that's all the function it needs.

 

I still think the best thing they could do with CC's land is to relocate White Water there. The road infrastructure is so much better there than their current location next to the outlet mall.

[PhantomPoster32]

If you're going to relocate WW, move it out by SDC

[Mertens S. Elias]

If you're going to relocate WW, move it out by SDC

YES! I could go without S.D.C, close S.D.C, put White Water in it's place, reopen Celebration City! PERFECT! I'd rather have a fun, 50's/60's theme park than a mediocre hillbilly park.

[Mertens S. Elias]

It closed almost immediately after opening, might have been into 2002. There were major problems. I've heard "re-opening" so many times over the last decade, I don't know what's real and what's not. Wikipedia says it closed in 2007, and that sounds a bit late to me, but might be true. I have heard rumours that they were allowing admission at various times--rumours that always went to the tune of "Quick! Before they close it again!"

 

So to get back to the topic at hand, if the Herschends open an aquarium on the old Celebration City lot, it'd probably do pretty well. The Butterfly Palace is right across the street, and the Tiger Sanctuary's just down the road. Branson needs to attract younger families who don't care about hillbillies or old country music stars, and animals are a great way to do that. As for the shops, the Herschends tried that once with the Grand Village. It did better than the Grand Palace, and they kept the Village around longer, but Branson doesn't really need another strip mall. The Branson Landing has done very well, but I'm not sure having another one on the opposite end of 76 is really what the city needs.

 

The Highroad isn't getting extended. The project hasn't been delayed, it's been canceled. The Highroad works for people coming from Springfield to bypass 76 and get to SDC, and that's all the function it needs.

 

I still think the best thing they could do with CC's land is to relocate White Water there. The road infrastructure is so much better there than their current location next to the outlet mall.

Ew. What I see most successful for Celebration City is reopening the park and be like Wild Adventures and have a water park and theme park. But of course I remember Branson USA having a couple water slides in a small area called Under The Boardwalk.

[ElvisLuv]

It closed almost immediately after opening, might have been into 2002. There were major problems. I've heard "re-opening" so many times over the last decade, I don't know what's real and what's not. Wikipedia says it closed in 2007, and that sounds a bit late to me, but might be true. I have heard rumours that they were allowing admission at various times--rumours that always went to the tune of "Quick! Before they close it again!"

 

So to get back to the topic at hand, if the Herschends open an aquarium on the old Celebration City lot, it'd probably do pretty well. The Butterfly Palace is right across the street, and the Tiger Sanctuary's just down the road. Branson needs to attract younger families who don't care about hillbillies or old country music stars, and animals are a great way to do that. As for the shops, the Herschends tried that once with the Grand Village. It did better than the Grand Palace, and they kept the Village around longer, but Branson doesn't really need another strip mall. The Branson Landing has done very well, but I'm not sure having another one on the opposite end of 76 is really what the city needs.

 

The Highroad isn't getting extended. The project hasn't been delayed, it's been canceled. The Highroad works for people coming from Springfield to bypass 76 and get to SDC, and that's all the function it needs.

 

I still think the best thing they could do with CC's land is to relocate White Water there. The road infrastructure is so much better there than their current location next to the outlet mall.

 

Retail would just be token in nature, that's not the true intent of what I'm suggesting. What I'm proposing is more entertainmentioned and eating driven with a captured audience with a two or three lodges. I can't figure where this got equated to Grand Palace. When I say retail think a Candy Shop and a Soda emporium either together or separate.

The main focus would but fun, whether it's eating, music, play, and other forms of entertainment.

 

Mirror Maze

 

Restaurant with on site brewing

 

Upscale movies

 

Adult bowling

 

Kids bowling

 

 

Here think of it like this(Google these things)

 

Take The Island in Pigeon Forge and Kemah Boardwalk outside of Houston and the Downtown Aquarium in Houston and mix it in a bowl

 

Season it with:

 

Add a teaspoon of Movies like Alamo Drafthouse Cinema or even KC based AMC and their Dine In Movie screens.

 

Add a Teaspoon of King Bowl or Brooklyn Bowl and a Family FEC with Glow in the Dark bowling lanes.

 

(Note: being from Memphis Malco is tinkering with a D&B format with their movie theaters complete with bowling.)

