Messages

496

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2017 Trip Reports

« on: July 20, 2017, 03:24:55 PM »

I was surprised to see only 1 train running on Powder Keg on Monday and not all of the seats were open on it.  By far the longest line in the park.  Are the other trains out of service?

We were there a week and a half ago and went to Powder Keg to open, and they were having problems with the restraints on one of the trains not locking and releasing properly so pulled it out of service.  I would think they'd have that fixed after a week though.

Plus Monday's are usually slow, so I'm not surprised at one train operation there.

497

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Tram nightmare

« on: July 20, 2017, 03:22:43 PM »

When we were there with my niece a week and a half ago we parked at lot 2, before the park was opened.  Watch 2 trams drive right past all of us who were waiting, then didn't see any more.  We walked up to the gate and weren't passed by a tram the entire time we were walking- going either direction.  This was within 30 minutes of the park's announced opening time, so not sure what was going on there.  There were at least 100 people waiting at stop 2.

Seems like someone has changed some of the procedures and may have forgotten that they are supposed to be transporting people from the parking lot into the park?  I don't know.  First time I've ever seen that and thought it was an aberration.  but with the original post, now I'm wondering...

498

Branson Talk / Re: Tabuchi Theater

« on: July 15, 2017, 09:29:27 AM »

All anyone seemed to talk about were the restrooms.  If I go to a show, I expect the performance to be what I remember - not my experience in the restroom.

Which should explain the quality of the show in recent years...  :-)

499

Branson Talk / Re: Tabuchi Theater

« on: July 14, 2017, 11:11:20 PM »

Loved checking out the bathrooms.  They're not to miss (you understand if you've been there...)  The show as of a couple of years ago?  ehhhh.  Seemed like it was much more about his daughter than him.  :-/

500

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

« on: July 13, 2017, 10:27:51 PM »

It's not being acquired - it's going to be a partnership.  The renovations to the guest rooms will begin immediately but the hotel will not be officially rebranded as "Tan-Tar-A, a Margaritaville Resort" until March 2019. 

Considering so many teacher conferences are held at TTA it will be interesting to see if that changes as I am sure some districts might not be too keen on sending their employees to a resort called Margaritaville.  Me, I work at a Catholic school.  No problem there.

Not just teacher conferences.  Missouri high school state archery tournament is there as well, along with other events for high school students.  Not sure that change will go over so well there.

501

Branson Talk / Re: Shepherd of the Hills - New Adventure Park

« on: July 13, 2017, 05:38:48 PM »

here is what they have posted on their Facebook page:

We’re excited to announce the re-opening of Shepherd of the Hills and the addition of the all new Homestead Adventure Park! Along with keeping up the traditional play that has been a part of our history for over 50 years, we are introducing a whole new side to the homestead, including an aerial adventure rope course, ATV off road tours, canopy zip lines course, rock climbing up the inspirational tower, petting farm, train rides, tree houses and playgrounds, and much more! Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

they also said at the end of the press conference video that changes to the show would basically be improvements in the theater which needs "a little TLC" and that they don't really anticipate any real changes to the show itself.

They also mentioned the possibility of more zip lines off of the Tower and other possible improvements.

Overall, it sounds a lot like what I had hoped for with the property.  I'd still love to see a resort on the other side of the road as part of it, but don't know if they are looking at that or not.  But so far I like what they are saying, and it sounds like things that can draw people there and to spend much more of the day there.

502

Construction/Rumors / Re: Lucky Silver Mine Restaurant at SDC

« on: July 12, 2017, 09:57:06 AM »

So I took a picture of the famous "ghost bench" in the depot yesterday when we were there.  you'll find it at
https://sirwillow.smugmug.com/Amusement-Parks-Roller/Mid-USA-TX-MO-OK-etc/Silver-Dollar-City-March-24-2017/i-jK76Zc3/A

If you look at the legs, you'll see that they aren't on the ground at all but are floating.  The barrel next to it hides it a bit.  If you look close right by the center legs under the guy is an odd looking object.  That's the hydraulic lift for the bench.  the fact that they have another bench on the back side of it right against it tells me that it's, once again, not working.  But there it is for the skeptics.  :-)

503

Branson Talk / Re: Shepherd of the Hills. Not going to Open

« on: July 12, 2017, 09:48:51 AM »

Sorry, I'm serious old school...ok, revamp the tower, please keep tours and play...but I think it is such a historical property that as much of the old as can be saved should be saved. Apparently the old campground property across the highway is part of the homestead property, so if it is, revamp the campground and add a lodge and you got your resort, but don't put the resort on the homestead side please. Add some attractions if you need to, but be selective and make it quality, not some cheap stuff. I agree to put some money into the property to freshen it up, but manage wisely, so it will be there for future generations. This property is where tourism as we know it began in Branson.

yep, this is pretty much exactly how I feel.  You can revamp, invest and improve without damaging the history or integrity of the homestead.  And it needs to stay at the homestead.

504

Random Talk / Re: Your Travels outside of Branson for 2017 and beeeeeeyonddddd......

