I have seen the news here of the new additions and building for the new season, but has anyone heard even the slightest rumor or confirmation of upgrades or sprucing up of FM or FITH?? I would think that even the least traveled tourist could see that FM needs new convicts and FITH needs a tweak here or there. When I was there a couple of years ago, I could tell that time has taken a toll on some of it.
Swoosh or Rube or (forgive me for forgetting the SDCFan who works there) could maybe "eak" out some info or talk to someone and see if there is anything happening. Not major upgrades, just a little make up job.
Just to add what I forgot....maybe someone needs to actually tell the "higher ups" at SDC what is obvious. That hardcore fans and even frequent tourists can see how time is catching up to these rides.
You do know that FITH got a major upgrade including moving characters around and new costumes to make a more consistant storyline this past off season, right?
Yea but Swoosh lets face it they could still improve upon what they have....
Last I heard was that they were hoping that enough money could be freed up to allow the bridge effect to be fixed. Personally I feel that they do a good job with the limited funds that are available each year to do improvements.
FM also received a refurb not that long ago
No, Swoosh, I didnt. I was last there in 2008 and before that 1980. So there is a slight gap in my consistency. But FM did look a little worn. In this day and age, with all of the technology we have, there should be some upgrades that dont break the bank. I know SDC isnt exactly Disney, but I figured some things could be spiffed and more realistic.
Personally, I think what they've done with both of these rides in the last couple of years is great and I wouldn't want them to do much more than they have. Both rides are classics, and each has received a fair amount of TLC that has fixed up and improved upon their original forms and functions. If they attempted to seriously "upgrade" either ride, they'd be stabbing at a major part of what sets SDC out from among the rest. FM and FITH are some of the last remaining pieces of a time when SDC and Co. built a lot of their own attractions from scratch and did a mighty fine job of it. Sure, they could bring in Sally to re-imagine them and rebuild the rides for a new generation, but it wouldn't be the same, and I'd feel that a major piece of the park's special vibe would be lost.
I'd rather see them build a new dark ride altogether, though I doubt they'll spring for that anytime soon.
If either were lost, to many, it would be like losing the Blacksmith shop, or the funnel cakes. It would cause a serious shake in the fanbase of SDC. I would like to think that they know this, and that these are a part of what made the park what it is, as well as a part in what keeps people returning. Would DWor DL take out Pirates of the Carribean...NO, they did however put in all new animatronics, and make parts of it a bit more PC over the years...But I doubt they would ever add targets to it, that would be sacrelige for the die hard fans-much as many reacted to the Flooded Mine when SDC added guns!
Sure SDC doesn't have A-100 animatronics in FITH, but I liked what they DID do to refurb last year, and I'm all for saving up money to get the bridge collapse back!
Both rides were classics, but they did put the guns in, so there is evidence that they are willing to change a classic. The Diving Bell is now no more than an urban legend, albeit a true one, that lives on in our memories as the most creative of all of SDC's attractions, and then they traded it out for a substandard innertube river ride that pales to most others in the industry. I understand the attraction to the oldies, and I would be shocked to find FitH was upgraded to animatronics or changed to another theme, but I would have absolutely no problem with a similar upgrade to FM. It would bring life (pun intended) to an attraction that rarely has the appeal to attract a line of people, and would thus decrease the long lines at some of the more popular rides. But no, they cannot remove either of these without drastically changing the mood of the park. Each ride is a classic, and each presents a romanticized view of an otherwise dark subject.
Meanwhile, Disney has used dark rides to their advantage and has proven that lighter subject, darker subjects, and everything in between can be presented in a "dark" ride. Some can even be changed with the season or every few years to keep a return appeal. Dark rides are my favorites, and I long for the day that SDC turns to some new and unique dark ride subjects. I would love a ride based on the mind of Twain, and I've pitched some others in other threads.
That said, they have made some improvements on FitH and FM in the past couple of years that have immensely improved the appeal of these rides, and they absolutely must fix features on each so they work correctly. At no time should a feature be down for an extended period, and the collapsing bridge is crucial to a major drop. I can't even believe this type of a thing doesn't fall into their yearly repair budget.
Quote from: History Buff on January 18, 2011, 06:41:17 PM
I would have absolutely no problem with a similar upgrade to FM. It would bring life (pun intended) to an attraction that rarely has the appeal to attract a line of people.