 

Throw in a place like Great Wolf with an indoor waterpark. Look at the attached aerial of CC, I'd put right down there on the boot where the laser show was. Find a way to incorporate the old water features with an outdoor pool.

 

Add a couple suite style hotels with nice indoor pools that would appeal to more budget minded families looking for a cabin fever weekend get away. Have the hotels offer shuttles to SDC when it's open. Give on site hotel patent discounts to the Mirror Maze, 7d theater, and Rides. On and on.

[Mertens S. Elias]

It closed almost immediately after opening, might have been into 2002. There were major problems. I've heard "re-opening" so many times over the last decade, I don't know what's real and what's not. Wikipedia says it closed in 2007, and that sounds a bit late to me, but might be true. I have heard rumours that they were allowing admission at various times--rumours that always went to the tune of "Quick! Before they close it again!"

 

So to get back to the topic at hand, if the Herschends open an aquarium on the old Celebration City lot, it'd probably do pretty well. The Butterfly Palace is right across the street, and the Tiger Sanctuary's just down the road. Branson needs to attract younger families who don't care about hillbillies or old country music stars, and animals are a great way to do that. As for the shops, the Herschends tried that once with the Grand Village. It did better than the Grand Palace, and they kept the Village around longer, but Branson doesn't really need another strip mall. The Branson Landing has done very well, but I'm not sure having another one on the opposite end of 76 is really what the city needs.

 

The Highroad isn't getting extended. The project hasn't been delayed, it's been canceled. The Highroad works for people coming from Springfield to bypass 76 and get to SDC, and that's all the function it needs.

 

I still think the best thing they could do with CC's land is to relocate White Water there. The road infrastructure is so much better there than their current location next to the outlet mall.

 

Retail would just be token in nature, that's not the true intent of what I'm suggesting. What I'm proposing is more entertainmentioned and eating driven with a captured audience with a two or three lodges. I can't figure where this got equated to Grand Palace. When I say retail think a Candy Shop and a Soda emporium either together or separate.

The main focus would but fun, whether it's eating, music, play, and other forms of entertainment.

 

Mirror Maze

 

Restaurant with on site brewing

 

Upscale movies

 

Adult bowling

 

Kids bowling

 

 

Here think of it like this(Google these things)

 

Take The Island in Pigeon Forge and Kemah Boardwalk outside of Houston and the Downtown Aquarium in Houston and mix it in a bowl

 

Season it with:

 

Add a teaspoon of Movies like Alamo Drafthouse Cinema or even KC based AMC and their Dine In Movie screens.

 

Add a Teaspoon of King Bowl or Brooklyn Bowl and a Family FEC with Glow in the Dark bowling lanes.

 

(Note: being from Memphis Malco is tinkering with a D&B format with their movie theaters complete with bowling.)

 

Throw in a place like Great Wolf with an indoor waterpark. Look at the attached aerial of CC, I'd put right down there on the boot where the laser show was. Find a way to incorporate the old water features with an outdoor pool.

 

Add a couple suite style hotels with nice indoor pools that would appeal to more budget minded families looking for a cabin fever weekend get away. Have the hotels offer shuttles to SDC when it's open. Give on site hotel patent discounts to the Mirror Maze, 7d theater, and Rides. On and on.

That google maps image made me shed a couple tears. But I don't see how they could fit any of that on the property. It's only forty acres! And from what I remember the stores on main street weren't even that big on the inside. The only building left on the property that I could see them using for something like a bowling alley or a theater or a skating rink is the old theater/store that used to be the Branson USA entrance. I'm sure after the forty some million dollars they already put into the property they'd try to penny pinch any time they could into another project on this place so I see them trying to reused the old buildings instead of building new ones and I don't even think there's any room on the property to put any buildings, as it was back then everything (rides, games, buildings) was all shoe horned in.

[ElvisLuv]

That google maps image made me shed a couple tears. But I don't see how they could fit any of that on the property. It's only forty acres! And from what I remember the stores on main street weren't even that big on the inside. The only building left on the property that I could see them using for something like a bowling alley or a theater or a skating rink is the old theater/store that used to be the Branson USA entrance. I'm sure after the forty some million dollars they already put into the property they'd try to penny pinch any time they could into another project on this place so I see them trying to reused the old buildings instead of building new ones and I don't even think there's any room on the property to put any buildings, as it was back then everything (rides, games, buildings) was all shoe horned in.

