SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => General Silver Dollar City Talk => Topic started by: sanddunerider on March 13, 2020, 05:17:50 PM

Title: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on March 13, 2020, 05:17:50 PM
new date march 28th...maybe

https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Silver-Dollar-City-delays-season-opening-amid-coronavirus-fears-568783471.html?fbclid=IwAR2e5zFat4RBqgGHWcddLxdGou2Yo2BNDLaX3sW8RLz4zB1UxAm5EmSUtCo
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Citydweller84 on March 13, 2020, 05:20:31 PM
It was only a matter of time with Disney, Universal, and SF all shutting down.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on March 13, 2020, 05:29:33 PM
Dixie Stampede will close as of Monday the 16th.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on March 13, 2020, 11:15:58 PM
I wouldn’t count on the park opening before April and even then I’m expecting YCW to be scrubbed
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on March 14, 2020, 07:34:56 AM
Right now the way things look and are taking place I would say SDC would be very lucky to open by May 1.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on March 14, 2020, 10:44:53 AM
We’re in uncharted territory.  There’s no telling how everything will play out
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: shavethewhales on March 14, 2020, 11:49:37 AM
Yup, just have to ride it out. Going to get worse before it gets better. It really hasn't even spread that far yet, but that damn exponential growth rate is going to get us pretty quickly.

Just thinking in terms of numbers. I think by mid summer the highest peak will be gone and businesses will be opening back up out of necessity. Eventually there will be a degree of herd immunity. It just takes so long to come and go.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sdcfan88 on March 14, 2020, 01:14:26 PM
Possible benefit to come out of this is it may very well be possible (once things open back up) that the fear and hysteria generated by all this may keep the crowds light thru most of the year at the various parks and tourist attractions. Bad on the business end but great for guests and customers as I bet the parks and whatnot will put out discounts or incentives to attract people and get their attendance and revenue back up.

For instance if SDC remains closed well into April I can see them honoring any unused/expired BAF passes or eliminating the blackout dates. As for regular tickets, they may do a buy 1 get 1 half off promo and/or bundle in an option for free general seating on The Branson Belle for any one day of the year thru the 2020 season.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on March 14, 2020, 02:16:52 PM
I would predict just the opposite.   If this lasts 2 or 3 months or even possibly longer, I would think when it is finally over people would want to get out and enjoy the rest of the year and summer.  Especially the ones that were quarantined or just stayed home trying to avoid getting sick.  It will probably depend a lot on if people are compensated for missed work and time off.  Which at this time it looks like a lot of businesses are going to do this.  But you really never know how people will react after something like this is over, it could really go either way. 
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on March 14, 2020, 02:24:38 PM
My question is if SDC would postpone opening for a long period of time would season pass holders say they did not get their money's worth, and ask for a partial refund in some way? 
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: mg on March 14, 2020, 02:51:03 PM
Season pass holders will receive an additional voucher for the 2020 season.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on March 14, 2020, 03:43:29 PM
Well at least they are thinking about that.    I like the way they say " this is a short, temporary delay in our season".   They might should have put "hope this is a short, temporary delay in our season"  :)
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sdcfan88 on March 14, 2020, 03:48:40 PM
Season pass holders will receive an additional voucher for the 2020 season.

Very good. As I suspected, I figured they would do something. They have always been good about taking care of guests.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: HumphreyHawk on March 22, 2020, 04:16:53 PM
Really hard to predict what the attendance will be when they do open.

I'm guessing it will be a gradual rise as people feel more comfortable.  Christmas might be even worse that usual.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on March 23, 2020, 02:54:51 PM
The park has finally made a decision on opening.  Public announcement should happen soon
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: DianaGail on March 23, 2020, 06:35:46 PM
At least May
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on March 23, 2020, 10:45:13 PM
Basically indefinitely until COVID-19 is under control
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: palallin on March 24, 2020, 08:32:05 AM
I was going to say that anyone who sets a specific date at this point is fooling himself. 
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: mg on March 24, 2020, 11:02:48 PM
Found it interesting that SDC and DW released basically word for word statement. Until now, they seemed to be doing their own thing. Most of the statement is attributed to Craig Ross, Dollywood’s president in the DW release and is just standard next (not a quote) in the SDC statement.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on March 27, 2020, 03:40:47 PM
In case you haven’t put 2 and 2 together...

