SDC announced today they will have the first ever "SDC Moonlight Madness" August 16, 17, and 18th. The park will be open from 4pm till 10pm.
The park will have a different feel on these evenings. Employees will be allowed to wear shorts, and park provided t-shirts. Contemporary Christian music will be playing all over the park. There will be no shows, this event is mostly about the rides.
Tickets will be $20.00 per person, I believe.
A couple of the rides, American Plunge, and Lost River, will be open for the first time at night.
The employees were really excited about this today, what do you guys think.
so this is $20 even if you have passes?
It's a neat little experiment, but I would be even more excited about it if it didn't cut into the purpose of CC. I guess the purpose of this event is really about garnering local tourists, though I could see this being packed out with youth groups just like the Young Christian weekend.
I don't think this really appeals much to me personally - I love SDC for it's charm and quality, and I don't really want to see it with all this modernity tacked on. I imagine it'll feel kinda like a big christian camp, or at least like just another theme park. That's not to say it's a bad thing though, I'm sure other ride lovers and kids will enjoy it.
Thanks for the tip, Insider.
Oh, I am TOTALLY going! I like SDC the way it is, but I'm also a big fan of thrill rides, especially thrill rides after dark, so this definitely is something that appeals to me. And the Plunge and Lost River after dark? AWESOME!
I, too, am curious to know if the $20 is also for season passholders.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
I think it's a cool idea, but the employees should wear their normal park costumes. No need to go into Six Flags mode.
Aren't they kind of competing with Celebration City by doing this? CC will also be open on 2 of the 3 scheduled nights.
This is done at Disney to some extent as well, but it works well there. The reason I cringe at this happening at SDC is the fact that they take their theming so serious....employees in shorts?!
The pessimist in me says this is a slippery slope... :-\
season pass holders do not have to pay extra to get in, but i do not think bring a friend tickets will be valid for these nights.
As far as getting away from the theme with costumes for these 3 nights, i do not think it is a slippery slope towards these costumes becoming the norm. In fact managment really understands how our commitment to theme sets us apart from just about every other park in the country, and has been very strict about costumes and theme this year and they have recently stated they will be even more strict in the future
That is good to hear. Thanks for clarifying.
During my years as a "citizen," I was as militant as they came to theming. Glad that perspective is still embraced!
I heard today that the nights are going to be marketed as "Silver Dollar City Unplugged"
lol
interesting.... unplugged from the 1880's
I am a supporter of strict costume guidelines. I HATE to see citizens talking on cell phones and all that! I think that the dress down is like a "Casual Friday" for SDC employees. Since they are open later than the norm, it's kind of nice to treat the employees too.
I think it is a cool idea and it will bring in a lot of money for SDC for sure I'm guessing, with how much of a success Young Christian's Weekend always is. Riding in the dark sounds really fun but I don't really like how the citizens don't have to wear their costumes. I can live with it but it will look pretty bizarre to me. It will be nice for them though. Also, I wouldn't be concerned about this cutting into CC's theme. After all, it is only three nights.
Quote from: DocSpeleo on June 21, 2008, 09:44:11 PM
I heard today that the nights are going to be marketed as "Silver Dollar City Unplugged"
lol
interesting.... unplugged from the 1880's
I think it'd just be better if they left it as Moonlight Madness. There isn't supposed to be anything to "unplug" back in the 1880's right?
I totally vote no. I will not be attending, and I don't like the idea - for either the shorts OR the contemporary music. Say what you will about strict guidelines, but the slippery slope comment is valid. These kinds of things seem to be appearing more and more for the park.
I think it's an interesting idea. I don't think there's a slippery slope effect at all. These are just three nights for those who really like the rides to have their fun, and a few hours for employees to "let their hair down", so to speak. SDC has always been good about sticking with their theme, and I don't think that will change any time soon.
I also really like the logo (see below, click to enlarge), which makes no mention of "Silver Dollar City Unplugged", however it does say '08, which must mean they have plans to make this an annual event.
For those who can't view the attachment below, here's a link to the website I got the logo from:
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/you-should-know/default.aspx?id=68 (http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/you-should-know/default.aspx?id=68).