« on: July 11, 2017, 09:34:59 PM »

KNOEBELS now posted: HERE


 So apparently there is a limit to how much you are allowed to snap your flyer at Knoebels and yes I found it.  I guess it was a good thing I had a good flight as it was my only one for the evening.

Wait a minute.  Am I reading this right?  You actually got kicked off of the flyers at Knoebels for snapping?  I didn't know that was possible.  What happened?  *shocked*

505

Branson Talk / Re: Shepherd of the Hills. Not going to Open

« on: July 11, 2017, 09:21:48 PM »

Honestly I think that SOTH just needs to become a resort.  The views are amazing, but there is no hope in bringing the drama back into relevance.  The Tower has been structurally damaged thanks to the stupid zipline that should have never been added.  I have no idea how much it will take to repair that.  The cabin really should be moved to CofO where we KNOW it would be taken care of.

Don't know about the tower, but CofO is the last place I'd want to see that cabin moved, and they would be the worst caretaker of the play and book.  They'd be pretty much shut down unless you want to pay some hefty fees.  I don't know anyone that has been involved with the property or play that wants CofO to have any of it- and there's good reasons for that.

There's a lot that could be done with the property- a resort being one option- that could make viable and financially strong- and it can be done with the show and some of the other things still there.  But it's going to take some investment to do it, along with some good management.  So many possibilities on a lot of that land still that can be worked with.

506

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2017 Trip Reports

« on: July 11, 2017, 09:16:43 PM »

We were also out there today for almost the entire day.  Had a great time.

Powder Keg was having issues right at opening with the restraints on one train.  After waiting a bit to see what was going to happen, we moved on to the other coasters.  They did get it open later, but with only one train, which meant a long wait, even with a short line.  So we'll catch that one on Friday.

otherwise there was little to no wait for most of the rides today.  Got in multiple rides on Wildfire and several others.  Niece had a nice "freakout" time on FitH and Flooded mine since she's afraid of clowns, mannequins, and similar things.  We had a great time at her expense on those.  and she loved Wildfire and really enjoyed Outlaw Run.

Globetrotters put on a great show- much improved over last year!  if you haven't seen them yet, better hurry.  they're done at the end of this week.  it was also great to see a group at the gazebo that we've followed over the years- Southern Raised!  they're only there through Thursday, but they are a great bluegrass group.

Had fun showing my niece and some friends from Florida a lot of what makes the park great though- the crafts, candy shop, the food, the train, and the people.  We looped around twice and had a great time.  Actually went on all of the water rides today- something we usually don't do because they lines are long, but that wasn't an issue today.  Didn't make it it to the cave or Homestead Pickers- niece will get those on Friday as well.  But it was a great day with light crowds and lots of fun.

They loved the train robbery- and we had a good group of guys doing it today (so happy to see that Rick was out there for my friends!)

My one failure- would you believe we didn't even look at the construction site?  We were so busy playing and riding that we didn't even think about it.  I'll try to remember to take my good camera Friday to take a look and get some photos.  :-)

507

Random Talk / Re: What's going on in NWA, Spring 17

« on: July 10, 2017, 08:15:24 PM »

I am *just* old enough to remember Montgomery Ward! My grandpa always called it "Monkey Ward," LOL.

I loved Wards as a kid.  We used to shop there pretty often.

The funny thing is that Amazon is basically the Sears catalog   of today. You look at a page and order an item and if it is broke or it doesn't fit it's a pain. But, hey it's the "in" thing. I rarely find a place that much different than I can find locally.

This is why I am so shocked and saddened by how poorly Sears is doing right now.  If anyone should have been Amazon today, it's Sears with all of their catalog experience.  They absolutely blew the opportunity to lead the field in what they were already doing.  Instead they are stuck back over 20 years ago, with aging, ugly stores that no one wants to go into and about to close up forever.

508

Random Talk / Re: Junior, too says "howdy!"

« on: July 09, 2017, 06:01:48 PM »

Sirwillow, I have seen the Youtube confessions of a theme park worker stuff you have put out there, and it is some good stuff. Keep up the good work!

thanks!  I appreciate the kind words.

509

Branson Talk / Re: New Water Park

« on: July 08, 2017, 03:07:05 PM »

My in-laws have a timeshare with Westgate so they get some exclusive details before everyone else. From what they were saying, it's gonna be a HUGE deal.

That is what I am hearing also, I am surprised the permit was for "only" 1.1 million..??    thought a really big deal would have a bigger price tag.

1.1.million will not get you very much. Kinda wonder if this is maybe just the first permit for dirtwork then go back and get another permit for actual construction ?

That's what I'm wondering.  it would be hard to even build a large enclosed pool complex for that amount of money.  It does make me wonder if that's just for land clearing and preparation if this is going to be any sort of actual "park".

Just curious, anyone know what Grand Country spent on their indoor water park?  It would give a good financial reference to what they are spending here.

510

Random Talk / Re: Junior, too says "howdy!"

« on: July 08, 2017, 03:04:33 PM »

Add me to the list of those loving your posts on those groups.  While I've only been a part of the recent history, being a part of one of the most storied rides in the park has given me a great love for its history, and I love those photos and posts that you make from it.  Thanks!!