 

You can fit the vast majority. You are thinking in a strip mall mindset. Remer my first post on this. I said parking decks with liner buildlings. Take this example of what I'm talking about, street level store fronts for restaurants, limited retail and hotel rooms wrapped around a multi level parking deck

 

As for rides, take the star flyer. I believe Tivoli's is on a raise platform. Well, in this as it's above a circular building. Where have I seen this in the states but not with a Star Fyler. But, It gives you the idea.

[Mertens S. Elias]

That google maps image made me shed a couple tears. But I don't see how they could fit any of that on the property. It's only forty acres! And from what I remember the stores on main street weren't even that big on the inside. The only building left on the property that I could see them using for something like a bowling alley or a theater or a skating rink is the old theater/store that used to be the Branson USA entrance. I'm sure after the forty some million dollars they already put into the property they'd try to penny pinch any time they could into another project on this place so I see them trying to reused the old buildings instead of building new ones and I don't even think there's any room on the property to put any buildings, as it was back then everything (rides, games, buildings) was all shoe horned in.

 

You can fit the vast majority. You are thinking in a strip mall mindset. Remer my first post on this. I said parking decks with liner buildlings. Take this example of what I'm talking about, street level store fronts for restaurants, limited retail and hotel rooms wrapped around a multi level parking deck

 

As for rides, take the star flyer. I believe Tivoli's is on a raise platform. Well, in this as it's above a circular building. Where have I seen this in the states but not with a Star Fyler. But, It gives you the idea.

Oh. Ew. Kind of seeing that I think something like that would kind of keep me away. I like the traditional parking lot, getting out of the car and seeing the entrance gate across the parking lot and nostalgic stuff like that. And I kind of don't like the idea of having elevated rides like at Blackpool or Playland's Castaway Cove, to me if just makes the place seem.....cramped.....and.....I just can't find the right words but I'm going to be honest, elevated rides and parking garages would turn me off of wanting to go back. What I think should happen is like all the F.E.Cs in Branson, free admission, pay per ride, like Branson USA was except have standout rides that Branson USA didn't really have. Make it sort of like Fun Spot America in Orlando.

[ElvisLuv]

That google maps image made me shed a couple tears. But I don't see how they could fit any of that on the property. It's only forty acres! And from what I remember the stores on main street weren't even that big on the inside. The only building left on the property that I could see them using for something like a bowling alley or a theater or a skating rink is the old theater/store that used to be the Branson USA entrance. I'm sure after the forty some million dollars they already put into the property they'd try to penny pinch any time they could into another project on this place so I see them trying to reused the old buildings instead of building new ones and I don't even think there's any room on the property to put any buildings, as it was back then everything (rides, games, buildings) was all shoe horned in.

 

You can fit the vast majority. You are thinking in a strip mall mindset. Remer my first post on this. I said parking decks with liner buildlings. Take this example of what I'm talking about, street level store fronts for restaurants, limited retail and hotel rooms wrapped around a multi level parking deck

 

As for rides, take the star flyer. I believe Tivoli's is on a raise platform. Well, in this as it's above a circular building. Where have I seen this in the states but not with a Star Fyler. But, It gives you the idea.

Oh. Ew. Kind of seeing that I think something like that would kind of keep me away. I like the traditional parking lot, getting out of the car and seeing the entrance gate across the parking lot and nostalgic stuff like that. And I kind of don't like the idea of having elevated rides like at Blackpool or Playland's Castaway Cove, to me if just makes the place seem.....cramped.....and.....I just can't find the right words but I'm going to be honest, elevated rides and parking garages would turn me off of wanting to go back. What I think should happen is like all the F.E.Cs in Branson, free admission, pay per ride, like Branson USA was except have standout rides that Branson USA didn't really have. Make it sort of like Fun Spot America in Orlando.