I'd like to go to this just to see what it is like but if its anything like Young Christian's Weekend I bet it will be packed. It may even be worse since there won't be any shows going on during the three days. I bet lines will be horrendous.
They still could have themed these night time events. Maybe a raising the barn party or something that kept the employees out of shorts. Everything new event can be themed and it should be.
Understandably the SDC culture and fan base can withstand a revolutionary concept of having their park employees out of normal "costume" for a alternately themed event such as this. My only concern is that when it comes to branding, you have to be careful.
I wholeheartedly believe that HFE has thought this through and looked at all of the angles. But the GP can be a surprisingly radical taste responder. It would have been great to find out if there were focus groups to find out how high people value theme and branding at SDC or how something so "out of theme" would go over before just deciding to do it.
It's a bit like going to the Magic Kingdom and having your Haunted Mansion butler greet you in casual clothes just so they can set the tone for that evening's event to be "different."
Is it really any different then having the ride ops on the coaster wearing "elf outfits" during Christmas?
Hmmm...I'm not usually there to visit during Christmas.
However elf costumes support the entire Christmas theme...that theme being "olde time Christmas." But I see your point. Especially if you dissect that electricity may not have reached the Ozarks by that point in the 1800's ;).
I just hope that there is a guideline for the casual attire so that aside from nametags, everything looks homogonized.
Ironically, I am visiting home the week of Moonlight Madness, I'll try to check it out.
Well, looking at the pdf version of the operating hours schedule, it looks like those three days are usually closed for the transition between fests, so I think having a non-1880s themed 3-day event works fine, as it's advertised for a specific crowd (younger people/thrill ride fans). So it isn't like there will be a bunch of people coming there and being disappointed to find that the shows aren't running and what-not.
My sister and I are already planning a trip for the event!
~ "Becky" Joy ~
I think making them wear khakis would be a better option. Can you even buy jeans without holes in them anymore?
Quote from: Swoosh on June 25, 2008, 12:08:01 AM
I think making them wear khakis would be a better option. Can you even buy jeans without holes in them anymore?
:D Word.
I'm glad that shorts are not an option, though. Sounds like a fun three days for all the thrill seekers out there.
LOL! Too funny Swoosh! ;D
Quote from: the insider on June 20, 2008, 07:39:04 PM
SDC announced today they will have the first ever "SDC Moonlight Madness" August 16, 17, and 18th. The park will be open from 4pm till 10pm.
The park will have a different feel on these evenings. Employees will be allowed to wear shorts, and park provided t-shirts. Contemporary Christian music will be playing all over the park. There will be no shows, this event is mostly about the rides.
Tickets will be $20.00 per person, I believe.
A couple of the rides, American Plunge, and Lost River, will be open for the first time at night.
The employees were really excited about this today, what do you guys think.
Just for clarification- the dates are Aug. 18, 19, & 20- according to SDC's website.
SDC has released a little more info on Moonlight Madness. Sounds like there will be some special deals on nighttime meals as well as back to school specials in select shops. A little OT, but White Water will be open two extra days to coincide with Moonlight Madness (as I posted in the WW section); WW will be open the 18th & 20th from 11 AM to 4 PM, and you can get in for only 20 dollars. With SDC open those days from 4 PM to 10 PM you can check out both parks in one day for only 40 bucks! A pretty good deal! :)
For those of you coming to Moonlight Madness. . . stop by the cave... I'm working Monday & Tuesday. Wednesday I'll be there playing! YIPPEEE
My daughters and I are going to be there for 2 of the days. Just have not decided which 2 yet. I am thinking tues and wed. I will have to stop by the cave and look for you.
I had to sit through living la viva loca in echo hollow a few years ago and you are worried about three nights of jeans and t-shirts?
to be honost sdc has been on this sope for some time it has gone from the greatest theme park on the planet to quickly becoming just another amusment park when I was a kid it was all about the park and what few rides there were just extras now I cant remember the last time I watched the glass blowers or watched them making candy I think I am going to go in a few weeks and not touch a ride and just enjoy the park.