This year there will be no:
-Spring Ride Days
-Young Christians Weekend
-Festival of Wonder
-60th Diamond Jubilee Homecoming (as planned)
-Bluegrass and BBQ?

I’d be all for cutting down Star Spangled Summer and putting in Festival of Wonder as I don’t need two months of Reuben
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Okiebenz on March 27, 2020, 07:38:50 PM
I have put 2 and 2 together and come to the conclusion I probably should have skipped season passes this year like I originally planed to do.  Instead in went all in and decided to get season trail blazer passes also.  Tick tock, the season is running down as we speak. I know it is not their fault and there are other problems in the world but since this is a SDC discussion group I figured I might as well bring it up.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: HumphreyHawk on March 27, 2020, 08:07:41 PM
I'm glad I skipped this year.  For the first time in about 10 years I had no family vacation money budgeted for 2020.  Spending it on the house.

Just remember season ticket holders you are all in this together.  I'd trust HFE will do what is needed for everyone. 

I'm not trying to be the morality police.....I do feel bad for the SDCs workers who need the park open to put food on the table:(  These parks aren't just full of part-time kids getting summer money.....plenty of workers are depending on these jobs.
 
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on March 27, 2020, 08:15:10 PM
I have put 2 and 2 together and come to the conclusion I probably should have skipped season passes this year like I originally planed to do.  Instead in went all in and decided to get season trail blazer passes also.  Tick tock, the season is running down as we speak. I know it is not their fault and there are other problems in the world but since this is a SDC discussion group I figured I might as well bring it up.

Pretty sure you can get another season pass for next year if you do not use your pass this year.   I have never did that but heard at one time they would allow you to do this.   The trailblazer pass might be done the same...not sure.   Just call or message to check.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: palallin on March 30, 2020, 09:28:17 AM
I will miss BG&BBQ if we lose it.

I am not sorry to have bought the passes.  SDC is goin to get hit hard financially this year.  Call whatever value I don't get to use a contribution to the future of the city.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 07, 2020, 10:30:13 PM
Waiting on final confirmation, but read in a couple places that Bluegrass & BBQ is officially canceled for 2020. 
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Pudgy Jones on April 09, 2020, 10:39:51 AM
My family is blessed in the fact that neither my wife nor I are missing paychecks during this situation. We have four season passes. I pray that we will be able to use them at some point this year. If not, I don't expect any sort of refund. As far as I'm concerned, use my money to support the employees of the City.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: shavethewhales on April 10, 2020, 11:19:15 PM
I'm not really expecting them to open next month, but I am hopeful for June. We are moving out of the initial lockdown and containment phase and into the management phase. Theme parks and events are obviously the last things that will come back, but at the same time, the more we learn about this virus the less dangerous it seems for the average joe and the more we can manage it. It's hard to tell at this point if the virus is less dangerous than presumed or if our distancing measures are having a powerful effect.

A lot of SDC's older and more vulnerable patrons (and employees) probably won't/shouldn't make it to the park this year, but maybe they can manage some kind of season for the rest of us? I don't know. It's hard to tell at this point if that would be completely irresponsible, or if the threat of danger has diminished enough that we can get back to at least a little bit of normal life.