 

 

Well, we'll have to disagree. It needs it's own core and can be done right. I remember seeing how they used the fact that the restaurants had to be elevated for storm surge protection so they ran the train under them and include a dark ride section. When you said 0 acres and claim it will not all fit I threw out SOME of the possible solutions. Most building would be repurposed, but some may need to go bye bye . Take the water feature with the waterfall for the last ride they added before closing

 

I'm sure that could be saved and even used for a front feature of the Lodge that would house an indoor waterpark

This building is fine to repurpose for a use. Facades can easily change lots of room there in the plaza in front

 

 

However, the old entrances goes but the street can be extended . Look there's a pad for a Star Flyer.

 

The bowling alley, movie theater and FEC with a ride like bumper cars can all be in the same building. We aren't talking a 22 screen movie plex but 6 to 8 with upscale features and stadium seating. The bowling alley and FEC can be multiple levels. Go up, not out since the movie portion of the build is going to be taller . Here's a Muvico/Splitsville combo as an example of just a single level

 

Not much has happened across the street either, that could be bought up for surface parking but you have to understand, single level surface parking it's about as big of a waste of space as there is, especially when room for other studs is needed. When integrated with other uses, parking structures can pay for themselves easier and fees waved. Branson Landing did a good job of having a mix of a little surface parking with a parking structure also used . Branson a ready has The Tracks locations and others, this place can,do without minigolf or go carts.

[Mertens S. Elias]

That google maps image made me shed a couple tears. But I don't see how they could fit any of that on the property. It's only forty acres! And from what I remember the stores on main street weren't even that big on the inside. The only building left on the property that I could see them using for something like a bowling alley or a theater or a skating rink is the old theater/store that used to be the Branson USA entrance. I'm sure after the forty some million dollars they already put into the property they'd try to penny pinch any time they could into another project on this place so I see them trying to reused the old buildings instead of building new ones and I don't even think there's any room on the property to put any buildings, as it was back then everything (rides, games, buildings) was all shoe horned in.

 

You can fit the vast majority. You are thinking in a strip mall mindset. Remer my first post on this. I said parking decks with liner buildlings. Take this example of what I'm talking about, street level store fronts for restaurants, limited retail and hotel rooms wrapped around a multi level parking deck

 

As for rides, take the star flyer. I believe Tivoli's is on a raise platform. Well, in this as it's above a circular building. Where have I seen this in the states but not with a Star Fyler. But, It gives you the idea.

Oh. Ew. Kind of seeing that I think something like that would kind of keep me away. I like the traditional parking lot, getting out of the car and seeing the entrance gate across the parking lot and nostalgic stuff like that. And I kind of don't like the idea of having elevated rides like at Blackpool or Playland's Castaway Cove, to me if just makes the place seem.....cramped.....and.....I just can't find the right words but I'm going to be honest, elevated rides and parking garages would turn me off of wanting to go back. What I think should happen is like all the F.E.Cs in Branson, free admission, pay per ride, like Branson USA was except have standout rides that Branson USA didn't really have. Make it sort of like Fun Spot America in Orlando.

 

 

Well, we'll have to disagree. It needs it's own core and can be done right. I remember seeing how they used the fact that the restaurants had to be elevated for storm surge protection so they ran the train under them and include a dark ride section. When you said 0 acres and claim it will not all fit I threw out SOME of the possible solutions. Most building would be repurposed, but some may need to go bye bye . Take the water feature with the waterfall for the last ride they added before closing

 

I'm sure that could be saved and even used for a front feature of the Lodge that would house an indoor waterpark

This building is fine to repurpose for a use. Facades can easily change lots of room there in the plaza in front

 

 

However, the old entrances goes but the street can be extended . Look there's a pad for a Star Flyer.

 

The bowling alley, movie theater and FEC with a ride like bumper cars can all be in the same building. We aren't talking a 22 screen movie plex but 6 to 8 with upscale features and stadium seating. The bowling alley and FEC can be multiple levels. Go up, not out since the movie portion of the build is going to be taller . Here's a Muvico/Splitsville combo as an example of just a single level

 

Not much has happened across the street either, that could be bought up for surface parking but you have to understand, single level surface parking it's about as big of a waste of space as there is, especially when room for other studs is needed. When integrated with other uses, parking structures can pay for themselves easier and fees waved. Branson Landing did a good job of having a mix of a little surface parking with a parking structure also used . Branson a ready has The Tracks locations and others, this place can,do without minigolf or go carts.