Apparently you have never seen the queue after the train gets back into the station.
Everyone gets off the train and goes immediately to the FM. The line will back up all the way to the first cell scene just over the initial bridge. Granted it might not have the lines that PK and WF have, but it is a pretty constant through out the day - you also have to remember it is a "people eater"
Quote from: Swoosh on January 17, 2011, 10:22:37 PM
Last I heard was that they were hoping that enough money could be freed up to allow the bridge effect to be fixed.
I would
love to see the burning bridge come back.
As far as the FM is concerned, I'd like to see the "rock slide" come back. They also need to update the audio in the entire ride so you have hear the song the entire ride.
FITH needs the bridge effect. I like the "am radio effect" as far as the audio goes, but again, I'd like to hear more of it......"run boys run, don't be slow, baldknobbers comin' there's fire in the hole"!!!!
Quote from: KBCraig on January 19, 2011, 01:18:19 AM
I would love to see the burning bridge come back.
When was it removed?
Not removed, just not fully functioning.
Quote from: thelarsonsix on January 20, 2011, 09:32:42 AM
Quote from: KBCraig on January 19, 2011, 01:18:19 AM
I would love to see the burning bridge come back.
When was it removed?
Quote from: History Buff on January 20, 2011, 10:42:43 AM
Not removed, just not fully functioning.
Originally, FITH took a route that let you see the wooden bridge on fire. It was a good psychological trick: there was nothing else to see except the burning bridge (already collapsed, with the rails dangling), and no audio except the crackling fire. Then you shunted off into the dark, and the next thing you saw was the burning bridge, straight ahead. There were blasts of hot air, red lights and flickering flames, and just as you approached sudden death....
Well, I wouldn't want to give it all away now, would I?
It was an extra drama element that made FITH even more special. I'd love to see it return.
that would be another great "repair"
Isn't that Kinney Bridge? The first time I took my family, in 2001, I remember riding FITH and thought it was the same as the last time I was there, when my dad took me in the last 70's early 80's. I remembered the train coming at you and the bridge on fire, I guess I didn't realize the bridge trick had changed. You still see the bridge effect to some extent don't you? Funny, we go 5-6 times a year, and I always ride that even if it's the only ride I take, but can't seem to picture that part of it now.
The bridge fix is a major one, which I heard they will have to completely remove all former pieces of the collapse mechanism and come up with a new way to get it to collapse. This may not sound difficult to us, but I guess it is an ordeal. There are other elements of the ride they have talked about fixing such as the Baldknobber with a rifle across from the tavern and the Baldknobber with the stick of dynamite under the burning bridge. There are several other things they have discussed too, like a better explosion effect at the end when you hit Catfish Carson's dynamite storage shack and some old school dark ride effects. I hope they eventually get it done!
Not trying to be rude (KBCraig), but the mangled tracks that you are talking about weren't connected to the burning bridge. After you collapsed through the bridge you would make a right hand turn and go through the Baldknobber Cave then through a dark tunnel and eventually arriving at the edge of a cliff. The train followed S curved tracks and gave you the illusion of a near fall, but you would then travel to the train tunnel area and go down the second drop. You were however, able to see the mangled track area when you passed the burning cabin.
Here are some photos that should help you create this in your mind
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53826242@N00/5378968619/in/set-72157603961693997/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53826242@N00/5378968619/in/set-72157603961693997/)
If I have confused you please ask questions, I know what I am saying, but that doesn't mean I am saying it in an way you can understand. Sorry if I have confused you!
Those 'behind the scenes' photo's of Fire in the Hole are awesome!
Even if SDC took its yearly project/addition and dedicated it to revamping Fire in the Hole to its former glory with all the original tracks in working order, that would be just fine with me!
Thanks for all the info and pictures.
yes, if they could/would just fix/repair the little things.. we could have all new expierences..
It's my understanding they cut the track down to increase volume...more people can ride in same amount of time. If that's so, would restoring the bridge keep volume at present level, or slow things down?
The bridge is still there. Riders still experience the bridge. It's just the falling effect that is missing. So the track is just as long. This is not the section of track that was diverted so many years ago.
