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(Admin note: I cut this out of the 2008 project thread when it moved to 2009 discussion)
I suppose the Culinary School will be themed as a part of the Grand Exposition, due to its location.
If anyone visits the G.E., go over by the butterfly ride and look through the fence. There are some fresh ribbons in the trees that may mark the location of a new attraction (wooden coaster?). There is plenty of room in this location for a coaster to sail through the trees, and with the slope of the land, a nice drop could plummet us all down the hill. I would predict the queue for the ride could be located between the Culinary bldg. and the Wave Carousel, along with a shop featuring Exposition Wear and souvenirs. They wouldn't have to theme it as much - just keep the G.E. theming. This would give a major ride to that side of the park and split the coaster riders from the other side of the City.
(I'd also like to see Becky's Carousel and the Balloon ride moved to the area.)
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I thought that area would be a great location for a coaster too. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rides from Tom Sawyers’ Landing are relocated someplace else.
I am not saying this is fact at this point it is only a rumor:
I have heard that the Tree house will come down along with the rope tower at Tom Sawyers’ Landing and a large attraction will replace it. Some have said that a Mystery Mine ride will fill the Landing location.
I wouldn’t mine this, but I don’t want to loose the Tom Sawyer theme. I say, and I have said this in the past, a new Tom Sawyers Landing would be great on the other side of Lake Silver, this would also connect up to the Wilson Farm area creating a new loop. A new theatre that could house large scale shows and a major coaster should be built in this are as well.
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I like the relocation idea, too. This opens up the huge Tom Sawyer area for a more relaxing sort of area. Maybe they could still keep the theme, but retain a parklike atmosphere there. I'd like to see the Mystery Mine thing, but that's too central for it. I like ThuNderaTion but that would be the ideal location for it.
Also in the SDC's 2009 Project area, I'm all for extending the American Plunge. Those channels used to be used for the Plunge - not just for the Float Trip. The ride needs to bring back all its theming, the song, and a cave texture could be added to the tunnel (no need for any projections).
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Yes, I think the black cinder block walls for a cave was a cheep decision. I don’t remember the song for the ride I would love to hear it. I do remember the falling outhouse and I think that should be reintroduced to the ride and bring back the Jim Owen’s props. I watched the 70s video on Youtube and would like to see those things back in the ride.
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Hmmm, we're really going to have to watch the expo, though I kinda doubt they'd want to put a coaster there with it being so close to the road, and so near Echo Hollow where it would disrupt things.
There have been various rumors sprouting up recently about them re-doing the Landing, but I haven't heard one I like yet. That area really needs to keep its quaint, center-city feel - any sort of new ride would really start making the entire park feel more like a big amusement park than an actual city.
We've talked about this before, but back in 2005 they nearly put the Grand Expo there, and I think it was Mary Herschend who stopped them. Let's hope they keep to their senses.
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^How can that be when she passed away in 1983? ???
This type of thread is exactly why I love this forum! The wooden coaster over by the Grand Expo would be a good and bad idea.
Good:
- It would get more people to the Grand Expo which would help the area.
- It would put a major ride on the other side of the park.
- It is the perfect spot for any coaster!
Bad:
- I think it would interfere with the whole Grand Exposition vibe. The area is more targeted for kids. I'm sure the wooden coaster would be family friendly, but I think it would also look out of place in the Grand Exposition.
- As Steve said, it might interfere with Expo Hollow.
I think moving Tom Sawyer's Landing to the Grand Exposition in the spot of the supposed wooden coaster area is a better idea. It is more child friendly. In the spot of the old Tom Sawyer's Landing they should put more shops or maybe even a small stage or something for special festival music acts, not a Mystery Mind type dark ride/coaster. As Steve said (sorry to keep saying that), you have to keep the center city feel in that part of the park I think.
The wooden coaster or dark ride/coaster could then go up next to Wilson's Farm and create a loop. The wooden coaster might work especially well in that area because it would be very easy to think of a theme or backstory behind it. The only problem I can think of putting the wooden coaster there would be because of circulation issues.
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That is the problem with Center City is that it is too quiet. SDC wants people to visit this location and they have tried several different things that haven’t worked. I’m not saying that I am 100% behind a major attraction in this location, but a total revamp is needed.
As for a wooden coaster in the Expo area, it fits the theme quite well; after all wooden coasters were featured in turn of the century expositions. The location would be good because you can see it through the woods. I was worried that when the Expo went in, SDC would loose its hidden in the woods feel. I was told that it is good to see the park from the road because it causes interest. As for Echo Hollow interference, maybe once in a while, but the show starts at park closing. I don’t like wooden coasters, but over all I am convinced that it would work in the Expo.
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I agree, it's exactly the type of attraction that would have graced the old expositions. With the same color pallet as the rest of the expo, it would fit in perfectly, and if you look at that area you'll see it's not any closer to the road than the rest. The Echo Hollow show starts a half hour after the park closes, so that's not a problem.
As for TSLanding, it's not a matter of getting people to visit it. It's often a traffic jam area as folks pass through from one side to the other. It needs to be opened up to accomodate traffic. They could really go all out with landscaping and picnic tables, and they really wouldn't need to much else - SDC's own Central Park if you will.
The area they want to draw people to is the Midtown area, which is above the Landing.
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No one else here thinks that a huge mega wooden coaster would look out of place in a kid area? I'm sure SDC would find a way to make it work but who knows...
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I think a major coaster is what the Expo needs. It would mean the Expo would have a range of rides: Kiddie- frogs, elephants and butterflies, Mild- tea cups, regatta and Galleon Wild- Electro Spin and New Coaster.
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I don't think it's totally a kiddie area. It's more of a family area. SDC usually doesn't put in anything so extreme that it overshadows the family feel (I'll never ride Mr. Freeze again!). A lot of kids can't get onto Electro Spin, and there may be some families that will have dad ride the frogs with little Johnny while mom will take a whirl on the GE Coaster instead of waiting for the frogs to end their spin.
BTW, I can solemnly attest that the Happy Frogs are the most intense ride in the park. Now that my daughter can ride alone, there's another ride I never want to ride again. Don't believe me? Wait in line and try it! Of course, you might look funny if you don't have a kid with you.
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Yeah I see what you guys mean. I don't know maybe I'm just being stubborn. How much land is available back there for a coaster?
^I loved Mr. Freeze by the way Dale.
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The area I'm talking about can be seen from the stoller parking area next to the butterfly ride. There's a great big space there that looks just right, and with the line forming up by the culinary bldg., before you ever get to the Wave Carousel, you wouldn't be fully mixed with the younger rides.
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Okay, thanks for the info. The best part about putting the wooden coaster over there I think would be that the park would now have a major thrill ride over on the other side of the park.
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Meh, I still say that particular area would be too close to Echo Hollow for anything huge - however, a smaller coaster could fit in there.
The park did mention before that the 2009 project would have it's own area though, so I think it'll continue on from either Wilson's Farm or the Wildfire/PK loop.
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^It kind of annoys me how each new ride gets its own loop or "area". Wilson's Farm was great but I think when the new coaster gets here it needs to be attached to a loop already. I don't think it needs it's whole new area.
I don't know, I think it just uses a lot of un needed space.
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Then should they build a mystery mine type ride where the tree house, rope towers, balloons and carousel are at?
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Meh, I wouldn't be too picky. In the case of Wilson's Barn, it turned out quite nicely, though it would have been nice if more of the original plans were followed.
The designers at SDC know what they're doing, I think this new area will be a lot better than either Wilson's or the Grand Expo. I just hope they don't try to throw in anymore side-games, at least any that stick out into the pathway like at a carnival...
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I hate the side games. We walk right by them and don't even pay attention to them.
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The games are unnecessary. That's the part I don't like about Celebration City, too.
And if I hear another bouncing basketball, I may snatch it and see if I can kick it all the way to the cave! It really disturbs the ambience!
I agree - we don't need any more of them. They're just not classy or creative enough by Silver Dollar City standards and they cheapen the place. I never saw games like that on the farm anyway, though I will concede it may be OK with more appropriate prizes in the Expo.
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See, the thing is that they could theoretically work by giving the place a little more to do than just ride, shop, or play around, but they need to be a lot more creative and a lot better designed than what they have now - and yes, the prizes need to be a little more appropriate.
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^What are the prizes they offer? I never even looked.
At least SDC hasn't gotten as bad as Worlds of Fun. Gosh that place is awful with their side games.
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The thing with the prizes (at least in GE) is that you play until you win. So basically you are buying the souvenir for whatever the price of the game was.
As for the next project... it was said back last year at media day that this would be the LARGEST CAP EVER at SDC next season. I would assume that would be a new area.
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So I've been hearing more and more talk about markers lately. If you happen to see any, be sure to note them here, and take photos if you can.
From some photos on coastercommunity, it looks like there's some more popping up around Echo Hollow and the Grand Expo, but as we've discussed before, it's certainly ponderous as to whether they would want to put anything major there. Right now I really think that the area beyond the Giant Swing looks like a good prospect, so I for one will be taking plenty of rides on the train to check it out.
Any more wild thoughts on what may be coming? Aquatrax?
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Could those markers by GE be for an access road to get supplies to the new Culinary and Craft School? It's not as if they will be able to drive through the park to get more supplies to it if need be. They need a backstage access road to it and I think that is what is being built - a spur from the access road to Echo Hollow is more than likely what is going on here.'
As far as an expansion by TGS, they said that right now there has to be a lot more planning on how they are going to get access to the Opera House from the back stage area if they once again have to move the access road there behind the ride to accomodate another expansion that direction. I think if they build anything back there, it needs to be another Red Gold Heritage Hall so they can have even more space for their festivals.
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^^I think the area over by TGS seems like a good possiblity, just because anything by the Grand Expo would be too close to the road in my opinion, especially if it's going to be the largest cap for SDC and a new area. There seems to be more room to expand around TGS (with a little tweaking to the backstage access for the Opera House).
I would love to see an Aquatrax coaster! Mainly because I miss BuzzSaw Falls. :'(
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However, this area is no closer to any roads than the current GE. I thought of the access road as well, but the markers really don't indicate that this is the case. They are too randomly placed.
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However, this area is no closer to any roads than the current GE. I thought of the access road as well, but the markers really don't indicate that this is the case. They are too randomly placed.
I will have to look for the markers the next time I visit. I have seen the pictures on coastercommunity and will have to change my opinion that I expressed earlier; something major could definitely be placed there without it being any closer to the road than GE.
All this talk is getting me excited about what might be coming in '09. I'm ready for an announcement from HFE! ;D
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Don't expect an announcement to be made until near the end of Harvest Festival -- and that comes straight from the horse's mouth
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I would hope not, I'm having way too much fun with this.
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I would hope not, I'm having way too much fun with this.
I agree this is fun, but part of me is anxious to know. I will enjoy speculating with y'all for another six months! :D
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So I've been researching a bit around lately, and it looks like DW is pretty well pleased with Mystery Mine. It's a definite crowd hit, and though some complain about a little roughness, you have to admit that it looks like something Disney would have done. That being said, a MM variation looks ever more likely as being the big 2009 ride. A wooden coaster is still very possible, but from a speculative stand point, Powderkeg has hit the crowd a wooden coaster would appeal to, so maybe they want to go in more of the extreme thrills route right now and garner some big press. Then again, maybe the success of Powderkeg has made them decide to pull off the same kind of stunt again...
Anyway, it's been awhile since we talked about it, but my preferences are still leaning toward a wooden coaster. A GCII twister such as Thunderhead would be sweet, but if I would want SDC to utilize their terrain more and go more of the boulderdash route - maybe with a few crazy curves thrown in as well.
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I also would like a wooden coaster, and I've been thinking how great it would be for them to utilize the terrain. That alone would allow for some great twists and curves! I believe they utilized the terrain with Thunderation (correct me if I'm wrong) and it really worked to the ride's advantage.
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To be honest, I wasn't very impressed by Thunderation this week. It's definitely becoming very rickety; throws you around a good bit. So a nice, shiny new wooden coaster would definitely be cool to get.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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To be honest, I wasn't very impressed by Thunderation this week. It's definitely becoming very rickety; throws you around a good bit. So a nice, shiny new wooden coaster would definitely be cool to get.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
I noticed that in late November of last season. TNT could use a little TLC. :)
Did you see any markers Wednesday around the Expo or The Giant Swing like was talked about earlier in this thread?
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To be honest, I completely forgot to look for markers. But then again, we didn't end up going into the Expo area, and I didn't see anything near the Giant Swing (but of course, I really wasn't looking).
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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When I was there last weekend I asked about the new Coaster. I was told it is a woodie and is going in the Grand Expo. They are putting it between the ladybug and frog area and Echo Hollow. I asked several people and they all said the same thing. I also asked about Tom Sawyers landing and was told it will be revamped but will stay a kiddie area. They said the developers have been in that area measuring a lot.
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^OklaSDCfan, in your post in the General SDC & CC Talk on the Frisco Silver Dollar Line you mentioned that the robbery will end in the next two years because the new area is going in there behind the Giant Swing. You also said they'll build a new depot for the new area and the train will be a mode of transportation between the new area and the rest of the park (the robbery won't be needed to build up steam since the train can do it at the new depot).
This is interesting news. It sounds like the coaster will be themed to the Grand Expo and will be for 2009. While the new area will open in 2010 (maybe later?). I wonder what the new area will include? (Maybe we should already start a topic for SDC's 2010 Project. :))
I'm also excited to hear that Tom Sawyer's Landing is going to be revamped and stay a kiddie area!
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So it is confirmed we are getting a new wooden coaster then? That is interesting and exciting!!!
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When I was there last weekend I asked about the new Coaster. I was told it is a woodie and is going in the Grand Expo. They are putting it between the ladybug and frog area and Echo Hollow. I asked several people and they all said the same thing. I also asked about Tom Sawyers landing and was told it will be revamped but will stay a kiddie area. They said the developers have been in that area measuring a lot.
Mmmmm, I'm not so sure about this. Surely the employees aren't just telling everyone what's coming like this? It seemed to me that SDC always kept more of a tight lid on these things.
Anyway, assuming this is true, I hope it means that it will transform the Grand Expo into more of a fulfilling area. I'm sure the theme will be something really fun.
To be honest, I wasn't very impressed by Thunderation this week. It's definitely becoming very rickety; throws you around a good bit. So a nice, shiny new wooden coaster would definitely be cool to get.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
I noticed that in late November of last season. TNT could use a little TLC. :)
TNT has actually had quite a lot of TLC in the past couple of years. You'll notice that a lot of the track is fairly new, and much of the support system has been re-done in the last two years. The thing about rides like TNT, and with most coasters actually, is that the ride it gives is determinable on so many factors. Where you sit, how you sit, the temperature, and especially the specific build of the person are all huge factors in the ride experience. Personally, as an enthusiast, I've learned to love rides even when they are rough - it's just another kind of experience.
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I think TNT was a great ride. I have noticed that the Brown train is smother than the green and yellow one.
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Thunderation was actually really smooth when I rode it in early April.
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TNT has actually had quite a lot of TLC in the past couple of years. You'll notice that a lot of the track is fairly new, and much of the support system has been re-done in the last two years. The thing about rides like TNT, and with most coasters actually, is that the ride it gives is determinable on so many factors. Where you sit, how you sit, the temperature, and especially the specific build of the person are all huge factors in the ride experience. Personally, as an enthusiast, I've learned to love rides even when they are rough - it's just another kind of experience.
I actually hadn't paid much attention to the condition of TNT the last time I rode it (in November). When we go next month I'll have to check out the improvements. Now that I think about it, TNT was pretty smooth when I rode it in November.
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I noticed back in April some blue ribbons around some trees back behind the butterfly ride in the Grand Expo section while waiting in line with my daughter. I was looking at an old cement thing way off in the woods and wondering what it could be when I noticed the ribbons. I assumed they were marking trees for removal due to storm damage and poor condition. I am sure that is what that was as there wasn't that many. It is a hilly section though, and would make a good location for a wood rollercoaster.
If they do use some of the terrain I hope they don't bulldoze trees and replant, but build through and around the existing trees to add to the "out of control" feeling.
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Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumors that it might be a Gerstlauer Euro-fighter (ala Mystery Mine)? I haven't heard anything. It would stay true to HFE's track record of copying rides among their parks.
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The evidence is really split right now, so I couldn't tell you what is true or not. I've heard several conflicting accounts now from people asking employees or those connected to the park - they're saying everything from a G-Fighter in the middle of the city to the woodie near Echo Hollow. Maybe the park is trying to confuse us. ;)
I would certainly be surprised if it's anything but a G-Fighter or a woodie though, so at least it's narrowed down.
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I think you could be on to something.
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I was at sdc a couple of weekends ago when bluegrass began and I was down at the grand expo and was looking for any construction flags and I found some I took some pics with my phone but they are really crappy quality and the new echo hollow entrance is takeing shape and looks really good, btw does anybody know that they brought back the petting zoo area its off to the left of the town square?? I would load up thoes photos but don't know how.
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If anyone plans on going soon, please get some shots of these famous construction flags for the rest of us. There were a few posted on CoasterCommunity a while back, but it sounds like more and more are showing up of all different colors. Soon they'll be clearing land from the sounds of it.
^The petting zoo has actually been there for several years now since the threat of foot and mouth disease dissipated. It's been growing slowly back; when it first moved there it was only a couple of chickens and rabbits, a pony, and a huge dog. Now it's actually a small zoo again.
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^I'll be going in the next three weeks or so (hopefully). I'll try to get some shots of the construction flags.
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the new echo hollow entrance is takeing shape and looks really good
This will be great for the show. There are lots of people who don't know about the show (no matter how much they advertise it) or can't find it. I hope the entrance to EH is a great draw to both the theater and the Grand Exposition.
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Anybody thought of ride names or themes for these new projects? What would the wooden coaster be called, assuming it is located in the Expo area? What would it be if located in the Landing area?
And - can someone point me to a G-Fighter so I can know more about what we are talking about?
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Whatever the name is, I just hope it's neat and original like ThuNderaTion rather than simply something like 'Mystery Mine'.
^Here's the Mystery Mine we've been talking about: http://rcdb.com/id3609.htm
And here's another couple of examples: http://rcdb.com/ig2721.htm?picture=31 http://rcdb.com/ig3573.htm?picture=6
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they will prob theme it for like a logging comany or something like I think that would be cool and call it Loggers Run that would be neat. I don't know any rides named that.
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^I don't see them giving it a logging theme, since we already have American Plunge, which is a log flume ride and pretty heavily themed that way. That's a good guess, though. I just keep pondering the fact that HFE said it will be their largest capital project to date. That's pretty lofty. Maybe they'll announce the new area in addition to the new coaster. Does anyone know what their largest capital project is right now? Wildfire cost $14 million, and Powder Keg cost $10 million (helped out by using 30% of the existing track from BuzzSaw Falls). If they're largest capital project is just a new coaster, it must be pretty grand! :)
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I know it's too much to ask, but I'm a fan of dark rides done well. If the Landing is going away, why can't they just change it and work it in around a dark ride and themed area still based on Mark Twain's books. I see a wonderful, fully-developed ride with all the best parts of the Tom and Huck stories. The area is prime for this kind of make-over, and can still be the "family" area it currently is, while accounting for the heavy trafficway and a multi-million dollar special-effects riddled, animatronic blockbuster.
More to the topic, though, if a coaster was placed in that area, could it be themed to Twain? That would take some doing. I'm just convinced the Grand Expo is the prime area for the wood coaster.
A lumberjack theme could be cool, but I don't think that's in the sights. I could see such a coaster, looking completely unfinished and rickety, and (with tongue firmly in cheek) since the park is so "green", they could claim they didn't want to finish it in order to save the trees! Please, say it isn't so!
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When Six Flags opened in the early Seventy's in St. Louis they had a boat ride based on the Tom Sawyer story. You floated past scenes from the story, were attacked by Injin' Joe' and emerged from the caves as its song said "Out of the Darkness into the Light". It wasn't that popular and it went away a long time ago. I can't see the City doing a Twain Dark ride if only because the precedent from that one. I'm not even sure that the Twain theme is one they are concerned with anymore. It's a great idea though.
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IF it is a coaster, I doubt it will be a woodie. Several reasons play into that assumption...
1. They said it was going to be the LARGEST capital expansion yet. Wooden coasters are not really all that expensive, whereas steel coasters are
2. The fact that GCI (they built OzCat) is going to be very busy next season with 2 known woodie installations in the US (and possibly two more as well -- that's 4!!!). I HIGHLY doubt that HFEC will go with anyone else since GCI has proven themselves with OzCat and Thunderhead.
3. Don't you think SOMEONE would have seen a mention of a wooden coaster by now on a survey?
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^Hmmmmmm, good arguments, especially #2, seeing as WOF may be looking at one for 2009. If anything, now would be the time for SDC to pull out their own Mystery Mine-status ride to really wow people.
^^^It's a nice fantasy, but I think we can forget about Twain coming back to the park. Like I've said before, the character is too tainted with misconstrued theories about the story being somehow racist for them to want to spend millions on it. Besides, even if it weren't tainted, it's old and considered lame, even though it fits the theme so perfectly. With SDC growing ever-more outright profit driven, I just don't see them jumping on anything that isn't fresh.
Man would I love to see one of the Mack Splash Battles themed to Twain though, that would be perfect...
Also, about the possibility of a wooden coaster going into the expo: I don't know if I think I've said this before already in different ways, but I really don't want to see that area of the park grow that much until it can be more settled out. It's a nice area, but it's too much of a jumble of rides and not enough of a themed area for me. Maybe if the new coaster was part of a package that would re-vamp the whole area into more of a World's Fair, but just a wooden coaster tacked on to all those rides would just not feel right.
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^I agree with you. I think GE hasn't really found an identity yet. It seems like a jumble of rides to me too.
^^You make some good arguments. I didn't think about the fact that a woodie isn't all that expensive, and probably couldn't surpass Wildfire's $14 million price tag to become the largest capital expansion. It would have to probably be a hyper coaster in order to do that.
I tend to believe that the new coaster will be going in the GE area or the area around TGS. I know people have talked about it going in where the Landing is now, but that doesn't strike me as practical. There are so many establishments right there (the playhouse, salloon, Aunt Polly's, ribhouse, dockside theater, Lost River, etc.) how would they get supplies in and out without really disrupting the park? It would be hard, if not impossible, to fence it off. All of the additions/new rides have been at the boundaries of the park. Is there even room for a coaster where the Landing is now? It would be hard to get any work done in the offseason and have it ready for the 2009 season; the winters the past few years have been harsh down there. That's why I believe it will go in either around TGS or (most likely, IMO) in between Echo Hollow and the Grand Expo.
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I disagree with GE not having an identity. I think that the area turned out wonderfully and really flows with the rest of the park. If you think that GE is just a jumble of rides, I would hate to think of what you would think if you saw the County Fair area at Dollywood.
As far as the new ride/area -- Why couldn't it be over by the homestead off that direction from the town square area? That area has not been utilized yet and would be a great way to spread out the crowds even more.
I'm still not sold on the coaster by Echo Hollow/GE yet, but we'll see.
I know for a fact that they will eventually expand out past TGS, but not sure if it will be as early as next year or not.
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I had never thought that since this was supposed to be their largest investment it might not be a woodie. That idea seems very likely once you think about it.
If the 2009 coaster isn't a woodie (I don't know what to think about this anymore) then I would suspect them to go with their own Mystery Mine type ride. This also seems very likely because of the Herschends always copying things off their own parks.
As for where this new coaster is going, I wonder if they even know yet. The prime area of course is between Grand Expo and Echo Hollow. I think the first year the Grand Expo was opened it was kind of odd to see all those rides in one area together. Since then, I think it has grown into a nice little area. If they placed a new coaster over by the Homestead area they would have to build up the area more for me to like it. Just placing a huge multi million dollar coaster in there would not work for me. They would have to build up the area similar to what they did with The Giant Swing.
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^I agree with you, Coaster. A multi-million dollar coaster thrown in the middle of the homestead would look very out of place. They'd have to really do some theming to make it fit in.
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Actually, I think big coaster in the Homestead would look awesome, it's just a matter of how you perceive it. I don't think every major ride needs it's own themed area - just look at how ThuNderaTion fits in so well.
^^^Well, I'm not really saying that it's just a jumble of rides... I too think it was pulled off well, just not like I think it could be. To me it feels more like a quaint park surrounded by rides, which at this point pretty much fits the theme of the area. I just think a big ride plopped down next to it would throw it off. Of course, who am I to say what will or won't throw things off? It's easy to forget that the park has planned everything out, and I'm sure they won't go wrecking themes and throwing off atmospheres by throwing stuff around where it doesn't feel right. If they decide to put a huge coater by EH, they'll make it work. They always have.
I think by now though we've all pretty much shown that the evidence points directly at a major G-Fighter being the big 2009 project - so the question now is - what will it be like? Will they go with the mine theme again, or are they going to surprise us with some sort of out-of-the-box, wild, could-only-happen-at-SDC amazing theme?
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^I just think a huge new coaster would look kind of odd in an area that is supposed to depict life as the way it was in the 1880's. A woodie would look much better there than a G-Fighter in my opinion.
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^^I wonder if the theme won't be an ice house. That was an idea for an indoor/outdoor coaster not that long ago on a survey.
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How about a double-track woodie? A racer of some sort?
I agree with the ice house theme - that's out of the box from other parks (unless you count Mr. Freeze at SF, which I hate). You know, would any of us guess that a theme park would do a tribute to tomato canning? I'm always looking for out of the box ideas and not just a canned presentation.
And I could even accept the River Battle if they put the Twain theme into it. That's something I hadn't considered, though this is probably not in the plan for the next couple of years from the sound of it.
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Her is a pie in the sky for a Twain Theme..A Steamboat Race!, Water race ride, Peddle powered? Lifts, drops, rapids, waterfalls, etc. Ideas?
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How about a double-track woodie? A racer of some sort?
I agree with the ice house theme - that's out of the box from other parks (unless you count Mr. Freeze at SF, which I hate). You know, would any of us guess that a theme park would do a tribute to tomato canning? I'm always looking for out of the box ideas and not just a canned presentation.
And I could even accept the River Battle if they put the Twain theme into it. That's something I hadn't considered, though this is probably not in the plan for the next couple of years from the sound of it.
Tomato canning? That would be way outside of the box. I think if they brought back the ice house is that it'd be very cool. My only problem with it would be is, where would it fit in with the rest of the park? It'd look odd in the two areas we are talking about mostly, the Grand Expo and the Homestead area. I guess it could work (or the Herschends would make it work) in between the Grand Expo and Echo Hollow.
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An Ice house wouldn't look out of place just about anywhere in the park. I mean, there were a few around in the 1800's. It would actually fit in perfectly up on the homestead - but we have to remember the issue with the cave.
What about the whole new area with the 2nd train depot rumor? Maybe that ties into this?
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^Yes but the second train depot isn't supposed to come for another few years and this coaster is supposed to come next year.
I just think I'm biased on this whole situation. I would like to see the Homestead area be left alone. It is one of the only areas of the park that hasn't changed over time and it sticks to the theme of the park very well. The only coaster I would want to see put in the Homestead area would be a woodie--and even that would have to be themed very heavily and be the absolute most amazing thing SDC has ever done for me to fully appreciate what they did to the area.
Just think how beautiful the town square is. You can barely tell your in a theme park. If they put a woodie coaster in the Homestead area it would change the whole outlook on the entire park something that I don't think the park needs. IMO (I think I'm repeating myself) the Homestead area needs to be left alone.
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Wow this is the first i've heard of a seconfd train depot!
Since walking all the way around the park can get kind of tiring I love that idea!
Also, you know we are going to get a new coaster eventually and I think if they theme it well it will fit in fine.
If you think about it, the Giant Barn Swing doesn't really fit the 1800s theme either.
The barn looks like a regular present day barn.
It looks like some kind of farming town's fair which some guy who owns a farm with a barn is hosting.
-oh yeah and don't get mad at me because I know we are supposed to only say good things about Silver Dollar City "it's the best place in the world how dare you say something like that YOU MUST DIEEEEEEEEEEE"
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1. Yes, tomato canning. That's actually the theme of RED GOLD HALL, now the first part of Grand Expo.
2. Wouldn't the ice house need some sort of river or creek nearby in order to fit in? Isn't that where the ice would have come from? That would pin it closer to the Landing area.
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If you think about it, the Giant Barn Swing doesn't really fit the 1800s theme either.
The barn looks like a regular present day barn.
It looks like some kind of farming town's fair which some guy who owns a farm with a barn is hosting.
-oh yeah and don't get mad at me because I know we are supposed to only say good things about Silver Dollar City "it's the best place in the world how dare you say something like that YOU MUST DIEEEEEEEEEEE"
Actually the Swing fits well. Barns have been around for a long time, especially painted wooden barns. We've all had some issues with the carnival games in the Swing area, though, so your point about the fair is well put.
As for your last comment, we've all been critical of SDC on several occasions. We feel we have an interest in the park that exceeds that of the general guest, and we like to protect our interests. We want the best quality, and we're disappointed when quality or theming doesn't meet our standards. That means we try to keep out negative comments, but we do present constructive ones. There's a difference. Please understand that this site doesn't need to be one with a lot of sarcasm, profanity, or arguing.
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I got it ;).
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An Ice house wouldn't look out of place just about anywhere in the park. I mean, there were a few around in the 1800's. It would actually fit in perfectly up on the homestead - but we have to remember the issue with the cave.
What about the whole new area with the 2nd train depot rumor? Maybe that ties into this?
I had forgotten about the issue with the cave. I guess that does pose problems if you were to put a major ride in the homestead.
Wouldn't we all be thrown off if they weren't planning a new coaster for 2009, but instead announced the whole new area, with a major new ride, for 2010 or later? Of course I don't think that would really happen (Coaster Con would probably feel a little down), but I think there's a slight possibility of it.
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^That would be something. I mean, there's something coming because we pretty much know for sure that they'll be spending their largest capital expenditure to date in 2009, but what if it's a collection of other things and not just a major ride? I wouldn't be let down. I want to see another coaster eventually, but right now I'm yearning more to see the city expand as a city and not as a collection of rides and random new areas.