Here's hoping for a productive next few weeks on the research side of things. Lot of data set to start rolling in. Will post more in the other thread.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 11, 2020, 08:19:27 AM
Bluegrass & BBQ is cancelled (not sure why it’s still up on the website)
More furloughs being rolled out next week for most of the remaining staff :'(
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Obviousdramatic on April 11, 2020, 04:07:59 PM
This is just crazy to watch. I know it is all for the best and understandable but just hard! The calendar shows TBD until June 1 (if not later). That does not give all that much time before Christmas and getting them lights up. Do they not usually use off days in the fall to put lights up? Do yall think that they will make the season longer (into January February) to make up for the time lost?
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on April 11, 2020, 04:39:04 PM
If they do open this year which is a pretty big if, I would guess they might run every day like a Moonlight Madness type of thing with extended hours.  As far as running into Jan & Feb I would not think so because there is only so much Christmas spirit to go around.   Even to clear the city of Christmas decorations and reopen wouldn't make a lot of sense with the coldest part of Winter coming on.   I don't see it anyway!
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sdcfan88 on April 11, 2020, 07:08:25 PM
That is unfortunate. May is my favorite time to be at the park.
EDIT: So much for the MRF opening/media day that was supposed to be set around that time.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: okiebluegrass on April 13, 2020, 11:38:38 PM
I guess I picked the right year to skip the season pass.

I'm back BTW (again)
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: okiebluegrass on April 14, 2020, 12:03:42 AM
If they extended midnight sadness through the whole season, employees would die, unless there is a whole lot more of them than normal. Those two weeks made for some very long days.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Duelist on April 14, 2020, 12:08:18 PM
^ they'd have to hold it to weekends- which is pretty much what they do for Pumpkin Nights anyway
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Obviousdramatic on April 14, 2020, 12:19:55 PM
Here is a thought, probs crazy, but if and when this beautiful place opens again........I (IMHO) feel the crowds will be full on week of Christmas levels for a good portion of the time. I think I am going to scrap any plans to visit this year and try again 2021.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on April 14, 2020, 01:30:21 PM
The way things are looking it's not really that hard to imagine SDC not opening at all this year, or at least not until late in the year.  They just would not be considered as essential, and with the large accumulation of people in close proximity is not favorable. 

If they can open say in 2 or 3 months and people feel safe, then I would expect crowds to be much larger than usual.  But that being said there will still be a large number of people that will still be cautious and not want to be in close quarters with a lot of people.

I still think if they can open this year they would have a lot of days with extended hours, and even extend the days they are open to possibly 6 or 7 days a week when they are usually cutting days down (say August).  Over the years the main complaint I heard by employees was not getting enough hours in, not too many.  A simple solution to that is just hire more people.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 14, 2020, 03:17:57 PM
Not to put more pressure on SDC... but WOF just made their 2020 passes good through the end of 2021 (including add-one like dining, drink and FastLane). 
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Okiebenz on April 14, 2020, 05:56:58 PM
Not to put more pressure on SDC... but WOF just made their 2020 passes good through the end of 2021 (including add-one like dining, drink and FastLane).

And that is exactly what SDC needs to do.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Obviousdramatic on April 14, 2020, 06:32:36 PM
This feels like the thing to do but boy will that HURT financially. Think of all that income lost to 2021 if SPs become usable in 2021 as well. I dont think there is a right answer in any of this anyways.  :-[ :-\ :o
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 14, 2020, 07:46:31 PM
This feels like the thing to do but boy will that HURT financially. Think of all that income lost to 2021 if SPs become usable in 2021 as well. I dont think there is a right answer in any of this anyways.  :-[ :-\ :o

There’s two schools of thought here.

1. Lost income from SP sales
2. Amazing PR which will generate guaranteed return visitors over two years
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sdcfan88 on April 14, 2020, 07:56:01 PM
This feels like the thing to do but boy will that HURT financially. Think of all that income lost to 2021 if SPs become usable in 2021 as well. I dont think there is a right answer in any of this anyways.  :-[ :-\ :o

There’s two schools of thought here.

