Messages

451

Construction/Rumors / Re: Christmas at Silver Dollar City

« on: September 22, 2017, 01:24:04 PM »

Yup, I think it's a little early!     I was at the City yesterday, and while there wasn't any Christmas music, the lights were on in several areas as workers were stapling them to structures.

It's never to early to play Christmas music!  lol

they've actually been putting the lights on since the end of July.  If they don't start that early, they'll never get them done in time.  it's a huge project that has a dedicated crew of guys that are actually on it year round.  In January they start taking all of the lights down which takes a while as well, then in the off season it's a process of checking every light string and bulb, rotating the strings of lights so that older strings are pulled out of service, newer ones are reused, and brand new strings are brought in, and a lot of other work.

Add to that the huge amount of welding that they had added onto their workload this year to build all of the new props, flats, and structures for the Christmas in midtown, and it's a huge amount of work.

BTW, the new globe  could be spotted in the Red Gold parking lot near it's entrance today.  Similar to the one at Disney, but most certainly smaller by several feet.  (I got to see the Osborne lights- mounted and in pieces backstage- on a frequent basis when I worked at Disney) Talked to another one of the guys who helps to oversee a lot of that and he adamantly confirmed that while it was inspired by Disney, and some of it will look similar, ALL of it (flats, globe, angels, supports, and other props) was built in house.  They did use some photos of the Osborne lights at Disney as inspiration and models, but none of it came from Florida.  the only ones I've heard say that any of this came from Florida all have "mysterious sources" or aren't sure, but that is not what any of the guys who actually work on it, supervise it, or have overseen it have said.  And I've talked to several of them now.

Edit in:  I am aware of a truck of smaller props that came in, though the people that I've talked to about it weren't sure what was on it other than it wasn't anything large and may have included some angels.  But not sure where it came from.

452

Construction/Rumors / Re: Christmas at Silver Dollar City

« on: September 16, 2017, 09:02:25 PM »

"few"

So pretty much everything except the façades then?
I will say this for being "original to SDC" ... nope not buying it because I've heard otherwise

Few as in Saturday and I've been busy since then and it's a low priority.  But I also talked to a couple of my friends who work in M&C today as well.  You can not buy it if you want (not that it was for sale) but since these are the guys that actually built the stuff, all of the stuff, themselves, I'm inclined to believe them.

453

Construction/Rumors / Re: Christmas at Silver Dollar City

« on: September 16, 2017, 05:11:02 PM »

 a lot of the Christmas at Midtown set pieces are up now.  I took some photos today, which you can see at
https://www.facebook.com/sirwillow/posts/10155767713240984

it actually looks like it's going to be pretty neat.  I wasnt' sure how it was going to work with the narrow walkways there, but I think it's going to end up pretty nice, with a more intimate feel and not being totally overwhelming like I was afraid of.  But still plenty of lights to make for a very, very neat experience.

Also I had a chance to talk to one of the guys in charge of this a few days ago (at a funeral of all things).  These are NOT the pieces that used to be at Walt Disney World.  They have built everything here from scratch- the frames, attaching the lights, wiring, everything.  He said that while there might be a few pieces that will look similar, all of it is original to SDC, and has not come from Florida.

454

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: September 15, 2017, 07:40:38 PM »

I think the observation tower would be awesome.....It would be easy to theme it as a fire watch tower like the multiple ones they actually have around here.  I'd try to put it at the end of the cave tour.....build it by the tour exit.   How cool would that be to do the underground tour and finish it off with a couple of rides up to get a few hundred foot view the ozarks?  It could be a new icon for the park.

The negatives.....not sure if it would actually bring in my ROI.  After all their are already observations towers around the area.....which means it's also not really that unique of an attraction.

Could also go full Six Flags with a tower too and build with a drop tower or zipline deal.  I'd love a bigger SS tower with a view....or drop tower with a view....but wouldn't what to combine them.