I think from a business point of view it would be wiser to use this year to build a new feature ride, then use the anniversary to bring out the SDC nostalgia and maybe an expansion based on that.
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Amen to that.
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^That would be something. I mean, there's something coming because we pretty much know for sure that they'll be spending their largest capital expenditure to date in 2009, but what if it's a collection of other things and not just a major ride? I wouldn't be let down. I want to see another coaster eventually, but right now I'm yearning more to see the city expand as a city and not as a collection of rides and random new areas.
If they don't put in a new coaster this year I will be let down just because I have been planning and imagining everything this new coaster can be and if they don't build a new coaster next year I will be pretty bummed. It's not like I'm a huge thrill junkie or anything though (although I do love them).
I think from a business point of view it would be wiser to use this year to build a new feature ride, then use the anniversary to bring out the SDC nostalgia and maybe an expansion based on that.
This is what I want them to end up doing. It makes the most sense for them, and it makes the most sense for us.
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It will be a coaster, because Brad said at Coaster Christmas that the attraction for next year will be something that will excite all of the coaster enthusiasts coming in 09 for Coaster Con
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It will be a coaster, because Brad said at Coaster Christmas that the attraction for next year will be something that will excite all of the coaster enthusiasts coming in 09 for Coaster Con
That's what I'm hoping for. A major, new, well-planned, well-designed, and well-integrated coaster for 2009. Then a new area fro 2010 or later to heighten awareness of SDC's nostalgia for their 50th anniversary. That would be perfect. :)
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Okay here are 2 ideas I had for a 2009 coaster:
1. A mostly in-doors Euro-fighter themed to getting lost inside Marvel Cave or Marvel Cave being haunted.
2. A LARGE GCI Woody with Milleniam-Flyer Trains themed to adventures in the Ozark Mounatains
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^I like both of those ideas! But I like the second one more because I think it allows for more creative freedom. And it would really allow for the coaster to be integrated into the terrain and the theme of the park.
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Johnny those are both excellent ideas... I have a similar idea myself of a haunted indoor marvel cave coaster..... lol....
if they ever tire of it being a cave I have a great coaster idea that could take guests through the hour walk through tour in a few minutes lol
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A nice, long, exciting coaster that shows you the beauty of the Ozarks sounds great. That's one of the reasons TNT is so great. My family is going this fall so hopefully I"ll be able to get some good Work in Progress pics.
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I love both of Johnny's ideas and I'm sure they're all being thought out. I've been wanting a woodie but a trip through a mock Marvel Cave would be awesome. Just think of what they could do with that...they could take us through "undiscovered passageways" and everything!
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They could have many surprising drops like in Fire in the Hole except more frightening and the coaster would go through tight passageways.
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So has anyone been by the park lately to check up on those flags? By now there may be more of them. Who knows, they may even be clearing land somewhere.
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Shouldn't we be seeing signs of construction (other than flags) pretty soon? How long does it take to build a huge coaster? A few months I'd think so we should be seeing signs quickly, right?
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Shouldn't we be seeing signs of construction (other than flags) pretty soon? How long does it take to build a huge coaster? A few months I'd think so we should be seeing signs quickly, right?
From what I understand, roller coasters are normally planned years in advance, and designers usually have waiting lists numbered in years. I would say a standard, pre-designed ride can take 1 year (to figure out how to integrate into the park, and then finish construction; not just to construct it), but a custom-made ride can take 4 to 5 years (but that is rare; normally it doesn't take nearly that long to design it, integrate it, and construct it).
I think even if SDC has paid for a custom-made ride, they've been planning this for several years. If they say it'll be ready for 2009, then it will be. This isn't a process that they just started last winter or this spring. :)
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^Yeah I understand all that. I guess I should've been more specific. When will we actually be able to tell that they are building? My guess would be around October or maybe even September. Could be later though...
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Traditionally they have been pretty good at masking the physical evidence of any building activity. I know it's a smaller project, but just look at how everyone couldn't figure out the location of TGS. The Culinary School is kind of an anomoly, sitting there in its unfinished splendor, a constant reminder that we're still waiting to get finished.
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If it's as big a project as we all are assuming, they'll have to start intesive work before the season is up, and I'm fairly certain there will be signs and work in the months before that. It may be covered up, but surely one of us will notice a few trees disappearing, or surveyors working in some back corner of the park.
I mean, Mystery Mine took months to build, and anything like that at SDC will take just as long due to the earthwork that will be required just to get the land ready to build on. Even in the case of a wooden coaster, there will be land and trees to clear and move. So it can't be long now.
What I'm really wondering right now is whether or not they'll do teaser campaign. I really loved the whole set-up they did for MM, with the video clips and website - surely SDC's would be even better. In fact, maybe they'll announce the ride before we see any major work.
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From what some of you guys have said elsewhere, it sounds like they've started work on the 09' project smack dab in the middle of the Landing. Is this conclusive evidence that we'll be getting a G-Fighter? I don't see a woodie fitting in there... then again, I don't really see a big G-Fighter sliding in either, but anything can happen. Hell, maybe we're in for something totally different, surely we'll find out pretty soon.
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Hmmm...I'll be at the park tomorrow so I'll see if I can get any pics of the closed off area. This could also mean that the Balloon Chase and the carousel are moving to the Grand Expo.
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^I just checked out the online map for SDC, and right where the fenced off area will be (Tom Sawyer's Landing) is a big yellow bubble that declares "New Ride Coming in '09!" :D
Here's a link to SDC's site. Just click on "Silver Dollar City Map" and it'll open as a .pdf file:
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/schedules-brochures/detail.aspx?id=15 (http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/schedules-brochures/detail.aspx?id=15)
This seems to confirm that the Landing will be getting a major facelift in the next few years, perhaps including a new coaster next year and new water ride in 2010 or later.
Also, how much were SDC citizen's pulling our legs when they told us this?
When I was there last weekend I asked about the new Coaster. I was told it is a woodie and is going in the Grand Expo. They are putting it between the ladybug and frog area and Echo Hollow. I asked several people and they all said the same thing. I also asked about Tom Sawyers landing and was told it will be revamped but will stay a kiddie area. They said the developers have been in that area measuring a lot.
Quite a bit maybe? What about the new area they hinted was going in behind the Giant Swing with the robbery ending in the next two years and a second train depot being added? Does this news throw all of that in doubt?
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^Interesting. That really makes this post by Dale (History Buff) more logical:
I don't see a coaster going into the area at TS Landing. It would be too loud and too conspicuous. Also there is a lot of traffic and congestion there already. I think this is where this Tom and Huck ride is going. Maybe this is why we only have the still-unfinished Culinary Arts School for this year. Were they saving to put in two new features next year, and then spend a couple of years billing them as "Still New in 2010 and 2011"? I don't know, but if I ran the world...
For Tom Sawyer's Landing to stay a kiddie area they would put the proposed River Battle in the Landing. Two rides in one year? The woodie would go over in the Grand Expo. Future expansion in the Giant Swing area of the park would still be possible as oklaSDCfan said.
This is all so fun to speculate and talk about!
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All this speculatin' is making my head spin! Maybe the Tom and Huck ride is going in next year...but I find that hard to believe. It's a little late to be doing a ride concept survey for something when you're already starting construction. HFE will really have to rush to get a final design approved and get it ready for next year.
On the other hand, that area where the new ride is going in looks too small for a hyper coaster.
Then again, they promised Coaster Con the largest capital investment to date for next year. Would they offer Coaster Con attendees a pretty much run-of-the-mill river battle ride (a close version of which just opened last year at Dollywood, another HFE property)? (I'm not knocking the ride. I know it'll be fun, but Coaster Con people really like riding, well, coasters. And pretty unique coasters at that).
I'm a little bummed at this. We've all been talking about a coaster, and it might be pretty much the same ride that just opened a couple of months ago at Dollywood. I feel a little underwhelmed. I was hoping for something unique. I'll be disappointed if HFE announces that Tom and Huck ride for next year. There'll be a lot of fanfare, with HFE reps hoping no one will notice that this is pretty much the same ride that opened at Dollywood earlier this year.
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I think we're getting more than the River Battle this year. I wouldn't think it'd cost that much and they promised the largest capital investment. We're getting a new coaster, I'm almost sure of it....I hope.
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In the ride concept thread I ended a post by speculating that a wood roller coaster and a river battle would be too large an investment during the down turn in the economy. After thinking about it for a little bit; isn't there some kind of stimulus/tax break for companies at this time to invest in new equipment/construction. Maybe they are going to pull the double whammy and add both. It is just my opinion, but that would put Silver Dollar City as a top destination for Midwesterners. I just hope if a coaster comes soon that it opens up the park a little to ease the congestion. They have to be planning on larger crowds with the new road construction and larger parking lot.
The River Battle ride built smack dab in the middle of the landing would definitley throw off speculation of a woodie. (until turkey's like me start speculating wildly) 8)
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^there is supposedly a new woodie going into a park in Missouri next year, but not SDC ;)
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^ I know where this is ;)
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^Sigh..., I think we all do now. ::) Oh well, it'll give GCII that much more practice before they come to SDC.
Hmmm, I've been thinking that maybe SDC has delayed their earlier decisions. I could certainly understand them wanting to wait a year in apprehension of a falling economy, then kicking out the big coaster for the 50th celebration. I mean, honestly, a splash battle will probably attract a larger and more freely-spending crowd than a big new scary coaster, though the latter provides a lot more free press.
Like I mentioned in another thread, a good source informed me that a Splash Battle would be coming next year to SDC, and obviously they've already started work on it. There's always a chance the source is wrong and that this is a coaster after all, but... we'll certainly find out soon. If it is a splash battle, why did they start work now? Maybe they're trying to get the ride itself done early so that they can use the short off season to work on the rest of the Landing? What else is coming down in the Landing and do we know what will be saved and where it will end up?
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I just find it weird that there wouldn't be a new coaster for next year considering that SDC is main host park for Coaster Con next year. You don't save a coaster for the following year when you have that much free publicity knocking at your door. Coaster Con is a BIG thing -- there will literally be HUNDREDS of people brought in for this event. Word of mouth is the biggest/best advertising method there is.
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^ couldnt agree more. i will be pretty upset if its not a coaster, but it would be cool if they updated the landing area......just not 2009 please
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^ couldnt agree more. i will be pretty upset if its not a coaster, but it would be cool if they updated the landing area......just not 2009 please
I have a feeling it's a Splash Battle, which disappoints me. I was really looking forward to a new coaster (so was Coaster Con) for next year. But I'm confused. If it's a done deal, why a ride concept survey now? Just to hash out details or something? Is the survey being used mainly to choose the name of the ride? I guess maybe they're saving the coaster for the 50th anniversary celebration.
I think the Tom and Huck themed river ride is a great idea and will be a lot of fun. I also think a revamping of Tom Sawyer's Landing is long overdue. I just think the timing is off. With all the free press Coaster Con gives, why not take advantage of it with a new coaster? Also, DW just got one of these this year. Arrrrrgh! That's what bugs me the most. SDC is special to me, and it makes it seem like HFE doesn't feel that way, recycling rides like this. It's like they said, "Well, both SDC and DW need a new ride the next couple of years. Let's put in a splash battle at both parks, but separate them by a year that way people won't notice that we're recycling rides. All right, that's done. Where do you want to go for lunch?" That's an exaggeration, but it seems like a lot of thought wasn't put into this. As I said earlier, there'll be a lot of fanfare with the announcement, with HFE reps hoping no one will notice that they made a very similar announcement for DW less than a year ago. Does anyone else feel a little cheated by this? :-\
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^ couldnt agree more. i will be pretty upset if its not a coaster, but it would be cool if they updated the landing area......just not 2009 please
I have a feeling it's a Splash Battle, which disappoints me. I was really looking forward to a new coaster (so was Coaster Con) for next year. But I'm confused. If it's a done deal, why a ride concept survey now? Just to hash out details or something? Is the survey being used mainly to choose the name of the ride? I guess maybe they're saving the coaster for the 50th anniversary celebration.
That's what I was thinking - the timing of the surveys is way off if this is going down right now. But here's what else is strange: I've head that the board hasn't even voted on this thing! They're actually beginning work without knowing for sure what they are doing it seems... I guess they're positive that they will do something with this area, but the idea is still somewhat fluid at this point. It may just be the theme that they're really debating - if Huck Finn doesn't go over well with the kids I could see them throwing in the beavers again :P.
I dunno though, I want to say that there's still a chance that the Splash Battle is coming at a later date just because of how late the decision seems to be, not to mention the fact that a Splash Battle would radically change the Landing. They'd have to level a LOT of stuff, probably everything from the carousel barns to the train tracks. Once this thing is in there, it'll extend the waterfront theme all the way up into the center of the city, which will feel a bit odd, unless this will be more of a pond or bog hidden away in the center of the park... There's so many ways this could swing... It just seems like it would be easier all around to put something else there instead and have the Splash Battle over by the Gulch.
I certainly don't feel cheated at all by it though, at least not at this point. This ride and especially the area around could be the coolest, most attractive and interactive place in the entire park. I mean, think of a bunch of cool make-shift-looking rafts floating around a hidden pond behind some of those old buildings, with a new ropes coarse sprawling around it and new, freshly-themed buildings with new shops and crafts. Not to mention all the random other goodies that SDC always throws in. This will be one area where Andyisms will flourish. All in all, this will probably put River Battle to shame - they're the ones who are being cheated here.
I wonder what will happen to the ropes course through all of this? I was hoping there would still be some form of playground left in the area, it will feel so empty without it.
EDIT: I just noticed that the concept artwork seems to show off the carousel barn as being the entrance to the ride, or at least right next to it. That puts this pond all they way up next to the path. I'm hoping it's pushed back farther in than that, I'm hoping this has more of a backwoods pond feel than a bay in the center of the city, but whatever.
EDIT2: Mmmm, I just remembered those construction markers that were out by the Grand Expo - I guess that tells us where the Balloons are headed. I could fill a magazine with this stuff.
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I'm also thinking they've done away with bringing out new things just at the beginning of the season. We still don't have the major addition for the '08 season, you know, and now they're going to start building for '09. They don't seem too worried about people seeing the building process anymore. Maybe this is a way that they can create hype without actual advertising or press releases. People visit the park, see the construction, and get excited. The not knowing and the anticipation is part of what keeps us on the topic, kind of like a good line queue gets us excited about an actual ride. Just as a ride without a line is not as satisfying, so is knowing for sure what we're getting.
I do wish, if a Splash Battle is the choice, that they can put the track in the water and not have it so conspicuously above the surface. Why do they do that?
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^Is it a buzz bar system? If it is, that might have something to do with it.
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Let me try to further explain my views. I don't feel cheated by what they're doing necessarily, but how they're doing it. I think they'll go all out and do some great theming with this (hopefully Tom and Huck theming, if the concept survey goes well). I just hate how they're recycling splash battle concepts back to back. I know several rides are recycled among HFE properties (like the plunge for example), but not in back-to-back seasons (as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong). I mean, if this was the plan all along (and apparently it has been), why didn't HFE announce the splash battles in the same press conference? Why pretend that it's something really unique with a SDC press conference, fanfare and all, when you've announced pretty much the same thing less than a year ago for DW?
I like that they're putting up a fence and theming it with clues. I'm just trying to figure out logistics if this is going in right now. The concept survey says a 500 foot channel, and it looks as if there will be two rafts at a time with the ability to shoot spectators outside of the ride, inside the ride between the rafts, and those in the other raft. So the channel will be one and two-thirds of a football field in length (not sure how wide). I think it's safe to assume the channel will circle back around so you load and unload the rafts at the same point; so the space it would occupy would be 250 feet in length (since it's a 500 foot channel in a circle). If the entrance is by the carousel barn, that's still a lot of space. Logistically, how are they getting supplies in and out of the construction area? It's in the middle of the park. If they're planning some major construction right now, I guess they'll have to try to move supplies when the park is closed (like late night or early morning). Are they building the ride among the existing buildings? Hmmmm...I'll be interested in seeing the pictures of the construction.
I agree, Steve, I think the markers by the Expo is where the Balloon Chase is being moved. This raises another question, that's slightly off-topic. I think this is the only new ride we're getting for next season. And with a complete revamping of the Landing (I think the ropes/playground area is on the way out) with new crafts and shops, this would classify as the biggest capital investment to date; they weren't lying. Is the new ride going to be open for next year, with the revamping of the Landing complete for 2010? This makes too much sense to me. Big question: are they putting in a new coaster any time soon? I think we made a matter-of-fact assumption about a new coaster, with no evidence to back our assumption up. A brand new Landing is what we're getting the next couple of seasons. I don't think a new coaster is in our near future.
EDIT: Actually, I could be wrong. A coaster could be in the near future if it is part of the new Landing/Center City area where the splash battle ride is being constructed. Oh the possibilities!
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I just hate how they're recycling splash battle concepts back to back. I know several rides are recycled among HFE properties (like the plunge for example), but not in back-to-back seasons (as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong).
County Fair @ Dollywood / Grand Expo @ SDC
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I know everyone projects or projected that a Mystery-Mine-type attraction would be coming (since they've been using ideas in both parks (probably to get a BOGO deal or something), and I would like that since I'm not a fan of wooden coasters, but I always assumed the next coaster would be more like Thunderhead with its "famous" fly-through-the-queue. It would have a different theme if located in GE, though.
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The only reason I don't ever see a wooden coaster in the Grand Expo is the fact that the Expo is themed to a moving Exposition -- as in it goes from town to town. A wooden coaster cannot exactly be moved from town to town so there in lies a problem.
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^If there's any truth to the rumors about a new area going out beyond TGS, maybe the coaster will go out there. I just don't think there's enough room for one in the Landing area.
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I don't either. I imagine there is a lot of truth to the rumors about the park eventually expanding that way. My source that told me that was the same one that told me about TGS, GE and PK before they came to be... so who knows.
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We've got some photos up on the main site, thanks once again to Copper: http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?id=8
I guess this confirms any remaining suspicions that this could be anything else; it's pretty obvious by the water splash on the signage. Good to see Tom making a scene at the park again after a couple of decades of gradual succession into memory though.
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?: Are they still using the other side of the rope climb area for the roses/wax hands thing or is that area boarded up as well?
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It's still open. The Carousel Barn and Aunt Polly's are open too.
Guess I should have turned around and took a picture as well. ;D
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Kid Concoctions is in the Carousel Barn right now for Kids Fest, correct?
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Yes and I don't think they can close it for the season. Santa needs a home.
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I guess this is why they are starting so early. They need to get done what they can before their limited off-season so that they can use that time to work on what can't be closed. Besides, they might be tired of taking chances with weather and construction. ::)
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Hopefully they have learned from this last off season. Someone asked how are they going to get equipment in this space? They will probably be taking things a part to start. Then they will be doing major work in the evening. Then in August-December there will be days they are closed, so they will have ample opportunity to work. Hopefully the rain won’t hurt them.
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I'm curious if they are going to try to get the Balloon Chase and Carousel back open in new locations before the end of the season.
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I guess this explains why the balloons weren't repainted for this season. They really look bad on the top.
Copper, is the spiral walkway (We call it the corkscrew.) still open. If so, doesn't it give a clear view of the blocked off area?
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When I got to the park yesterday this was one of the first areas I wanted to look. The fence is actually pretty tall and when I saw the signage I knew what we were getting. I've said all along that I want a new coaster in '09 but I guess that won't be happening. So I've got to look at the positives that are already being listed here. I'm sure the theming will be great and it'll probably be a really fun ride. I'm wondering how it will fit into the area though. As Steve said, it'll make the waterfront come to the center of the park. I also agree that I want it to kind of be hidden away but I don't know how they'd do that.
Well, I do feel cheated but I don't think I'll feel that way once we get the ride details and more photos. Unless it looks a lot like Dollywood's version.
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this may have already been asked, but does anyone know what else is going away from this area besides the balloons?
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^Carousel and it's not confirmed but it's assumed the rope climb area.
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^Carousel and it's not confirmed but it's assumed the rope climb area.
This ride area is going to be pretty big, so I have a feeling the rope climb area is on the way out. I can't think of anywhere else it might go, plus in this day and age it's probably considered a safety hazard and lawsuit waiting to happen, so I think it'll be gone for good.
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i guess its time to start getting some last minute pictures of this whole area.... its the last time we'll see it like this.
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I hope they move the Balloon Race somewhere else in the park instead of throwing it out entirely.
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You know, now that I think about it when the family and I were there a few weeks ago, all of the water features were turned off from the corkscrew down past the carousel and beyond. I bet they were preparing for the construction. I remember telling the wife I had never seen SDC with its water features turned off like that.
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I hope they move the Balloon Race somewhere else in the park instead of throwing it out entirely.
The balloons will have a new hope, possibly by as early as Christmas. It's just too popular and favorited to get rid of.
As I've said before, I'm hoping they can find a way to re-utilize the ropes area without taking it out completely. I can see them tearing down what is currently there, but I think they should put something up to replace it. I mean, it really made the area.
By the way, if Huck and Tom are taking the park by storm again, what does this mean for the tree house?
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This makes me feel old. Attractions that are apart of my childhood have become outdated. I do hope they keep the balloons. I can live without the ropes though.
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By the way, if Huck and Tom are taking the park by storm again, what does this mean for the tree house?
If the ride concept artwork is any indication, it looked like the treehouse was incorporated into the ride.
(http://sdcfans.com/galleries/photos/1deeb623b7b8d8a33946398830c42ec5.jpg)
I think that looks a lot like the treehouse. It'd be cool if it was, anyway. If it is part of the ride, I hope they equip it with waterguns! :D How cool would that be? It'd be like back when I was little, when the treehouse was equipped with toy guns.
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Yes but if you go by the concept art, the treehouse is not accessible to the public, but rather out in the middle of the bog/lake/pond. Perhaps they'll move it to become a themed element or instead build a smaller new one and then remove the old one?
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^It's not physically possible for the tree house that I'm talking about to be incorporated that way. What you see in the concept art is a different tree house that is merely theming.
The current tree house can't really be fixed or moved at this point to my understanding, so it'll pretty much have to be torn down, and this would be the year to do it. The question really is whether or not they're planning to rebuild a new tree house type of attraction in it's place.
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It's highly doubtful the current treehouse will be anything more than it is right now. Unless it starts falling on people, I think it will remain as a walk-by attraction that no one thinks twice about. I think the treehouse at the new ride will be small, inaccessible, and just one more thing at which to shoot water.
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I'm a little confused by the concept art. What is going on here?
(http://sdcfans.com/galleries/photos/d4bf3beab5026ef6e343186151e1075b.jpg)
Are those people on an island in the middle of the channel? Or could there be another bridge or something out of view that they used to get to the fort, which the rafts would travel under? Any ideas?
Are the people in the foreground on a raft or are they just spectators? Are there two rafts on this ride at one time or just one? ???
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I would say that there is a bridge to the island fort that the rafts will go under.
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I believe the standard is for there to be two rafts at a time, and I think the foreground shows the second raft. That island looks a little small to support the kind of activity the picture shows. I'd be surprised if the final project looks much like this. Can you see 30 kids trying to get to that island at once?
Hey, remember how we were told there would be a huge project for 2008 and all we're getting is a fake building at the top of Echo Hollow? Is this the other part of our 2008 project? How long does it take to build one of these things? And if it is, then does that leave the coaster card playable for 2009? Would that be too weird?
The reason I ask these questions is that maybe they are trying to coincide the new ride with the opening of the new parking lot and road project.
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Hmmm...I'm not sure I understand what you mean. You're saying that you think the ride project started early could be part of the 2008 project and that we could still get a coaster in 2009? The map and the fence at the park says the ride will open in 2009 though so I'd classify that as a 2009 project seeing as they're going to be doing most of their work in the offseason and on closed days.
Please clarify...
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I guess you're right about the dates on the map and fence. I had forgotten about that. It just doesn't seem like it would take that long to build a ride like this if the pieces were ordered a while ago. Even though it's a water feature, I wonder if it might be in running order before Christmas. I'm just trying to make things happen with the power of wishful thinking.
At the very least, couldn't they have the other rides relocated by then - if that's part of the plan?
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^While it may not take long to build it is right in the middle of the park so it is kind of difficult for them to get all the parts and pieces to the spot on a daily basis. It's even harder to get the construction equipment in with all the people in the park. They'll be doing a lot of night work and such.
I do agree with you on one thing though. The other rides do need to be relocated before the end of the season. They're too popular to just sit there all season long behind a fence. Even if the ride is in working order before Christmas (which I doubt) it is a water ride so it would be closing in September or October anyways and I don't think it'll be finished by then.
I've been saying all along that I wanted a new coaster in 2009 but I think the Herschend's know what they are doing with this so that is good news. I just hope they don't put in any side games or crappy stuff like that. It looks like it'll be a pretty good themed ride and not the plastic version at Dollywood.
I still agree though--if at all possible we'd get a new coaster in 2009 I'd be ecstatic. Maybe they're letting it be a surprise and they won't start showing any signs until the offseason and they will debut two rides in 2009!
WISHFUL THINKING ALERT!
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Yeah - this would be a great diversion from their real plans. Tom and Huck were always pulling schemes like this on people, so why wouldn't the Herschends?
I'm with you on the side games and junk that would take away from the ambience, and I'd like to see some characters in the area too. They'd have to do a huge search to find adults who look like kids to play Tom and Huck, but I could sure see an Aunt Polly in there somewhere. After all, she does have a chicken restaurant on the property, so she could take some time off from there to wreak havoc on children in the Landing.
I still think this is a huge traffic area, so I hope there will be some relief for that problem in the works, as well.
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If you look back through the Construction/Rumors board of the forums you can see how much we were all betting on a new coaster next year. I guess we were doing all the guessing without any actual evidence...But we could still get a coaster next year! You can especially feel the pain in this thread:
http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=9.0
Also I wish SDC would update this page on the site with hints as to whats to come and all that:
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/rides-attractions/ride_detail.aspx?AttractionID=117
Think of all the possibilites they could do with this. We don't even know if the Balloon Ride or the carousel are making a return somewhere else in the park for sure or not! There are a lot of questions. Even though we can see most of the construction we still don't know everything that is going on.
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I don't think this ride is as easy to build as some believe, especially with it in the middle of the park. They need to get all the plumbing and electrical in order, not to mention do some major overhauling of the landscape. The area where they're building it has been supporting other things such as the Carousel Barn and the Balloon Chase. They have to clear all of that out before they can do anything. Also, the sign says Spring '09 for its debut, so it definitely won't open this season.
I do believe the Carousel Barn and Balloon Chase will be moved before long. Copper said in the captions of the pictures of the new ride construction that they will be back online soon.
As for another new ride in '09, such as a coaster, I don't think so. But maybe. It's a possibility. The only markers anyone has seen (as far as I know) are the ones over by the Expo, and I agree with Steve. I think those are for the Balloon Chase and maybe Carousel Barn. The only area I think the new coaster might go is out beyond the Giant Swing. But maybe those markers by the Expo are for a new coaster. We'll have to see. It's interesting that they have the teaser fence up and the online map (I'm assuming also the physical map) marked for the new ride. Yet there has been no official announcement. Nothing. Maybe they're waiting for the results of the concept survey so it'll have a name. Or maybe they're holding their cards for an even bigger, two new rides for '09, reveal...
It'll be interesting to see what happens. I wonder when they will make the official announcement?
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^Yes, it is on the map you get in the park also.
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OK, so let's chase this rabbit: does anyone want to make predictions about the new look of the old rides? Becky's Carousel will need to be renamed for the Expo, but Skychase Balloons could keep its name. I would hope they would be repainted for their new locations, and I look forward to seeing Expo signage for the queues.
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I heard yesterday from a reputable source that the carousel is going into storage it will not be going up in the Grand Expo....
:-(
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^^We don't even know for sure if they are being moved. If they are the carousel could be kind of a centerpiece to the Expo like the teacups are. That'd be really cool....Or is there enough area for that?
I'd like the balloons to look the same just with new signage and all that.
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I heard yesterday from a reputable source that the carousel is going into storage it will not be going up in the Grand Expo....
I hope this means it will be refurbished. It needs some TLC.
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I have a cool idea of getting rid of those balloons and creating a "hot air balloon" chair lift kind of ride to take you from one end of the park to the other and all in what would look like a hot air balloon.. . . wouldn't that be cool? lol
refurbished? it's going into storage to not be used... i doubt any money will go into it.
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I heard yesterday from a reputable source that the carousel is going into storage it will not be going up in the Grand Expo....
:-(
Who's your reputable source? Is it someone who works at the park? And by storage, do you mean for good or just for the remainder of the season until they can clear out space for it?
I hope that it's not for good. The carousel is grounded firmly in the history of the park.
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I have a cool idea of getting rid of those balloons and creating a "hot air balloon" chair lift kind of ride to take you from one end of the park to the other and all in what would look like a hot air balloon.. . . wouldn't that be cool? lol
Nah, that'd look kind of weird. Although you might be joking I can never tell with you...lol. The balloons need to stay. They are history along with the carousel.
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Of course there was that "Carousel of Seasons" idea that was promoted at one time. Maybe that's in the works for a future project. My daughter's going to be REALLY upset when she sees that her favorite horse, Princess, is being sent to the barn with the other horses on the carousel. That's her favorite ride.
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The source does work at the city.
The carousel is being put into storage for next season but may be back in a later season.
The balloons will be back next season the position just hasn't been settled yet.
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^^That's what I was thinking of. Thinking about it, I actually can't see SDC setting up that small, worn carousel up again. If they're going to re-introduce such a potentially popular ride back to the park, they'll do it with style. Hence, the carousel of seasons or something similar. It will be a centerpiece somewhere.
As for hopes for a new coaster to be squeezed in for 2009 - forget it. Really, I know we (ehm, I guess it's more like "I") were confident that one was on the way for next year, but either plans changed, we got the wrong tips, or the tips were misheard in the first place. Maybe coaster con'ers are supposed to be excited about this, it certainly has the potential to be a great ride.