 

I said 40 acres, and what I think should happen for that building next to the old Ferris Wheel is like an old fashioned movie theater, the ones that only had one screen and every couple days the movie would change. But the pad you pointed out for a Star Flyer was the pad of the old Larson flying scooters called Flying Circus, I don't believe that the pad is wide enough for a Star Flyer, I could be wrong but I remember the last Star Flyer I rode (the one at Six Flags Over Mid America) was pretty large in width while the last Flying Scooters I rode (the ones at Frontier City) were pretty small compared to the Star Flyer. Maybe a smaller Zamperla one would fit on that pad, or they could just extend the pad. But I guess the major thing is that I just don't really want it to change, I want what I had back, I don't want a park like Disney with LOTS of stores and full restaurants and just a few rides, I want my Celebration City with kick a** rides and the awesome 50's/60's shows. I want a flat parking lot and ground level rides. I want a big iron gate with the iron sign, Celebration City above it. I want a brick plaza with a brick ticket building. I want an entrance where I can see the top of a yellow double shot. I want to drive up to see a huge Technical Park Ferris Wheel, G.C.I woodie, Zierer Flying Carpet, and a S&MC Windstorm coaster. I don't want a shopping center like the existing Tanger Outlet not but three miles down the road or the Branson Landing five-ten minutes away. I want an actual amusement park. I know I probably can't have that again but whatever replaces it I just want it to be worth it, which lets be honest, it probably won't.

[Mertens S. Elias]

But of course, I do like whoever's idea it was to convert one of the buildings into a mirror maze type thing, that seemed pretty awesome.

[Vonni]

If you're going to relocate WW, move it out by SDC

YES! I could go without S.D.C, close S.D.C, put White Water in it's place, reopen Celebration City! PERFECT! I'd rather have a fun, 50's/60's theme park than a mediocre hillbilly park.

 

 

Wow! You are in a vast minority with that opinion! SDC is a fantastic park with a fantastic theme, top notch food, exceptional hospitality, first class rides, and a rich history! The only things I miss about CC is Ozcat, which Outlaw Run is a far superior coaster, and the laser show on the rock wall. SDC, DW, and HW are three of the best parks in the Country.

[PhantomPoster32]

If you're going to relocate WW, move it out by SDC

YES! I could go without S.D.C, close S.D.C, put White Water in it's place, reopen Celebration City! PERFECT! I'd rather have a fun, 50's/60's theme park than a mediocre hillbilly park.

 

smh

 

You have to be trolling. No one could possibly be that stupid.

[Mertens S. Elias]

If you're going to relocate WW, move it out by SDC

YES! I could go without S.D.C, close S.D.C, put White Water in it's place, reopen Celebration City! PERFECT! I'd rather have a fun, 50's/60's theme park than a mediocre hillbilly park.

 

smh

 

You have to be trolling. No one could possibly be that stupid.

Not a troll, just my opinion, I DESPISE S.D.C, it's an overpriced, over rated wasteland.

[PhantomPoster32]

All right, I'll bite because I'm curious where you're going with this

What's your "ideal" park then if SDC is so hideous.

[Mertens S. Elias]

If you're going to relocate WW, move it out by SDC

YES! I could go without S.D.C, close S.D.C, put White Water in it's place, reopen Celebration City! PERFECT! I'd rather have a fun, 50's/60's theme park than a mediocre hillbilly park.

 

 

Wow! You are in a vast minority with that opinion! SDC is a fantastic park with a fantastic theme, top notch food, exceptional hospitality, first class rides, and a rich history! The only things I miss about CC is Ozcat, which Outlaw Run is a far superior coaster, and the laser show on the rock wall. SDC, DW, and HW are three of the best parks in the Country.

Oh please, the food is over priced, like everything else at that wretched park, super greasy and doesn't taste as good as everybody says it is, and it gives me hard core Montezuma's revenge. And the only hospitality I've gotten is a ride open yelling at kids to stop running from the exit back to the entrance even though the park was dead and there was nobody else in line and wouldn't just let us stay on the ride. And the only rides that I think are first class are MAYBE Outlaw Run, though it's not as good as all the hype it gets, and Firefall, which of course is a transplant from Celebration City. And Wildfire is pretty fun. But all the flats are run on terrible cycles where the run at full speed for about ten seconds. And by rich history I see a mining town turned into a small cave attraction turn Herschend, over priced, over rated, money drain on your wallet. And the shows aren't even that good. Far below laser shows and sea lion shows.