I still wonder if they could use the old existing Water Boggan tower for one.  Open it up on one or two sides so you only see the "pretty" part and not the roads, and it would be cheaper than building a new one.  But I don't know if the structure on that old tower would work or not, or how stable.  And they'd probably have to hook up some sort of elevator.

455

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: September 14, 2017, 08:57:29 PM »

Or am I alone in getting excited when I spot something from a theme/ amusement park before I get there?  :-)

There in lies my issue.  This is not Six Flags or even an amusement park.  This is a theme park who's mystique is the rides being hidden from the main midway.  Why would we want the park to be like any other park?

I certainly understand that.  Absolutely.  But even Walt understood what an attraction it can be to see something from outside of the park.  He called it the "weenie"- something to draw people's attention in and increase the desire to go.  it's why you can see the landmarks at all of the Walt Disney Parks from a long ways outside of the parks.  It's why the Matterhorn sticks up as a landmark at Disneyland.  It's why all of the Disney parks have sometime that draws you in from outside.

So I have no problem with things inside the park being seen from the outside of the park.  But once inside, it's another story. That's when I'd like to see as little of the outside world as possible.  I don't mind going up and getting a great look over the park- and if it's like SDC, you can do it where it can get incredible views around the park without showing the "outside" world thanks to the hills.

It doesn't have to be either/ or, it can be both.  :-)

Which is why I don't mind if SDC puts up some things to help draw in attention from people driving by, and drawing their interest to the park.  But it doesn't have to ruin my immersion in the atmosphere once I'm there.

456

Random Talk / Re: Tell Me Something Good!

« on: September 14, 2017, 08:51:24 PM »

We were notified by WDW that our choir has been accepted to perform at the Epcot Candlelight Processional on Dec 2nd.  Whoppi Goldberg will be the narrator.  Super excited and happy for my kids.

that is absolutely, incredibly awesome!!  Candlelight was one of my favorite parts of Christmas at WDW.  It's going to be an incredible experience for everyone!

457

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: September 14, 2017, 09:25:12 AM »

Awesome pics

Thought as I was viewing them.....has the park every had any issues with wildlife around the rides?  I'd assume the fencing would keep out the larger creatures (deer, humans).  But Id hate to think about what might happen to a random squirrel.

There have certainly been times where animals have come into the park and affected the rides.  it's rare, but it does happen.

Had a bobcat around the train station one morning when I was cleaning that slowed me up a bit (still opened on time)
Know of a time they found a kitten inside of Electro Spin that closed it down for a while.
At least a couple of times they had deer jump into the Lost River and had to shut it down in order to get them out.
Train has hit a couple of animals, like groundhogs, that crossed the tracks (I'll spare you the details on that)

so it's not unheard of for some of the wildlife to occasionally affect the rides and operations.  Though with TT being where it is by Echo Hollow and the road, I think it's much less likely there than on the other side of the park closer to the woods.

458

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: New Survey about what to keep what could go at SDC

« on: September 14, 2017, 09:19:50 AM »

I don't think there's anything over ten years old in the park that is really off the potential chopping block anymore, save for the really big modern rides.

Sadly, I agree with that statement.  With one exception- the train.  After their major investment in new engines, I'd say the train is pretty safe for at least several years.  The robbery I'm not as confident about, but at least the ride itself isn't going anywhere.

Other than that, I'm afraid for a lot of the old classics that make SDC what it is, and have been for a while.

I am interested in what they asked about the Homestead, School, Wilderness Church and Grandfather's Mansion  though.

459

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: September 14, 2017, 09:15:44 AM »

Personally I think a much larger drop tower or a star flyer would be a great addition.  I'd also love to see them turn the old Waterboggan tower into an observation tower of some sort, to let people up to enjoy the view of the Ozarks.  I certainly wouldn't consider a ride like that an eyesore, but more of a landmark.