With the bridge being such a major part of the ride, why oh why is there even a question about repairing it immediately. Look, I recognize this may not be a minor repair, but neither is it a million-dollar repair. My opinion is that nothing new can be added if current assets can't be maintained at a level of quality that guests expect.
;D
I mean that in the most practical way - just like I wouldn't build a new room onto my own house until I fix the plumbing in my existing structure.
Well after riding it i dont think they did anything to it this off season the "fire in the hole" voice wasnt even working.
#1fan, when i rode the first weekend, i also did not hear the "fith".. I thought mybe i just missed it? and with 25 minute line i did not ride it twice. :'(
The voice was working opening day... I wonder what happened? ???
how about this weekend, who went? did the FITH voice work? come on out there!! speak up! Inquiring minds want to know??
I woudl like for them to turn up the soundtrack outside.
What they are saying in dialog has always interested me.
I wouldnt mind if they turned up the volume inside and outside both rides. FM & FITH
The other day FITH's music outside was loud enough to hear.
We went to SDC on Friday (March 25), and the "Fire in the hole" voice was not working when we rode it. >:(
I couldn't hear music at FM at all, last Thursday.
The voice must have gotten broken recently because it was working march 18 and 19 ,2011
thats right cocodane, i was there sunday the 20th and it was not working.
This is the kind of mainenece/repair that should not be neglected. if its broke fix it. that yell is one of the highlights of the ride, and now it does not work either.
Apparantly still is not working and has been almost 2 weeks...
oh yea! NOT is Mary's day!
You know I know they have a lot of overhead but man. at 50.00 per head gate fee you would think they could get this thing fixed. Lets even say its 30.00 a head. thats 30 x 12500= 375000.00 a day. Not including what they charge for a coke. It doesn't compute to me, I would love for them to be able to explain why they cant keep these important things running. In this day of digital it would only take a mp3 player hooked to a speaker with a infrared alarm and they are in business, no moving parts. ? under 300.00 .......?
Its the name of the ride for God sakes......lol
Don't know what the problem is with the special effects now...but in the old days humidity in the "wet" areas caused cart machines (tape loop machines) and projectors to break down all the time. Probably the same now with CD players or computers they use, or what ever it is they use.
I was caught so off guard when I did not hear the voice; that it actually surprised me when we dipped into the water. I am just so use to hearing it, then immediatly dropping. Man, it really threw me off!
QuoteProbably the same now with CD players or computers they use, or what ever it is they use.
Carts and tape will be effected by humidity however digital is not. Its not even a hot system that would need ventilation. Its just a shame they cant even keep that going but it has happened in the past and will happen again.
I am starting to suspect that the maintenance people at SDC need a little help. being that the park is only open 4 days a week now and they are having a problem keeping up. Think about what a problem its going to be when things are in full swing and they are firing 7 days a week. They are really going to be in trouble then.
All sarcasm aside.....
They are open this time of the year without many shows and shops, they are specifically selling the experience of the rides to bring you in..........and they cant maintain the experience of the rides...........
Thats something to chew on.
At least give the ride op a megaphone, and he can yell it when the car gets close to the drop. Do you think he would change it up too much?
FIRE in the hole!
Fire IN the hole!
Fire in THE hole!
Fire in the HOLE!
Did I hear Andy firing up a new TOP TEN list? Top Ten alternative lines to conclude Fire in the Hole!
you're all correct..
mhguy, even if you allow for season passes...say 100,000 per day? you would think that would justify a maintnence crew. And yes. IF they cant keep up 4 days a week, how will they keep up when open 7 days and longer hours,?
DCB- i did the same thing 1st weekend, we rode and i was getting ready and then now yell.. caught me off gaurd!
HB, dont pressure andy too hard,, you know he has to strain to come up with those top ten list.. and we love them when they come out..
Thanks so much for the support of my Top Ten lists! I am overwhelmed with the popularity they have. I just did them as a larf and I guess I caught lightening in a bottle. :o
No pressure....I am in my corner, doin' neck stretches, inhaling deeply in and out, jumpin' in place, gettin' momentum to come up with more. I like the idea of ways to end FITH. I'll get to thinkin' and see what I can come up with.
Again, thanks! I am glad I bring smiles and anticipation with, hopefully, a lot of laughter!
No Andy. thanks to you. We all love those lists you come up with. no matter the topic!