1. Lost income from SP sales
2. Amazing PR which will generate guaranteed return visitors over two years

Agreed with both points. There is always a chance it could go either way, but I think SP sales aren't necessarily the entire bulk of their income but it does make an impact. What is important is getting people to actually come out to the park. They still have plenty of non season ticket sales from people walking on to purchase tickets the day of. You also have to take into account all the purchases that guests make in the park itself (food, souvenirs, drink cups, wheelchairs/carts, trailblazers and then they have lodging/sales at the attached properties such as the campground, White Water, and the Branson Belle which I am sure they will promote hard to encourage people to do alongside SDC.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: biscuitcreek on April 15, 2020, 07:53:53 AM
Not to put more pressure on SDC... but WOF just made their 2020 passes good through the end of 2021 (including add-one like dining, drink and FastLane).

I sure hope SDC does this.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on April 15, 2020, 04:54:57 PM
I posted this on another page earlier today.....

""""
I would just like this "virus" to be over!!

Get the park open, get the rest of the world open.!

Some of us dont expect a thing, just want the park open,
others want/expect a whole load of freebies and bonuses for some reason?.

Bottom line, relax, wait, SDC and the PTB will take care of the SP holders, and I expect to see them run "daily specials" to get the general public to attend also.

The money is NOT in the SP, but people in the gate, inside the park buying drinks, concessions, trinkets, crafts,souvenirs and the other goodies that the tourists buy.
""""
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 15, 2020, 06:28:55 PM
SDC furloughed 257 more workers today
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/missouri/2020/04/15/silver-dollar-city-lays-off-257-workers/5139313002/
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on April 15, 2020, 07:01:16 PM
The way they are describing the move as going into "hibernation mode" doesn't sound very promising.  Sounds like they are expecting a fairly long wait.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on April 15, 2020, 07:25:21 PM
SDC furloughed 257 more workers today
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/missouri/2020/04/15/silver-dollar-city-lays-off-257-workers/5139313002/


That sounds bad, 
But by laying them off they will be able to collect unemployment and maybe some of the other stimulus money out there floating around.
The article I read said that SDC would continuing paying their health insurance, which a good thing for the Employees.   
I hope that the insurance payment isnt considered "wages", that might effect their claims.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 15, 2020, 07:28:49 PM
It means all of the full time (or almost all) maintenance staff are furloughed
That means the park will not be opening anytime soon.  Maybe June at earliest
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: scootriteby on April 15, 2020, 10:43:33 PM
I called Silver Dollar City the first of this week(just to see if they had any idea). The person I talked to said tentatively the last of May, possibly June. Not sure where he got his info from.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on April 16, 2020, 06:10:01 AM
Although NO official announcement, the General speculation is June 1st at the earliest...
 
which means that the PTB have already decided they will NOT be open for memorial day weekend
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Obviousdramatic on April 16, 2020, 08:04:03 AM
Here is a thought, and most likely dumb, but a thought none the less. I know they begin selling the next years SPs in November. Do yall think they will make this event earlier to help generate much needed income for themselves? I keep waffling on how good of an idea this is. Not asking for them to be discounted, keep them the same price as they would have been just a couple months early? Maybe they release them in November for a reason I do not know. Highly possible.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: runner1960 on April 16, 2020, 03:28:06 PM
Here is a thought, and most likely dumb, but a thought none the less. I know they begin selling the next years SPs in November. Do yall think they will make this event earlier to help generate much needed income for themselves? I keep waffling on how good of an idea this is. Not asking for them to be discounted, keep them the same price as they would have been just a couple months early? Maybe they release them in November for a reason I do not know. Highly possible.

I think they have bigger priorities right now. To be honest Theme parks are on the bottom of most peoples list of concerns right now. It would be a PR nightmare when most people are struggling to buy groceries and unemployment ramp up higher each week. I know I will have different priorities after this is over and most of my friends are assessing how they will approach life after.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: pintrader on April 16, 2020, 03:40:24 PM
I know they begin selling the next years SPs in November. Do yall think they will make this event earlier to help generate much needed income for themselves?