Or am I alone in getting excited when I spot something from a theme/ amusement park before I get there?  :-)

(Swoosh- no, I wasn't trying to be argumentative any more than chittlins was.  Just making a point that your preference already really doesn't really exist)

While probably unlikely since it would offer a similar ride experience to Time Traveler minus the spinning, SDC really has an opportunity here to capitalize on their relationship with Mack by reviving the Mystery Mine concept that was once talked about years ago before the recession killed it. I really think they could pull off a superior version using their Big Dipper trains.

My biggest problem with Mystery Mine was how rough the first half of it was.  It was an incredible ride- especially the theming around it.  But I was focused so much on not getting slammed around and hurt that I felt like I missed a bunch of it. The second half was much better.  The big dipper trains certainly look like they would fix that issue.  For those that haven't seen them, you can see them at: https://mack-rides.com/products/rollercoaster/bigdipper/

To do Mystery Mine with that kind of train would be awesome!  it's to bad that they couldn't replace the trains on Mystery Mine itself with something like that.

460

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: September 13, 2017, 09:52:36 AM »

As long as the ride cannot be seen from other parts of the park or outside the park then I'm fine with any of those except the woodie.  Personal preference there.

They've already got a number of rides you can see from outside of the park.  If you're coming from Branson West then Wildfire and Outlaw Run are easy to see, just because of the height.  You can see them and Powder Keg easily from the parking lots and Indian Point Road as well.  Unfortunately, anything with any sort of height is going to be seen outside of the park and provide a view outside as well.  That's the nature of the beast.

You can also see outside the park quite clearly on the train as it's approaching it's back loop, looking down onto Table Rock and some of the resorts and apartments that are down there.  there are numerous other areas you can see outside as well if you pay a little attention.  As an example, the Dollar General up the road is quite easy to spot in at least 5 places within the park that I'm aware of, especially when it's dark.

I agree that it would a nice thing to have the berm idea like Disney cutting it off from the outside world, but it's not practical.

461

Construction/Rumors / Re: Ride Survey 09.11.17

« on: September 13, 2017, 09:48:08 AM »

different terminology might make a difference on how the public perceives this new ride.    I am surprised how many people on different sites are saying they will NEVER ride it because it spins and drops....
even though it is a controlled spin.. 
I would think wait until it is complete, go check it out, then make a decision...

You can see that even among some of our own posters here who are freaking out thinking it's going to spin like tea cups do, and making them sick- just based on that one word.  It's one reason why, fairly quickly after the announcement, I quit saying spin and started saying "rotate."  Revolve may be another word that works.  There is just an image when you use the word spin that conjures fast, uncontrolled spinning, and I think they are wise to realize now that it is a word and image they want to get away from as it seems to scare people away who would otherwise love the ride.

462

Other Parks / Re: Wonders of Wildlife opens Sept 22nd....

« on: September 08, 2017, 01:16:32 PM »

It took Mr. Bass Pro less than two years after he finally got off the pot to transform the Pyramid in Memphis to a store and hotel. It has been opened for two years and this place STILL isn't officially Open. And...at the prices he is wanting it best be special.

For an aquarium of this size the prices are actually right around "normal" and pretty much on the same level as other similar places.  Not much different than the price of a show in Branson.

463

Other Parks / Re: Wonders of Wildlife opens Sept 22nd....

« on: September 08, 2017, 09:52:20 AM »

In other news.......Hell froze over

It's not open yet!  there's still time for them to decide to keep it closed for more work.  lol

464

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Silver Dollar City Record

« on: September 04, 2017, 09:25:53 AM »

Which flea market?  where?  I'm sure someone here will want to go get it if they can
(sorry, I don't have any answers to your actual question though.)

465

Random Talk / Re: New rides, ideas and entertainment development that catch your fancy

« on: August 23, 2017, 10:14:45 AM »

Ok, that is really really cool.  I would love to do that one sometime!