[ElvisLuv]

All right, I'll bite because I'm curious where you're going with this

What's your "ideal" park then if SDC is so hideous.

 

Dude has never seen where the Star Flyer on Galveston Pleasure Pier was put if he's questioning that placement. Look, everything I posted is just some pie in the sky vision. I think it could be done.

 

Now if he's got something against SDC well that's crazy. He lost me at favoring surface lots over attractions. A simple google image search for mixed use entertainment complex degelopment can give you all kinds of ideals.

[Woodie Warrior]

Anyways...

 

Just got back from my first visit of the season! A few notes:

 

-Fireman's Landing is an awesome replacement for Geyser Gulch. Not only is the play area a huge upgrade, you now have some cool flats and excellent theming as well. Firefall was fun (the airtime seemed a bit underwhelming compared to Liberty Launch @ HW but it was still a decent ride) and it seemed to be very popular.

-Outlaw Run continues to be the best coaster ever. Still the smoothest wooden coaster out there, with the some of the most extreme elements I've ever experienced. The one thing I noticed was a terrible jolt at the bottom of the first drop that was only noticeable in the back. Other than that, OR was as great as always. Got 5 rides in 30 mins today, including 2 front row rides.

-Powder Keg was fun in the front but I still like the back better.

-Flooded Mine seems to have rumors floating around about its demise... I don't know, I read about some boats being taken off, but that doesn't hint at anything to me- the boats were still coming in one after another, so I don't think the capacity's been reduced. It still seems popular with guests, and I don't think it is in a location that really needs any huge addition.

-Gosh I love this park. I'm so glad it's a mere 4 hours from me, I can't wait for Christmas.

 

Edit: I didn't want to get involved but...

Oh please, the food is over priced, like everything else at that wretched park, super greasy and doesn't taste as good as everybody says it is, and it gives me hard core Montezuma's revenge.

The food at SDC is cheaper (and better) than any other parks I've been to. $6 for a burger and fries is better than even some fast food joints. $10 for a buffet is a great deal as well.

And the only hospitality I've gotten is a ride open yelling at kids to stop running from the exit back to the entrance even though the park was dead and there was nobody else in line and wouldn't just let us stay on the ride.

At every amusement park I've been to I've seen kids being told not to run. It's a big rule that helps the park prevent injuries. Same with the staying on the rides rule. Most parks don't allow it.

And the only rides that I think are first class are MAYBE Outlaw Run, though it's not as good as all the hype it gets, and Firefall, which of course is a transplant from Celebration City. And Wildfire is pretty fun. But all the flats are run on terrible cycles where the run at full speed for about ten seconds.

Outlaw Run deserves the hype it gets. Wildfire and Powder Keg are both great, and Thunderation is very good for a mine train. I do agree about the flats, though. Giant Swing and the yoyo both has short cycles this visit. Although Electro Spin ran for a good 2-3 minutes.

And by rich history I see a mining town turned into a small cave attraction turn Herschend, over priced, over rated, money drain on your wallet. And the shows aren't even that good. Far below laser shows and sea lion shows.

-SDC isn't "overpriced". The tickets are nearly the same price as any other park in the region.

-The shows at SDC are all very good. Both the saloon show and the GAC Nights show (and I don't even really like country music) are fantastic. The two Christmas shows are even better.

Edited August 10, 2015 by Woodie Warrior

[Mertens S. Elias]

Anyways...

 

Just got back from my first visit of the season! A few notes:

 

-Fireman's Landing is an awesome replacement for Geyser Gulch. Not only is the play area a huge upgrade, you now have some cool flats and excellent theming as well. Firefall was fun (the airtime seemed a bit underwhelming compared to Liberty Launch @ HW but it was still a decent ride) and it seemed to be very popular.

-Outlaw Run continues to be the best coaster ever. Still the smoothest wooden coaster out there, with the some of the most extreme elements I've ever experienced. The one thing I noticed was a terrible jolt at the bottom of the first drop that was only noticeable in the back. Other than that, OR was as great as always. Got 5 rides in 30 mins today, including 2 front row rides.

