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In many ways I think HFE would be a prefect owner for the Busch and SeaWorld parks but I hope that doesn't happen.

I think all parks with animals (including zoos) are just going to have increased pressures by the public and through regulations on the conditions of the animals.  Its a liability HFE already has through the aquariums but those parks have much more vulnerable animals that would be under the publics spotlight.

It's pretty obvious the busch/seaworld parks are backing off the animal attractions and ramping up the rides over that past 10 years.

If anyone takes over those parks I'm going to anticipate an announcement with it about animal attractions being closed down with the deal.

It is not out of the realm of possibility that Johnny Morris will eventually own Herschend.

Might be a great time for him to pick up the phone if he is at all interested.  Entry price into the amusement industry is discounted right now.

1 hour.....

1. Cinnamon Bread
2. Outlaw Run
3. Fire in the Hole

Another challenge would be:  If you and a newbie ride fan had only an hour On a 'light day'....how many rides do you think you could get in?  What would you ride and how would you do it.

After Rope Drop:
1. PK
2. FitH
3. OR
4. TT
5. TnT
6. FM
7. WF

Think we could do them in one hour?

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.

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.

Hard to tell at this point how much this will impact the amusement park industry.  Best case scenario is starting to feel like everyone in the industry will probably have to cut back plans for at least a year.  The new ride lineup for next year across the country will probably be pretty bare:(

Id assume SDC has the capital to finish out MRFs....but hard to say how long it will be before SDC can recover that investment if the crowds are slow to come back.

I think that it is interesting and a good move that they went back to traditional soda fountains instead of the freestyle machines. They seem to just create longer lines when they are the only ones available. I would be happy to see them make the switch inside of Crossroads Pizza too.

I hate the freestyle machines - not only do they take longer because of snot noise kids picking 6 favors....single use at a time (no multiple fills at once) - but they require everyone in the restaurant to touch there grimy fingers on the same screen directly before and after (refills) they eat. 

To be honest  passes are too much  108.00 person plus taxes and fees 

I understand  that they have make money.  Older people  may not come   Because high price .  I think they are lose their charm.

"losing the charm" for the old people?  I'm not saying they are ignoring the older visitors.....but the money is making sure the park has something for the whole family.   So the whole family comes.

Attendance is showing that they can raise prices...they do it most every year and the park keeps stuffing us all in it.

Got to see it all up close at the ACE coaster Christmas walk back today. It really looks incredible with the authentic rock work everywhere. The new ribhouse will be nice and cozy and it interacts a lot with the new ride through. They are still pouring concrete at the base of the tower and may not even start on the steelwork until after the season ends.

They also dropped the news that the old white river mercantile building will become a cinnamon bread bakery. I guess that building will be safe for the future.

What!!!!  This is the biggest news of all!!!!   Cinnamon bread is moving??

The Mill can be a tough place to get in and out of.  As long as it tastes the same....guess my first stop in SDC will take a few steps longer.

Well....attendance has been through the roof the past two years....should not be a surprise that they can raise prices and lower the benefits.  Supply and Demand.  It's still a fair price....arguably better value that the big chains considering the free parking.

I'm one the weirdos that think raising the prices and limiting the free passes will help improve the park experience.  Especially on crowded days.  Won't be long before single day tickets start being variable priced based on demand like that are at the destination parks.  Busy Saturdays being the highest with school in session weekdays being the lowest.

Unless you lived in the immediate Branson area....I have no idea why anyone would buy a WW season pass.

I'm fully on the....need more flat rides....opinion.

Can you imagine what the ride lines would be like through the rest of the park if the strip of GE flat rides where closed on a busy day?  3 or 4 more modern flats through the park would be a huge help on crazy busy days. 

Not to mention I believe they seriously need another indoor attraction that can remain open during bad weather and cold weather.  The only 2 major rides open during rain and cold are the oldest ones in the park.  Beyond fixing/replacing them....may a indoor flat could be done?

Just need employees and money.

Awe....I missed all the drama.  Ya'll realize we are talking about first world problems right.  Arguing about how to spend other peoples money (HFE) and who is the better bigger theme park know it all   You really need to get interspective if you are letting theme park board opinions get under your skin.

SDC is a cash cow for HFE even with the recent spending.....I assume.

There is a bit of a local disappointment that this is basically just replaceing attractions they just removed for reasons not really explained.  Like upgrading and iphone 7 to iphone x....it's newer and looks cooler...but is it worth it?

At least the FL area added to the ride count with some kids flats and space shot along with replacing a kids play area.  I kind of agree that this project seems to missing a new flat....but....I don't get to spend there money.

In my mind....SDCs two biggest issues is.....overcrowding.....and the lack of fresh things to do.  Us customers are also very hard to please.  We want both all the classics to stay forever plus have lots of new experiences too every time we go....lol.  Flat would help a little with overcrowding....lol.  At least they are trying to keep the festivals in shows fresh.

Hey....48 less season tickets from chittlins crew means less lines for the rest of us!!!!  Maybe overcrowding will fix itself without having raise prices to do it....lol  Don't get me started on my mindless wondering about if SDC would be better or worse if they jacked up season tix prices and lowered the daily tixs.

Do you guys think Time Traveler was a bust for SDC for attendance draw? Everytime I go the ride seems to draw a decent crowd even on the slower days.

I used to buy season tickets basically every other year for SDC.  Since TT opened I've only been twice and both times I didn't pay for tickets (bring a friend with another season holder family and as my parents treat for my us). 

I don't think it was TT that caused me/us to stop buying as much as its been my family has wanted to do other things with our money.  We bought Six Flags tix last year and hit up 3 parks with them over 3 different weekend trips through the year.....we did a cruise 2 years ago.....and this year we did a couple Orlando parks and a week on the beach in FL. 

Another new thought - That lift looks a lot higher than Infinity Falls at Sea World.....maybe it isn't.  But it will be interesting to see how the rafts queue up for the lift....or if it will be quick enough that they don't.  The lift really changes how to operate a raft ride.