I don't really believe so because your talking about a small amount of income if you started selling them a couple of months ahead.   Most people would just wait anyway unless SDC really sweetened the deal by adding extra vouchers to get in free.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Jipper on April 28, 2020, 11:15:15 AM
Looks like they extended existing 2020 season passes through June 1st, 2021. Makes me think they will be closed through May perhaps?
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Okiebenz on April 28, 2020, 12:17:11 PM
That is great but does that mean if you buy passes next year they will be discounted?  Otherwise I will probably use thru the extended period then skip the rest of the year.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sdcfan88 on April 28, 2020, 12:58:19 PM
Saw that. Odd choice on their part to let people have half a season then have to pay for a season pass renewal mid-season.  ???
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: saladdays on April 28, 2020, 01:21:10 PM
A lot of businesses are doing "odd" things right now.

Although, I don't even know that it's really that odd (other than a logistic standpoint, I suppose). I'm guessing the pass for the remainder of the year next year will be somewhat discounted for current pass holders.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: runner1960 on April 28, 2020, 02:31:24 PM
Sounds like they are trying to do the right thing. I just checked the Facebook page and I have never seen so much witching and moaning. Give me a break. This is totally unprecedented and companies are trying their best to balance staying in business and retain customers. I did not buy season passes this year but this would have been a totally acceptable solution if I had.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: JustGoHogs on April 28, 2020, 03:11:16 PM
with all due respect to everyone asking questions, no one is certain about how anything is going finally work out at Silver Dollar City or any business directly affected by the pandemic.  I know we all want answers and eventually we will get them but it's going to take some time and patience.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Okiebenz on April 28, 2020, 05:07:30 PM
Saw that. Odd choice on their part to let people have half a season then have to pay for a season pass renewal mid-season.  ???

I did see something posted on Facebook somewhere about they would be offering prorated or discounted passes for the rest of the year next year.  We shall see.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 29, 2020, 12:24:07 AM
Sounds like they are trying to do the right thing. I just checked the Facebook page and I have never seen so much witching and moaning. Give me a break. This is totally unprecedented and companies are trying their best to balance staying in business and retain customers. I did not buy season passes this year but this would have been a totally acceptable solution if I had.

The issue is that since they were not the first company in the state to make their decision on what to do, the standard (precedent) has already been set.  Worlds of Fun is giving their season pass holders 2021 for “free”.  Now that this has become very public, anything less than that seems like a slap in the face to the pass holders.  SDC should have called and raised so that they would appear to be the park in the area that cares the most about their patrons.  As is, they’re barely on par with Six Flags with how their handling this. 

Perspective is everything in this industry
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on April 29, 2020, 07:53:12 AM
Sounds like they are trying to do the right thing. I just checked the Facebook page and I have never seen so much witching and moaning. Give me a break. This is totally unprecedented and companies are trying their best to balance staying in business and retain customers. I did not buy season passes this year but this would have been a totally acceptable solution if I had.

^^  Agreed.!!  So many people (especially now),  wanting to know what they are going to get for free!!.  Give me!  Give me!  Give me!     

Come on!! 
Lets get the park open, 
Lets get the Businesses across the Country open
Lets get Branson Open for business,

Then if the need is really there..  Let the owners figure out how to "compensate" their customers..

WHAT??  IF SDC open on June 1st?  people dont think they can get their moneys worth?   Geez! 3 or 4 or more days in 6 months.!  thats a bargain..

Shows in Branson?  another site people screaming for freebies.  What are they going to do(give me)? free tickets? disconts for next year? refunds?  Sheez!!??     Again 3 or 4 or more trips in 6 months doesnt justify the price you paid?

People need to step back form the punch bowl.. sit back and wait..   This will work out. If is doesnt the jump on the wagon and yell I want it for FREE!!!

OK.  of the soapbox now, rant over....  LOL

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!


Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Pudgy Jones on April 29, 2020, 09:56:16 AM
Let me begin by saying that I am speaking from a privileged position because my wife and I continue to receive a paycheck. Many people aren't in the same boat. I get that.

I've been a season pass holder for 15 years. If I don't get to make a single visit this year because of the Coronavirus, I don't feel like SDC owes me a penny. I'll buy my passes again next year and hope for a better year.

