SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => SDC Memories/ Park History => Topic started by: Grapeslie on May 04, 2012, 08:48:18 AM

Title: Balloon Chase
Post by: Grapeslie on May 04, 2012, 08:48:18 AM
Now we all know that Balloon Chase was removed but I was wondering what the ultimate fate of the ride was? Growing up it was always one of my favorite rides! I made sure to ride it at least twice every visit. So where did my Balloon Chase go?  :)
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: mhguy77 on May 04, 2012, 08:57:17 AM
Drive 76 past SDC and watch the fence right after the maintenance buildings ( they are marked).
The parts are right back there, you can catch glimpses through the fence.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Ozarks Gal on May 04, 2012, 09:06:01 AM
This (http://www.sdcfans.com/photos/feat/10/58) is a picture of it being packed up. It's good to know that they still have the pieces. It might make a comeback someday (I hope). They brought back the carousel, after all.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Grapeslie on May 04, 2012, 09:10:44 AM
I wonder if they ever plan to bring it back? I somehow doubt it however.
:-(
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: DollarCityBoy on May 04, 2012, 09:31:42 AM
The fact that the parts are still on property is a good indication that it will one day return, the question is..."when?"
Out of all the 'lost' rides of SDC, Balloon Chase, IMO, will be the one that we see again.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Grapeslie on May 04, 2012, 10:12:33 AM
Well if I had to theorize which I don't but I will anyway LoL I expect that that whole area where waterboggan and splash harbor was removed will be used as expansion for grand exposition. I figure when they expand it will show up there if it does. I just hope they build a small coaster or large Dark ride. So what do ya'll think?
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: tiffanylynnt on May 04, 2012, 12:43:31 PM
I miss that ride so much!! I wish it was still there. This is just my opinion, but I like it better than River Blast. I think you know what I'm getting at...
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on May 04, 2012, 12:52:45 PM
I really dont want to see GE expand. I dont mind that it is there buy I dont want the park to commit more space towards it. I like that you have to walk a day and forever to get there, its like time traveling. Its in the same park yet divide well.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: tiffanylynnt on May 04, 2012, 12:55:21 PM
I really dont want to see GE expand. I dont mind that it is there buy I dont want the park to commit more space towards it. I like that you have to walk a day and forever to get there, its like time traveling. Its in the same park yet divide well.

That's exactly how I feel too.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: shavethewhales on May 04, 2012, 01:55:07 PM
I thought at one point I heard that the Balloon Chase was planned for a comeback soon, but it's been four years now since it was taken down. It might have been in the plans at one point, then scrapped, and maybe it could be picked up again at any point. I had actually though it was scapped, so I'm glad to hear it's still on the property. This could be a nice little addition for a low-key year such as 2014 after they spend so much money on the new coaster.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: DollarCityBoy on May 04, 2012, 02:13:31 PM
hmmm...let see...How could they incorporate the Balloon Chase into a "barn theme" over by the new roller coaster?!  ;)
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Grapeslie on May 04, 2012, 04:05:10 PM
hmmm...let see...How could they incorporate the Balloon Chase into a "barn theme" over by the new roller coaster?!  ;)

LoL Actually Ive put a lot of thought into that and I can't think of a way to do it! Not without it just being weird! LoL
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: sanddunerider on May 04, 2012, 04:16:23 PM
Well, they brought back the carasoul without any warning....so who knows what might happen with it>?
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Ozark Outlaw on May 08, 2012, 11:27:51 AM
hmmm...let see...How could they incorporate the Balloon Chase into a "barn theme" over by the new roller coaster?!  ;)

LoL Actually Ive put a lot of thought into that and I can't think of a way to do it! Not without it just being weird! LoL