I would actually be somewhat irked if they had tried to do both this and a coaster at once. I mean, SDC is a carefully planned out park, and it is much better for doing so. If SDC just started crapping out rides all over the place we'd be just like any other park. I prefer them to take things as slow as they need to so that they can fill out the whole park experience smoothly. I'd rather see them abandon any ride plans for awhile and spruce up the other aspects of the park than ruin the place by going the Dollywood route. (Not that the Dollywood isn't a great park or hasn't benefited from it's new rides, it just isn't SDC).
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As for hopes for a new coaster to be squeezed in for 2009 - forget it. Really, I know we (ehm, I guess it's more like "I") were confident that one was on the way for next year, but either plans changed, we got the wrong tips, or the tips were misheard in the first place. Maybe coaster con'ers are supposed to be excited about this, it certainly has the potential to be a great ride.
I would actually be somewhat irked if they had tried to do both this and a coaster at once. I mean, SDC is a carefully planned out park, and it is much better for doing so. If SDC just started crapping out rides all over the place we'd be just like any other park. I prefer them to take things as slow as they need to so that they can fill out the whole park experience smoothly. I'd rather see them abandon any ride plans for awhile and spruce up the other aspects of the park than ruin the place by going the Dollywood route. (Not that the Dollywood isn't a great park or hasn't benefited from it's new rides, it just isn't SDC).
You made some really good points. I also don't want to go the Dollywood route but man, I wanted a new coaster so bad. But, SDC will be better for it. Doesn't mean I won't be disappointed but still...
Oh well...time to look forward to this new ride of ours!
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Yeah - this would be a great diversion from their real plans. Tom and Huck were always pulling schemes like this on people, so why wouldn't the Herschends?
I'm with you on the side games and junk that would take away from the ambience, and I'd like to see some characters in the area too. They'd have to do a huge search to find adults who look like kids to play Tom and Huck, but I could sure see an Aunt Polly in there somewhere. After all, she does have a chicken restaurant on the property, so she could take some time off from there to wreak havoc on children in the Landing.
I still think this is a huge traffic area, so I hope there will be some relief for that problem in the works, as well.
About how we were all focused on a new coaster for next year, and Dale's comment above about Tom and Huck always pulling schemes on people, so why wouldn't the Herschends...I have a feeling we were had! Misled! Tricked! Bamboozled! I mean HFE telling a group of coaster enthusiasts that '09 will be their biggest capital investment to date, so we assumed it would be a coaster (as they probably hoped we would). Then we find little clues and rumors along the way to further our beliefs that it will be a coaster. Now we find out it's a splash battle ride themed to Tom and Huck to stay true to the Landing's theme. It's almost like HFE were scheming like Tom and Huck to get us to believe it would be a coaster, then we find out their new ride is a Tom and Huck themed ride, but not a coaster. I just think that's really ironic! ;) And I have no problem with it not being what I've been expecting. It's much more fun to expect one thing, then get something completely different, especially when it comes to SDC and new attractions.
I'm excited for the new ride! And I really believe this will be their largest capital investment yet, because I think the whole Landing area is going to get a major facelift. This splash battle ride will be the centerpiece, with everything else themed around it. Which is really exciting! I mean, we've all been talking for a while about how the Landing needs to be refurbished. This is the beginning of something really good for the park, and us, the guests! And even more exciting, the Landing keeps the Tom and Huck theme. I think HFE is going all out with this massive project, and we won't be disappointed! ;D
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I would actually be somewhat irked if they had tried to do both this and a coaster at once. I mean, SDC is a carefully planned out park, and it is much better for doing so. If SDC just started crapping out rides all over the place we'd be just like any other park. I prefer them to take things as slow as they need to so that they can fill out the whole park experience smoothly. I'd rather see them abandon any ride plans for awhile and spruce up the other aspects of the park than ruin the place by going the Dollywood route. (Not that the Dollywood isn't a great park or hasn't benefited from it's new rides, it just isn't SDC).
I agree. I really don't think they'll try to do a coaster as well for '09. They plan more carefully when adding new attractions, plus their hands are full right now as it is. They're working on the splash battle ride (not to mention whatever else they have in store for the Landing), the Culinary & Craft School, and the parking lot and road projects. I really don't think they want another construction project right now.
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About how we were all focused on a new coaster for next year, and Dale's comment above about Tom and Huck always pulling schemes on people, so why wouldn't the Herschends...I have a feeling we were had! Misled! Tricked! Bamboozled! I mean HFE telling a group of coaster enthusiasts that '09 will be their biggest capital investment to date, so we assumed it would be a coaster (as they probably hoped we would). Then we find little clues and rumors along the way to further our beliefs that it will be a coaster. Now we find out it's a splash battle ride themed to Tom and Huck to stay true to the Landing's theme. It's almost like HFE were scheming like Tom and Huck to get us to believe it would be a coaster, then we find out their new ride is a Tom and Huck themed ride, but not a coaster. I just think that's really ironic! ;) And I have no problem with it not being what I've been expecting. It's much more fun to expect one thing, then get something completely different, especially when it comes to SDC and new attractions.
I wouldn't go there. What makes you think SDC would go through the effort of subtly tricking the total of maybe 50 fans who actually pay attention to the park closely enough into thinking they were planning a coaster, then shatter their hopes? Even if there was a larger following it wouldn't make sense. ::)
I'm getting really pepped up for this ride though; I don't really care about the ride itself, but everything that I hope will come with it has piqued my interest. Like I've said before, this can be pulled off so well, and they're off to such a great start by staying so true to the Tom and Huck theme. I really think this whole area is going to get such a really high quality, disney-style makeover that it no one will even remember what it was like before.
I'm ready to see some construction, has anything new happened at the site yet? It hasn't even been 4 days since the last shots, but meh.
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My thinking, as a nostalgic old fan, is that the next coaster, whether '09 or later, needs to be a woodie. The modern steel loops and corkscrews are fun, but they could fit at Six Flags just as well as SDC.
The exception is Thunderation, which fits the theme very well (and is a good coaster, just not extreme). One thing that's scary (good scary) about TNT is when you break over the top of the lift, and bank before gaining any speed. It feels like you're about to tip over sideways, then whooooosh, down you go!
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We just keep going around and around with this coaster idea for next year. Does anyone know what's going on? I visited Screamscape and they have an update from June 26 that distinctly refers to a "multi-attraction project for the 2009 season". Additionally, they said that there's a small rumor going around about a Gerstlauer coaster for 2009, and that it might be a new custom Spinning Coaster project. Throughout all of this, they acknowledge the Tom and Huck splash battle ride for next year. I repeat, does anyone know what's going on? Is there any truth to this, or is someone just blowing hot air? ???
Here's a link to the site. Scroll down to "New Coaster" and then "Tom Sawyer's Landing Project":
http://www.screamscape.com/html/silver_dollar_city.htm (http://www.screamscape.com/html/silver_dollar_city.htm)
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^See my post in the other thread http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=155.msg3578#msg3578
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They'd have to do a huge search to find adults who look like kids to play Tom and Huck, but I could sure see an Aunt Polly in there somewhere.
If they want a Becky Thatcher, I've already been sketching costume designs and trying to work on my Ozarkian twang. :D
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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Technically, you'd need more of a Mississippi River, Hannibalistic twang, but Ozarkian would pass.
I would hope for some great Mark Twain/Tom-and-Huck souvenirs in this area, too. Something worth our while and not just t-shirts and keychains.
Why kind of crafts demos could be brought in that we don't already see?
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a nice place to revive the jumping frog contests the did back in the deepwoods days
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I was thinking that it would be nice if they made a shallow sort of water-filled area for young kids to splash around and play with little wooden boats and similar things. I remember when I was younger how much I loved going down to the local creek to launch my assortment of toy boats. They could even bring in one of the woodcarvers to craft and sell them on the spot. Just a thought.
Like was said before, I'm just hoping they use the area to it's true potential and don't try to fill it with cheap games. They tried to blend the fairway games with SDC in Wilson's farm, but while I must admit the water balloon toss was a success, the "pig racing" game with the water guns still sticks out like a sore thumb. Like the example I just gave, there's plenty of ways to fill the area with awesome fun without resorting to Cedar Fair tactics.
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Hmmm..... Anyone been out to the park recently? If there is anything major planned I think we should be seeing some construction within July. One thing I don't like about the "carnival style" games at SDC is the lack of people playing them. Like when you go into the exposition center and the people who run the games have sad or sarcastic looks on their faces when people walk past the games with out another thought. I REALLY hope they don't use that area for anything of that sort. at this point, the only thing I could see going there and fitting in would be a newer ride for younger kids. But they did say that ACE would have something new for '09. It's very strange to me.
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Why kind of crafts demos could be brought in that we don't already see?
Do we have glass cutting yet?
and we still don't have a wagon/buggy maker like Dollywood does
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^Yeah we have glass cutting. http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/craftsmen/craftsman_detail.aspx?AttractionID=838
and we still don't have a wagon/buggy maker like Dollywood does
That'd be cool!
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They updated the Tom Sawyer's Landing webpage on the website:
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/rides-attractions/ride_detail.aspx?AttractionID=117
I think we might've spilled the beans for them! ;)
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If we spilled the beans (and we're not the only ones), and they're really watching this site, then good. Maybe someone will also see the things we continue to say about theming and staying true to SDC - no sideshow games, no plastic beavers, and that kind of thing. If they want to do research of their most devout fans, then here we are. Look no further.
Here's the best part of their announcement on the webpage (with my emphasis added):
Closed for the remainder of the year, Tom Sawyer's Landing is undergoing exciting changes in preparation for the 2009 season! The area will experience a complete overhaul, so get ready for the All-NEW Fun Family Ride coming to this location next spring.
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^I don't think we've spilled all the beans. I'm hoping that when they do make an official announcement it'll have details regarding the ride and the complete overhaul that's planned for the area.
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We've only scratched the surface, the juicy details have yet to be revealed, and in this case that's what will make or break the ride, so everyone should be even more interested.
I like how they point out that the new attraction is just one part of the package, surely some other great plans are in the works.
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Like a Roller Coaster ;D
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hey all, heres a pic of what i got today when i was at the park... sadly i also witnessed a bobcat tearing town portions of the landing.....very sad moment.. i will post a vid of that soon
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^Thank you orient express! What part of the landing is that second photo of? I can't even tell anymore... :-\ I wonder what will happen to all those trees.
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it was from the back side of the landing in the left side it what remains of that play area with the nets
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most of the trees had orange tags :(
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What portions of the play area have been taken down? And am I just not seeing it, or is the carousel already gone?
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^^Thanks for the pics, orient express! Wow, the Landing is going to look really different next year.
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the merry go round thing is still there, but in very rough shape. nothing is left except what is visable from the main walk way. it was very sad watching the pieces of wood from the landing get torn down
and getting tossed in a pile. i was hoping for a coaster but i could settle for something else.... but watching it get torn down today, i dont know if i can give it a chance
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^I'm all for the revamping of the Landing, but I'm glad I wasn't there to see the destruction. I have so many memories of the tree house and the play area.
It's cliche, but change is inevitable. Sacrifices have to be made, and I'm betting that HFE will make this sacrifice worthwhile.
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yea again i like tradition. but i do understand that these things have to be done, i just worry that they are going away from the true spirit of the park( or at least what it used to be) we will see. i will post that video soon though.
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^My feelings exactly, but we've gotta give this time. This is why this project is so suspenseful even though we already basically know what's coming. I'm really excited but anxious about what the new Landing will be like and how it will incorporate old with new - god I hope they put in some new ropes.
Someone on another forum was pointing out how this leaves another gapping hole in SDC's attractions during the winter. Now instead of a big play area and 2 favorited rides, this entire area will be packed in the summer and desolate during the winter, leaving weird kind of hole in the middle of the park when the weather doesn't hit right. Surely they've planned for the area to be diverse enough to be usable all year long, but who really knows what it will be like.
I'm still wondering what it will be like to have a dock right in the middle of the city.
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i didnt even think about it in the winter...should be interesting
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I'm not getting the pics, but it's a shame they couldn't use the bobcat after hours - kinda ruins the feel.
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It appears that the 2nd photo is from the train - the balloons are in the middle of the photo and then on the left you can see a portion of climb structure is still standing, but not much.
The first photo's location is baffling me. I think that it is from near the climb structure, but then where's the carousel?
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^Thanks for the help, Swoosh! I was having trouble placing the second photo...
As for the first one, you're right about the location. You don't see the carousel because it's already gone.
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most of the trees had orange tags :(
I remember when the Company message was that for every tree cut down, two would take its place elsewhere. This was a directive from Mary Herschend. Is this still in line with their conservation and sustainment initiatives?
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I remember when the Company message was that for every tree cut down, two would take its place elsewhere.
That's the last I heard.
I'm sure (I hope) there will be enough trees left in the area to shade this ride - or are falling leaves going to be a problem?
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I found this in the Attraction Ideas thread:
How about revamping Lost River to incorporate the raft scene from "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"? Lost River is right by the Landing, and if it was revamped and incorporated into the Landing it would restore some identity to the area. If they did that other attractions and shops could be added to help Tom Sawyer's Landing regain some of it's theme.
Just had a brainstorm. They could incorporate the Riverfront into the Landing and hold Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn plays/musicals in the Playhouse and maybe have some costumed characters (and bring back Mark Twain himself) wander the Landing and interact with guests...
Kind of prophetic, don't you think? sdcforever, what else do you see in your crystal ball? I would love to see the playhouse idea germinated, too. If they were really thinking about it, the Happy Frogs could be moved to area and renamed the Jumping Frog of Calavares (sp?) County. This ride has a small footprint and would fit with the theme while at the same time opening a small area of the Expo for a different kiddie ride.
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It's a shame they couldn't use the bobcat after hours - kinda ruins the feel.
They used on on TGS during hours as well. I know that the Wilson's Farm area is a little more hidden, but... oh and they also used one over at the Powder Keg area during hours as well.
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I found this in the Attraction Ideas thread:
How about revamping Lost River to incorporate the raft scene from "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"? Lost River is right by the Landing, and if it was revamped and incorporated into the Landing it would restore some identity to the area. If they did that other attractions and shops could be added to help Tom Sawyer's Landing regain some of it's theme.
Just had a brainstorm. They could incorporate the Riverfront into the Landing and hold Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn plays/musicals in the Playhouse and maybe have some costumed characters (and bring back Mark Twain himself) wander the Landing and interact with guests...
Kind of prophetic, don't you think? sdcforever, what else do you see in your crystal ball? I would love to see the playhouse idea germinated, too. If they were really thinking about it, the Happy Frogs could be moved to area and renamed the Jumping Frog of Calavares (sp?) County. This ride has a small footprint and would fit with the theme while at the same time opening a small area of the Expo for a different kiddie ride.
Well, gazing into my crystal ball I see a new coaster, looks like a woodie, going into the area beyond TGS. But that won't be until 2010 at the earliest. I also see other things out there as well, perhaps an entire new area with a second train depot. Of course, my crystal ball could be completely off base. I asked it if this will definitely happen, and it said "Concentrate and ask again". So I did and it said "Most likely". We'll see what happens. ;)
Back to the 2009 project, I like your idea of moving and renaming the Happy Frogs. It would definitely fit with the Twain theme. I also really hope they have some sort of Tom and Huck plays/musicals for the Landing. Overall, it'll be interesting how they theme the area, with a river ride right in the middle of the city.
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You keep saying "right in the middle of the city" but this is nowhere near Midtown which IS the middle of the city. The Landing is on the outskirts of town and in an area where there is already water -- the lake -- so it's not like it's going to be that big of a deal.
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I really think this will be an extension of the Riverfront area. Midtown is actually above this, on the other side of the tracks. I never get the idea I'm in the middle of the city there, but on the back side of it.
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I always felt like that area was pretty much the heart of the city, and indeed it is the heart of the park, being right smack in the middle of it. I don't think it will exactly hurt anything by having the riverfront extended there, but it certainly will feel different. The Riverfront needed some sort of an expansion anyway - I mean, Lake Silver isn't exactly much more than a large pond, this will make it feel larger I think.
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I noticed the sign said new "ride" instead of "attraction"!
This gives me hope that it won't be the "wet area" purposed in the survey!
What kind of ride does everyone think this will be?
Putting the word family on the sign pretty much says the ride won't be
the Euro-fighter I have been wanting :-\.
And, I don't think it's a woody, (too small a footprint and too in the open).
Possibly a dark ride of some sort?
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It's the Splash Battle. Don't get your hopes up for anything other than that in that area.
Going down this weekend, will have photos of the area when I get back.
Ciao
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I noticed the sign said new "ride" instead of "attraction"!
This gives me hope that it won't be the "wet area" purposed in the survey!
What kind of ride does everyone think this will be?
Putting the word family on the sign pretty much says the ride won't be
the Euro-fighter I have been wanting :-\.
And, I don't think it's a woody, (too small a footprint and too in the open).
Possibly a dark ride of some sort?
You should probably read the thread before making this sort of post.
Swoosh, try and get some shots of the flags around the Grand Expo. Maybe they've started clearing out a space for the Balloon Chase.
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Where exactly ARE the flags in the Grand Expo? Are they down by the queue for the Swings?
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^Swoosh, I was going back through this thread and this is what I found about the flags in the Expo. It'd be great if you could get some photos of this area and see if they've cleared anything.
I noticed back in April some blue ribbons around some trees back behind the butterfly ride in the Grand Expo section while waiting in line with my daughter. I was looking at an old cement thing way off in the woods and wondering what it could be when I noticed the ribbons. I assumed they were marking trees for removal due to storm damage and poor condition. I am sure that is what that was as there wasn't that many. It is a hilly section though, and would make a good location for a wood rollercoaster.
If they do use some of the terrain I hope they don't bulldoze trees and replant, but build through and around the existing trees to add to the "out of control" feeling.
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I will definitely take a look around there since I will be in the area anyway to check out the Culinary School's progress anyway.
I would think that the balloons would go over in Transportation though. Perhaps take out the games between the entrance to Electro Spin and the Galleon and put it there. I know I wouldn't mind that happening.
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i dont know who wants to see this but im posting it anyway. its a little footage of a bobcat tearing down some peices of the rope area.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q-nxXyfDsuM
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here is another pic i took also on july 1st.
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You should probably read the thread before making this sort of post.
So it's definitely the splash battle? I feel like this area could be used for so much more!
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So it's definitely the splash battle? I feel like this area could be used for so much more!
I think from the signs on the fence, the survey some of us filled out, the previous ride installed at Dollywood, and other hints, the evidence points to this as a sure thing.
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i dont know who wants to see this but im posting it anyway. its a little footage of a bobcat tearing down some peices of the rope area.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q-nxXyfDsuM
Thanks for posting the video and picture. It's sad to see the rope area go, but it'll also be intriguing to see all the changes coming next year.
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SDC Update
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/jul4
Tom Sawyer Landing Progress
Land Clearing / Flags in Grand Expo
Road Progress
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Wow, just wow. They've gotten a good start so far. I just remembered though, this means what's left of the Gandy Dancer will be torn out! Ah... ::)
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We've got a few new photos ourselves here: http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?id=9
Thanks to Docspeleo for the photos.
I'm wondering what will happen to the big water works in the area though. They're pretty cool, so I assume they'll be redone in some way for the new area.
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Yeah, it would be great if the water works could remain intact.
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i really dont think this is possible but for the people that work at sdc, are you allowed to keep any small pieces of the landing that are getting torn down such as wood or anything like that....would be pretty cool to own a piece of history..
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I don't see the current pastel balloons in the GE area without GE colors. They should look pretty awesome - and a tad more grown-up - with a paint job. They may even have longer lines over there.
Of course, something in me was dreaming that they be lowered into Marvel so all of us can get to ride a hot air balloon in the cave. That would be a better ride than the jeep at Fantastic.
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hahaha i didn't even consider that! lol Marvel Cave Balloon Chase.... 300 Stairs down to ride~!
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i really dont think this is possible but for the people that work at sdc, are you allowed to keep any small pieces of the landing that are getting torn down such as wood or anything like that....would be pretty cool to own a piece of history..
Long ago I had several things like the old "Worlds Smallest Natural Bridge "sign from the float trip and an old strongbox from the stagecoach ride. All long gone now, but I wish I still had them now!
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Wow, just wow. They've gotten a good start so far. I just remembered though, this means what's left of the Gandy Dancer will be torn out! Ah... ::)
Maybe they'll place them in other parts of the park. I'm sure that there will be plenty of reminders of the old Tom Sawyer's Landing in the new. Ex: Buzz Saw Falls turned Powderkeg
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^They kind of already did that with the old Gandy Dancer car planters actually, I just never got a chance to get myself a really good look at the tracks. At least MattsPach was good enough to send us in those photos of it a while back, I need to get them re-uploaded to the site.
Mmmm, It's getting to the point that I find myself wondering what's been done so far on the project during the day. They need a webcam.
Anyone know if the old ropes/wax works/sand station across the path is getting ripped out as well? It seems like they will have to go if the bridges between it and the old play structure are leaving, but I've been wondering if they'll re-work both those structures to be practical play areas again. I know there are plenty of people really disappointed in seeing the ropes go, so maybe the larger course will come back into action?
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^Isn't the wax area being used for Kidsfest right now or is that all up on the main square?
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^It appears some people missed this. ;D
SDC Update
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/jul4
Tom Sawyer Landing Progress
Land Clearing / Flags in Grand Expo
Road Progress
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Man, I REALLY can't wait till the details emerge on this project. Many people are getting their panties in a knot over how this may affect the SDC experience, and they don't even belong to this site yet! ;)
Everyone's really on end about this being just another silly ride in place of what used to be unique attractions, so there's a lot of pressure for this ride and the entire area to really provide the utmost experience that it can. With all the input, complaints and worries the park is getting, I'm sure they're going to load the area with tremendous amounts of unique charm. I hope part of the plan is bringing back the Tree House - maybe they'll rebuild it from the ground up. Mmmmm, the possibilities.
Anyone know when the announcement will come?
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Man, I REALLY can't wait till the details emerge on this project. Many people are getting their panties in a knot over how this may affect the SDC experience, and they don't even belong to this site yet! ;)
Everyone's really on end about this being just another silly ride in place of what used to be unique attractions, so there's a lot of pressure for this ride and the entire area to really provide the utmost experience that it can. With all the input, complaints and worries the park is getting, I'm sure they're going to load the area with tremendous amounts of unique charm. I hope part of the plan is bringing back the Tree House - maybe they'll rebuild it from the ground up. Mmmmm, the possibilities.
Anyone know when the announcement will come?
I agree. I can't wait either! ;D This area is going to be hoppin' next year! I fully expect a complete overhaul, not just a new splash battle ride.
As for the announcement, here's what it says on SDC's website. It gives a couple of clues (my emphasis added):
"We can't tell you what it is just quite yet, we're trying to keep the secret as long as we can! But we'll be spilling the beans soon enough, so continue to watch the website for updates throughout the summer."
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I would imagine that it will be announced during the Harvest Festival just in time for the Season Pass Renewal drive to begin for next year's passes. That's usually when they announce things
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Ok, Docspeleo, it's time for you to do another update since you are closer to the park than I am.
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I was at SDC recently and noticed that the Geyser Gulch area was looking pretty run down. I then got a feeling of WHAT IF they choose to fix up TS landing first with a shooting water attraction ( Tom and Huck's River Battle) so they could MAYBE close down a worn out shooting water attraction (Geyser Gulch). In spring 09 , Tom and Huck's River Battle opens. That makes Geyser Gulch expendable. MAYBE in Spring 09 they close off Geyser Gulch to build new rollercoaster at Geyser Gulch MAYBE (Mystery Mine). They then have a new coaster for the 50th anniversary and a replacement ride already in place for Geyser Gulch. (River Battle) This plan refurbishes Tom Sawyers Landing and Geyser Gulch Area the next two years.
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Not going to happen. They are in the midst of a large rennovation of GG - which included draining Lake Silver last year.... it should continue on in this coming off season again.
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That's cool, what are the future plans for Geyser Gulch??
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^^^That's an interesting thought, but Geyser Gulch is not so easily shut off. If you thought the complaints about the Landing shutting down halfway through this season was bad, it'd be nothing compared to the uproar that would ensue if the Gulch was shut down. People would be asking for their season pass money back. :P
I had no idea that they were refurbishing GG though - it's about time they did. It's never actually been in bad shape, but with it's paint scheme, people notice when stuff starts looking old fast, and with this particular structure that's a bad thing.
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...but then you have to ask yourself, does the paint being worn add or distract from the theme? If you have really bright paint really ANYWHERE in the park, it stands out too much. They have to paint the new buildings to look distressed otherwise they don't fit into the theme.
Honestly now that they got the all water hoses working again there at the targets and over at Splash Harbor I think the area is better than it was say last year. imho
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With water being involved, as destructive as it is, I would hope there is a delineation between "looking old" and peeling paint.
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Ok, Docspeleo, it's time for you to do another update since you are closer to the park than I am.
Still waiting, bud, for an update ;)
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Anyone been around lately, or planning a trip soon? I know a few of you guys work at the park and have to travel past the area every day. Come on, you can tell us how much dirt has been pushed around so far.
I don't know if I've said this here before, but I really think the big project some of us were expecting was simply pushed off a year or so due to negative results of that survey they sent around earlier this year. Anyone else remember that survey, and how pessimistic everyone was? When I got the first confirmation about this project, the source said that the idea hadn't even been truly pitched yet to the ruling board - it sounded like it was a back up plan that was put together over a couple of months. Besides, this ride fits right into SDC's strategy of targeting mom's when times get tough (see: mom's blog).
Maybe the big project will come as a 50th birthday thing? Better not start speculating too much until after project is rounded up better though. I'm still in the dark about a lot of it.
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Anyone been around lately, or planning a trip soon? I know a few of you guys work at the park and have to travel past the area every day. Come on, you can tell us how much dirt has been pushed around so far.
We'll be at the park sometime before school starts. That won't be until August though so surely someone can tell us something before then.
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Copper just sent in a few shots of the old Landing rides sitting in a back lot: http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=10
Looks like the old carousel is toast. I'm ready for the carousel of seasons anyway.
The really interesting thing is that the new location for the Balloons is not set in stone yet. Does this mean it may not go to the Expo afterall? I could see them wanting to put it somewhere else simply to spread the smaller rides out. Could it go up by Wildfire? It's aways away from all the other smaller rides, but it would give the kids something to do while their older siblings ride the coasters...
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It looks like they are being stored either back by the Grand Expo or over across the street from those pictures.
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The picture with the caption "I don't even remember what these were from" is of the stationary carriages on Becky's Carousel. You can also see some rope components of the climbing equipment in the background of the Balloon Chase.
I still vote for a Balloon Chase in Marvel Cave. That would be awesome.
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^Thanks, it's fixed now.
Looks like we may get a few photos today of the Landing progress.
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The really interesting thing is that the new location for the Balloons is not set in stone yet. Does this mean it may not go to the Expo afterall? I could see them wanting to put it somewhere else simply to spread the smaller rides out. Could it go up by Wildfire? It's aways away from all the other smaller rides, but it would give the kids something to do while their older siblings ride the coasters...
In my opinion the Balloon Chase would look weird over by Wildfire. But it would be a good idea to have a smaller ride there. Maybe it just needs to be a different ride?
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It might work over there if they take out the extended outdoor queue for WildFire and put it there. They never use that queue anyway, so that might work.
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I haven't been out on park for a while... the life of a Cave Guide keeps you locked up in the Hospitality House most of the day. hahahaha but it's true
I was with Copper the morning he took the pics of the carousel and balloon ride... made me mad lol I wanted those pics credited to me with my camera lolo
I did hear at lunch that the Drawings that were sent out in the survey were not the correct ones that were supposed to go out and that they do not match the ideas that they are mulling over... so that was interesting.
I also shared the groups thought of the Midnight Madness and out of theme dress with some people involved with that.
I also got to hear some of the ideas about the 50th Anniversary but was sworn to secrecy or i'd be shot on the City Square.
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^Lol, that is funny. I wish you could tell us something about the 50th anniversary. No one can keep secrets these days anyways. Oh well, we wouldn't want you shot... :D
Back on topic:
It might work over there if they take out the extended outdoor queue for WildFire and put it there. They never use that queue anyway, so that might work.
That'd work but it'd still look weird to me. The area needs a different ride. How about one of the old shot tower proposals? It'd be another great flat ride and it could be themed as another one of Horatio Harris' wild inventions.
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^That would be another thrill ride in area full of thrill rides though, which is the point about moving the Ballons there. It would be the start of evening the park out a little more. If they threw in just a couple of other small rides the size of the frog bounce, then they'd have a nice little area up there so families didn't always have to go back and forth.
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I did hear at lunch that the Drawings that were sent out in the survey were not the correct ones that were supposed to go out and that they do not match the ideas that they are mulling over... so that was interesting.
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I also got to hear some of the ideas about the 50th Anniversary but was sworn to secrecy or i'd be shot on the City Square.
Hmmm, those were wrong? Of course it was just concept art, but I liked what they were going with in them. Hmmm, maybe the Splash Battle will be set to more of a backwoods pond than a riverfront like I originally thought. What was presented in the concept art seemed pretty basic Splash Battle stuff though, I wonder what they have up their sleeves? I know they've been getting a lot of heat about how this will take away so much tradition and replace it with too much annoyance for parents, so I'm more excited than ever to see how they'll mold this whole area to both thrill the kiddies and please the parents (and everyone else). Have they said anything about the announcement date yet? Are they going to drop any more clues?
It's great to hear there's buzz about the 50th anniversary, but don't let us on to anything yet, we all love the speculation.
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^That would be another thrill ride in area full of thrill rides though, which is the point about moving the Ballons there. It would be the start of evening the park out a little more. If they threw in just a couple of other small rides the size of the frog bounce, then they'd have a nice little area up there so families didn't always have to go back and forth.
I see what you're saying but it is a smaller ride that kids might ride instead of the roller coasters. I don't necessarily want more than one small ride in that area though. It doesn't need to become a huge ride area you know? Then you'd feel like you'd left the actualy city and entered just a typical amusement park. If they put two or three more rides over there it'd be Wildfire, Powderkeg, American Plunge, small ride, small ride. It most likely wouldn't flow together as well as the Grand Expo does.
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Being shot on the square - ahh, just like the old days!
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^Shootings on the square should definitely be part of the 2009 project! ;D
I'm also intrigued what the splash battle will look like. I liked the concept art, so I wonder how incorrect those drawings are?