The long-term viability of SDC is more important to me than getting to visit this year.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: saladdays on April 29, 2020, 11:38:48 AM
The issue is that since they were not the first company in the state to make their decision on what to do, the standard (precedent) has already been set.  Worlds of Fun is giving their season pass holders 2021 for “free”.  Now that this has become very public, anything less than that seems like a slap in the face to the pass holders.  SDC should have called and raised so that they would appear to be the park in the area that cares the most about their patrons.  As is, they’re barely on par with Six Flags with how their handling this. 

Perspective is everything in this industry

So one glove fits all? Does that mean that all higher-end parks (I'm calling SDC one of those, at least in comparison to WoF) need to do the same things as the lower-end ones? We don't have this problem in Missouri, but doesn't Disney and Universal do different things that the smaller parks in Florida and California?
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 29, 2020, 01:38:20 PM
The issue is that since they were not the first company in the state to make their decision on what to do, the standard (precedent) has already been set.  Worlds of Fun is giving their season pass holders 2021 for “free”.  Now that this has become very public, anything less than that seems like a slap in the face to the pass holders.  SDC should have called and raised so that they would appear to be the park in the area that cares the most about their patrons.  As is, they’re barely on par with Six Flags with how their handling this. 

Perspective is everything in this industry

So one glove fits all? Does that mean that all higher-end parks (I'm calling SDC one of those, at least in comparison to WoF) need to do the same things as the lower-end ones? We don't have this problem in Missouri, but doesn't Disney and Universal do different things that the smaller parks in Florida and California?

Here’s the problem using Disney and Universal parks in this conversation, those parks use what is called an annual pass.  That means that you have one year of use at the parks from the date it is bought.  So if you buy the pass in March, it’s good from that day in March to the same day in March the next year.  So what Disney and Universal are doing is expanding that year the annual pass is good for by however many days the parks are closed.  See that works great in this situation. 

SDC (and now DW who announced the same procedures for their passes) are really painting themselves into a corner.  They don’t have a membership program like Six Flags (where they just suspended dues until the park opens again and they gave everyone one free level upgrade on their membership) and they don’t do annual passes like at the big boys, so what do they do?

Well there’s several thought processes here.  The clean and easy way to do it is how Cedar Fair (WOF, CP, KI, etc) is doing it with just giving 2021 “free” - in this system there are no questions.  It is straight to the point.  Then there’s the other way of doing it, which SDC, Dollywood (and Hersheypark I’ve just learned) are expanding the pass into 2021 (but not the entire season).  On paper to accountants this sounds extremely logical, but instead of fixing what it was supposed to fix, it has now created more issues.  How do we prorate? What if people don’t buy the rest of 2021? So many questions that were created that didn’t need to be. 

I know that the park means well, it just appears (to me and many others) that they should have done better
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on April 29, 2020, 03:11:51 PM
I am real surprised about the concern of "value" and time of the season pass.

The PTB will figure it out and whatever they do will be fair to some, but others will scream foul!!

IF the 2021 SP is so "questionable" about value.  here is my thought.....

They could simply sell an all year pass for whatever.... Say.. 90.00

Then for the people with 2020 passes, when they up up due on June1 2021, extend it for 50 bucks for the duration of 2021

See? easy peasy.. no overlaps, no double fees, all passes would end at the end of the year 2021.

Back to regular passes and good times for 2022
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: runner1960 on April 29, 2020, 03:35:02 PM
I am real surprised about the concern of "value" and time of the season pass.

The PTB will figure it out and whatever they do will be fair to some, but others will scream foul!!

IF the 2021 SP is so "questionable" about value.  here is my thought.....

They could simply sell an all year pass for whatever.... Say.. 90.00

Then for the people with 2020 passes, when they up up due on June1 2021, extend it for 50 bucks for the duration of 2021

See? easy peasy.. no overlaps, no double fees, all passes would end at the end of the year 2021.