The carousel was brought back with a new theme to match its new home at Half Dollar Holler. I bet the balloon ride could be brought back with a new theme too. It was my favorite ride as a kid! I would love to see those balloons fly above the tree tops again.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: tiffanylynnt on May 08, 2012, 12:04:05 PM
What was the original theme of the balloons? I was too young to care about themes when they were still in the park.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Gilligan on May 08, 2012, 01:27:30 PM
Tiff and Trams, I agree!  I don't want GE any bigger either.  It's the area of the park that I avoid.  It just seems foreign to me.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: BackInTime on May 08, 2012, 02:13:04 PM
Ditto that. The rides themselves were a welcome addition, but they seem so out of theme that section feels like you're literally in a different park.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: sanddunerider on May 08, 2012, 05:14:36 PM
See?  And i feel like if they want to add some kiddy rides to GE, thats fine with me..  I avoid GE, becasue of the area it is.. 
So if the new rides are out of theme???? They would fit right in..
Also if they fit new rides into GE, it takes away the chance of taking away another area of "our" city like HDH did.
right?,  maybe???  LOL....
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Gilligan on May 08, 2012, 06:04:38 PM
We can only hope!
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: chittlins on May 08, 2012, 06:50:28 PM
Other than the coasters, Grand Exposition is my kids favorite. There's a lot to do so when my Mother and Wife want to hit the shops, I can take them there and it's much easier to watch two to the closeness of the rides. GE was a great addition. the part of SDC that stands out the most to me is Splash Harbor. They can take that out anytime they want. Besides water play areas have come a long way since that was added.

I would like for the balloons to come back too, have patience.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Copper on May 08, 2012, 07:16:40 PM
Every time I walk past the area that the old Ore Cart coaster used to be, I envision the Balloon Chase there.  I also think it would be nice to move the magic shop near there and use the Medicine Wagon as the stage and incorporate all of them into one story.  Some type of salesman that has magical balloons to go with his magic shop and show.  I could elaborate, but that could take a long time.

I read a book when I was in elementary school that was similar to this.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: chittlins on May 08, 2012, 08:18:14 PM
Every time I walk past the area that the old Ore Cart coaster used to be, I envision the Balloon Chase there.  I also think it would be nice to move the magic shop near there and use the Medicine Wagon as the stage and incorporate all of them into one story.  Some type of salesman that has magical balloons to go with his magic shop and show.  I could elaborate, but that could take a long time.

I read a book when I was in elementary school that was similar to this.

The magic show at HDH sounds interesting.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on May 09, 2012, 08:02:32 AM
I thought splash harbor was removed  ??? ???
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: DollarCityBoy on May 09, 2012, 08:41:01 AM
Splash Harbor has been removed. I think Chittlins is referring to Geyser Gulch.

Copper, you have a very good idea there about the Balloon Chase. That is a large area, that is nothing but wood chips.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Ozarks Gal on May 09, 2012, 08:44:02 AM
If I had my way, the Balloons would return there where Copper said. In my mind they "belong" in that part of the park. ;)
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: okiebluegrass on May 09, 2012, 04:58:30 PM
Copper, you got more pull than the rest of us, since you work there. Don't they have some sorta suggestion box or something?
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Junior on May 09, 2012, 05:51:53 PM
Unless they have changed the way they do things, introduction of new attractions (or bringing back old ones) is about a three year process. They plan, they budget, they do the construction, and on opening day...something new (or something old that is made new again) appears! They try to find the money to do it, budget for staff, construction and maintenance. It is a lengthy process.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: tiffanylynnt on May 09, 2012, 06:11:05 PM
Could they re-theme to balloons to be like the balloons they flew in Marvel Cave in 1994? I know it wouldn't really go with the 1880s theme, but its an idea!
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: chittlins on May 09, 2012, 06:27:49 PM
Sorry, Geyser Gulch. Man, I'd trade da Gulch for an Adventure Mountain anyday. If they are going to do an area where the kids get soaked and they still do without Slash Harbor they can do much better than that for an interactive play area with water effects. All I got to say is thank goodness for quick dry clothes and water shoes from Teva and Merrill between American Plunge, Lost River and Tom And Hucks you are getting very wet . I snicker when I see the no bathing suits disclaimer.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: terrillwhite78 on October 27, 2016, 11:44:29 AM
This thread is 4 years old but the Balloon Chase is back!  It's in the new Fireman's Landing and is named "Fire Spotter".  I rode it just the other day with my 6 year old!
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: sdcfan88 on October 27, 2016, 05:22:15 PM
Yup indeed it is the same ride. The shot tower is also a recycled attraction that came from Celebration City, same with the fire wagon ride.
Title: Re: Balloon Chase
Post by: Swoosh on October 27, 2016, 09:44:49 PM
Fire Wagon ride came from a different park but not CC