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History Buff! - - NO shootings on the Square - - at least if I'm the target! lol
I took the Balloon Ride idea to the attractions department and got a few raised eyebrows when I told them we should move them into Marvel Cave! lol
hahaha it was an interesting hallway meeting though.
When I heard about the concept drawings it sounded like the ones that went out were totally wrong. Which was odd to me that they would have sent out the wrong drawings but that's what I was told over a lunch of chicken strips & fries.... they were good... come to think of it I'm hungry now!
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If those images are totally wrong, how are the planning on theming this thing? Maybe it will be more Tom and Huck centered than was portrayed, or maybe they're planning on some side-additives to the ride that will make it even more interactive than previous models...
As long as they aren't going to bring in the shiny plastic-looking stuff I'll be very excited to see how this turns out.
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We've got a lot of new photos of the Landing construction, thanks to History Buff: http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=13
Looks like the area has been pretty well cleared out now. Both rides are gone, and the old play structure is just a scrap of it's former self. I've assumed that they're leaving that much up just so they can support the bridges going across the walkways. Maybe they'll take that down during one of the lulls between festivals, or maybe they'll wait until the off-season. Or maybe they'll recycle it into something new...
It looks like they haven't really touched many of the trees yet, though we've seen how a lot of them were marked for take-out. The old petting zoo barn is probably on the way out soon as well.
I'm ready for vert. construction to start so we can see what this ride/area will actually be like!
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I'm ready for vert. construction to start so we can see what this ride/area will actually be like!
That's what I'm thinking! Let's get this thing going! I'm excited to see how they theme this and I'm interested in seeing what they do with the balloons and what becomes of the old carousel/new one. I hope they don't make the Landing a totally new looking place either. It is almost right in the middle of the city so it still has to look rustic like the rest of the city does.
I really want them to fix up the treehouse too or build a new one that is similar to the old. That'd be icing on top of the cake!
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It'll be interesting to see what they do with the area. The signage indicates that it is definitely Tom and Huck themed, so I bet the area will be even more strongly themed that way than we originally thought.
I am one of many who sincerely hope the water works remain mostly intact. I love walking by them on the curly q bridge (as I like to call it).
Next year we'll have to keep an eye out around the park for artifacts from the old Landing (the treehouse, Becky's Carousel, rope tower, etc). I'm hoping that they'll put some randomly throughout the park like they did with the Gandy Dancer! :D
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Hi, I am new to this forum and though I could add to the discussion. I hve been coming to SDC since 1966 and have seen it change over the years with some things that I liked and didn't like. I wished that Thunderation went under ground more like the original model showed. I like the fact that Buzzsaw Falls became Powder Keg because it was just a major disappointment for a thrill ride. I hope that the Tree House becomes something good with the new work going in. I would like them to do something with the water fall behind the Lumbercamp, there just seem to be some potential with this attraction ( unless its port of the air conditioning system). I would like to see the rest of the Jim Owens track be used for a new ride. I wish the would keep up the special effects that are added to the rides when they open( like Powder Kegs explosions and the gyser at Gyser Gluch.)
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Some new photos the construction taken 7/26/08--
View from the Corkscrew
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3643ConstructionSite.jpg)
View from the Corkscrew
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3644ConstructionSite.jpg)
View from the Corkscrew
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3638NewRideConstruction.jpg)
Steve, if you would prefer I send pictures like this straight to you, rather than post them in a thread, let me know.
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Some more-----
View from the last tower still standing, by the train tressel
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3647ConstructionSite.jpg)
View from same tower
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3648ConstructionSite.jpg)
View from the SE corner of the Carousel Barn, about where the little duck pond used to be in the petting zoo
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3654ConstructionSite.jpg)
View from the SE corner of the Carousel Barn
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_3653ConstructionSite.jpg)
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Thanks for the pics, Zephon! Wow, they've already broken ground a bit on the project. Those great pics of the Gandy Dancer tracks you posted in the SDC Memories/Through the Decades thread, I'm glad you got them. I have a feeling those tracks will be removed (along with the old petting zoo building) once this project really gets off the ground.
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Fantastic shots, Zephon! Thanks for sharing them! As a note, we do have user galleries on the main site now (they should work now), so you can always post photos like these there so that they'll get more exposure and help the site out.
It looks like they're really digging down in the Balloon area, so it looks like the pond will really be that close after all... or maybe they're just digging up the balloon ride's base.
I'm still scratching my head as to how this is going to fit in, I just can't see how they're going to make the area flow around this. One of the things that's interesting is that they're being careful to go around the waterworks at this point, yet the trees around it are marked for removal. I'm sure they'll have to take up the parts of the creek that ran through the Landing, I just hope they put back the troughs in the air - they add a lot of character to the area.
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I think all the ride foundations are out. They look to be into the dirt with a dump truck ready to move it out - probably into the parking lot fill area.
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So what extras does everyone think this project will bring? I've been hoping for some new dry play areas, and maybe even a new version of the ropes. There was some sort of swing contraption that was proposed to go along with TGS during it's early stages, I wonder if they'll bring it back?
God I hope they don't try to bring in more fairway games and try to bill them as extras though. With all the kids in the area I can see how much they would profit from a few games, but it would totally destroy the atmosphere. If they think up some original ideas like the Balloon Toss by TGS I'll be satisfied, but I still think the pig racing thing has to go.
I'm also excited to see what they'll think up for Andyisms, the theme of this area offers so much for that. I really liked what they did for TGS with the pots in the trees, the magic pipe, and the water can fountain.
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zephon is the construction the reason that we got a call to close off a large portion of the park from splash harbor to the corkscrew the other day?
It seems to me it is odd to move stuff in during the day when people are there but i suppose it would cause more interest.....
what do you all think?
Late in kids fest and have splash harbor closed for an hour for construction equipment to move in.....
Personally i think this was the wrong time to start construction.... i mean removing 2 kids rides and a climbing area during kidsfest? that's crazy?!
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Looks like they are getting rid of all the old footers for the rope towers and the other rides thus far. I have a feeling the area is going to be completely whiped clean and I doubt the overhead water feature returns. I'm almost curious if the corkscrew passage will remain or if the route is re-routed somewhere.
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The corkscrew must remain. That's a great shortcut to the area.
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I couldn't say, Doc. I wasn't even aware that that area had been closed off for part of the day, but you're right, it does seem odd that they would do that. But then again, a lot of things they do seem odd to me. I don't think they're operating heavy equipment during park hours tho, because of the noise and proximity to Dockside and the Saloon. They have big lights in there to help them work at night.
I'm as much in the dark about what's actually going on there as anybody else. I really can't see them getting rid of the corkscrew though, as it provides an easy access to the area.
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The Corkscrew has to remain, as it provides wheelchair access to the lower portions of the park. That's why it's there in the first place as I understand. I'm pretty sure the water features have to remain in some form as well, otherwise there's going to be an empty creek running down past the dockside theatre.
It is getting weird how they're being so blunt about the construction, it's really unlike them. First they close off an entire beloved area without warning, then they start shutting down entire portions of the park for construction. I can see why so many people are getting pissed, but at least they aren't doing heavy work during the day.
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There are new pictures under the user galleries on the main site to show progress on the three projects now in the works at Silver Dollar City.
http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?u=23
First, the Culinary and Arts project, as shown, really changes the view at Echo Hollow, looming over it like some kind of southern mansion. Next, the '09 project at the old Tom Sawyer's Landing is in full swing, but as you can see part of the old climbing nets are still standing (probably only until they can close the foot traffic in the off-season). Thankfully the work on this project is being done at night, hence the lights. Finally, the roads and parking lots are shaping up. Every time we visit, something else pops up, and we're anxious to see the completion of this massive overhaul of the traffic system. I'd guess the other occupants of Indian Point are even more anxious than we are though. The signage is closer to becoming a reality, but the parking lots are a mess. We're just ready to see the paving and striping start. News articles indicate this project is projected for completion sometime in August, but skeptical observers are still wary of any dedicated date, saying in true Missouri spirit, "Show me."
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The Corkscrew has to remain, as it provides wheelchair access to the lower portions of the park. That's why it's there in the first place as I understand. I'm pretty sure the water features have to remain in some form as well, otherwise there's going to be an empty creek running down past the dockside theatre.
It is getting weird how they're being so blunt about the construction, it's really unlike them. First they close off an entire beloved area without warning, then they start shutting down entire portions of the park for construction. I can see why so many people are getting pissed, but at least they aren't doing heavy work during the day.
It's really a different project, as this is a massive overhaul of an existing area right in the middle of the park. All of the recent major additions have been on the outer areas of the park. Since SDC is open until the end of December it doesn't provide much time to do construction (really only two full winter months, January and February) in the off-season. There's really no practical way to do this without causing some interruptions during park hours.
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Early concept rendering for the new family ride at Tom Sawyer's Landing. It was going to be called "Shoot the Moon." Unfortunately, enthusiasm waned for the project when it's cost was found to be a little more than they wanted to spend.
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/NewRide3.jpg)
Just kidding of course.
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Wow. The concept art really was off!
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At least they were staying in theme.
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^^^It's just an update of the enduring scene from "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". Instead of Huck helping his friend Jim escape slavery on a raft, they escape on a rocket to the moon. Hence the title "Shoot the Moon". ;)
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Now you're gettin' into it. ;D The professor was a big help to them, with his fuel and design considerations. They pieced it together using the tank of an abandoned still and a couple of large pipes that had been used in the draining of the cave after this spring's flooding. The body of the craft was fashioned from an old train car and the wings and tailfin were cut out of the slate from the pool table they took out of Grandfather's Mansion a couple of years ago. Then of course, Tom gathered all his friends together to give it a good whitewashing.
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OK, Zephon, now I can tell that you're of my ilk. But I'm pretty sure the felt from the pool table would be used in case they need to come back to the river. It might get hot coming back down and that felt could act as a blanket to shield the vehicle from the heat.
Wasn't there something to the story about a guy named Rube Dugan, who's engineering marvel, the Diving Bell, was a failure? I heard the boys salvaged parts of his air-tight cabin for the new venture.
It's amazing how SDC can fit just about anything into the theme! They've really blown us away with this one.
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Yup! You got it. Thar all a bunch o' genuses at that thar place. And Branson is getting in on the project also. They're building a fancy new airport just so they have a place to land. But just in case that's not ready in time, Jim Herschend is loaning them one of his hot air balloons to make a parachute so they can land in Lake Silver.
With just a bit more development, we'll be ready to move this to the concepts page.
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I think it's time to start asking "Is anyone planning a trip soon?" again.
Mmmm, I wonder how big the hole has gotten. Anyone know if the water works in the area have been shut off yet?
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I think the water may be part of a larger recirculation system. I'm wonder if they will reroute it or leave it as is.
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I looked, but didn’t have my camera with me. The water wheel is off and there is a large pipe diverting the water. The way it looks is that they are going to leave the water wheel and use it as part of the new ride or something like that. It would be a shame to see it go.
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Another way to get you wet, perhaps
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We are on our last little trip before school starts, and I took these pictures today. I don't know if they give any new information, but this is what I have. . .
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/philesha28/BransonAugust2008036.jpg)
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/philesha28/BransonAugust2008037.jpg)
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/philesha28/BransonAugust2008039.jpg)
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/philesha28/BransonAugust2008040.jpg)
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/philesha28/BransonAugust2008041.jpg)
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Thanks so much for the photos StaceySue, they mean a lot. Did you see how far back they've cleared?
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From the photos it appears to be back to the water feature stream
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I would say it is at least to the water feature and possibly to the spiral walkway to the side of it, if that makes sense. We just made a quick walk through, and that pesky fence makes seeing things difficult :)
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I'm heading to the City tomorrow or Tuesday. Hopefully I can update the progress since then.
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Has this sign been at the Landing for a while now? Is this a not-so-subtle sign for the River Battle?
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No, that's always been there, even the river part. That whole thing used to be a lot more like a kid's fort in the early days. Any other photos?
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I have a few others over at my Flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/sets/72157606713144838/
I was there only a few days after StacySue so all of my construction pics are pretty much the same :-\
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Wow, it's good to finally get a look at the clearing itself though. Surely it'll be expanded farther than that though, otherwise the ride will not only be tiny, but really close to the pathway.
Any bets on when vertical construction will start? Or an announcement?
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I was talking to someone in admin who seemed to know a lot ;) but felt I was overstepping my boundries already by asking so many questions.
I did find out that if you are a fan of the Treehouse (Huck Finn's Hideaway), you best be making some memories now.
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I did find out that if you are a fan of the Treehouse (Huck Finn's Hideaway), you best be making some memories now.
I had heard that too. I bet we have talked to the same "talking horse" again ;)
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Hahaha. I would be so.
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As I stated in the news article today, I'm thinking the tree house may live again. It just seems like the type of thing that would work great if it were re-built to modern standards, and I can't see them letting it slip away with all this Huck Finn resurgence.
I'm also guessing that they're pretty much slowing it down for now seeing as they can't do a whole lot of vert. construction until they get all of the area clear that they need, and they need to clear out the tree house, a lot of trees ( :'( ), what's left of the old petting zoo, and the rest of the river fort. Are they just going to have to shut the entire area off this winter? Maybe they'll install some sort of make-shift bypass to get to TGS?
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Are they just going to have to shut the entire area off this winter? Maybe they'll install some sort of make-shift bypass to get to TGS?
I don't know about a makeshift bypass. The only place I could see one would be around Fire in the Hole, and that'd be tough with the train going through there. Maybe they'll wait until around November/December before shutting off the entire area. TGS won't operate in temperatures of 40 degrees or lower, and the High-Low Silos won't operate in temperatures of 32 degrees or lower. Otherwise, if those rides are operating and they shut off the area, people will get cranky. It'd be annoying to have to walk the long way around past the train, the Flooded Mine, Waterworks Waterboggan, Geyser Gulch, Splash Harbor, and Lost River to get to TGS. :-\
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I doubt that they will close off that entire area, because they have to put Kringle's Krossing somewhere, and it has always gone in the Carousel Barn... unless they decide to put it elsewhere, which they are probably going to have to start doing soon anyway.
I just cannot see them closing down the area to TGS since that is the newest ride at the park.
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^It would be tough to do it. Now that I think about it, I don't think they'd do it in November if they close it off. Maybe the last two weeks the park is open if it's going to be consistently below freezing (that means the rides in that area wouldn't be operating). They'll probably wait to close it off after the season. It would still give them three solid months to do major construction. I'm sure they have a plan already in place. They know what they're doing. :)
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If all they have to do is remove the existing structure, it may be something that can be done in a couple of off days or during the off season.
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Well, remember how slow construction goes during the winter. It looks like several months, but in reality there's only a few sporadic weeks to work with there. If they're going to knock all this down and build the entire ride plus whatever is going with it, it will probably take them longer than the off season to pull it off. I guess they may run it late into next year though - they could bulldoze everything during the off-season, build a bypass, then take as long as they need during the spring to finish the actual ride up. If they're planning on that though, I wonder why they started so soon...
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I think we'll see some construction before the end of the year. Maybe even quite a bit. I'm just thinking the bridge above the existing walkway will be either remain as some sort of signage or will be removed during off-hours in a couple of days. Then the construction on the other side of the walkway will be done during the winter (if anything is to be done there at all - of course all of that could actually stay).
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It'll be a seasonal ride, so they may be planning on it being fully operational sometime in April. I'm sure they'll want to have the area open for opening day next March. I agree with History Buff. They'll take advantage of off days and the times between festivals to get a lot of work done, I think. I'm sure they want to get as much construction done as possible by December.
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Has anyone tried snooping around the maintainence areas? I'll bet there's some theming pieces already set out somewhere - I know they've been testing out water cannons and boat designs for some time. If you ride the train you may see something if you look left near TGS.
Anyone know what's happening on the construction site?
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They have Dug out a lot of Dirt. It looks like the Gandy Dancer Tracks are now gone completely. They have removed dirt way back behind the old petting zoo area. I could not get a good look because they had Mid-Town closed for the Moonlight madness. That ment no Grandfathers mansion. (and I was not happy about that). But I was amazed how much Dirt has been removed.
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That's very good to hear, I was getting concerned from the concept art and from the little amount of dirt that had been moved before that maybe this ride would be smack up against the main walk-way after all. Did you happen to see whether they'd taken down more of the old River Fort?
Man, I don't know if I'll be able to handle seeing the landing without the River Fort. I've been able to withstand most of the change the park has gone through over the last several years, but this is going to be huge.
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^I'm sad to see the river fort go, too. It's one of the most unique and recognizable structures in the park.
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I won't be overly sad. I've always felt TSL was underthemed. Then again, it wasn't there during my childhood like some of yours; that would make a difference.
Having said this, I hope they (1) don't cheese it up and that they (2) stay to the theme.
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I was doing some training at the Flooded Mine and got to ride the train... since I also get to control the crossing. I was amazed at the extent of the digging back there for the new construction. I hadn't gone to see it in quite a while. From the train you get a great view!
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I have photos of the area from Saturday. I'll try to get them online later tonight
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Silver Dollar City Update (8/23)
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/aug23/
Road Project / Culinary Arts School / Tom Sawyer's Landing's "HOLE"
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^Thanks for the pics Swoosh. I'm getting excited to get details on the extent of this project. They have so many possibilities on what they could do with this whole area. I hope it is up to the great ole' SDC and Herschend charm.
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^^Thanks for the pics, Swoosh. This project is looking more extensive all the time.
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I think it's great they are building the splash battle, although it doesn't appeal to me very much.
I hope they really go with the theme with this, and make a whole area of it, not just the splash battle.
It does appeal to families with kids of all ages, but it would of been nice to have something new for ACE.
Oh yeah, I haven't been on here in about a month, but I was at Midnight Madness. Pretty fun, but the turnout
wasn't near what I expected. :-\
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Ya'll are welcome for the update. We just happened to be at the park this past weekend entertaining my "in-laws" (Missy's parents) and I slipped away while they were at a show and took those.
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Regarding Moonlight Madness, the turnout was lower than what they expected as well. I would be surprised if we see the event again... however considering that schools are back in session I am not sure what they were expecting considering it was more about the rides than anything else.
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The River Battle should be a lot of fun and I would think it would be received rather well by the crowds next year. Rather bummed that the coaster has been put on hold for now, but it is understandable... though the park up the road is having no problem this year getting the crowds in and this is without adding a new attraction as well... and they are adding their coaster next year so.... :-\
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^As you said in an earlier post though, it could just be the economy. At least, that's what I hope it is because if not, people just might not be interested in SDC anymore like they used to be until they come out with something that's big and new. :-[
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As someone reported, that's why the Herschends were so reluctant to enter the coaster market in the first place. They correctly prophecied that we would then start to expect bigger and better every year, and the investment would never slow down.
As for all the talk about the economy, let's face it: it's not so much the economy as it is one isolated part of the economy - gasoline prices. If those level out and people get used to them, things will pick up, but if they make another quick climb next year, expect attendance to stay low and local.
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I pointed out to R&D last year that HFEC was treading down a path where people would start expecting new lands every year. PowderKeg area, Grand Expo, Wilson's Farm -- all 3 were bang bang bang.
It might have caught up to them...
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Odd how we're pretty much the one park fansite that can carry on conversations about the park into infinity, but the actual big new ride talk fades in and out almost unnoticed.
What's going on there now? It's only been a week, but they seemed to be in the middle of the clearing phase during MIG's last update. I'm finally planning on escaping and running down there sometime within the next few weeks, so I'll try to get a really intense update. Maybe they'll notice my SDCFans T-shirt and let me in on something. ::)
The announcement must be coming up pretty quick seeing as Adventure Mountain was announced ages ago.
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Martha said the announcement would come Mid-October at the earliest.
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I think it's great they are building the splash battle, although it doesn't appeal to me very much.
I hope they really go with the theme with this, and make a whole area of it, not just the splash battle.
It does appeal to families with kids of all ages, but it would of been nice to have something new for ACE.
Oh yeah, I haven't been on here in about a month, but I was at Midnight Madness. Pretty fun, but the turnout
wasn't near what I expected. :-\
Whoops! I meant Moonlight Madness^^ ;D
I went back to SDC on Sunday.
Everything is still pretty much the same.
There is a hole in the fence which construction is going on behind, about the width of my hand, which a lot of people were peeking through. I took a quick peek, but other than a large hole in the ground, nothing to report :-\
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The 2009 project is now open for business. Finally. Anybody want to report?
Also, what's this business about the basket shop relocating to the woodcarvers? Where are the woodcarvers? What's in the basket shop? Is the world as we know it coming to an end?
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Did you mean the 2008 project is officially open for business? ???
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Huh? Wha? Am I lost? What is this place? Of course I meant to post in the '08 thread, but after all this time, we might as well call the new project NEW for '09, doncha think?
I'll repost in the correct thread. Sorry.
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lol. ;)
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so are the balloons coming back?
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Eventually or so we've been told. No specifics on where they will end up though in the park.
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thanks swoosh
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Interesting that we haven't seen any new clearings for it pop up, or maybe we just haven't looked recently? I'll be down in a couple of weeks hopefully, so I'll definitely be poking around the Grand Expo for new markings. Didn't we determine that the markings several months ago weren't for it? If it doesn't pop up there, I don't know where they'll put it. Maybe they can fit it back into the new landing?
That's another thing, I'm dying to find out about the new landing. The Splash Battle is cool, but what I really want to know is whether they'll bring in some cool new playground equipment or not. ;)
Hell, we don't even know what the Splash Battle will be like, other than that it will keep true to the Tom Sawyer theme (something for which I can never stop saying how grateful I am). It'd be cool to see a reference to the half-sunken steam boat in the book - like having half of a steam boat sticking out of the water at an angle.
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Hell, we don't even know what the Splash Battle will be like, other than that it will keep true to the Tom Sawyer theme (something for which I can never stop saying how grateful I am). It'd be cool to see a reference to the half-sunken steam boat in the book - like having half of a steam boat sticking out of the water at an angle.
That's the type of theming I'm hoping for. I'm dying to know more details about this project, but I think it'll be another 3 to 4 weeks before we hear anything.
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Even then, the jury will be out until Spring Break. This is going to be the project to watch in order for us to determine their commitment to theme, authenticity, and originality - the three magic components of SDC.
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I think it'll be another 3 to 4 weeks before we hear anything.
Try 5-6 if what I heard, sounds like Mid-October is when they are going to start the season pass renewal drive and that is when the additions to all of the Branson properties will be announced.
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^Mid-October is in four weeks. :)
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It wasn't when I posted that >:(
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Any new pics of the area. I wish they would have a update on the SDC site like they did on the Swing.
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Still a hole from what I hear :D
--they will have a project watch on their site once they announce what "IT" is.
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Latest view: what's that train engine doing way down in that hole?
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/50.jpg)
And the water features are OFF.
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^Weird. Maybe they wanted to put the train engine somewhere for safekeeping? ;)
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Did they drag that thing out of the forest? It looks like Frisco theming from 20 years ago.
Man, they have dug down, and it looks like they'll have to go even farther to get the full pond in there. Why did they spare that tree? Are they actually going to keep it somehow, or are they trying to transplant it?
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I believe that is the train that sat behind the carousel. It was surrounded by a lot of vegetation, so if you weren't taking your kids on the horses for the thousand and first spin, you might have missed it. My son loooves trains, and he pointed it out everytime he rode the bears and horses.
Just kidding about the kids and the carousel. It really is nearly the only reason I go, just to hear them squeal with excitement.
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Actually, the engine was displayed between the carousel and the depot, way up at track level. They must have been digging pretty close and lowered it to the level in the picture to keep it from falling when the ledge it was on collapsed from a heavy rain. :o
Is that the Henry Ford train? ???
Man, they have dug down, and it looks like they'll have to go even farther to get the full pond in there. Why did they spare that tree? Are they actually going to keep it somehow, or are they trying to transplant it?
Yes, it is quite deep, and closer to the railroad track than I figured. Passengers on the train should be able to spit and hit the Splash Battle from the train. ;)
Just kidding about the kids and the carousel. It really is nearly the only reason I go, just to hear them squeal with excitement.
My daughter is quite upset about her carousel being removed. Her favorite horse, Princess, has been put out to pasture. :'(
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Am I wrong about this, but is it not a concern that if this is a splash battle with waterguns, that with Geyers Gluch and Splash Habor that this is too much of a water gun attraction in one area? Why not bring back Ruban Dugan's Diving Bell in this area, now that was a ride everyone loved.
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Another thought, if the people on the street can shoot at the riders, are we going to have to pay to do so. If that is the case, then they need to fix the one's on the Lost river so that they work better.
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^All of our questions will be answered in about three weeks or so! :)
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Another thought, if the people on the street can shoot at the riders, are we going to have to pay to do so.
No. Much like River Battle at DW, the guns "on the street" will be free -- think Splash Harbor
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Lots of new photos of the hole here -> http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=14
Tell me if the photos are too big or take too long to load, I made them a bit larger than normal...
Looks like a lot of work has been going on. It won't be long till we see some actual piping/vert. construction. I actually heard some park employees talking openly to guests about the ride, so I hope that means the announcement is coming soon.
Also, I don't know if this was mentioned earlier this year or not, but they've really, really fixed up the inside of the Flooded Mine. Everything works really well now, it was great just to ride through it without shooting to take it all in. AP is looking sharper too, and I could have sworn I saw some new posters in TNT's queue. Lots of stuff has obviously been fixed up around the park.
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^Just a Comment on the update: Frog Float was never a game. It was always a free attraction.
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Ah, curse my inattentiveness. It always looked like it had prizes hanging around it in it's old location. I never really wandered over there.
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^Thanks for the photos! I'm really looking forward to the ones you'll be adding tomorrow night. I've been wondering about that tree in the middle as well...I wonder what plans they have for it? I really hope the River Fort stays somehow too. OT: I was reading your update (before looking at the photos) and you mentioned getting a meal for $11.66 and I knew you must have eaten at the Lumbercamp. I love that place! A really good meal for a cheap price in a theme park. My favorite SDC eatery! :)
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I was wondering today if maybe they're keeping that tree in place so that they can wrap the ride around it and build a little mock tree house in it like we saw in the concept art - it would be neat.
Anyway, OT, but the rest of the photos from last weekend are up in that same gallery. I actually had 126 photos, so I tried to just choose the best ones, but even then I had to add pagination to the galleries to hold everything.
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^Thanks again for the great photos! I hope you're right about the tree being incorporated into the new ride.
OT: I also think those posters in the TNT queue look new. Nice to see them touching up things around the park. It was good to see photos of the craftsmen, homestead, and Wilson's Farm, as well as the cave. My favorite photos are the one of PK's fireball and the photos of the cave. Could you use the photo of the National Harvest Festival banner on the homepage of the main site?
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Is anyone else missing the milk cow? Has she been put to pasture?
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Genesis (that's the cow's name) is having routine maintenance performed on her.
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Genesis (that's the cow's name) is having routine maintenance performed on her.
Where I come from, servicing a milk cow usually involves a bull. ;)
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^ :D
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Or Mike Rowe.
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Or Mike Rowe.
Hey, are there any notable "dirty jobs" at SDC?
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Or Mike Rowe.
Hey, are there any notable "dirty jobs" at SDC?
It depends on what you mean by dirty.
I'm sure there are plenty of jobs at SDC that are not pleasant. For example, janitor. I've seen some messed up stuff in those bathrooms. :-X
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Anyway... I'm still wondering if anything will go in the place of the old treehouse, should it indeed come down. The space would be valuable for a new shop/craftsman. It's been a long time since we've had a new one.
Also, anyone see any signs that the other parts of the River Fort are scheduled to come down?
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^I don't know about the future of the River Fort, but I also really hope there'll be a new shop/craftsman if the old treehouse comes down (and I expect it to). They've been promising a complete revamp of the entire area, so I expect this'll be the end for the treehouse and the River Fort.
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Or Mike Rowe.
Hey, are there any notable "dirty jobs" at SDC?
Cleaning out the waterfall room after the winter flood waters recede
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Winter floods? what about the summer and spring floods we had this year?
anyway that job is not nearly dirty enough for mike... (who happens to be my second cousin)
The cleaning up after a flood is not all that dirty if you know how to do it..
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^ Doc, I'm coming to the cave either on Friday or Saturday. When will you be giving tours?
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he will be there on Friday, but not saturday.
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We'll be there Saturday. Just looking for the good looking couple in the SDC corporate coats. ;D
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Just thought I'd let you guys know of a release that came down the pike here at SDC late yesterday/early this morning. Due to the downturn in the economy, all capital expenditures for SDC and Dollywood have been suspended and projects currently in the works (meaning the new RiverBlast ride) will have their openings postponed until 2010. I can only assume that the fence around the project will remain up through next season. I don't know if they will completely stop work on it (they were still doing work related to it yesterday), but work will definitely slow down to a crawl.
I know many of you were really excited about it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's not really unexpected with what has happened with the economy and banking this last month. As with any company, SDC has had to make some adjustments.
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Wha...? They really think their visitors are going to drop off that much because of all this?
Damn, I guess we can only hope that this crisis gets itself over with as soon as possible. Given the American economy, I'd say there's a chance it could start rebounding over the winter, and maybe they'll start building again and get this thing open by the summer. That is only feign hope speaking, but I just can't see them putting off a simple Splash Battle for 2 seasons.
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I know. But attendance is down quite a bit this year already. After the first couple of months it was down about 20%, and after making a bit of a comeback through the summer and so far this fall, attendance is still down 9-10%; quite a chunk of money in ticket sales and other revenue. Even with the economy in such a depressing situation, we'll be alright in the long run, but nevertheless, adjustments have to be made. So far, they've decided to delay the opening of the new area rather than lay off a bunch of people. And I certainly appreciate that.
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Stinky!
Of course they hadn't officially announced anything like Dollywood. Here's the explanation from the Adventure Mountain site for DW:
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/Picture1.png)
Any chance the balloons/carousel could be our 2009 project now? Man, that construction area is just going to be a constant reminder of the problem now.