Back to regular passes and good times for 2022

Agree totally, Just amazes me at the amount of people who think they are owed something.  Its a simple solution.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: saladdays on April 29, 2020, 05:06:37 PM
Here’s the problem using Disney and Universal parks in this conversation, those parks use what is called an annual pass.  That means that you have one year of use at the parks from the date it is bought.  So if you buy the pass in March, it’s good from that day in March to the same day in March the next year.  So what Disney and Universal are doing is expanding that year the annual pass is good for by however many days the parks are closed.  See that works great in this situation. 

SDC (and now DW who announced the same procedures for their passes) are really painting themselves into a corner.  They don’t have a membership program like Six Flags (where they just suspended dues until the park opens again and they gave everyone one free level upgrade on their membership) and they don’t do annual passes like at the big boys, so what do they do?

Well there’s several thought processes here.  The clean and easy way to do it is how Cedar Fair (WOF, CP, KI, etc) is doing it with just giving 2021 “free” - in this system there are no questions.  It is straight to the point.  Then there’s the other way of doing it, which SDC, Dollywood (and Hersheypark I’ve just learned) are expanding the pass into 2021 (but not the entire season).  On paper to accountants this sounds extremely logical, but instead of fixing what it was supposed to fix, it has now created more issues.  How do we prorate? What if people don’t buy the rest of 2021? So many questions that were created that didn’t need to be. 

I know that the park means well, it just appears (to me and many others) that they should have done better

First of all, my example of Disney and Universal was just to create a higher tier park, and distinguish them from other parks in their areas. I wasn't trying to use them as an example here, and my bad if it came off that way.

But yeah, as I believe I mentioned before, logistically for them it could create additional headaches. But, I am either going to buy the remainder of 2021 or I am not. If the prorated price is fair, I most likely will. I can't imagine that SDC would do this and then try to rip off current season pass holders by making the prorated price too high.

I guess if someone like you is more in tune with these types of things, then it could be an issue for you. But the people I've talked to about it so far are glad they're doing something.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Obviousdramatic on April 29, 2020, 06:11:25 PM
Not a season pass holder this year but if I was one this solution is fine. They are extending the time you missed. That is fair. And in all honesty I wonder how many of those SP holders planned on going March-June 1st anyways? I know we do because the crowds are light and its such drive for us it makes sense. Now my next thought is about the prorated cost. I think that is kind to be offered. But I would rather purchase in November and get all the benefits for the year. That is not to say they will not give bonuses to the current pass holders, but it is really not that much more in November AND its on a payment plan. Either way, 2021 is getting purchased correct? Gamble on prorated cost or get November cost? I am a November cost gal.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: Swoosh on April 29, 2020, 06:14:29 PM
I guess if someone like you is more in tune with these types of things, then it could be an issue for you. But the people I've talked to about it so far are glad they're doing something.

Is this a case of “ignorance is bliss” for these people that are not “more in tune with these types of things”?
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: saladdays on April 30, 2020, 10:39:53 AM
Is this a case of “ignorance is bliss” for these people that are not “more in tune with these types of things”?

Well, perhaps to an extent. But I bet a lot of people in this boat are only ignorant because what other parks are doing doesn't matter that much to them. Like for me, I didn't even know what other parks were doing until I came on this site.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: palallin on May 01, 2020, 10:04:33 AM
I really don't care what other parks are doing--I have no interest in any of them. 

Nor do I feel like SDC owes me anything.  If I get to go twice this year, the SPs are paid for.  If I don't, it is as likely a function of my schedule as it is theirs. 

If they don't get to open at all, well, I figure the least of my problems is SPs bought and paid for last year.
Title: Re: SDC postpones opening!!
Post by: sanddunerider on May 01, 2020, 04:39:36 PM
I really don't care what other parks are doing--I have no interest in any of them. 

Nor do I feel like SDC owes me anything.  If I get to go twice this year, the SPs are paid for.  If I don't, it is as likely a function of my schedule as it is theirs. 

If they don't get to open at all, well, I figure the least of my problems is SPs bought and paid for last year.


^^^   I like it.! couldnt agree more..