Seems like everybody everywhere is trying to figure out ways to generate revenue. I wouldn't be surprised if SDC decides to someday start charging parking prices for all lots along with the shuttles. If they do, it would be interesting to track whether or not souvenir sales drop off. Where they might try to add revenue in one area might cost them in another. I know if I had to pay parking or shuttle my family would not spend the money we do in the park on drinks, peanuts and floats at the Saloon Show, etc. We also spend quite a bit of money on other souvenirs which we wouldn't do if they started charging for parking-there would go the money we've decided to spend on the Bears in the Holler each year. The last few years we haven't driven our vehicle to the park as we catch the shuttle from SDC and get dropped off at the front gate. This is a nice service SDC provides and we appreciate very much. It is has also allowed us to save fuel money that we spend at the park. Last year, the money we saved in fuel we used to eat the buffet at Molly Mills. While on the topic of SDC trying to generate revenue, I absolutely hate the trailblazer passes. To me, if somebody that comes to the park is in such a hurry that they can't spend quality time there, including waiting on the rides, SDC should not cater to them. In the long run it is us true fans that will spend more money over our extended stays rather than the person who comes for a quick afternoon. It's a slap in the face of the true supporters of the park when an outsider is allowed to purchase a pass to jump over me in line because they don't take the time to spend the full day in the park. Anyway, this is the reasoning I've heard for the passes. Maybe I'm just going off misinformation here which makes my whole argument void.