I kinda wish they would bring back the part of the ride that they took out. It has been said its because of capcity issues but they could just add some more cars. I know this will never happen especially sense they cant keep everything its got now working.
Pardon, here is another 30 year plus old memory from me. Maintenance issues generally were addressed fairly quickly. Sometimes, crews stay over at night to repair stuff, other times, repairs are made an hour or two before park opened. However, there are times when something will not be working for a week or so until a part comes in or a better solution to a recurring problem is devised. I cannot tell you how many times I'd get to work an hour before park opening and stumble upon a guy or two in the mansion or the treehouse who scared the c--p out of me because I was not expecting to bump into anybody in those places at that time of the day! That is when I showed up to clean and sweep. I also think people (guests) are more observant today than in years past...and when something does not work for a few days the issue is discussed on Internet, communication is better, faster, and so something small can be noticed by more in a shorter period of time.
Quote from: SDC#1fan on March 28, 2011, 04:09:33 AM
The other day FITH's music outside was loud enough to hear.
Yes, my DH and I commented about how loud FITH's music outside the ride was. Much louder than usual.
I'm ashamed of all y'all! You should have your own internal dialogue running throughout the entire ride(s), and if the sound track isn't working, just "think out LOUD" for everyone to hear!
;D
FIRE IN THE HOLE! was working Friday afternoon
well yea!!!!! couple of weeks for repair? Hmmm.??
It has worked every time I have ridden it this season. I did ask about it and was told that it was doen for a few days because of a bad censor. it was fixed during off days and then it worked off and on for a day or so because the censor had to be adjusted.
Sounds like sensorship.
WOW!!! HB!! your BAD!!! :o :o
Wow HB, A groaner like that this early on a Monday morning?!?! that's awesome. That's awesome. :o ( I realize you posted it yesterday) ;D
didn't they FITH used to have a red light on on the last drop? I could have sworn there used to be one. I haven't seen in on in the last few years, so I'm not sure if it's something I made up from my childhood?
I don't remember a red light, all I remember is the train light. Maybe there was a red light a long time ago? Someone else will have to shed some light on the subject.
Quote from: FireInTheHole on July 30, 2011, 10:03:18 PM
didn't they FITH used to have a red light on on the last drop? I could have sworn there used to be one. I haven't seen in on in the last few years, so I'm not sure if it's something I made up from my childhood?
Red light is a bit vague. Are you saying that you saw a red light bulb, or an aura of red light, or a window with a fire (red light) showing through, or what? :)
I want to say as you come downt there was a red light aura. Again, I could have imagined it!
Noticed this past weekend on the final drop it appeared they had an LED strobe light. It didn't flash, it just came on and allowed you to see the water splashing up. They had the water turned down so you did not get wet. The ride op mentioned they already had the settings in place for the ride that occur during OTC.
Forgot to mention in my previous post about the new targets in the Flooded Mine. Not sure how long they have been there but they seemed to have been added since my last trip in late July. Some of the targets when you hit them squirted water on you. I asked the ride op when I got off and he said they had been adding some new things. Only rode FM once so didn't get a chance to really study any changes.
Quote from: U Smell Smoke on October 10, 2011, 08:05:59 AM
Noticed this past weekend on the final drop it appeared they had an LED strobe light. It didn't flash, it just came on and allowed you to see the water splashing up. They had the water turned down so you did not get wet. The ride op mentioned they already had the settings in place for the ride that occur during OTC.
I noticed the LED light at the end as well (on Oct 9th). I want to say it was flashing when we rode it.
I am super disappointed!! I was there Oct 8, and I didn't get a chance to ride FITH even ONE time!!! I was with my sister and her bf and they decided they were planning the day so we had to do what they wanted. My sister kept wasting time lollygagging at the stores and at other rides when I metioned FITH. Me and her boyfriend were totally up for it! But my sister is afraid of the dark, so she doesn't like it and made sure nobody else in our little group could enjoy it either.
I did ride FM because the line for the train was FOREVER long. We were gonna ride the train after FM, but for some reason, we didn't make it back around to the train. My sister got mad at me because we didn't get to ride the train. Don't get me wrong, I love the train and it wasn't my fault we didn't ride, but as long as I'm blamed for it, I'll make it personal! I told my sister it was revenge for not getting to ride FITH!!