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That is depressing news. They've already updated DW's site with a "coming in 2010!" heading. Of course, SDC's site is a little trickier since they hadn't announced anything yet. The only change is Tom Sawyer's Landing section in "Rides and Attractions" has been completely removed! They didn't just change it to say something new was coming in 2010 instead of next year, they took it down completely! They have not updated the online park map however; it still has that big yellow bubble that says "New Ride Coming in '09!" as of this morning.
They'll announce something new for next year. It may be the balloons/carousel, or it may be like DW's announcement, "festivals and entertainment". It'll be interesting to see how both parks handle the construction. It'll be easier for DW, since Adventure Mountain is on the edge of the park.
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I copied down what the interoffice memo we received says--
--------------------------------
Herschend Family Entertainment
Joel Manby- President and CEO
October 10, 2008
To: All HFE Employees
As we all know, our country's economic conditions are very challenging right now. It's a
time when smart businesses must make smart decisions. In light of this, we have
decided to delay several of our 2009 capital projects until 2010, including Adventure
Mountain at Dollywood and RiverBlast at Silver Dollar City.
Be assured that we are offering many exciting new 2009 product additions. Across the
company we are planning to introduce new shows and new elements to our special
events and festivals, while continuing to deliver the quality our guests, and our
employees, have come to expect.
By delaying these capital projects we are adjusting to an economy that will take some
time to recover and therefore assures that we continue to be the healthy and profitable
company that we are today.
Thanks for your understanding and I appreciate your continued focus on creating
memories worth repeating for our guests.
Joel
-----------------------------
I'm sure that an official news release will soon be coming out.
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I know. But attendance is down quite a bit this year already. After the first couple of months it was down about 20%, and after making a bit of a comeback through the summer and so far this fall, attendance is still down 9-10%; quite a chunk of money in ticket sales and other revenue. Even with the economy in such a depressing situation, we'll be alright in the long run, but nevertheless, adjustments have to be made. So far, they've decided to delay the opening of the new area rather than lay off a bunch of people. And I certainly appreciate that.
Attendance sure has not looked "down" when I've been there this year. Shoot the park was PACKED today. They aren't even into their biggest money maker season yet. That to me is extremely silly to postpone an attraction that you are already this far along on in the construction process. Now Dollywood's I can understand as I never really understood why they would add that in the first place.
I also find it so weird that SDC took such a hit this year while WOF is up a lot and they too did not add anything this year except new festivals. SDC sure isn't giving the people from KC a reason to make the drive down this coming year and it will made even harder with the fact WOF is adding a new coaster and Schlitterbahn is opening over in Village West. The shows in Branson sure are not the draw anymore. :-\
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So my question is, does Joel's annual "bonus" get cut as well since you know the economy is in such a flux ::)
I call BS on the reason for DW. Their parking lot restructuring is costing more than they thought it would and that is where the money is going there.
Like I said before, they are this far along on the RiverBlast project already they might as well go ahead and get most of the infrastructure done and then if they need to bump it back to 2010 they can add the other things to it then.
The entire Landing was supposed to be "re-imagineered" -- why not continue to do that without the ride itself (still finish the water area just don't add the ride yet).
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Attendance sure has not looked "down" when I've been there this year. Shoot the park was PACKED today. They aren't even into their biggest money maker season yet. That to me is extremely silly to postpone an attraction that you are already this far along on in the construction process. Now Dollywood's I can understand as I never really understood why they would add that in the first place.
I also find it so weird that SDC took such a hit this year while WOF is up a lot and they too did not add anything this year except new festivals. SDC sure isn't giving the people from KC a reason to make the drive down this coming year and it will made even harder with the fact WOF is adding a new coaster and Schlitterbahn is opening over in Village West. The shows in Branson sure are not the draw anymore. :-\
Perhaps the park did look "PACKED" on whatever days you've been there, however, that does not reflect the reality of the way it's been. I've been there everyday, and I can tell you there have been a lot of days when the park looked EMPTY. I don't doubt that WOF numbers are up, maybe 6 Flags also. With gas prices near the $4/gal mark all year, many people in the major markets of KC and St.L, and others, obviously decided to stay closer to home this year. However, an extremely wet spring hurt our numbers also. But you're right, Old Time Christmas is a big draw and hopefully that will put a big dent in the current deficit in attendance.
I have no doubt that attendance numbers are only a small part of the decision, with the larger part being the current banking and credit crisis. You must think that the City (HFE) has millions of dollars just lying around waiting to be used. But the fact is that the company goes into major debt for every new attraction it builds for it's guests, and it takes years to recoup that. They rely heavily on the system that is in such disarray right now. Postponing a major capital expenditure until this current crisis passes just makes good business sense. And actually, the project is not that far along, still being merely a hole in the ground.
I'm sorry that you consider SDC to be such a dull place that your only incentive to come down is a new ride. Hopefully, you are in the minority in that regard. Hopefully, many people will still enjoy the many festivals, crafts, shows, food, and shopping that we offer on a regular basis.
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It's probably good to keep in mind that we're definitely not on they way out of the market mess yet, and there's not even an clear end in sight. Who knows how long this will last and how deep it will go into the average person's pockets. By next summer, SDC may be so far down in attendance that even a new beemer would just look silly. At this rate, this will only be the first of the cut backs. If things don't lighten up quicker than what's being forecast then SDC may be one of many parks across the globe that finds themselves cutting their hours and season short. We'll just have to hang tight and see how things go, but this path is definitely the most secure for them in any case.
WOF is simply in a much better geographical position right now. Branson is in the middle of a large area with a good populace, but WOF is right next to a good-sized populace, so as people start cutting their trips shorter and shorter, they're getting the advantage. Of course, it's also true that as the older generations ebb away, WOF is winning the competition to bring in younger crowds, so I hope SDC can get back on the ball ASAP and bring in that new G-Fighter (or GCI, or both ;))
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I'm sorry that you consider SDC to be such a dull place that your only incentive to come down is a new ride.
Since you obviously missed my introduction let me re-introduce myself again so you can refrain from making such silly remarks in the future. I run MidwestInfoGuide and I am one of the media contacts for Silver Dollar City. I am on first name basis with everyone in the public relations department as well as Brad himself. I do not NEED another reason to come to the park but let me make it very clear to you that the General Public does especially in a competitive market area.
Considering that Worlds of Fun is adding a new coaster to their park and Schlitterbahn is opening in KC, a major metro area that SDC heavily relies on for attendance I think that my point stands. Let's see, drive 3 hours for the same-ole-sam-ole or drive 30 minutes to experience a new roller coaster or a brand new waterpark with state of the art attractions. You can see the dilema that marketing is going to have next year in the KC market area.
Finally there are a few things that people will not stop spending money on. The first is gas and the second is entertainment. This is America and people are going to spend money on those two items no matter what.
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Calm down guys! Geez!
We're all disappointed that it's being postponed, but I think we shouldn't pretend that we know better than the powers-that-be just how much they can afford to add next year. We don't have access to the books, and I'm sure they weighed all the pros and cons and this was the "best" solution for the longterm solubility of the parks. I'm sure they're disappointed as well. I don't pretend that I know what's best for the park better than HFE's management, and I don't think anyone else should either. What's done is done. Time to move on.
That being said, what will be their marketing point for 2009? Any ideas? I think they're going to pump some new stuff into the festivals in the way of new entertainment and shows.
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I'm kind of wondering what happened to the Balloon Chase. I assume it's still sitting out there, but do they know where they want to put it? It could make a *new* ride.
I'd really be happy to see them add effects to PK and Wildfire though. This could be a chance for them to fix PK's splash down.
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I'd like to see effects for Wildfire and PK, too. PK's splashdown would be great if they got that going. I wonder if the SkyChase Balloons and Carousel will be "new" rides? I'd also like to see some effects added to AP. All of this combined with some new entertainment would make me pretty happy! :)
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^
^^
Actually, these things would make me happier than a new coaster.
I'm just afraid that new additions to festivals may include out-of-theme shows and events at this point.
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^Next year would be a great time to revive some of the old shows with cast reunions, in anticipation of the park's 50th anniversary. Actually, I think doing a two year celebration of the 50th anniversary of SDC seems warranted. It's a big deal! :)
Just because there's no new ride for next year doesn't mean that big things can't happen for their 2009 project.
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So today Europe pledged a bailout plan almost 3 times the size of America's, and President Bush has been announcing extra measures to shore up the financial crisis. All this has apparently thrown off the oncoming depression, as the markets are all back in business with record point jumps.
So if in two months, the market is still roaring strongly, the election is over, and the major fears have ebbed away, is it possible SDC will call their project back online? I mean, they never really announced it in the first place, so it would be a lot easier for them. The question is how set they are on their current course. I'm sure it's not easy to switch plans back and forth.
I hope they get the ball rolling again, but we probably shouldn't get our hopes up. It will take time for them to evaluate what the market will really do and what they need to do to secure themselves. It's a lot more complicated than just watching the stock market. Besides, like Swoosh mentioned, they may be diverting funds to the parking lot project, and they may have already made other plans that can't just be rearranged at the drop of a hat. Plus, MACK and the contractors may not be able to come back so soon. We'll have to see what happens.
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Silver Dollar City's 50th Anniversary
"What Will You Remember?"
;D
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Sounds like they've changed all the signs to read 'Coming in 2010' already, so I don't think any of my earlier feign hopes will win out. It's really too bad though. Like we've said, they're really going to slip if the market does indeed come up by next summer, and WOF has that new coaster while SDC hasn't had a new ride since 2007.
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This is all depressing news. In my opinion, SDC's attendance will suffer even more next year. New waterpark in KC, new roller coaster in KC, no new ride at SDC. The attendance at SDC may go up for SDC during The Old Time Christmas Festival and the market may improve, but I don't think that'll be enough for this project to open in 2009.
Also, how sad is it that we'll be looking at that ugly fence all year next year?
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New photos of the hole
<<MiG's SDC UPDATE>> (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/oct11/index2.html)
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Depressing indeed. How about laughing stock... Kee p in mind they are hosting the ACE convention, and with no new coasters?? This will not bode well...
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They wanted to add a new coaster by 2009, but I'm glad they pushed it back. As we've discussed, better to wait another two years than to see the park struggle and have to fire long-time employees. As we've discussed, SDC isn't necessarily in the same position that other parks are in right now.
I doubt the Acers will care that there's nothing new. With SDC's food, I'm surprised they don't hold the convention there every year.
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I doubt the Acers will care that there's nothing new.
You'd be surprised -- especially since they were touting last year about this time that they were going to add a new coaster.
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Update... I talked to my management connection at SDC. He told me that the River Battle can come off of hold as quickly as it went on. He said that the real reason for the hold is that it is a Preston & Barbieri ride from Italy and the Euro exchange rate is a mess right now. That is why the cost has jumped so much.
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^Interesting. Let's hope things get better soon. Maybe we'll see a new ride next year after all. :)
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Update... I talked to my management connection at SDC. He told me that the River Battle can come off of hold as quickly as it went on. He said that the real reason for the hold is that it is a Preston & Barbieri ride from Italy and the Euro exchange rate is a mess right now. That is why the cost has jumped so much.
Dude, do we have the same contact or something? ??? ;D
Yep, I can confirm that story as I heard the same thing the other day.
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Preston & Barbieri? Is that what RB at DW is too? I thought we were dealing with Mack.
Good to know I can get my hopes up again, even if they'll only get crushed. It's a lot more fun living in unfounded optimism. ;D
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Preston & Barbieri? Is that what RB at DW is too? I thought we were dealing with Mack.
I'm pretty sure RB is Preston & Barbieri too.
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Okay i just got registered on this site and i am sooo confused right now because sdc said that this coming year was going to be thier biggest investment to date but i have also heard that it is not coming this year. someone please fill me in with details or somethen!?!?!
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It is confusing. SDC did say that this year they were going to add something this year that was going to be their biggest investment to date. They started on that ride but have had to put it on hold because of the Economy. It sucks but I would rather them wait and do it right than to throw it in and never finish all the special details like they did when they added the Lost River...
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^^From what I've gathered, SDC was originally set to build their own version of Mystery Mine for 2009. This would have cost around $17 million, easily topping the $14 million they spent on Wildfire. However, after Branson traffic started to slip, the park sent out a few surveys about the economy to some of the season pass holders. Apparently they didn't like the results, because just a few months later they started building the Splash Battle instead.
And now, after another few rounds of surveys and yet more slips in Branson tourism and the economy in general, the park is once again scrapping their plans and opting to wait it out for better times.
So we've gone from a huge new coaster to a splash battle and then to nothing in about a year. :-[
I just hope this strategy pays off. It seems like the smart thing to do, but all the other parks in the state are really ramping up and are actually seeing higher attendance. It's just a really tough time for Branson and SDC as they transition from one crowd to another. The new coaster would have really aided that transition...
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Not really on topic in this thread but has anyone seen the 2009 Roller Coaster Calendar available in Barnes and Noble?
It has a month where the Mystery Mine is showcased... pretty cool!
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Are they still planning on having the coaster thing this coming year?
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^You mean the coaster project? I doubt it will come any sooner than 2011 at the earliest at this point. We just have to be patient and hope they get on it as soon as possible.
I'll just be happy to see the River Battle go up at last honestly. I was getting all excited there about how they were going to theme it and what gimmicks would be added in, and now we have only that to speculate on for another year.
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^Actually, I think crash is talking about the ACE Coaster Con, and it's still coming. Here's an announcement from ACE's website:
"ACE Members,
With the recent announcement of the closure of Celebration City in Branson, MO, I wanted to let everyone know that the ACE Con XXXII will still be starting on Sun. June 21st as planned. Negotiations are currently underway with Silver Dollar City to make our Branson visit a jam-packed and thrilling one. The event schedule and more Con information will be released very soon. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Paul Blick
ACE Events Director"
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I was just thinking, when DW put in River Battle last year they also added a haystack dryer near the ride, which looks like this:
(http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2008_1126_Haystackdryer11.jpg)
When SDC adds RiverBlast in 2010, I wonder if they will put in a haystack dryer as well. They can be themed to the area, and they're pretty popular. It's $3.00/cycle for up to five persons a cycle. A good way to dry off after a wet ride.
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^I'm sure of it, they're very cost-effective. Pretty expensive for us single riders though.
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^^That building looks so tacky and fake If SDC gets one I hope it looks presentable and not cartoony.
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^But it fits with DW's RB - the whole thing is that cartoony. It would have fit at Dogpatch. The dryers are a good idea, but must be masked better for SDC.
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^^I should have noted that pic is from DW, and it's themed perfectly to RB.
^I think SDC will mask theirs pretty well.
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^I thought you did note that.
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^I didn't state explicitly that the photo was from DW; I feel like it was just implied and could've been overlooked. :)
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Just got back from a Branson trip yesterday, and I couldn't believe how much they dug out of the area before work was finally halted. There's a retaining wall that's been constructed right smack up against the train station. It's so close that once you board the train you can spit down onto the splash battle.
Nothing's been done to either the old treehouse or the remainder of the Landing. I don't know whether they'll go ahead and knock that stuff down this off-season or not - it would be a good opportunity, but if they're set on waiting until 2010 to open the ride anyway...
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I doubt we'll see much change to the area for a while.
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We'll find out more Saturday at ACE's Coaster Christmas. Brad is supposed to a presentation at dinner.
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^That'll be interesting! Be sure to fill us in! :)
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Coaster Con w/o Ozark Wildcat? And no wooden coaster that was projected/rumored to be built in 2009? And a big hole that subtracted two rides from the park? Expectation vs Reality. I can't honestly say that I've ever felt truly let down by SDC until now. I feel bad about saying this, I've always felt that SDC is magical.
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Perhaps we'll get the boys from GCII over to run OzCat for us during Coaster Con.
hey I can wish :(
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^I wouldn't get your hopes up, they have to run tests and re-build the trains everything each year in order to operate the coaster properly, I don't think they can just open it up for a weekend. :(
Meh, Expectation vs Reality is right. You just can't prepare for everything. The good news is that by 2010, the parking lots will be done, the Splash Battle built, and the economy will be on the rebound (I hope). I'm perturbed as well at the fact that our first Coaster Con has come to this, but it's just what happens sometimes. At least SDC will carry on to be magical in the future rather than sinking to the levels that some other corps. have taken.
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And a big hole that subtracted two rides from the park?
The good news is the huge "Hillbilly Swimmin' Pool" that we have to look forward to in the '09 season!
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^I think it would be great while construction is halted for the park to theme the space in some way.
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So, what's happened to the Balloon Chase? Is it still sitting out there in the back lot? I assumed they were going to put it up for 2009 with everything else, but has it been delayed too, or will they use it as a 'new' attraction to help them through these down years?
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^I have no idea. I'm hoping it's in a shop somewhere getting a make-over for 2009.
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A ride worker told us that this is the last year for ThuNderaTion to allow the short line to go backwards through the exit. He said that the fire marshal allowed a waiver for this year, but that the exit must return to being only an exit. There won't be a line waiting to ride there next year.
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Whoah, I didn't even know there was a line there, I've been going all the way back through the switchbacks for years now. :P
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They line people at the exit, so it serves as both entrance and exit, and that's why the fire marshal is going to shut it down next year. I wonder if, during this part of the year, it is so they don't have to de-ice the whole l-o-o-o-ong queue (which needs to be cut to about a third its current length anyway). If you've never been through the exit/enter line, that means you haven't been there when they have it open.
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Wait are you talking about the line that goes up and over the track between the station and maintenance shed? They have rarely used that this year.
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I guess there's a maintenance shed there. It's between the exit and the restrooms. That line is being used for the Christmas season.
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I have only been a few times when that served as a line. I always wondered if that violated some sort of fire code.
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I'm talking about the "chicken exit" which is immediate to the left once you exit the ride and then you can walk down a way then up and over the track (the walk way between the load station and the maintenance/transfer track shed) and then connects to the far back corner of the load station.
Is this the same path you are talking about? If so, it is not used on Saturdays
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I guess I'm not clear. This is just the regular exit. I've never looked at the chicken exit to know if it is different.
'Cause I'm not chicken! ;D
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So they are letting people in the actual exit? :o
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^Yes, I think that's what he's getting at. ;)
We've seen this before at Wildfire, until they stopped allowing that a year or two ago; I never assumed to look for it on TNT I guess.
Anyway, back to the 09' discussion, is there any word on any new major shows/festival improvements like DW's getting? They've got to do something worth advertising.
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The only thing I've heard is they have a few new performers for World-Fest, the highlight being the Zhejiang Chinese Acrobats.
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The last times issue said a new show (not yet announced) would be in red gold heritage hall.
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How much do you guys think they'll work on the splash battle this offseason since the slated opening is 2010? :(
I'm curious.
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I would imagine that if they already had it lined up to get the pumps installed that they would go ahead and do that -- spread the cost of the ride over two fiscal years instead of one sort of stuff.
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^That makes sense. I hope they get a lot of work done on it so come spring we'll have a good idea of what is going on.
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Anybody noticed that the tribute to the Great American Cowboy festival will be a Cowgirl tribute in 2009?
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Seems rather sextist if you ask me as Girls were tributed in the Cowboys festival as well
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Lame PC move. :P
Sounds like something someone higher up pushed through. I don't think it'll hit as well, assuming they're focusing mostly on the feminine side of ranching.
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You don't think they'll do a nod to Anne Oakley?
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Bring back the really old saloon show maybe? You know the one that was actually based on a historical character.... Would be cool.
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I would love for them to bring in a Buffalo Bill's Wild West show -- it could even be set up as part of the Grand Expo.
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^I'd love for them to add that to the Grand Expo as well, but not just for the festival. An outdoor stadium featuring showcase-style shows featuring random awesomeness from the Exposition would round out the area well, besides offering a unique show the entire family would enjoy.
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Well sideshow acts in the exposition would really help round out the area.... and theme.
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Where in the Expo is their expansion room?
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^Out behind the Happy Frogs toward Echo Hollow there is some expansion room. That's where we were speculating a coaster could go before they announced the Splash Battle.
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...and there is also the parking lot behind the RGHall
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How bout Echo Hollow. It sits empty all day.
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Can't put it there because that is where I am going to put CC's water and laser show ;D
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Can't put it there because that is where I am going to put CC's water and laser show ;D
Oh, yeah! I can't wait for that to go in! When's the official announcement? ;)
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Is the laser and water show at stone mountain similiar to the one that was put in CC?
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No. The Stone Mountain one uses the carving on the side of the "mountain" and I do not think that the SM show has the water features.
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is it just me or hasn't seem that over the past few years that Dollywood has gotten all the attention of HFE with all the new and more glamorous rides and attention, be it the celebraty name or the location. It received a full hour special on the Travel Channel in the past two years. They seem to advertize Dollywood to the world but SDC is left for the surrounding 200 miles. I have a friend that lives in Washington state that has seen ads out there about Branson, but he knows more about DW than SDC. Maybe they should concentrate ther efforts more on ther origins then picking up additional attractions ( WA,Aquariums, and Ducks.) SDC is amuch better family park then DW
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Dolly DOES have the star factor. I think DW is showcased more for her namesake, rather than the park itself. They talked mainly if I remember correctly on the Travel Channel about her, her music, the parks music, her dressing room etc, Dixie Stampede, and then the park and its' rides. She is a good part of the attraction. I don't think SDC could compete with that as far as advertising goes without having a major celebrity.
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While does SDC not have their own special on the travel channel- many different theme parks do. I am wondering if they have to front the expense as it serves as an hour long advertisement for them?
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Yes, I have had concerns like oldsdcer. Is SDC the crown jewel of HFE? Has has SDC been leverage,mortgaged or equity drawn off the property, profits used to fund other projects. With the state of the economy it would be nice to know that SDC would always be safe and not suffer the fate that CC did. That said, I understand that some of the properties have larger populations bases to draw from and cannot compare to the uniqueness of Branson. I believe that most of us would like SDC to always be there and be owned by HFE. Hopefully the parking project is a start for new things to come. I have always thought a SDC resort connected to the park would be great. Kind of like staying at a Disney property hotel. Maybe something could be done east of the park and eventually connect the wilderness campground to a hotel resort to SDC. Hotel guests could get early access to the park, maybe connect everything with a train or something? Just a thought.
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I even saw a Jeopardy promo on TV the other day that used DW as an answer.
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Marvel Cave was on Jeopardy in June 2008...
Known for being the deepest cave in missouri...
what is marvel cave?
something like that. lol
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DW does have a lot more mainstream celebrity status, largely due to the fact that there is still a lot of love out there for Dolly Parton. The park is also the biggest in the chain, and it does showcase the best of the Herschend's latest attractions such as Thunderhead and Mystery Mine, as well as some awesome new shows.
Back in 2001, DW was very much over-looked, while SDC was being pushed non-stop by HFEC, if I recall correctly. Once SDC gets back to installing big new rides, the cycle will probably push back in its direction for awhile. It's not like the chain is playing favorites though, it's just a fact that DW has more to show off right now, as well as more potential for growth and profit.
Anyway, back on topic, has anything else happened around the train tracks? Was that work earlier just for replacing ties, or are they doing more? Also, what's the hole status? Anything going on around there?
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So, has anyone seen or heard anything more about the Balloon Chase? Is it still sitting in the back lot? I guess if they haven't started setting it up yet they've decided to wait till later. I'm very curious about what they will do with it.
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New Ride for '09!!!
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/Where%20in%20the%20City/2009%20Round%201/100_6645.jpg)
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/Where%20in%20the%20City/2009%20Round%201/100_6699.jpg)
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Yeah, that looks so much more "accessible" than the green trams. ::)
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Of course, we all realize you must load from the driver's right side just like the green trams. It really is more accessible, but there are just two trailers. The best part of this thing is that I didn't have to "watch my head" getting on and off. I always had to carry a mirror with me - couldn't figure out any other way to watch my head.
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I just concluded a 3 day spring break SDC trip with the kids. I was told by 2 park employees on different days that they are moving Roaring Falls from CC to the area of Tom Sawyer's Landing. I don't know how well it will fit, but it is a great ride. I don't know if it is more fun to ride it or watch unsuspecting people wandering onto the splash deck.
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Really. . .ya know- I could see that making sense. Is it possible that SDC has changed its plans for a third or fourth time?
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The sad part is, it would take too much to move it and they could actually get it up and running at SDC before the summer hits if they wanted to.
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We were there on Saturday, Sunday and Thursday. There was no work being done on any of the days. I might recall one of the employees telling me that they are postponing working on it.
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Do we need two log flumes?
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With some minor tweaking with more scenery on the ride and water canons for the people on the bank(i.e. splash deck) to shoot at the riders, this could be the interactive water shooting ride everybody is talking about. But the ultimate revenge for the riders would come at the end when they can drench the people who were not paying attention to where they were standing. I loved this ride at CC. All they had was a very small warning sign when you walked onto the splash deck. And if someone was say standing in front of it then people didn't reallize what was going to happen. Added to that the purposely random waves, it made for some great viewing from afar.
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Heh, I would certainly be disappointed if this rumor were true. I don't think an archaic Hopkins ride is any substitute for a full-on family-oriented interactive experience.
I think we can go ahead and put it to bed though, seeing as not only would it not make sense logically (with it being essentially a crappier version of AP), it would not very well fit in the area spaciously and in terms of atmosphere. They would pretty much ruin Midtown for a ride no one would be impressed with.
It still might be true that they've downsized plans for the area in 2010 though, just as they have done with quite a few projects. I was hoping to see some sort of revival of the traditional Landing elements, but they may leave a lot of it as-is for a while now with the Splash Battle thrown in behind. I still think what's left of the Landing play structure could be used in a lot of neat ways.
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It could actually work though.
If the top of the flume is hid behind the Carousel Barn, then it really would stick out that much. Personally they could make this look very nice if they wanted to -- and there could be enough room for both it and the raft ride if they got creative.
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I can't get exited about it, and I doubt it would draw any extra visitors. It would be a waste of resources on a second class ride in a first class park.
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However it would be a nice attraction to add to the PPH of the park.
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I can't imagine the pros outweighing the cons with this idea.
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I certainly do not want to see RF at SDC. But I can see HFE throwing around the idea of moving it; after all they spent a couple million dollars on the ride and it's only been in operation for one season. They're probably considering moving it because they'd definitely take a loss if they sold it.
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Looks like "RiverBlast" is the current working name of the project, according to this blog Q&A: http://www.silverdollarcityblog.com/momsblog/q-is-there-a-new-ride-at-sdc-this-year-2.html
Good to know we weren't barking up the wrong tree somehow these past few months. I'm still holding out for this project to blow me away.
In thinking about it more, I don't think HFEC could move Roaring Falls in place of RiverBlast if they wanted to, just because of pre-existing contracts that must exist. Plus, if they've got all the plumbing and land set up one way, how easy and expensive would it be to re-do it again another way? I dunno, maybe just my wishful thinking. I could actually see us getting a lot of CC rides soon, as they will probably dismantle CC and sell the land off. I think the Grand Expo will probably triple in size, and they may have to think up another area to use as an excuse for a ride dump.
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I can see rides being distributed throughout HFE parks and being sold off. I can’t however see them selling the land CC sits on. Right now HFE is focused on protecting their company while the economy is in a down turn. CC may sit like it is for a few years, or things could go well and they may develop the land sooner they we think. The company is just being very cautious right now. I am not overjoyed about River Blast, but several pieces of the ride have already arrived, so they will not scrap this idea. I have seen the boats that will be used on the new ride they are already in Branson. I wouldn’t mind them including both River Battle and Roaring falls together as long as they cover Roaring's ugly supports with fake rock. That wouldn't be a bad idea.
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Mutton Hollow/Branson USA/Celebration City seems to be a premium piece of land. I could see it working through a ticket or token system instead of a one-price admission. Poke a sit-down restaurant and a good show - or the high-class aquarium they've talked about, and that land can be productive. The best rides should stay, but the cheapo rides need to be sold off - most of them aren't of the quality that HFE needs to be dealing with.
Plus, I'm still curious about that last survey about what we would be willing to replace and what we would mutiny over if they did replace it at SDC. How does that figure in with plans for 2010/11/12? Are they living in the moment at this point, or are they making concerted plans for future years?
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I am not overjoyed about River Blast, but several pieces of the ride have already arrived, so they will not scrap this idea. I have seen the boats that will be used on the new ride they are already in Branson. I wouldn’t mind them including both River Battle and Roaring falls together as long as they cover Roaring's ugly supports with fake rock. That wouldn't be a bad idea.
Pictures or it didn't happen :P
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Have been out of town. I might get pictures this week.
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^Heh, mind you don't piss anyone off though. I'd hate to get the park mad at us for 'leaking' stuff. Of course, at this point they may not care.
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Steve kinda mentioned this. Would Roaring Falls work/look better in the Grand Expo? I hate the idea of it going in the Midtown. It'd ruin the atmosphere, plus it'd be a huge downgrade from what they already had planned (at least we can assume). But, it might work in the Grand Expo, if done correctly.
I also don't think they'd put the "RiverBlast" and RF both in the Midtown. That has never really been HFE's style...
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I enjoy a good water ride as much as the next- but we really need some indoor rides so in the case of weather- there are more options. The park need to structure itself to remain an attractive choice not so dependent on outside conditons.
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Yes more indoor the better. I always thought they should do a Tom & Huck indoor theater like Heartsong at Dollywood. Also, some of the CC rides could be placed indoor around Wildfire and could be themed as Dr. Harris’ Contraptions. The Flying Carpet ride indoors as well as the Mixer would be fun. This could help complete the loop connecting Wildfire and Powder Keg and they could put the Eurofighter I want so bad above the waterfall… Just some ideas of mine.
Not the best video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXz6YNh9rBE
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^Hmmm...if done right, putting some of Celebration City's rides indoors would be a good idea. Whenever I read that, I pictured Cyclone Sam's at Worlds of Fun, which is actually themed pretty well, for WOF's standards.
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Yah, I agree Coaster for WW it is pretty good. Having these rides would help on thoes rainy and cold days.
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Fire in the hole and flooded mine are great- but we need more indoor ride options. We could take a cue form Disney in this respect.
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Yeah, but most of Disney's rides are essentially dark rides, and Disney has a theme that fits almost anything. The rides at CC are nothing more than carnival rides and they don't fit at SDC. At all. Even with Doc Harris. I don't want Doc Harris to be the dumping ground (excuse) for installing those old trailer rides. SDC appeals to all ages, but these rides mostly only appeal to the kids. Plain and simple, that's why CC isn't as successful as we'd like it to be. Plus it'd be really loud to put those rides indoors.
