I suppose you never notice the numerous Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Tennessee plates in lot that we see every time we go. It's even more of a national attraction due to it's Christmas Lights always being included in so many "best of" lists. Believe it or not Memphis and North Ms. is a pretty big market for SDC. It's closer than Dollywood.
I've never said to myself, I gotta go to Knotts Berry. It's always has been a "maybe we can fit in" place. Cedar Point is a major draw due to it's coasters no doubt.
I have said numerous times SDC and Dollywood are the best "all around" parks between the Rockies and the Appalachians/Smokies.
I did miss Kansas in my wrap up. That is one of SDC's targeted states because it's close.
I generally didn't wander the parking lots looking at plates when I worked there. I listened to what the PR and marketing departments told us- which areas schools were on break or getting out, how they planned our staffing based on what crowds were expected from what states, things like that. Every park is going to have plates from several states in their parking lot, but that doesn't mean they aren't a regional park.
That did change some with Outlaw Run getting national exposure, and the Christmas events have helped. But it's still predominantly a regional park. But I know they'd like to change that, and I'm sure that the new coaster is a hope that further expand it. But it's area of impact hasn't grown like Dollywood's has, and a lot of that has to do with their investment and marketing, the vast majority of which takes place within a 300- 400 mile radius of the park (which is the number we were repeatedly told when working there)
It should be interesting to see if this new coaster can expand that out some like Outlaw Run did, or if it ends up being basically something that only the area notices. (trying to keep it on topic here. lol)