-Powder Keg was fun in the front but I still like the back better.

-Flooded Mine seems to have rumors floating around about its demise... I don't know, I read about some boats being taken off, but that doesn't hint at anything to me- the boats were still coming in one after another, so I don't think the capacity's been reduced. It still seems popular with guests, and I don't think it is in a location that really needs any huge addition.

-Gosh I love this park. I'm so glad it's a mere 4 hours from me, I can't wait for Christmas.

Well I'm just an hour, what park are you closest to?

[Mertens S. Elias]

All right, I'll bite because I'm curious where you're going with this

What's your "ideal" park then if SDC is so hideous.

 

Dude has never seen where the Star Flyer on Galveston Pleasure Pier was put if he's questioning that placement. Look, everything I posted is just some pie in the sky vision. I think it could be done.

 

Now if he's got something against SDC well that's crazy. He lost me at favoring surface lots over attractions. A simple google image search for mixed use entertainment complex degelopment can give you all kinds of ideals.

I said somewhere on here what I hate so much about S.D.C, but I do favor ground surfacing and normal stuff like that. It just looks prettier to me to see a ride surrounded by trees, shrubs, and flowers, and sometimes fountains, simple things like that. Oh. And I'm going to S.D.C tomorrow, I need a thrill fix and I feel like riding Accelerator. If anybody else is going I'm the kid with blonde hair, brown eyes, wearing black or maroon high tops, with the semi fat tall kid that's probably wearing a car shirt, and the blonde young lady. If you see me just call me Eli Mertens.

[Woodie Warrior]

Anyways...

 

Just got back from my first visit of the season! A few notes:

 

-Fireman's Landing is an awesome replacement for Geyser Gulch. Not only is the play area a huge upgrade, you now have some cool flats and excellent theming as well. Firefall was fun (the airtime seemed a bit underwhelming compared to Liberty Launch @ HW but it was still a decent ride) and it seemed to be very popular.

-Outlaw Run continues to be the best coaster ever. Still the smoothest wooden coaster out there, with the some of the most extreme elements I've ever experienced. The one thing I noticed was a terrible jolt at the bottom of the first drop that was only noticeable in the back. Other than that, OR was as great as always. Got 5 rides in 30 mins today, including 2 front row rides.

-Powder Keg was fun in the front but I still like the back better.

-Flooded Mine seems to have rumors floating around about its demise... I don't know, I read about some boats being taken off, but that doesn't hint at anything to me- the boats were still coming in one after another, so I don't think the capacity's been reduced. It still seems popular with guests, and I don't think it is in a location that really needs any huge addition.

-Gosh I love this park. I'm so glad it's a mere 4 hours from me, I can't wait for Christmas.

Well I'm just an hour, what park are you closest to?

SFSTL is about 30 mins. I wish SDC and it would switch spots, though.

[Mertens S. Elias]

Anyways...

 

Just got back from my first visit of the season! A few notes:

 

-Fireman's Landing is an awesome replacement for Geyser Gulch. Not only is the play area a huge upgrade, you now have some cool flats and excellent theming as well. Firefall was fun (the airtime seemed a bit underwhelming compared to Liberty Launch @ HW but it was still a decent ride) and it seemed to be very popular.

-Outlaw Run continues to be the best coaster ever. Still the smoothest wooden coaster out there, with the some of the most extreme elements I've ever experienced. The one thing I noticed was a terrible jolt at the bottom of the first drop that was only noticeable in the back. Other than that, OR was as great as always. Got 5 rides in 30 mins today, including 2 front row rides.

-Powder Keg was fun in the front but I still like the back better.

-Flooded Mine seems to have rumors floating around about its demise... I don't know, I read about some boats being taken off, but that doesn't hint at anything to me- the boats were still coming in one after another, so I don't think the capacity's been reduced. It still seems popular with guests, and I don't think it is in a location that really needs any huge addition.

-Gosh I love this park. I'm so glad it's a mere 4 hours from me, I can't wait for Christmas.

Well I'm just an hour, what park are you closest to?

SFSTL is about 30 mins. I wish SDC and it would switch spots, though.

Me too. I'd take Screaming Eagle over Outlaw Run any day. Although the only thing keeping me going to S.D.C is Accelerator/Firefall.