Take a cue from Disney, though? I agree. I'd love to see some creative dark rides added. They'd be easily themed and fun.
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Steve kinda mentioned this. Would Roaring Falls work/look better in the Grand Expo?
If they themed it to something like Pittsburgh Plunge then yes it would look great there.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1348/1100596242_a9f5644723.jpg?v=0)
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^I agree.
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Dark rides for the sake of dark rides would not work- But something planned out with great attention to detail is needed.
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YES! I agree more indoor attractions. A walk through maze, dark rides, anything with a theme. I like the idea of a park museum or history display. For some folks, something besides a show for when it is wet, cold, or even hot. How about indoor street scape? Something like the Amerstar casino in KC. (NO CASINO). Just imagine an outdoor street merging into a indoor street scape. Disguise the entrance and theme it just right!
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Yes, I like how the supports are hidden with trees. I hate seeing supports on these types of rides. I don’t think all of CC’s rides were terrible. Several of my friends and I liked the Magic Carpet/Orbiter and I think it would be fiscally responsible for SDC to utilize some of these rides within the park. Don’t get me wrong I agree that CC felt too carnival, but not the whole park. As for dark rides, they are my favorite and there are so many opportunities for SDC to have more of them. However, they can be very pricy and I don’t see SDC building anything with a price tag in that price range any time soon.
I have switched my brainstorming to these current economic times, sad.
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Did some one say "Dark Ride?" Bring Back The Diving Bell.
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Many people (not me) also do not like getting wet- I believe we have maxed out on water rides and need to concentrate elsewhere.
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^I agree with almost all of this. Put your ideas in the Attraction Ideas thread.
I like the indoor streetscape, but let's kick it up a notch: build something like from "The Music Man" only indoors with panoramas projected on a "sky" (something like in "Pirates of the Caribbean"). Then - make the whole place musical - build in "spontaneous" musical numbers that break out when least expected as people wander through. Involve the audience in the musical number - make it a true Rodgers and Hammerstein experience. Now that would be cool.
Obviously, Disney has been successful with dark rides. How about:
A dark ride based on the Osage Indians? Funny and scary.
A dark ride based on "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court"? So far out of theme that it works - simply because Mark Twain wrote it.
A dark ride based on Lewis and Clark? Complete with beautiful vistas and western scenery.
So many possibilities. I could do this all day. Perhaps when I get to Heaven, I'll invite you to the theme park I'm going to build there!
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As long as I get to help you build the railroad
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^I'll probably put it out for bid, but hey, it's Heaven right? I could just as easily select the highest bid! Just give my secretary a call, and we'll provide you with the appropriate forms.
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Sounds like your heaven is right close to my heaven!
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Looks like the signs are back up and some construction may have started again. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=767479#767479
Judging things, it looks like the river battle is still a go for the 2010 season, rather than being replaced by something like CC's Roaring Falls. Here's hoping for some good Huck Finn theming!
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Well maybe they can go ahead and get the project finished before this season is over and then they can take down the work walls for Christmas and just have the area open, but not the ride.
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^That would be nice. I like the rocks for the landscaping that they've brought in.
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Anyone know any more about what the theming will be like? We were told that the original theming plans shown in some of the concept art had changed just before the ride got shelved. Maybe they've changed again? I just hope the Tom Sawyer theme is still intact, and that we don't get too much "plastic".
I'm glad just to see this thing put in finally. It started getting kind of boring around here, it'll be good to start watching some new projects. Here's to a GCI in '11.
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It is definitely nice to see construction equipment back in the pit (as well as the return of the signs).... they might as well go ahead and get the thing done since they have all this nice weather and not wait until the off season when it gets cold and yucky.
This makes me wonder if THIS isn't the reason the Carousel Barn has been under utilized thus far this season
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I peaked in the peepholes this weekend! Mostly because we were dragging my daughter away explaining that you can't play in the fort. It was sad for me on soooo many levels!
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Everyone keep your eyes out for markers near GE, who knows if we might see the return of the Balloon Chase, or a ride come in from CC to go along with the Splash Battle. I kind of doubt it, but it would be nice. I sure would like to see the flyers or the S&S double shot live again soon.
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I keep hearing the Shoot the Chutes is coming (as well), but all fancied up.
I sure hope so -- they need another water attraction, and if they decorate it like Pittsburg Plunge, that would look awesome back in the GE
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All I know is I want the Balloon Ride back. I want to be able to take my baby niece on it when she's tall enough. In fact, I can see in my mind's eye what the Balloons would like all painted in the cream/gold color scheme of GE with extra details and gold embellishments and maybe a gold-framed Victorian painting on the side of each basket....
And I kinda hope they end up doing that Carousel of Seasons. I really like the idea of theming the horses by season.
Joy
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It'd be easy to include the CC carousel.
Insiders, can you say whether the things in storage look plasticky?
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There's new signs up on the walls...bleh...I'm holding my breath...
...the worst part is that it'll distort my view from my favorate ride...
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I agree with Swoosh. They need to work on this while it is sunny, not in the offseason when it is snowing.
I liked the old concept art. I hope it wasn't changed that much.
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Why would it have changed? It won't be exactly the same - the real thing is never like the concept art - but changing it would just cost more, wouldn't it? I just don't want it scaled down, and I don't want them to take short cuts with the theming.
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I think a lot of the concept art was just for the sake of the survey, and may not have grasped the theme as much as they are planning. I personally hope it looks a lot better than it did in the concept art, 'cause there wasn't much there. Let's hope the extra year gave them a chance to boost the theming on this sucker.
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I wonder if they'll have water cannons up in Huck's Fort to shoot down on the rafts? That would be a cool way to still incorporate that structure
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Though it would be ironic that Huck would build a fort that guests would use to shoot his own raft. It's time for the fort to go. I would love for this area to be completely revisioned for a new Tom and Huck area (BUT NOT WITH CARNIVAL GAMES!!!).
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I miss the fort. Climbing the ropes and those slides were highlights of our trips. We used to go and camp for over a week every year, so we had a lot of time to enjoy all the little things about the park. I feel like that is what is missing now...the little things.
I want to get the balloons back and the carousel needs to be up and going again soon.
I guess I need to worry less about my nostalgia for the park. I just want my kids to fall in love with SDC like I did.
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I'd like to see Twain face characters in Tom Sawyer's Landing... Personally, I would love to play Becky Thatcher.
Joy
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Anything happening at the pit? If anyone goes soon, I'd love to see some photos of the progress. Hopefully I'll get out there later this month.
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rode the train yesterday and the conductor made the comment that it was going to be a new ride, but they did not know what it was going to be.
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I got some good views of the splash battle construction today, though it's hard to tell how much has actually been done recently. Looks like they've got everything dug out though, and they've definitely made some progress on the station area. I noticed a lot of wood on site, so maybe they'll start pouring concrete before long.
Does anyone know when the crew is on site? They weren't there over the weekend, but it looked like they had lights and fans set up so I was wondering if they've started working during the week, or after the park closes.
I was pleasantly surprised to see some work done on the old water mill thing-a-ma-jig in corkscrew pass and on what's left of the Landing. Looks like they really might be planning on using both of these things in the new area. There's also a big pile of rock that they've dug up and set aside, presumedly to be used for scenery.
Overall, it all got me excited again to see what they'll come up with for the whole area.
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Finally got some of my photos up: http://sdcfans.com/gallery.php?page=1&g=17
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I'm not saying that you are incorrect, but are you sure that is for the station?
I thought the station was going to utilize the old Carousel Building... but that might just be the queue. IDK
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Who knows, but it sure looks like a station at least. I was thinking they might put in a new shop in the Carousel Barn and weave the queue around where Gandy Dancer used to be. Maybe that's why they're not really doing too much with the building this year.
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Finally got some of my photos up: http://sdcfans.com/gallery.php?page=1&g=17
Your updates to GE - the cow and the telegraph displays - have actually been there since GE opened. The only change is that they put plexi on the telegraph display to keep people from tearing up the display (which includes a push-button phone BTW!).
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^Really? I could have sworn they were new. How have I missed them these 3 years? Maybe I was too transfixed on the fruit pyramid that seems to have disappeared.
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Maybe that's why they're not really doing too much with the building this year.
I was just going off the concept art which portrays the building as a queue area.
Notice that the backside of the building is "open" but boarded up. That's where the loading of the boats will be -- at least that's what I was told the last time I asked.
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Can't wait to watch the boys on this ride. Someone will get wet when they all get together.
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^^Huh, I never even looked that closely at the concept art to see that. If that's the case, I wonder what that thing is? Maybe it will be a cave? THAT would really make the ride: an old AP-style cave with effects and animatronics. Not only would it make a better transition for the area, being so close to the train station, but it would also make this far more than just another typical splash battle. Not that anyone should get their hopes up, that's just a wild, very hopeful guess.
I'm still just thrilled that some of the old landing elements may be used. There's obviously a full plan behind this attraction, I'm excited to see more details start to appear.
So the details we know (or think we know) so far are:
- One of the big trees from the playground is staying as an island in the middle of the ride (see, still some influence from Mary ;) )
- Watermill and trough from corkscrew pass will be re-hooked up through the new area, hopefully interacting with the ride (maybe a few leaky points?)
- Old Ropes tower looks like it will remain
- Carousel barn will be station or queue, unless things have changed since the original concept (which they might have)
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Was at the City four times last week and never really saw any work activity going on at the new ride area. One day while walking through the Landing I did hear a single piece of heavy equipment operating. But when passing back through the area it had stopped. Not much going on there last week.
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It would be nice if they would officially committ to opening in 2010 with a massive PR campaign they could not undue (like just painting over the wood fence announcements).
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It's still August, there's no rush to get it done right away, especially if that will deter guest experience. Most of the heavy earthwork seems to be done, so as soon as they're ready to really start construction again, I'll bet we'll see a lot of concrete all at once. That's what I'm assuming all those stacks of wood are for.
As for PR, I'll bet it will be as good as TGS's PR was. It's been 3 years since SDC had anything to advertise, so hopefully they're not out of touch.
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I think it's definitely still planned for 2010; they've done a lot of work already. I expect most of the major work to be done this fall (perhaps after hours) and some to even be put off until Jan.-March 2010. I'm wondering if RiverBlast (if that's still the official name) will open with the park in March (like AP and Lost River) or if it will open in late May (like the WaterWorks Waterboggan). If it won't open until late May then they may even put off finishing the ride until April or May 2010.
Whatever happens, I don't expect an official announcement until early to mid-October.
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Since they have lost ground to the other regional parks for additions- they should be out front on this and start early.
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Since the main components of the actual ride are on property somewhere, construction should continue as planned - and after the park closes in the evening (That's what the lights are for, right?).
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Answering SDC Rules question....Dollywood opens their Splash Battle ride when the park opens in the spring. We were down there for spring break in April this year and it was running...not many people were on it but it was running. Which brings me to my next thought of why SDC wanted to go with another water ride in the first place. As a park that stays open until Christmas you would think they would want to put things in that would help increase capacity even in times of cooler weather. You look at that area now with the Lost River, Geyser Gulch, the waterboggans and soon to be River Battle and there's not a lot in that area from October through Christmas. I realize the Barn Swing is that direction and there are a couple of theatre venues but it can get pretty slow in that area in colder weather. As far as building the new ride, I always say make hay while the sun is shining. Might as well get busy on it and git-r-done. It may rain all fall or get really cold early.
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Excellant point- I have been on the new darkride bandwagon for years.
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They should do something like Legoland did with their Dragon coaster. It starts off as a dark ride through the castle and lasts for quite a while before going outside and doing some fast helices. It would be the best of both worlds.
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Works for me :)
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Except not Legos...
How 'bout Lincoln Log Land?!?
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works for me :)
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Lincoln Log Land would fit in with a wooden coaster.
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Here's an update from our last trip there
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2009/aug01/
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I'm really excited for them to actually start building this thing. If it is themed very well (maybe with a cave or something like that, like Steve was saying), this will be a great addition to the park. Even if it is another water ride in an area where there are already a lot of water rides/attractions.
I'm excited to see stuff in the construction site other than wood and dirt piles.
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Let's see some progress.
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I agree with themeparkguy. I think they need to get busy on the new ride and show some progress to start building excitement and enthusiasm for that area and for next year. Hopefully they'll bring the Balloon ride back some where in the park for next year, my kids love that ride.
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Let the advertising and build up begin. I think it will help to create some excitement which I think has been missing.
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Hmmm, no announcement yet. I guess SDC does kind of hold off on their announcements till the season pass push though. Hard to believe it was over a year ago when we first saw the concept art.
Hopefully they'll make a big deal of this when they make the announcement. I'm looking forward to hearing the unique details that will make this project special.
Anyone have any updates?
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I guess we'll be waiting till November to finally see this thing unveiled. It sucks being so far away that I can't tell what's going on with the project. I assume by now a certain amount of vertical construction has started, since they were so far with the station/whatever and all the earthwork during my last visit way back in July. I guess there's still time for this project to be made into a huge deal, I just have to wonder if they're holding off on the announcement because the project keeps changing or if they're waiting for all the hype from other parks to die down first, or maybe they're just going to wait for the season pass push.
Anyone going soon?
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I'm so much closer than I had been, and yet I *still* feel so far away. I'm hoping to make it down sometime in October; I don't wanna miss the tribute to Missouri... Anything Mark Twain, and I'm there in an instant. LOL
If I make it down, I'll be sure to try to get pics and stuff of the ride.
Joy
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Update from Saturday Oct 03
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2009/oct03/
A new section of trough is now finished and they are laying rebar for another section.
Season passes go on sale Nov 7th, so I'd say that's when we'll hear all the details on the new ride (and maybe even more)
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Thanks for the update! Not quite as much as I had thought would be done, but they're still working in short spurts it seems. Just one more month! Hopefully they'll talk about this project in detail at Coaster Christmas. I'm curious as to how it's changed since the initial concepts. I get the feeling it's been a long, long project.
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Well, we did have a good deal of rain down here for a week or two; probably hampered a bit of their progress.
Joy
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I had an interesting response, yesterday. The gate was wide open, with a clear view of the new building. As I pulled out my camera, a female employee slammed the gate shut with "Put the camera away, this is a closed site, meaning no pictures". I said, " But I've taken several pictures through the knot hole, without any complaints". Her sarcastic response was, "Yea, good luck with that..."
I can say that after 30 years of visiting the city, this was my first hateful employee I've met! Thankfully I had a great time the rest of the day...
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well what new construction was there?
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She wished you luck TinMan? That was rude! Here are a few of what I snapped through the knotholes recently.
Notice the position of the train when in the station, and the building. I am wondering what the area directly next to the tracks will look like. Also what happened to what it was like back in the day? I remember 20+ years ago, when there would be a new attraction, it was not shrouded in mystery, there were scale models set up at the entrance of the park (where the show lovers pass/trailblazer pass location now is)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/construction1.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/constr3.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/constr2.jpg)
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Here's a link to Great America's version of the "family" ride, construction started roughly the same time, only customers enjoyed it last year. If you look half way down, the inside of the entrance building is nearly identical...
http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/rides/BuccaneerBattleConstructionUpdate.aspx
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^^Wow! They've definitely made some progress. I have a feeling there will be a fence between RiverBlast and the train tracks and station. You don't even have to go back 20 years for the lack of secrecy with a new ride. They had a model of ThuNderaTion at the entrance of the park when it was under construction in 1992.
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They were really trying to build up some anticipation with this originally. I guess a lot of that has fallen through. Don't know why that lady had to be such a bitch though. "Oh no, someone's gonna take a photo of our construction project!"
I do have to say that I'm impressed already though. The station is already a lot bigger than on other models. This bodes well for the rest of the attraction and the scenery.
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It's just a good thing that it wasn't me that she pulled that attitude on -- I'd had some higher ups on the phone in a heart beat and who knows if she would have a job still at the end of the day.
Very impressed with the structure. Would like to see some concept art of the attraction though.
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Not sure if anyone has said this on here, but since River Battle is somewhat similar to Splash Harbor, they will be removing SH this winter, not sure if they will us any pieces from SH in the new ride.
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Copper... I hope you are joking.. My kids love spash harbor.... What are they going to put back there?
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Lol, by now I've learned not to trust anything these guys say. ;)
Docspeleo will be along any time now with the photos. :D
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Is that part of a longer-range plan to make a back path to connect the two ends of the park?
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I remember 20+ years ago, when there would be a new attraction, it was not shrouded in mystery, there were scale models set up at the entrance of the park (where the show lovers pass/trailblazer pass location now is)
Yeah, but most of the building was also done outside of the season (AKA winter) when most or all of the park was closed. Construction wasn't blogged about, and there weren't construction updates on the internet. It's been a while since anything was built in the middle of the park.
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Hmmm, doesn't look like SH is on the list of attractions anymore... or was it ever on there? Ha ha, I hope Copper is joking. :D
In the hypothetical case that this was true, the Splash Battle better have a huge set of water towers and such to replace the stuff SH had. I don't see any reason for them to take out SH though - it's a young attraction, still very popular, and is quite large, unique, and fun. The only reason that would make since is if it were indeed part of a huge expansion project. Can you imagine the backlash though? I'm pretty sure SH is very popular for a lot of people.
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I've never seen SH as a big attraction. It was really only used in the advertisements for one year when it was built as an expansion of GG. I can imagine most people don't even know it's back there. Don't you teenagers only go back there looking for impromptu wet t-shirts? Additionally, the whole painted-wood-in-the-water decorating idea just isn't working very well. The area has to be repainted every year, and by the time the season is over, the whole place looks horrible.
BTW, has anyone noticed the sign under the "clock tower" says "HIGHER LEARING" and not "HIGHER LEARNING"? Is that on purpose?
I really never thought we would be talking about GG and SH in the 2009/10 Project area.
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Not sure if anyone has said this on here, but since River Battle is somewhat similar to Splash Harbor, they will be removing SH this winter, not sure if they will us any pieces from SH in the new ride.
Really? They didn't rip out the one at DW when they added River Battle there.
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Hmmm, doesn't look like SH is on the list of attractions anymore... or was it ever on there? Ha ha, I hope Copper is joking. :D
I don't think it was ever listed in the first place. It is still on the map and is in the Rides Guide, in conjunction with GG.
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Well if they do end up moving all of the water cannons and stuff over to the River Battle area, they can make the Splash Harbor area into another kiddie ride area and can put the balloons and carousel from Sawyer Landing there and then add some of the rides from Celebration City there as well.
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I was actually thinking about moving in over there in SH, and taking up squatters rights up inside the ball cannon area. I always had thoughts of living in Huck Finn's hideaway, or in Grandfather's Mansion. I wish there was a suite like in Cinderella's castle at WD that people could stay inside the park. Brings me to another thought, I wish they would allow a group to camp inside the park like we have here for the Zoo or Busch Stadium, the Art Museum here in StL. Anyway back onto the topic at hand...I do think it would be a good area for the displaced rides.
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It doesn't seem like taking out SH would really add any space, but I guess it is sitting on prime real estate that could be take up by another big ride or a lake front restaurant. It certainly could be that they're planning a whole new area for that corner of the park though. Just move the train tracks over and there's room for a handful of CC rides. I just hope they don't try for a boardwalk theme...
(http://www.sdcfans.com/galleries/random/sdcspec.jpg)
Still seems like it's too young to die though. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if it opens next year.
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Well I think moving all of the water stuff over to River Blast makes sense, and they could use the old Stump Water Fort there in Sawyer Landing as a place to shoot water and be shot at. Makes sense to me.
I think where Splash Harbor was is where Rube Dugan's Diving Bell v2.0 needs to go. :)
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Swoosh, I thought the same thing, excellent place for the Diving Belle or Maybe the Gerstlauer could go there, Dollywood's crosses over a path???
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Opening in Spring is Tom & Huck’s
RiverBlast, a super-soaking water raft ride
themed around the adventures of Tom Sawyer
and Huck Finn. Raft riders, armed with water
soakers, will battle raft-to-raft and raft-to-shore,
while dodging streams from shore shooters
too. With hundreds of water features, this will
be America’s biggest water battle! With the
opening of RiverBlast and all its water battle/
water gun features, Splash Harbor will be
removed.
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Opening in Spring is Tom & Huck’s
RiverBlast, a super-soaking water raft ride
themed around the adventures of Tom Sawyer
and Huck Finn. Raft riders, armed with water
soakers, will battle raft-to-raft and raft-to-shore,
while dodging streams from shore shooters
too. With hundreds of water features, this will
be America’s biggest water battle! With the
opening of RiverBlast and all its water battle/
water gun features, Splash Harbor will be
removed.
YES! Finally an announcement worth getting excited about. Where is this from?
Definitely sounds like this attraction will meet our high standards. Pretty neat that it will be the largest in America, or maybe they're referring to the attraction as a whole. Either way it sounds like it will be the first to really combine both on and off-ride water battles. I just have to wonder how it will fit into the area without getting everyone soaked who tries to make it to the riverside rib house. I also have to give them major props for officially refreshing the Tom and Huck theme.
Hmm, better start a new speculation thread for the bit about Splash Harbor...
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Well.. hmmm.. hahahaha
I figured I'd chim-in...
I'm going away from the cave for the Christmas Festival. I'll be over at the flooded mine-Doc turned convict for the winter.
So i'll make sure to get some shots of the winter progress.
unedited shots.. lol
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From the SDC Times Volume 4, Nov 09' (in case you do not receive it)
"Word travels fast up the muddy Mississippi...be on the lookout for fun-loving, mischief makers Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, who are making their way back to town for our 50th birthday. Armed with raft, fishing poles and their keen sense of adventure, the infamous pranksters have set out from Hannibal in search of the mighty White River that will lead them to Silver Dollar City.
Adventure will abound and that's exactly what the boys are counting on! In fact, rumor has it that Tom and Huck are planning to add a little of their own gusto to the party. You see, the thrill-seeking duo only has two claims to fame...anything to do with navigating the water and taking adventure head-on.
With this in mind, their scheme is to set up a riverboat tour to give all those coming from far-and-wide a hootin' and hollerin' good time. The troublesome two have a few tricks up their sleeves and we don't want to spoil all the fun. But, we're forewarning folks to start practicing their aim 'cause the real adventure is about to begin!"
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Yes, the official RiverBlast website! I am so pumped for this attraction! Just when I thought SDC was sagging a bit with theming, this attraction is themed to the hilt! I wish they'd launch websites for some of the other attractions (Lost River, ThuNderaTion, PK, Wildfire, etc) to reinforce the theming. Especially worth a read on this website is The RiverBlast Saga and Water Soaking Adventures (The Tree Fort is incorporated! There's a special surprise at the end!).
Check it out! ;D
http://www.sdcriverblast.com/adventure.html (http://www.sdcriverblast.com/adventure.html)
There's a news page as well. This isn't a cheap Splash Battle. It's $7 million, has a ride duration of over 5 minutes on a river channel over 560 feet in length, and opens on March 18, 2010! According to the FAQ, you will get very wet (obviously), so they'll be installing a family size haystack dryer for a minimal charge.
http://www.sdcriverblast.com/news.html (http://www.sdcriverblast.com/news.html)
Be sure to check out the video on the main page by clicking on the sign.
http://www.sdcriverblast.com/index.html (http://www.sdcriverblast.com/index.html)
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Swoosh, I thought the same thing, excellent place for the Diving Belle or Maybe the Gerstlauer could go there, Dollywood's crosses over a path???
That's not a bad idea, and it would look very ominous staring at you for across the lake. The outside portion could cross over the railroad tracks to where the current employee parking is there near the back of the Red Gold Heritage Hall. It would definitely cut down on a lot of outside themeing if you have it back there, because most of it would be back stage. Also having it across the lake from the main park will make it look even bigger with the magic of forced perspective. Me likes the possibilites. :)
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Swoosh, I thought the same thing, excellent place for the Diving Belle or Maybe the Gerstlauer could go there, Dollywood's crosses over a path???
How 'bout really getting creative and wild - a Diving Bell-themed Gerstlauer??
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^That would be awesome!! :o
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Can I cry now?
No, seriously. Reading that RiverBlast site, with all the Tom & Huck themed stuff--whitewash fence, Jackson's Island, the lot--it seriously makes me want to cry from the giddiness I feel bubbling up inside me.
With this renewal of the Tom Sawyer theme, I wonder if eventually they'll have face characters walking around the area...? That would be a dream come true!
Joy
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^I know what you mean. Just when I thought SDC was slipping a little on theme, they come up with an attraction like this! If you're there opening day or through that weekend (March 18-21), I wouldn't be surprised if there were some face characters out and about. :)
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All I know is it's my dream to one day play Becky Thatcher at SDC. :)
I am SO gonna be there opening day, and will be there Saturday, May 1st as well. I'd skip class April 30th, but it seems their main 50th celebration stuff will be that Saturday on the actual anniversary, so I will be a good girl and not skip, especially that close to the end of the semester.
I need to get my season pass ordered. I am going to MAKE myself able to go at least three times next year, if not more. I finally figured out I don't have to take a class over the summer, so I can get a summer job to supplement the money I'll have left over from student loans.
Joy
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On that note, it appears that to get your 50th Anniversary Christmas ornament, you only have to visit five times. In the past, you've had to attend during festivals, but it doesn't look like that's a requirement for our 2010 visits. Has that rule changed in recent years and I just missed it?
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Hmmm... Didn't notice that wording upon first reading... I wonder if that is indeed what it means. That'd be really awesome!
Joy
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^^No, I think that's a new change.
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(http://hdforums.com/forum/attachments/softail-models/27572d1234665383-09-heritage-big-radius-big-sucker-fuelpak-help-this-thread-is-useless-without-pichers.jpg)
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I'll probably be there to get some photos over Thanksgiving weekend. Hopefully I won't encounter that lady.
Yeah though, we'd all love some photos, so if anyone's planning a trip...
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We'll be there on Black Friday. There's no need for us to go shopping on that day so we go to the park. ;D
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I started a set of the progress of Tom & Huck's River Blast on flicker, including pictures from yesterday, Nov. 14th. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30708145@N02/sets/72157622683227595/
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^Thanks! It's coming along...
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I like the station.
I also like how it looks like the edge of the pond will be back farther from the path than I had previously thought. So people won't be getting wet back there at the pathway, but what about the water cannons? Maybe they haven't gotten to it yet, but I don't see how they'll be able to add the water cannons to the old fort and have them be able to reach the ride. I guess they're working from the back to the front though, so we'll see what pops up.
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Looks like we have some real fake rockwork popping up on the hill side. GOOD! I was afraid they were going to leave the cement walls as is that hold back the dirt to prevent erosion
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Construction Photos from Thanksgiving Weekend
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2009/nov27/
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Nice. I've got a few shots from the weekend as well, but they're not as good as those - too many attempts at sticking the camera through the knotholes.
I did go by Splash Harbor and saw that all the water cannons had been ripped out - so it looks like that rumor is true. It's a shame because I had forgotten how unique SH was until I stopped by after so many years. Hope RB is as neat.
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Thanks. ;D
It's too bad that Splash Harbor is coming out, but that area will be prime for a new addition in the near future -- I sure hope that our idea to put Mystery Mine over there comes true.
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Thanks for the pics! I'm looking forward to seeing more theming aspects installed (although most of that may be after the park is closed for the season).
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We'll have some "closer shots" from Saturday's Coaster Christmas event. Hope we have some nice weather / lighting for photos
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I avoided looking through the fence on our visit yesterday, but was surprised the station was visible from down the hill as far away as the saloon. It changes the SDC skyline a bit from that point of view. The roof, by the way, is a metal one - similar to the roof on the Culinary & Arts building. What, by the way, is the station supposed to be in the Tom and Huck story. Is it a new addition to Twain? Has SDC made up a new chapter to say that the lads have now opened this business venture?
BTW, on the other end of the Riverfront Playhouse, a worker was setting a couple of tall sign posts about ten feet apart. Is this a "sign" that the whole area will be theme-strengthened? Will it be more clearly marked as a "land" within the park that focuses on Twain and the river? Couldn't the Playhouse have a new show to fit the theme? I say, "Go for it!"
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Construction Continues on River Blast
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2009/dec05/ (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2009/dec05/)
12.05.09 Photo Update
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2009/14-3.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2009/15-4.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2009/2-2.jpg)
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Good update! It took shape fast. So much has been done in just one week. I'm excited to hear that the old fort will be expanded. Any news on what it'll be like, and what will happen to the old parts of the fort? Will they re-open the crawl-ways over the main path?
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^I'm hoping for a "yes" to all of the questions you asked. That is exciting that the fort is being expanded! It's also cool that the water wheel is being incorporated into the ride. Thanks for the pics! :)
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My friend and I were curious... What's up with the big heavy cables that are attached to Huck Finn's Hideaway and go across the path, over the "secrecy fence", and are attached... somewhere within the "secret area"? Is it some kind of structural support keeping the Hideaway vertical?
Joy
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Answer time:
Any news on what it'll be like?
There really isn't any concept art out there for it, but I imagine it will reflect the rest of the fort with regards to aesthics.
What will happen to the old parts of the fort?
It will re-open and have a spotter for the river stationed up there.
Will they re-open the crawl-ways over the main path?
That is the current plans.
What's up with the big heavy cables that are attached to Huck Finn's Hideaway and go across the path
Without the cables, the Hideaway would fall over. There was some talk last season of the Hideaway being removed completely, but I've not heard anything here lately. I can say, however, that there are no plans to reopen it in the immediate future.
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Okay, we thought that might be what was up with that.
I kinda wish they'd just go ahead and tear it down and *fingers crossed* build a new one, perhaps with some of the older features added back (like that infinity star room that so many people have waxed nostalgic about; sounds incredibly fascinating). The poor building LOOKS ready to fall over.
Joy
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Have an early Christmas present for some of you which will go online soon.
Concept art among other things showing off the layout of River Blast.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SANTA SWOOSH.
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/new/riverblast/
Lots of previously unreleased conceptual artwork!!!
