Due to financial concerns, didn't know if my wife and I were going to make it up for OTC, but on Friday, WE DID!
Moderate to heavy crowds, spotty weather, with some rain. Right at closing, the temperature dropped and some moderate rain pelted down. One uncomfortable, wet ride back to the car. However, the overall trip was nice. We had two specific goals in mind: Dickens' Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. We walked right in to both places! Both shows are good. My first time in the Opera House, and I like the facility. The lights around park were wonderful as usual. Ya know that tree on Main Street they decorate in blue lights and have the melting icecicle effect lights? Well, they have done one up like that at the saloon, and another by the train depot, and a few just as you come onto park at the town square. Man, those lights look great! We ate some chicken/mixed veggies at Polk Salad Mary's...good as usual. Ate a giant roll at Eva and Delilah's, yum! Did have a chance to meet briefly with Terry Sanders and it was good to see him helping Santa. Noticed at Christmas Carol that the Ghost of Christmas Present is played by the talented gal that works in the saloon...the one pictured with our beloved Tiffany in her avitar. Also, Scrooge was played by the guy from the saloon that does the overeager young guy who wants to be in showbiz. Noticed at It's a Wonderful Life that my old work buddy, Dan Embry (who, many years ago, was the original Melvin the Chicken Thief at the old Courthouse Theater comedy/drama, and who was a Toby Show cast member with Shad at the Wilderness Settlement) played Mr. Potter and some other minor, background roles, too. So it was good to see him perform after not seeing him for over 3 decades! One bit of shocking info to pass along: Overheard an employee say that they had to shut down Flooded Mine for a short while Friday night because one of the anamatronic dummy figures CAUGHT FIRE! Some alarms sounded, the trouble was taken care of, and, as far as I know, they reopened. However, I didn't attempt to ride Flooded Mine, so I'm not sure. After park closing, my wife and I headed for Branson, ate a nice meal at Ruby Tuesday's, and then came back home. It is now after midnight, so at some point later today (Saturday) I hope to post some Christmas pictures. Lots of pretty lights, decorated Christmas trees in shops, and some shots of the two shows we saw. There is still some time left, so try to make it out for OTC! (My Christmas present this year...wife said it was OK to get a season pass for 2013, so I did! See ya at SDC next year, folks! GET READY FOR OUTLAW RUN! I asked the lady that sold me the season pass if they sold many due to the coming of the new coaster, and she said she didn't know about that, but said folks have been buying alot of season passes. Also noticed that although there were some clearance and discounted items, the discounts were not as good as last year. Most Christmas stuff we saw this same week last year was 50% off, on Friday it was marked down on average only 25%. Just a few observations from your old pal, Junior! God Bless! (Whew, I really got to get to bed!)
