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Random Talk / Re: Drive to work
« on: December 05, 2012, 07:11:29 PM »
30 miles from house to "Mouse" each way
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / SDC makes Buzzfeed.com
« on: December 01, 2012, 10:52:23 AM »
Always good for some entertainment, Buzzfeed is a pretty fun way to waste time on the Interwebs. It's a celebration when something as beloved as SDC makes their radar....
http://www.buzzfeed.com/oldnavy/10-places-that-take-christmas-decorations-really-s
http://www.buzzfeed.com/oldnavy/10-places-that-take-christmas-decorations-really-s
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Aunt Polly's Closing
« on: October 16, 2012, 06:15:18 PM »I am not too far up there in years, and love a good thrill ride, but I would trade it all to go back to the SDC of the early-mid 80s. I don't mind the expansion and all the other additions, but really when I think of my average, or usual trips, it involves all of the classic parts of the park, and barely any of the new stuff...just saying...
Agreed. Is it irony that by my choosing to only visit long established locations and bypass new places is my way of stepping into my own time machine to relive the memories of a great past? Hmmmm....I thought that WAS the park's theme, but I feel like I have to put the effort forth sometimes to be immersed in it.
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White Water Discussion / Re: Mountain Streams
« on: October 03, 2012, 05:58:40 PM »
Thanks Junior! I knew I wasn't crazy that they were just called "The Rapids".....so simple and satisfying. I loved the waterfall as you would dispatch into the first pool...the way the pools and channels would hug your body like an old familiar friend.
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Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2013 Project
« on: September 13, 2012, 06:19:55 PM »
Has anyone else noticed the shape of the track? To me it resembles a cowboy hat. Maybe it's the Graphic Design geek in me seeing the gestalt of it.
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Is SDC being pushed aside?
« on: September 13, 2012, 06:16:28 PM »
Interesting discussion. From a person on the inside of the Disney organization, we contrarily feel the same way about the Disneyland Park. It IS smaller, but is always getting the more upgraded version of this or that, or has a stronger focus from the media (there is the heritage piece) and then you have the strong name association that most people call even the Florida park....DISNEYLAND! It's true and you'd notice it if you worked there.
It was that way until recently however when the shift seemed to move towards the Florida property. WDW only opened 16 years after Disneyland debuted (strange to think about). For the LONGEST time, we had no history to draw from, but now in our 40th year, the focus seems to be on us.
It really is about managing a corporation from the standpoint of where the benefits will be best placed.
In the case of Dollywood and SDC, the both have strong local audiences (read: passholders). This is similar to Disneyland who have about 80% locals vs. tourists....the reverse can be said about Florida. This influences a lot of how the parks are updated. We are the "once in a lifetime" experience so the rides always need to stay somewhat the same. At Disneyland, they want to experience the changes happening often to keep them coming.
I think the Herschend Company would like to give equal attention to both, but it's also about the economy and what's going to pay in dividend for them. Yes, being in Atlanta gives them a closer place to test and push. I'm also very curious about how much $$$ Dolly pours into the park herself. She is a business unit all her own. It's like Tokyo Disneyland. If you want a killer Disney experience go there...they write the biggest checks and nothing is off the table.
It was that way until recently however when the shift seemed to move towards the Florida property. WDW only opened 16 years after Disneyland debuted (strange to think about). For the LONGEST time, we had no history to draw from, but now in our 40th year, the focus seems to be on us.
It really is about managing a corporation from the standpoint of where the benefits will be best placed.
In the case of Dollywood and SDC, the both have strong local audiences (read: passholders). This is similar to Disneyland who have about 80% locals vs. tourists....the reverse can be said about Florida. This influences a lot of how the parks are updated. We are the "once in a lifetime" experience so the rides always need to stay somewhat the same. At Disneyland, they want to experience the changes happening often to keep them coming.
I think the Herschend Company would like to give equal attention to both, but it's also about the economy and what's going to pay in dividend for them. Yes, being in Atlanta gives them a closer place to test and push. I'm also very curious about how much $$$ Dolly pours into the park herself. She is a business unit all her own. It's like Tokyo Disneyland. If you want a killer Disney experience go there...they write the biggest checks and nothing is off the table.
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SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: The Waterfall
« on: September 11, 2012, 06:59:31 PM »
I'm with Rube and Junior. I KNOW I've got one, but I'm thinking it's in my pre-digital photos and that's a lot of stuff I'll need to look through.
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SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: The Waterfall
« on: September 10, 2012, 06:54:23 PM »
Yep, just like today's timber fencing is tomorrow's poly-carbon upcycled fencing. :-)
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Who was that guy with the beard?
« on: September 07, 2012, 08:02:56 PM »
I think you are talking about Terry Bloodworth. He was the Master Craftsman glass blower during the Crafts boom of 80's and 90's. He now has his own shop in Springfield, Mo.
I'd include a picture here, but there's not much to go on. You can find a grainy photo of him if you google his name and silver dollar city.
I'd include a picture here, but there's not much to go on. You can find a grainy photo of him if you google his name and silver dollar city.
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Great Article on June Ward Today!
« on: September 03, 2012, 07:02:56 AM »
So proud of June, glad she's getting the recognition she deserves. For those that haven't met June in person, this captures her personality perfectly.
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120902/BUSINESS04/309020013?fb_comment_id=fbc_276061582507306_1197877_276366509143480
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120902/BUSINESS04/309020013?fb_comment_id=fbc_276061582507306_1197877_276366509143480
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Most Prized SDC Possession?
« on: September 02, 2012, 04:50:32 PM »
Yep, that's the map I used to have!
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General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Most Prized SDC Possession?
« on: September 02, 2012, 02:15:10 PM »
The Pigeon Forge version of the large souvenir map had people walking around in it and I believe at some point, some of the Branson large souvenir maps did too. I had one as a kid with people walking around in it, but can't find that one.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/4485413099/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/4485413099/
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Dollywood Discussion / Re: DollyWood's Old Log Flume
« on: August 26, 2012, 12:52:22 PM »
Sorry to bring up an old post, but as a 1964-1965 New York World's Fair aficionado, it's well known that Dollywood's old log flume was transported to the park.
I just found a really neat old magazine illustration of the same log flume as a preview to the World's Fair
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthunterross/7864735084/
I just found a really neat old magazine illustration of the same log flume as a preview to the World's Fair
http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthunterross/7864735084/