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Wow, the concept art looks fantastic. I wonder why they didn't release it before? I'm totally happy with this project now, its all so well thought out.
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Thanks for posting that, Swoosh! It's nice to see the diagram I found blown up and readable. RiverBlast looks like it'll be a great attraction. 8)
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Come check out the newest pictures, a LOT has been done the past 2 weeks! Forts, ships...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30708145@N02/sets/72157622683227595/
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Wow! Thanks for the new pics. You're right, a lot has been done in the last two weeks. :)
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Good grief, I need to write an update! At least a couple of people are still on top of things. Thanks for the update.
Check out the detail on that roof. I like how they've gone to the effort of making it warped. I can't wait to see what they do with the fort.
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Now you tell me you were going to go take photos... you could have saved me a trip. lol
I'll have even more photos from Saturday up later today
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12.19.09 Construction Update
MidwestInfoGuide.COM Version 8.0 (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2009/dec19/)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2009/2-4.jpg)
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Did no one go the last week of the season? If that's the case, I'm disappointed in you SDCfans. I would have gone and "taken one for the team" but I was in the Bahamas
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My brother and I went on Sunday the 27th...we misread the time of the park opening and misjudged the time it would take to get out to the park (because there was no traffic) and ended up at the front gate at 11:30 a.m. with a half-hour to spare before the sqare opened...and this in 25-degree weather!
However, the time to kill once we were in let us spend quality time at Eva and Delilah's where I enjoyed a massive helping of bread pudding, which was delicious. Once we were on the square, I took some time to tell my brother about the episodes of "The Beverly Hillbillies" that were filmed at the park and we reminisced about how great it would be if the Hideaway would make a comeback. We also walked back out by the Hospitality House to stare at the hole that is Marvel Cave...it amazes me that we walked past it all those years and never gave it a second thought until we went on our first tour this summer.
Once the rest of the park opened we rode FITH three times with no wait and the Flooded Mine three times straight through. Sadly, my three-year-old daughter's heart was broken when we made our way to the Expo and discovered that it was too cold for even the kids' rides to operate. We spent a couple of hours roaming the park in relative solitude, trying to steal glances at the new RiverBattle construction and wishing that PowderKeg, Wildfire, and TNT had been open. We left about 2:30 and then came back about 6:30 to see the lights and go to the last Saloon show of the day. It was a great day, even if it was freezing...the next 70+ days until the new season are going to go by so slowly!
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I woulda gone, but I was (and still am) out of town visiting all my family, who I've not seen since October, including my cousin who was on leave before he (most likely) goes to Afghanistan.
I've already ordered my season pass for 2010, and the coolest thing? Both my stepdad and stepmom turn 50 this year, so they can get the free season pass.
Joy
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Includes the new ride with snow...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=131386&id=512349543&l=375bc261bf
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Things in the area should start changing now. I imagine the fence will come down, and some additions and changes besides the riverblast will be made. I'd like to see something major happen with the carousel barn. I realize they have to have a venue for Santa during the Christmas season, but the building has been poorly utilized for years. I wonder when the new park map will be put online. Maybe the barn will at least be renamed, but I'd like to see it revisioned. I want the whole area to be "marked to the twain"!
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According to Lisa Rau, the Carousel Barn will remain a "special events" building and will not be converted into anything else to "plus" the area. The outside of the building will receive some "placemaking" upgrades to tie in with the new theme, but other than that, nothing is going to happen.
However, with that being said, a small portion of the western part of the building will be utilized as a new retail store for River Blast. However this will be a very small store and it will only use the far right corner of the building (once you entered it from the rotunda). According to the site plans, it is just barely larger than the room allocated for the snack stand near the entrance to the Carousel Barn
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It has been great as a "guest" to this site to see the development in this area. I'm happy to finally be able to register as a member. I can tell you, alot has changed at this particular site of the park. I remember the 1977 year when this area was still nothing but woods. I remember when the site was occupied by the shingle saw in the late '70's, and when Tom Sawyer's Landing was here! As an employee, I worked part of the time in 80-81 at the landing as an attendant. (I played Junior Dugan at the diving bell most of the time.) When the landing was new, it had the ballroom, a cable slide, a fireman's pole kids could slide down, and some climbing objects, that was about it. It's all gone now, but the river blast looks like it's gonna be fun! I can hardly wait 'til the park opens for 2010.
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ANY UPDATE ON THIS RIDE / REMOVAL OF SPLASH HARBOR & WATERBOGGAN ??? ???
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I think at this point we might have to just wait and see what's there on opening day. Who's going to be there?
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That area of the park is sure going to look different this season
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/random/untitled.jpg)
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I'm new to this site, so this question may have been addressed already, but has anyone heard of any plays to update "Fire in the Hole?" I would love to be able to get in there and dress it up with some updated visual effects. For instance, some better animatronic figures for the Baldknobbers, and a puff of air that hits you when they fire their guns at you as you go by.
It'll be three years this summer since I've been there, and I'm turning 50 this year and am sooooooooooooo excited about my free pass!! Wow!! Planning a trip in June!
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My bad...that last post should have read "any plans to update" not "plays".
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Nice PhotoShop Swoosh.. I really have never been able to use that program. I truly wish they would put in a bridge from over by the Red Gold to the area by the Kettle Corn. It would be easy to do now that the Water Boggin will be gone.
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How about instead of a bridge they just go under the tracks with the path and build another tressle (sp?) like over by Tom Sawyer's Landing.
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That could be cool as well.
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A trestle would be awesome. I love walking under the one over by the Saloon.
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I'm new to this site, so this question may have been addressed already, but has anyone heard of any plays to update "Fire in the Hole?" I would love to be able to get in there and dress it up with some updated visual effects. For instance, some better animatronic figures for the Baldknobbers, and a puff of air that hits you when they fire their guns at you as you go by.
It'll be three years this summer since I've been there, and I'm turning 50 this year and am sooooooooooooo excited about my free pass!! Wow!! Planning a trip in June!
I believe they worked on the ride a lot a year or two ago. They're always actively doing a lot to keep it up. As far as adding things or changing things though, I don't know how much they're willing to mess with the nostalgia. I know they change out a lot of scenes every now and then, but I can't imaging them getting too crazy with animatronics. It might hurt the classic feeling.
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They are working this winter on some of the scenes and cleaning the ride up. Painted scenes, new floors and if there is time moving Baldknobbers...
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Thanks for the update on the updates. We haven't been there since the summer of '07, and we're really excited about going back this June. I'm turning 50 so it will be FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
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Hey Youse Guys
Walking by the new RiverBlast site after lunch, I remembered to take a couple of pics. They're kinda gray...it was very nasty and dreary here today.
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/SDC-RiverBlast3.jpg)
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/SDC-RiverBlast2.jpg)
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The project is coming along nicely! Thanks for the photos...Uh, can I ask a favor of you? How 'about some shots of what's happening around Lake Silver this winter? Please, pretty please...aw, come on! ;D
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Interesting how the buoy is in the middle of the ride channel. I imagine it was just set there until it can be placed where it is supposed to be placed.
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Does anyone know how much larger this will be than the one on Dollywood? I wasnt that impressed by Dollywood's version....have higher hopes for SDC's.
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Does anyone know how much larger this will be than the one on Dollywood? I wasnt that impressed by Dollywood's version....have higher hopes for SDC's.
RiverBlast accommodates one less raft (8 at one time, while River Battle has 9), however the channel is longer for RiverBlast (567 feet to River Battle's 500 feet). RiverBlast has 150 targets to River Battle's 100, and it appears the overall theming will be better for RiverBlast.
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Thank you SO much for the pics, Zephon! I admire your courage in braving today's weather. I imagine it was probably even worse down there in Branson than it was up here in Springfield... Ugh. And I was enjoying seeing the snow melting away so quickly.
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I continue to be impressed. I'll bet there's a lot more underneath all that snow too. It's great to see where the 'docks' will be where I assume there will be mounted water cannons. I wonder what the towers are for though.
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Would the towers be for ride attendants, like they have on Lost River?
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^I think you're right. Especially when you look at their placement in relation to the entire attraction.
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I took those photos on my Blackberry, I'll try to remember to take my camera out there next week and capture a few more shots. It's supposed to snow again Monday, so it may be later in the week before I can get around. I'll get some of the Lake Silver area also.
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I thought the towers were for the water channel that runs over head to be hooked back up.
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^They are lined up in a row, and one of them is back behind the new tower, so that's probably what some of them are for. I imagine there might a tower for attendants in there too.
I still don't really understand the purpose of the new tower/stand with the boiler on top. It looks too small to really harbor a lot of water cannons, or to really do anything. I guess it's a good spectator stand.
(edited for clarification)
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Swoosh, what position do you have at SDC? (Just being noisy.)
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Swoosh, what position do you have at SDC? (Just being noisy.)
Heavens to betsy child will you please calm your racket.
I cannot even begin to think about answer your question with you being so noisy. ;D
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Swoosh, what position do you have at SDC? (Just being noisy.)
Heavens to betsy child will you please calm your racket.
I cannot even begin to think about answer your question with you being so noisy. ;D
Junior, he doesn't have a position at SDC. He has insider contacts; he runs Midwest Info Guide and so has access to information as a member of the media. He gives us all kinds of good information, such as the detailed storyboards and concept art/diagrams for RiverBlast. ;D
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Swoosh, what position do you have at SDC? (Just being noisy.)
Heavens to betsy child will you please calm your racket.
I cannot even begin to think about answer your question with you being so noisy. ;D
Junior, he doesn't have a position at SDC. He has insider contacts; he runs Midwest Info Guide and so has access to information as a member of the media. He gives us all kinds of good information, such as the detailed storyboards and concept art/diagrams for RiverBlast. ;D
Yeah what he said.
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If not an insider, a media contact is fine, too! (I was a radio broadcaster in Missouri and Arkansas for 20 years after my SDC time, I know as a former news reporter you have access to people and places many don't.) Keep up the good work, Swoosh!
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I took those photos on my Blackberry, I'll try to remember to take my camera out there next week and capture a few more shots. It's supposed to snow again Monday, so it may be later in the week before I can get around. I'll get some of the Lake Silver area also.
BUMP. More pictures please ;D
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I've been trying to make myself believe that this: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cVF2LlOx6Zc/S3IiDosjXWI/AAAAAAAAK7A/LhTTL5OkPcI/s1600-h/Picture+56.png
is at SDC. Don't think it is though. It almost looks like the valley next to the train loop, but it's too wide and has an extra bluff. That'll be one hell of a coaster for somebody though. Probably overseas.
I'm sticking with the theory that whatever we get will utilize at least some of the cleared land and the employee parking behind GE, so probably not a terrain woodie.
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I looked up the satellite map & switched it to topo, and the area west of PK & south of the train actually matches...Hmmmnnn...I wonder if someone has too much time dreaming & and wants to mess with us... ;D
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Yes but... the other side of the coin is that a bunch of flats and Roaring Falls is supposed to go in that area over by GG -- if that is the case, how can a woodie go there... oh wait. ;)
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"...is supposed to..."? Care to explain? Are you saying that is the plan, or are you just blowing smoke?
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So now I'm just blowing smoke, eh? :P
(http://countryandwesternmcc.co.uk/pictures/native_smoke%20signals.gif)
I'm just saying that...
One rumor says that a woodrn coaster is supposed to go there.
One rumor says that Celebration City's flat ride collection and Roaring Falls are supposed to go there.
One has to be right and one has to be wrong -- then again they could both be wrong, but obviously they both cannot be correct.
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So now I'm just blowing smoke, eh? Tongue
Sometimes it's hard to tell. I think you may have some cabin fever.
I haven't heard a "rumor" about CC's flat rides, and I hope SDC is smarter than that. I have seen people "speculating" that it might happen, but not a rumor.
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Please, please, PLEASE let this just be speculation. SDC is not a carnival it is a THEME park. Even the Herschend's couldn't stick all those rides in there and make them look great in that spot. It might work in the Grand Expo but the only CC ride I'd want to see there is Roaring Falls, if done correctly.
Send the leftover rides to Wild Adventures.
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I could see us getting CC leftovers next year and a coaster in 11, or the other way around. I mean, SDC is going to become a rides-based theme park no matter what - the people that are coming now aren't coming to watch a glassblower and listen to the Cajun Connection. That area of the park is an ideal area to add a bunch of rides together. It would help create more of a bridge between the Expo and the coaster corner.
Who knows though, they could surprise us. It just seems like we're going to be getting either rides or an Adventure Mountain clone from here on out though.
GCII updated the plans on facebook again. At this rate, if that is a real ride they are revealing, there must be an announcement coming soon.
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*This is in no way based on anything I've heard, just piecing things together*
Where Splash Harbor was:
-Roaring Falls
-CC Rides (they'll be hidden from the main midway and will only be seen once in GG)
Where tower for WB was:
-Adventure Mountain Rope Course
NEW GCI WOODEN COASTER:
well as pointed out above, the topography over by PK matches pretty closely what was put on the GCI Facebook page. Take it for what it is worth.
I'd say we have some "BIG" seasons ahead of us at SDC
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I'm actually excited about either speculation (Roaring Falls, CC Rides) or GCI coaster, as long as we don't get an Adventure Mountain. But if we do get an AM, I can live with it. I trust SDC and the vision they have for the park. Don't forget that craft survey they sent out last year. It seems like we'll be getting a new ride(s) and some new crafts on park in the future! :) The only rumor I'm aware of is a new coaster; the rest is speculation about the CC rides and AM (but looking at how HFE operates their parks, it's not wild speculation).
As for this thread topic, the construction of the '10 project is well under way, as is the removal of Splash Harbor and the waterboggan, I'm sure.
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OK, I'm getting down on my knees to pray! "May SDC management have the wisdom to keep QUALITY attractions SUITABLE for the theme! NO CARNIVAL TYPE RIDES! SDC is the CORNERSTONE for Hershend Family Entertainment! QUALITY! ATTENTION TO DETAIL! THEME! THEME! THEME!
Think high class, execute only the best plans, and people and profit will continue to roll in as the waters of the sea! Do nothing...NOTHING...that would cause "Miss Mary" to rest uncomfortably in that nice, shady lot at Evergreen!" Ahhhhh...I'm feelin' it! OK! Whew! I hope I did that in time. ;D
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^Considering the quality of RiverBlast, I think it's working... ;)
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OK, I'm getting down on my knees to pray! "May SDC management have the wisdom to keep QUALITY attractions SUITABLE for the theme! NO CARNIVAL TYPE RIDES! SDC is the CORNERSTONE for Hershend Family Entertainment! QUALITY! ATTENTION TO DETAIL! THEME! THEME! THEME!
Think high class, execute only the best plans, and people and profit will continue to roll in as the waters of the sea! Do nothing...NOTHING...that would cause "Miss Mary" to rest uncomfortably in that nice, shady lot at Evergreen!" Ahhhhh...I'm feelin' it! OK! Whew! I hope I did that in time. ;D
Preach it! SDC, are you listening?
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A BIG THUMBS UP for RiverBlast! If themed correctly, with attention to detail, flat rides from CC may be OK. (My stomach is a little sour on that one, but I think I can handle it.) I'm NOT in favor of something slapped up quickly from a defunct carnival somewhere, like a Scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl, or a kiddie ride like motorcycles going around in a circle. Let some traveling carnival have that stuff, so they can erect it for a week on a parking lot at a second rate mall, ok? If it ain't first class, if it ain't well planned and thought out, if it ain't the highest quality, IF IT'S NOT IN THEME, I DON'T WANT TO SEE IT AT SDC! (Junior now proceeds to get off his soapbox, and resume normal, happy activities.) ;) Bring back the balloon chase, I'm OK with that. My grandkids would love it!
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A BIG THUMBS UP for RiverBlast! If themed correctly, with attention to detail, flat rides from CC may be OK. (My stomach is a little sour on that one, but I think I can handle it.) I'm NOT in favor of something slapped up quickly from a defunct carnival somewhere, like a Scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl, or a kiddie ride like motorcycles going around in a circle.
Ha ha, I don't think we're in danger of that. Just because the park is moving to a rides-based attraction doesn't mean it has to descend into a fun fair. Just look at TGS. There's more detail and thought put into that attraction than a lot of entire parks. RB is a continuation of this. If we get CC rides, they'll be themed appropriately too, but there will still be a lot more rides around the place. Like what others have speculated, I expect to see Accelerator (S&S double shot tower) show up soon, probably themed around a mine explosion. That and Roaring Falls themed to a Victorian water chute would be a pretty good addition.
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Huge update on SDC's facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4583461&id=7656242602#!/photo.php?pid=4583464&id=7656242602&fbid=323343187602
Looks like those towers were for the new water line after all. Everything continues to look better and better.
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The only thing I really want from CC is the CAROUSEL.
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Having a consistent theme is not going to insure the future success of the park. I love SDC and therefore wouldn't want to see a drastic change to the overall atmosphere of the park. Having said that I also realize that the future success of the park is tied into keeping the park fresh and interesting for a broad spectrum of people. Keeping any future attractions tied into the overall theme would be preferred, but it shouldn't be the final factor in deciding if a new attraction was brought to the park. Keeping the park the crown jewel of the company...offering the latest and greatest to its patrons, regardless of theme, must be considered.
Because of DW's more diverse range of themes, the company is placing more and more capital into this operation. The cost of "themeing" isn't such a factor with DW. After visiting DW, I prefer SDC. But I can see where the park offers more to those visiting because it is not locked into trying to be true to a certain time period or genre.
I hope the SDC's theme is preserved, but I also want the park to be successfull and be around for another 50 years. If this means being a little more lax in it's themeing, I can live with that.
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You have to remember that SDC and DW are completely different parks now a days. Dollywood still prides itself on its theming.
There new project "Adventure Mountain is highly themed to the 1930's CCC.
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There is a ton of maintenance work going on all over the park. Streets are dug up with new lines of one kind or another being laid, the upper part of Hannah's has been refaced and repainted, the water trough on top of the Mill Restaurant is being reconstructed, in addition to what has been taken out and the new stuff going in....lots of stuff going on. I took a few pictures on Tuesday.
The Apple Butter Store by the entrance to American Plunge was deconstructed because it was becoming structurally unsound.
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4737.jpg)
You already know that Splash Harbor is gone.
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4755.jpg)
And that the Waterboggan is gone...here is what still remains and some of it may be gone soon. I heard today that anything going in at that location may be delayed for awhile.
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4749.jpg)
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4751.jpg)
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Some of the RiverBlast area pictures on SDC's Facebook page are even more recent than those I took Tuesday, but I'll post some anyway.
Loading building...from the corkscrew-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4739.jpg)
From the corkscrew-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4740.jpg)
From the corkscrew-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4741.jpg)
One of the water blast guns-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4743.jpg)
From the corkscrew-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4744.jpg)
From the corkscrew-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4745.jpg)
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The Apple Butter Store by the entrance to American Plunge was deconstructed because it was becoming structurally unsound.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
This better mean they're building a new, bigger apple butter store. Maybe it can take the old basket shop's place.
Oh and hey, I didn't notice until now that the base of that new fort/tower thing is made to look like a tree - pretty cool looking from that angle.
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More of RiverBlast
From the south end of the train depot-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4746.jpg)
From the north end of the train depot-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4748.jpg)
Another shot of a water blast gun-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4759.jpg)
They're getting ready to lift a section of the water trough into place, but in the lower left corner you see a worker using a chainsaw to carve or distress part of a structure-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4757.jpg)
Lifting a section of the water trough-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4762.jpg)
Getting close with it-
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll238/Zephon907/SDC%20Stuff/100_4764.jpg)
That's all I got for now. Maybe I'll take another walk around the park in another couple of weeks.
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Unhappy to hear the Apple Butter Cabin is gone. It's been there since at least 1970. Good to see the photos of all the new construction. It really looks like RiverBlast is coming together well. Hate to hear maybe nothing much new in the tobaggan area for a while. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the area around the lake. Alot of change over this winter. I'll be excited to get to the park for a good look around this year.
Thanks again for the pictures!
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If SDC is reading this:
Please, please, PLEASE re-build the apple butter shop! I love it!
Thanks for the pics of the Waterboggan. I hope they can fix that area up as quickly as possible.
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They ddo not have much time to get the rest of that waterboggin ride out before they open for the season. That's only 35 days left... OMG.... that is only 35 days left until I will be riding Thunderation and Powderkeg, get to see glas blowing and candy making, get to eay bbq at the mine and smell bread baking at the bakery... Oh I mean until my 4 and 6 year old girls get to enjoy the park...
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no apple butter store????? depressing
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This has been quite the day for updates - we just got some new photos in of the demolition of Splash Harbor and Waterboggin: http://sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=18
Splash Harbor is already a memory, and the Waterboggin is just a tower now. I wonder if they'll be able to re-use the tower for anything...
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Wow, Zephon! You really came through with your promise of pictures! Thanks! ;D
I'm sure the Apple Butter Cabin will be back in some form or another. It definitely had to go if it was structurally unsound.
Splash Harbor is already a memory, and the Waterboggin is just a tower now. I wonder if they'll be able to re-use the tower for anything...
They may be able to re-use the tower. It might fit in with whatever new attraction is going into that space. SDC loves to integrate past attractions with new ones. I wonder how long the delay will be until something goes in there, if there is a delay? 2012? 2013? ???
No only is the Waterboggan tower left, but so is the arrival station. Both stations are still intact, it's the slide structure that has been removed so far.
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This has been quite the day for updates - we just got some new photos in of the demolition of Splash Harbor and Waterboggin: http://sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=18
Splash Harbor is already a memory, and the Waterboggin is just a tower now. I wonder if they'll be able to re-use the tower for anything...
You need to fix some of your captions
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Accuracy in the media? (Remember, I'm an old radio news reporter.) ;)
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Wow. I have been so terribly busy for the past week, that I haven't had a chance to read ANY posts. I LOVED the apple butter shop. It was ALWAYS one of the first places that we would go once arriving at the park. We would look at the apple turnovers wishing we hadn't eaten that morning already, taste the salse, and apple butter, and whatever they had, and pick which one we would buy before leaving that afternoon. The will I would assume have another location. Even though it all can be bought in the General store, or the Ozark Marketplace. It was a bit tight in there on a busy day, but i liked to think of it as "quaint". RIP apple butter shop.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/johnscabin269.jpg)
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I added about 150 pics to my flicker account, from yesterday's visit. I would've posted them yesterday (Did you see us running around with cameras, Zephon? lol), but had to work 13 hours & still dealing with setting up my new hard drive.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30708145@N02/sets/72157623418703266/
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This has been quite the day for updates - we just got some new photos in of the demolition of Splash Harbor and Waterboggin: http://sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=18
Splash Harbor is already a memory, and the Waterboggin is just a tower now. I wonder if they'll be able to re-use the tower for anything...
You need to fix some of your captions
Ah, stupid lightbox. Any photo without a caption seems to get it's neighbor's. ::)
Good grief though, that's even more work than I thought was going on. SDC is going to be hard to recognize next year. Thanks for the updates tinmann, getting to see the inside of FITH is great!
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The park's going to look different, that's for sure! Thanks for all the new photos. I can hardly wait 'til the place opens up again.
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The pictures are great Tinnman. Can't wait till the park opens. Until they do something over where Splash Harbor was that back side of the lake will look naked.
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We just about need to split this thread into three separate threads: Lake Silver Skyline, Riverblast, and Everything Else.
I don't particularly like the look of the "bridge" on the RB. It appears they have installed plexiglass instead of wood, but I could be misreading the picture.
As for Apple Butter, I like the idea of sticking it in the basket cabin. Still quaint, yet larger!
As for theming, it is absolutely what makes SDC successful. Start sticking all kinds of junk in there, and the park is no longer unique. Suddenly we have to compete with other parks. As it is, people visit because of the unique theme. Start losing the theme and we may as well start bungee jumping from that WB tower! (And don't take that as a suggestion.) In fact, proper theming may have made CC more profitable. They tried, but didn't have the base to work with over there. SDC has that theming foundation and ALL efforts must be to preserve the theme.
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I'm kind of confused by the whole Apple Butter thing, there must be more to it. After all the moving & reconstruction Mary Herschend & her family had done, why couldn't this structure (and the TREEHOUSE!) be reconstructed to preserve SDC's history? They're getting away from so much of the authentic look, such as hand painted signs. Don't look too close, you'll see the nice pixels!
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^As a budding civil engineer, I can understand the difficulties the park must be facing at every turn when it comes to preserving such things. I completely understand the logistics of closing and taking down the tree house. There's no way they could have easily and cost effectively made that attraction wheel chair accessible, and the concept of having an attraction that you have to crawl across a tiny bridge to get into is just not workable these days (most of the kids are too fat anyway). As for the Apple Butter store, there were probably some ADA issues as well. Plus, it was practically a waddle and daub structure, very flamable, poor flooring, terrible inefficiency in heating in cooling, and it was pretty much in the way for new patrons trying to find Wildfire.
It does suck that so many of the small aspects are being lost, but I think come the start of the season we'll be blown away by how many little and large things have been added. I mean, remember all the fix ups we found last year? They actually got the ghost trap underneath the tree house operational again, among a million other little improvements. The theming is going to change with the times, but the character behind the park is still mostly there, and that's what's important.
ADA has been such a pain for this park though... I can't believe how little though was given to wheel chair disabilities just 30 years ago. Then again, wheel chairs were a lot smaller then, and the people usually more apt at getting around in them.
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I seem to remember that the treehouse had to be braced better once in the early '80s. I'm glad they were able to make it last as long as they did. I was disappointed when I saw that it was closed the last few visits I'd made to the park. But I understand the handicapped accessible thing, and the overall age of the structure. From what I saw though in the new pictures posted was that it was still standing as of this week. When will it come down? Any insiders know what will take it's place there?
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SDC Facebook page says there are changes coming to FITH, Any info on this, I know at least 1 of you has beent hrough it and has pictures to show for it.
I would love to tour that. I would be happy to see the old broken track scene return, the little dip adn turn, it was a fun moment.
Any insiders info to the hinted changes?
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I thought this was covered somewhere in one of these threads. Basically it is a freshening up of the ride. Some of Baldnobbers will be moved around, new threads, new paint - that type of stuff
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They are adding robots with lasers
Actual live ammunition will be fired from the baldknobbers to make the experience more exciting.
And live, venomous snakes will be dangling from the ceilings throughout.
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^Don't forget the flamethrowers that engulf the trains in flame as you pass by the burning buildings. ;)
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They're really going all out for the anniversary! (though straying from theme just a bit)
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They are adding robots with lasers.
Yes, robot sharks with frickin' lasers on their heads. Muwahahahaha
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That's funny! The insider info I heard was that they were mounting pistols on the cars like at the Flooded Mine so you could SHOOT them danged Baldknobbers, and also were mounting water cannons from RiverBlast on the FITH cars so you could help put our the fire! Maybe I was misinformed. ;)
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Speaking of FITH though, I was looking through tinmanns photos again and I saw how they were working on the wheelchair access/fireman's office area. Are they re-routing the queue through there? It seems like it would make some sense to try to wrap it around more inside rather than having this huge crowd on one side.
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They are adding robots with lasers.
Yes, robot sharks with frickin' lasers on their heads. Muwahahahaha
I was just about to post the same thing. :D
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^Agreed. Especially since that is where preface to the story is told.
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I thought after all these years the would finally fix the hole????
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Well, we can rule out that GCI coaster (at least the one portrayed in those pics they've been posting). They revealed today that those layout pics are for something they're building in China.
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I thought after all these years the would finally fix the hole????
Or put out the fire???
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Yes how many fire trucks have been through and none of us has helped put out the fire.
As long as we are on failure, is the mine going to be saved, or flood?
What about the Bolins? Maybe the sheriff should stop greeting everyone and get out there and do something about them. How many trains have they delayed?
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Walt Disney said that if any of the Pirates were to escape Pirates of the Caribbean, chaos would ensue. I think if the fire went out in Fire in the Hole the same would happen.
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Just like, how many years does it take for one man to get out of a burning hotel?
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OK...just to set the record straight.
Shave- about winding the cue line around inside because it would make sense? When have we ever done anything that made sense?
About the sharks...lasers were found to be detrimentally subject to the wet conditions. So, instead they are going to be fire-breathing sharks...in keeping with the theme.
About the hole...they do fill it in every night after the park closes...but the Dugan boys, who are still around BTW, sneak in there in the early morning hours and dig it back out. It seems that they now believe the silver is buried in that mountain behind the town rather than in Lake Silver.
About the fire...that's on you guys. Sure, you're quick to volunteer...but all you do is ride around gawking at the fire instead of doing anything about it.
Flooded mine?...they gave up on that years ago. It's just populated by convicts and dummies and who cares about them anyway? Oh, BTW, if you didn't know, the guards there were the first to institute the waterboarding technique for interrogation.
Why haven't the Bolins been caught yet? Three reasons really...1) the sheriff doesn't mind them too much because they don't really reek all that much havoc, sometimes the passengers even laugh at them...2) he wants to keep getting the healthy payoffs their "mother" gives him...and 3) they provide a valuable service...they keep that moose off of the tracks. And they do a good job of it too....I haven't seen him around there in a long time...have you?
As for Fred Flanders getting out of the burning hotel...how far would you get with your wife constantly nagging at you to get back in there and get your pants on? After all...what's more important for your well-being? Getting out of a burning building or keeping your wife/girlfriend happy?
Hope that all helps.
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About the fire...that's on you guys. Sure, you're quick to volunteer...but all you do is ride around gawking at the fire instead of doing anything about it.
Word. 8) We are pretty lazy for a group of volunteers. In all my years volunteering, only once have I been proactive in passing buckets of water along to put out the fire! :D
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What wit! Oh, I get a good chuckle from this thread! (As for this Dugan boy, I thought the reason why they've cleared a space at the back of the lake is so the diving bell operation could resume activities. All we gotta do is get that old sub that's stuck in the mud outta there, clean it up, find a few more "volunteers" and we're ready to go treasure hunting again.-any takers?!?) ;)
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And we've got water: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?page=3&aid=174746&id=7656242602
It looks great the way the trough sits a little below water level so it's more like a pond than I thought it would be. They've painted all the wood to look faded and more realistic, but it looks a little color-less overall. I assume when they add the targets it'll liven things up.
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^It looks good! I'm sure there'll be more color added to the attraction. I expected it to look more like a pond, so I'm glad it meets those expectations! :)
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It looks sososososo much better than Dollywood's ride. They really took it to heart when the fans complained about how cartoony DW's ride looks.
I love SDC.
Joy
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Dollywood's was suppose to look cartoonish. It's called different themes.
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One other thought. How long does it take for a hobo to take a shower?
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Ok, I think you guys have sufficiently run that into the ground. Let's get the thread back on track.
Is there any news from our parkees on filling the new water ride or the removal of more of WB?
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There is water...
http://www.facebook.com/Silverdollarcity#!/album.php?page=3&aid=174746&id=7656242602 (http://www.facebook.com/Silverdollarcity#!/album.php?page=3&aid=174746&id=7656242602)
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I cannot get over how good this thing looks. Completely blows Dollywood's out of the water with regards to theming. The cat tales are really cool and add that extra something to the swamp theme. This thing is going to go over very well. I know I cannot wait to ride it. :D :D :D
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SDC website says the new Apple Butter store will be open on opening day. It will be near McHaffie's Homestead. Can't wait to see the new and improved. http://bransonsilverdollarcity.com/specialty-shops/detail.aspx?AttractionID=156 (http://bransonsilverdollarcity.com/specialty-shops/detail.aspx?AttractionID=156)
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Sounds like the old Basket shop to me.. I hope.
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Here is a little Fire in the Hole, the scene clean-up has gone over well. There is a story line throughout!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4394100772_2d87e7cdae_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4394100958_ac6d5556b4_b.jpg)
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The boats are already floating through the course, it seems: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=4714156&id=7656242602
A lot more details are being added as well.
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I am so excited to see this in person!! The theme looks fantastic! I love the signage as well! I think SDC outdid themselves again...
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The theming is awesome on this ride. Shows that SDC still knows how to do things right, and this really makes that area look more alive then it ever has. Looking forward to the 19th so I can see this for myself.
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I'm also excited but would expect a high level of detail as this has been a 2 year project.
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How long are the lines going to be with only eight boats?
What do they mean by an elevator helping all children having access to the land-based water blaster fort?
I like how they mention that theming is paramount. Of course they didn't mention this on the same picture as the family dryer or the elevator.
It's going to be so cold in the spring for this.
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I will be bringing a poncho and plastic bags for my shoes.
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I was thinking about going the poncho route myself, but I always feel like that takes too much away from the very purpose of the ride, so I'll probably end up wearing swim trunks to the park now just for this ride. I just hope they don't start charging extortionate locker fees. $1 or 2 is OK, but most park let it get out of control when they see how desperate people are for them.
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What do they mean by an elevator helping all children having access to the land-based water blaster fort?
There is an elevator on the new fort next to the old fort
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When on a multi-day stay in Branson, we always do a wet day, and a dry day (sometimes we do a ride day, and a non-ride day where we just walk around!) More than likely we will have a wet day for this ride+ log flume +lost river+ FITH (though not really a water ride I like throwing that in whenever possible!)
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Every day is now a dry day..........if you pay $5 for the dryer.
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Holy cow! 5 bucks for the dryer?? I'm definitely bringing a poncho. Do you think they will operate the ride during the harvest festival?
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The American Plunge and the Lost river are open during that time so I am sure the River Battle will be also.
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Do you think they'll accept this?
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/5GameMoney.jpg)
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What are these dryers? Why would they even put them in?
And even though is says all ages, is the River Battle good for little ones?
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http://www.haystack-dryers.com/about.php
The dryers can actually be themed somewhat, so they probably won't stick out too much. People apparently line up for them, so it's supply and demand I guess. They don't actually work that well though, I've heard. I wonder if they'll put some outside AP too, now that they've got all that space.
That reminds me, what are they doing with the old Apple Butter store area? Seems like they'd take the opportunity to redevelop the path back there - it was always a little awkward for first time guests to figure out how to get to Wildfire.
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They are "haystack dryers" I believe much like the ones used at DW which are very popular in Europe. NOw if it dried shoes, I'd be in!
Takes a few minutes, but warm air circulates, and poof you are dry-er from what I understand
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/images.jpg)
www.haystack-dryers.com (http://www.haystack-dryers.com)
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↑↑ Apple Butter store is now up near the Homestead - I think where the basket shop was.
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I like the dryer idea, it gives guests more options than simply leaving them soaked and of course you need to charge a fee to keep the thing operating. I also like that they attempt to theme them, which has always been one of my favorite things about SDC how they try to hide the modern. (I do agree that in some areas they need to try harder, registers...) I took a tour of this ride the other day and it looks amazing, just wished they would have incorporated the balloon chase, but over all great job!
The wheelchair lift blends in well with the fort, you can see some reflection from it far left.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4399368021_9d3e47cc9e_b.jpg)
This ride is about small details!!!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4400136016_3e2e56c673_b.jpg)
The ride will accommodate about 500 to 600 people an hour, but when you think of the attraction as a whole, it will entertain much more than that.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4399368777_5295f31a60_b.jpg)
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Great pics...they make the anticipation build even more!
I saw on SDC's Facebook page in one of the discussion threads that the balloons will be coming back someday.
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That does look neat.
And glad to see that the balloons will make an appearance again. But what about the carousel? When and where will it be?
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Judging from the RiverBlast photos that Copper posted, it appears there was some sort of employee or media day at the park, to preview the new attraction. Any details that you can provide us with, Copper?
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This was an Attractions Team Leadership tour and they basically walked us around the whole attraction and pointed out interesting things along the way and of course I took plenty of pictures. When I first heard about this ride I was disappointed, but now that I see it I am happy with the product. This ride allows any age to ride, so little ones will have a major attraction on the west side of the park. Also the lengths they went to make this ride ADA (Wheelchair and disabled) accessible are great too. The balloons have been promised several times to return and I am sure a carousel will make its way back in the park one day. The Carousel Barn has been retrofitted to coincide with Tom & Huck, the place looks good!
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Any update on what's left of the landing? I expected something to come out of that, but it sounds more and more like they're just boarding it up.
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The tower will remain, it’s iconic. However, the tower will be used as an observation tower for employees of River Blast, much like the ones used at the Lost River. Geyser Gulch basically covers what the tower did, but in “today’s” terms of safety. The wax dipping guy and Aunt Polly’s Chicken will remain. What used to be Benjamin’s Pen & Ink will now be a mild merchandise area and the gemstone mining from Powder Keg will be added to the River Blast area.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4402114980_30f3fe8f79_b.jpg)
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GG may cover what the tower did on paper...but it comes nowhere close in terms of use!
I would really like to see an interactive and all age friendly area like that used to be.
It is nice to see the pics; it gets me more excited to see all of that in use.
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I would really like to see an interactive and all age friendly area like that used to be.
SDC could always get an Adventure Mountain; I think this could safely replace the rope and net tower.
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I notice the Carousel Barn is called the "events building" on Facebook. Does this suggest the building will be renamed? I assume it will since there is no carousel anywhere nearby.
Also, I'd like to know more about how the building will be rethemed to match the ride/area.
I'm sorry to see pen and ink go - it's one more craft gone, unless it's just moving, and it's being replaced by ride-themed merchandise.
Panning makes sense in the riverfront area, though I don't get the wax connection.
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It's too bad the tower will only be used for employee functions. I had hoped there would be some kind of dry fun in this area. It does feel like they put in less than they took out. There's certainly lots of room for small activities in the area, similar to what's been done in the TGS area.
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^I'm not sure that will be true. I can imagine there will be a lot of people watching the action in the area.
Plus, it would be nice to keep this area open for traffic flow. It's possible there will be even more congestion now.
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Basically the Riverfront is moving up into this area and the barn is receiving a lot of little extras to add to the theme. I think there is a lot going on in this area, not only the ride itself, but the guest interaction along the shore.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4402373628_79742f3730_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4401607507_468516d0b4_b.jpg)
I think it is more balanced then before. Tom Sawyer's landing might have had too much for such a small area and a growing number of people and it is the City's job to constantly improve. This has always been a problem bottle neck area and I think this attraction will help fix that. And other areas can always grow and add more crafts and attractions.
The Pen and Ink has been gone for a season or two, the man who ran it might have been ill.
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My only complaint about this area is the fact that it will basically "shut its doors" when it gets too cold for wet rides and that is a huge area in the middle of the park that will be underutilized -- with that being said, I am very excited about this new addition and the level of detail that has been added to this area of the park.
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Thanks, Copper. Are any of the other area buildings getting facelifts? When we were there last, at Christmas, it looks as if they were erecting new signage up at the Playhouse. Would this perchance be the signal that the entire area is going to look like an area and not just a collection of this and that? I'm looking forward to the feel of an actual riverfront; I hope I'm not thinking too big.
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I wish they'd put the carousel back inside the carousel building, then there would be ONE more indoor ride for kids, during the colder days! I think each time I told the girls, last December, "it's too cold", I bought them another hot chocolate! :)
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Is there any work being done on Grandfather's Mansion?
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Tinmann we did the same thing.
I am glad that the area is going to be cohesive, and hopefully when the fall and winter roll around we will be dazzled with how they keep the area alive.
Just like with every change I will get used to it, but sometimes the changes make me miss the way that it used to be.
Thanks Copper for giving us some more peeks!
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My only complaint about this area is the fact that it will basically "shut its doors" when it gets too cold for wet rides and that is a huge area in the middle of the park that will be underutilized -- with that being said, I am very excited about this new addition and the level of detail that has been added to this area of the park.
This has been my problem all along, SDC seems to be moving away from the crafts and shopping and relying more on the rides to draw crowds. Maybe its more corporate thinking that they should add something that is not usable during half of its operating year; they can run the ride but who is going to ride it in April? ( Lost River)
Built the darn rollercoaster, add the balloons and the carosell, why do you say? Cause they can actually be crowd draws 9 months a year. They can also assist in releving the lines at the open rides, yes even those that only run 1 car or train when there is a 30 min wait.
I am looking forward to the new ride but cant shake the fact that common sense is not comming into play here.
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^^ I have that same thought. We already have two water rides that will soak ya.
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SDC seems to be moving away from the crafts and shopping and relying more on the rides to draw crowds. Maybe its more corporate thinking that they should add something that is not usable during half of its operating year... I am looking forward to the new ride but cant shake the fact that common sense is not comming into play here.
Well I can tell you that a new ride is much more marketable then adding a new craft demonstrator.
Seriously what would excite you more if you were a first time visitor to SDC
"Come ride the wettest ride in the country - New for 2010 RIVER BATTLE only at SDC"
or
"Come watch history come to life by watching our new Candle Making demonstration - New for 2010 only at SDC"
I see what you are getting at, but from a marketing stand point the new ride is going to win out every time.
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^I agree with Swoosh, here. A new craft demonstration is fine for marketing to a niche demographic, and that's all we'd see if SDC was only a frontier park. But SDC aspires to be a top theme park destination in the midwest, so therefore additions are geared to attracting a diverse demographic.
I think new craft demonstrations are coming, though, if last year's survey is any indication.
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I am glad that the area is going to be cohesive, and hopefully when the fall and winter roll around we will be dazzled with how they keep the area alive.
Old Time Christmas, this year, will include the new Tom and Huck's Curvy Ice Rink - NEW FOR 2010 only at SDC!!!
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Old Time Christmas, this year, will include the new Tom and Huck's Curvy Ice Rink - NEW FOR 2010 only at SDC!!!
Ha. You made me laugh out loud for real. ;D
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I don't see why they can't add some new craft demonstrations around their new rides and theme them to fit the rides. Instead of the stupid games they put with TGS.
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I don't think they give much thought into how these rides are going to be enjoyed by the patrons much after September or early October. If they did, they would be investing in something besides water rides.
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It just isn’t that simple and there is something much lager going on here. Why is the Waterboggan and Splash Harbor gone? You will see in the future. They have to move things around and change things to make preparations for future growth. The Attractions side of SDC is restructuring for growth, merchandise has been pretty solid for a while. However, you will see growth in all divisions in the future.
I sometimes worry too, but I think you will be happy when everything comes to fruition.
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Considering Old Time Christmas is their most popular festival, and more often than not, the temperatures tend to be on the no-rides-operating level, I imagine they don't really think much about whether or not rides can operate during the later months.
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It just isn’t that simple and there is something much lager going on here. Why is the Waterboggan and Splash Harbor gone? You will see in the future.
OR if you have been playing along at home you'd already know the answer to this.
I'm just sayin'
Copper are you working opening week at all? I'd like to meet up again if you are.
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I would like to too; I'll be there Thu, Sat and Sun.
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lol. Of course the one day that'd I'm going to be there is the one day you will not. Such is life. Well, I'll have to catch you some other time. ;D
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That would be my luck, I'm sure I will see you sometime this season!
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Splash Harbor needed a lot of restructuring work and SDC felt that it wouldn't be financially sound to fix it and instead place the money and attention to River Blast. As I said before what will be replacing the Waterboggan shouldn't be a disappointment.
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^I just hope they go for a longer version and one that is unique to SDC.
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Hmmnnn... Something like this?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D42Sc43HCi8&feature=related
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I'm hoping for something more like this, if we're going the g-fighter route: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEsoTqTukc
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^I think it'd be really cool if they made it a half dark ride, half outdoor, similar to Mystery Mine. I'm excited for the future!
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^Only if they take out the crappy outdoor section between the lifts. Did not like that section but loved the rest of the ride
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I just like the dark themed elements. SDC has needed something new like that for quite some time.
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Does anyone know if RB has any direct references to Twain's books besides the river boat aspect? We're about to start our Huckleberry Finn unit in my English class and I was just wondering if I should be on the lookout for anything.
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The white wash fence is there.
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Hmmm... well, there's the general idea of steamboats (including the one sitting in the middle of the ride), but I'd say it's mainly just inspired by Tom and Huck's savvy and mischievous personalities.
Now, when the Balloon Chase was there, that tied in directly to Tom Sawyer Abroad (a very fun book, I must say).
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I am ashamed to say this but I have never read the book.
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Well, I only learned about it a couple summers ago when I went on a Twain binge. Seeing as how I grew up watching The Adventures of Mark Twain, it's a wonder I didn't know of it sooner, as it was the book around which the movie was framed.
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What promotions could be done for the 50th Day of the 50th Year?
(I haven't figured what day that will be.)
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Promotions for the new ride could be very extensive. A whitewash contest (daily or even bi-daily if using a biodegradable/washable paint) They could bring back the "jumping frogs" game, I think that the seed spitting could get a bit gross! I was simply going by what they do on Mark Twain days in Hannibal as a guide for that...
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We rode Fire in the Hole the opening weekend in March and were thrilled to see all the new "scenes". I talked to one of the guys working the ride, a younger looking guy with short hair and glasses, who told me it was part of a 5-year plan to revitalize FITH including bringing the collapsing bridge back. I've been riding FITH since 1974 and it's still my favorite ride at the park followed closely by Thunderation.
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...bringing the collapsing bridge back.
Wooooo-hoooooo!
I've been riding FITH since 1974 and it's still my favorite ride at the park followed closely by Thunderation.
Ditto, and ditto.
I'm (soon to be) 47, and I love FITH more than any other ride, but TnT comes close. I'm an old-school SDCer, and I was disappointed when the Lost Mine added the guns. Before that, it was an adventure tour instead of a game. Yeah, I know, the projected faces and animatronics were expensive to maintain, blahblahblah. It was still better back in the day.
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Yes it was.
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Amen to what you said about Flooded Mine KBCraig! I liked it better, too. Quality of the dummys seems to have seriously degraded. However, the guns and targets were added to keep the young kids happy with something new. They are the future, right?
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^I remember standing in the queue for a long time back then - long enough to appreciate the projected portrait telling us to "keep it movin'!" Now, we just hop on board. I'd still enjoy just watching the scenery if I could block out the infernal gun noises.
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I actually kind of like the fact that they turned it into a shooting gallery. To each his/her own I guess. I do miss the fake rocks falling at you from the tower. I think they took that out in the early 80s.
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By the way, the area where the fake rocks used to fall...the "rockslide" area...that is where the flooded mine photo in my thread about pictures from 1970 was taken. The "office" for the flooded mine was there. It was a pretty cool scene, seeing that guy's desk break through the floor and the water pour in from the window.
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I was wondering where that was- cool scene. I'm glad they took the "ghosts" out of the tower- scared my son. The prisoners trying to escape through the tower is a better scene than the "ghosts".
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I actually kind of like the fact that they turned it into a shooting gallery. To each his/her own I guess. I do miss the fake rocks falling at you from the tower. I think they took that out in the early 80s.
I think it was a lot later than that. After many years away, I visited in '98, and I'm pretty sure the rock slide was still there (with the strobe lights and netting to catch the foam "rocks").
I don't think that was an original part of the ride. I don't remember it from the late '70s to early '80s. But, it was a great addition.
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The rock slide was there from at least 77 through 84 when I worked there. Don't know when they took it out. I did work at Flooded Mine for a couple of seasons as a guy they called in when they were short handed. I loved wearing the prisoner costume and "growling" at people to get in their boats, playing like I was a mean, grouchy ole prisoner.
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a 5-year plan to revitalize FITH including bringing the collapsing bridge back.
I figured the revitalization was complete with all the changes that were put in this year. Has anyone heard of any more changes that are going to be made in the future? It would be a really neat thing to bring it back to the way it was when opened in 1973. I remember when you met the train light steam would come up on both sides like you were about to collide with a real locomotive. Also I remember a scene with what looked like a couple of stuffed wolves. There was a lot of blue lights in this area and made the cement where the wolves were standing look like freshly fallen snow. It was real quiet in this area except for the howling of the wolves. Just wondered if anyone had heard any more rumors.
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^Well the 5 year plan involved the new trains, the updating of the scenes, a lot of safety upgrades, and there are few more things that if the money holds out they want to do still.
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appreciate the info Swoosh
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I remember in the early 90's there was water under the bridge scene but the guy never moved or anything. I think that scene would be a lot better with some more action in it. Some longer scenes would be nice but of course they have there numbers. As for the update this year, I think the Colonel Sanders mannequin is hilarious (look around the next time your on FITH)!
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Rockslide in Flooded mine was the best, it did seem like it was broke alot.
I wonder of that was a maintenance mightmare.
Ill tell you I would love to see the FITH expand out the back of the building, that could add a scene or 2 and possibly allow them to add another train or maybe more.
That ride is such a classic, even a ride through glowing ember-ed trees after the fire could be really cool, maybe 1 more drop?
It would be really fun and I think everyone is a FITH fan. That would be a reason to come to the city again for many I know.
I do not remember any scene with the desk and the water inb the mine, I do remember the prisoner in the bottle, I think he is gone as well.
The old days of the float trip were gfreat fun, they used to let me stay on when it was slow, it was a fantisy world for me.
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I rode FITH a few times with my son last Saturday but on Sunday once he didn't want to ride so I ended up riding next to an older gentlemen (looked to be late 60s). When it was over he said "Kiddie ride" kind of sarcastically so I told him it was one of my favorites because of the story it told. Hopefully I "converted" him! ;D
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The rockslide at Flooded Mine was a hard thing for maintenance to keep up with, I don't know why. The desk scene was taken out in the mid 70s. I preferred the mine prior to the guns and targets being put in. I liked the animated dummys better. They used to have a few that had a projecter on the face, and it appeared if the "action" was very realistic, but the projectors in the humid conditions had difficulties for maintenance, too.
I was River Rat at the Float Trip in 1979, and I can tell you, it was a fun ride to work at. Gentle, family friendly, and quiet and relaxing. I miss it.
I do like the plunge and the lost river, but I wish they would add more attention to detail and theme and atmosphere things better.
I like the idea of busting a hole in the back wall of FITH and taking the track out on the hills behind it, but it is such a classic ride I don't know how others would feel about that kind of change.
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^there is no "hills" behind FiTH. Directly behind it is a maintenance road.
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Heck! Lets take it down the maintenance road till we find some hills. I remember riding the flooded mine back in 1972 and they had a live donkey or mule in one of the scenes. Boy did he ever smell.
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I was unaware that a project for the 2010 season was to close off the majority of Birdle's Homestead. I was upset by this. I always enter (except when it is closed off totally by the chain/rope, BUT this time upon entering I found there to be a fence/gate in place that only allows a visitor to enter about 4 ft. into the cabin. I am sorry I have no photos of this, but I just wanted to see if anyone else had found this new addition this past off season.
If you want more information on the cabin, and its former inhabitants:
http://library.missouristate.edu/archives/speccoll/m008.htm (http://library.missouristate.edu/archives/speccoll/m008.htm)
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Hmmmm...maybe they are trying to preserve it better. When I walked through it a few years ago, it was wide open, people could walk through, sit on furniture, touch things hanging on the walls. Perhaps too much handling has resulted in damage? I know the McHaffie Homestead had a big wooden cage like thing at both doors to only let you go in a few feet and look around. During my time on park it was kept that way unless it was spring or fall festival time, and then they brought in ladies who quilted in there. I was glad to see that the "static" way they preserved it was tossed out the window when they began the Front Porch Pickers and Aunt Judy working in the cabin with music and stories. It's much more fun and entertaining and educational to walk through the building and visit with the citizens who are there for the purpose of music, stories, and so on.
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I may be wrong, but I believe the elevator to the "treehouse" at the RB was moved from the Wave Carousel.
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I followed a man into the restroom at the Playhouse (not followed, but just walked in after he did). He promptly stripped his shirt, exposing his hairy body to anyone around, and held it in front of the big ventilation fan to dry it. I'll bet that hardly ever happens in the ladies' room!
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If it does, I'd like to see it! (Ha!)
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For those of you that have been wondering what it was I was saying about Birdle's cabin being gated....here are some visuals
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/IMG_2759.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/IMG_2760.jpg)
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I guess when I walked through the cabin a few years ago, it had just recently been relocated and erected...it did not have any morter between the logs. They have fixed things up considerably. The barrier is probably there so visitors don't toy with the furnishings too much. This is the way the McHaffie homestead used to be. A static and mostly unused structure. I was so glad to see the last few times I came through SDC that the homestead, school, and church were utilitzed in an open, educational way. The schoolhouse in my day, when located where the furniture factory is now, was closed all the time except for one season at fall crafts festival when it was used as a display area one year, and then later for storage for some of the craftsmen during fall festival. So much more satisfying to see these old structured put to good educational use. My guess is Birdle's cabin might be better utilized in the future.
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One OSHA health topic I saw was the "wallpaper" has begun to mold pretty badly, it can be seen in the photos. I have a feeling that this is not "good" mold. I at one time had a flodded basement and had to take out the wet drywall to avoid the dreaded black mold...Not saying this is that stuff...I'm Just sayin' it doesn't look good!
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I don't know what they can do about moldy newspaper wallpaper except replace it from time to time. I have many accounts in my collection of Ozarks history and folklore books about how newspapers and magazines were used to paper a log house. It kept drafts out, plus the pictures were something for people to look at...really. I seem to remember the wallpapering was done about once a year, as what was on the walls wore out.
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I know that in some historic houses, they mount plexiglass over the wallpaper in places, but I think that's to keep people from touching the historic, original sections of the paper. Unless they install some expensive dehumidifiers and new entrances to help with climate control, how would they keep mold out? Maybe they can repaper with a few SDC shopping bags.
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Replacement would work. but the main issue would be to establish better air quality inside the building firstly by ensuring that the exterior was not allowing the interior wall coverings to become wet/ saturated. At this point, I think that the paper needs to be removed and replaced once the chinking is replaced. I am no expert on this topic, and this is simply my opinion. I am not saying the stuff there is/ is not good for exposure, but having dealt with flooded basements and drywall before, I have been down this road a bit.
This is a great site that has chinking info.
http://www.permachink.com/ (http://www.permachink.com/)
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Hi guys. I've been sitting here reading these threads for hours. Truly some knowlegable, wonderful stuff. I don't want to change the subject, but I want to throw this out there: Does anyone have any memories/info on "Huck Finn's Hideout", or as I like to refer to it, "Herman the Hermit's Tree house"? When I was a kid, I went through it a thousand times and had some great memories of it, though they have faded over time. I remember a room that was darkened, but had blacklights and thousands of white pinhole lights that looked like stars in the sky? Anyone remember that? It was pure magic. I'd love to see some pictures from inside if anyone has any. We just got back from SDC last Thursday and as of then, the tree and treehouse are still there, yet still closed. We got some good video of the "ghost trap" at the bottom of the treehouse, though! Being the hopeless, "don't ever change a thing" guy that I am, I wrote a letter to the powers that be at Silver Dollar City imploring them to refurbish the treehouse as it once was. Its my thinking that the park has remained relevant and thriving, not just because of the new rides and attractions, but because of their preservation of the older ones. These things should get handed down to new generations. That's where the magic is. You should've seen the look on my daughter's face when she first encountered the Flooded Mine after hearing about it for years, then getting to experience it first hand. Sorry, don't mean to ramble. Just thought I'd toss this out there to you guys for some thoughts and maybe some pictures.
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Hope this helps....
http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=10.0
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If you check out my Flickr site, I recently posted an article titled "Lost Rides and Attractions of Silver Dollar City" that discusses Jim Owens' Float Trip, Rube Dugan's Diving Bell, Treehouse, Tom Sawyer's Landing, Stagecoach, and mentions some other things, too. Also there are photos of some of those attractions, and other information about the old days at SDC...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan
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Wow! Thanks Junior and OklaSDCfan! That's a lot of cool info! Its too bad the ol' treehouse is in the shape its in. I still maintain it could be restored to its original state. That little room with all the "stars" stuck in my mind my whole life. Thanks again!
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Tony...this will really blow your mind then....(SPOILER ALERT: READ NO FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING.)
OK:
HERE I GO:
When I worked at SDC, sweeping and cleaning the "Infinity Room" the star filled room you are talking about, was one of my duties. I've been through that room when the work lights were on. The floor, walls, and ceiling were covered in mirrors. Strands of white "Christmas tree" lights were hung ceiling to floor. Weird "space music" of electronic blips and beeps was played over a speaker all day. It was an unusual place to see with the lights on. I'd have to sweep the place out, and that weird music played in my head for hours! At least it was air conditioned...it was nice and cool in there. Many people remember the Infinity Room from their youth, and were in awe and wonder about that place. ;D
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Junior, THAT.........is cool! I grew up my whole life thinking that no one else in the world thought that was as cool as I did! Geez, I'd love to work there. We really should organize and pressure the suits to restore that thing as it originally was. With our help, of course. So what was it like to work there? what did you do?
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Sadly, even if you were able to visit the Treehouse right up until it closed, you still couldn't go into the Infinity room. I believe the last "hurrah" of the Infinity Room was sometime in the late 80's. From that point on, you pretty much went along the same path but skipped that part of the adventure.
If memory serves me correctly though, there was a time when you would briefly exit outside of the treehouse on the top floor and take the stairs all the way down into that last "Infinity Room"
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Well here's a link to my short video of the ghost trap at the bottom of the treehouse. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMacd4Va4dQ
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I remember walking out the back side of the treehouse and descending a staircase then you went into the infinity room area, you may have even entered through one of SDC man made caves.
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Some of this discussion merited opening a new thread - "Secrets of SDC" - at http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=957.0 (http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=957.0). Please join the conversation there.
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Tony from Tulsa, you're little girl, by the look on her face, was not buying the ghost trap at all. These young kids today, never believing their elders! On a side note, is she adopted? We have two adopted daughters from China and I'm always on the lookout for other cuties from the provinces.
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Oh good grief! I meant "your" not "you're". Yeesh, you would think after 4 years in third grade, I'd have gotten that right.
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I took a picture of the Ghost Trap in June, but never knew the thing actually moved! What triggers it....besides a ghost, I mean?
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Motion sensor on the wall above and to the right of it...
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Tony from Tulsa, you're little girl, by the look on her face, was not buying the ghost trap at all. These young kids today, never believing their elders! On a side note, is she adopted? We have two adopted daughters from China and I'm always on the lookout for other cuties from the provinces.
That's great! Both of my kids are adopted from South Korea.
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I vaugly *I know probably spelled wrong* remember the tree house. I know it was stinkin neat though. I thought it was the bees knees that you could climb up a "tree" from the insides. Then climbling the ropes and rope related walk areas was scary then. How cool! I even remember the ball pit with slides that was where the wax hand man is now. Good times!
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What a great idea!! treehouse for adults too.... could tie it into grandfathers mansion.
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If you've seen the new show on Animal Planet - Redwood Kings - you might recognize some of their work:
http://www.danielswoodland.com/theming/themed_environments/boat_house.php (http://www.danielswoodland.com/theming/themed_environments/boat_house.php)
These guys do work with real wood, and after seeing a couple of episodes and then finding the RB on the website, I have a greater appreciation for this element of the ride. Take a look at some of the theming projects they have done elsewhere. From the looks of it, they must have put together the shooting gallery at Branson Landing, too.
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Holy Lazarus Thread! O.o
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It's like a riverblast from the past, ain't it?
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ZOMBIE THREAD continues
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It brings new meaning to "You have a great past ahead of you!"
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OMG! I watch every episode of Redwood Kings and was actually aiming to post about them on here when I got a chance, lol. I am so excited to know that I've stood in something that was the work of Daniels Woodland.
What I was planning to post was that I'd love to see them do a new treehouse when/if SDC decides to replace Huck's treehouse. I can see them re-using a lot of the wood in the project if they were to do it. They're very good at using available materials and focusing on history and stuff.
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(http://memedad.com/memes/22518.jpg)
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I have a cool idea of getting rid of those balloons and creating a "hot air balloon" chair lift kind of ride to take you from one end of the park to the other and all in what would look like a hot air balloon.. . . wouldn't that be cool? lol
refurbished? it's going into storage to not be used... i doubt any money will go into it.
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^Clan, with the way these forums work, when you post a reply it goes to the last page so there is a single thread of conversation. I'm not sure what you're trying to reply too, but this thread is from 4-5 years ago.
... but that would be a decent idea to work another guest transport ride into the park without destroying the appeal of everything. Don't think they need it yet though. The Balloons are indeed coming back though, see the 2015 announcement in the 2015 thread.