It's still OK to do that. Just go and enjoy the scenery. Take a stroll. Watch the craftsman. It's great we can still to do these things in this "amusement park".
ya I know but I just wish my kids could see the park the way it was when I was a kid.
you should have seen my kids face when I told them about the diving mules,dugans diving bell and when we watch andy griffith I point out the guy in the darlings who was there in echo hollow before it turned into a broadway dance show and it was just good music.
My to girls and I had a wonderful time at SDC for Moonlight Madness. We went on Tues and Wed. Had an great cave tour on Tuesday from DocSpeleo and got to say Hi to Copper at Fire in the Hole (which was broke down way too much on those 2 days). Had an interesting talk with a manager from the park. He said the River Battle is not the ride we were suppose to get. He said that is the ride we are getting because of the economy. He said what we were suppose to get was a coaster. On another post someone had talked about the exchange program where they bring in Students from other countries to work for the summer. I want to say that we ran in to one Chinese Girl (lois) that works for WW. She was at SDC for wed night to just have fun. Since I was there with my 3 and 5 year old I could not leave the 3 year old to ride roller coasters with the 5 year old. Lois rode ride after Ride with my Daughter and had a blast. I gave her this web address so if you ever Check it out Lois I want to say Thanks for making our Day a great one and I hope you come back next year to work.
Quote from: oklaSDCfan on August 23, 2008, 11:06:59 AM
Had an interesting talk with a manager from the park. He said the River Battle is not the ride we were suppose to get. He said that is the ride we are getting because of the economy. He said what we were suppose to get was a coaster.
Ha! I knew it.
Glad to hear you had a good time. What is it about the Herschends and rides suddenly breaking down all the time now though? I hope we don't catch what DW's got.
^^That stinks that Fire in the Hole was broken down on ride days. I bet that annoyed the park big time.
So how did Moonlight Madness go business wise? Was it a huge hit or was there less attendance than SDC expected?
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 23, 2008, 11:13:30 AM
Quote from: oklaSDCfan on August 23, 2008, 11:06:59 AM
Had an interesting talk with a manager from the park. He said the River Battle is not the ride we were suppose to get. He said that is the ride we are getting because of the economy. He said what we were suppose to get was a coaster.
Ha! I knew it.
Glad to hear you had a good time. What is it about the Herschends and rides suddenly breaking down all the time now though? I hope we don't catch what DW's got.
I'll still be happy with the River Battle. The Landing needs the revamping that it's getting. Hopefully a coaster will come in the next few years.
That stinks about Fire in the Hole being broken down. I hope everything else went well for Moonlight Madness. Sounds like it was a really good time! :)
In my opinion Moonlight madness was not attended well. It made it nice because there was no lines. We rode Lost River 8 times in a row and never had to leave the raft because no one else was in line. I have never been so wet in my life.
Quote from: oklaSDCfan on August 24, 2008, 09:16:29 AM
In my opinion Moonlight madness was not attended well. It made it nice because there was no lines. We rode Lost River 8 times in a row and never had to leave the raft because no one else was in line. I have never been so wet in my life.
That makes it a lot of fun for those who did attend. I love it when the park is fairly empty and you can ride over and over again. About five years ago we came in October and rode Buzzsaw Falls five times in a row, then Lost River four times in a row. I've never been so wet! We then got on the SkyChase Balloons for about fifteen minutes to dry off. :D
^I love the days at the park when you've practically got the whole place to yourself. We went one time in the spring a couple years ago and there was only like five other people on the square when we got there. It was awesome. It's peaceful too because you can actually hear the birds and everything. It was fun.
Plus--more ride time! ;D
^Unfortunately too many days like that are what get our coaster projects pushed back. Oh well, I kind of like to see the park have to experiment to stay competitive, it's better than seeing them go the way of plunking down rides.
^That's true. It kind of saddens me to say but that was the last day like that. I've been times when they aren't too busy, but they still had a lot of people there. Branson is growing big time, and as Branson grows, more people will go to SDC in my opinion.
Anyways, I'm starting to get off topic. Back on topic. Any official word on attendance numbers for Moonlight Madness?
Quote from: oklaSDCfan on August 23, 2008, 11:06:59 AM
Had an interesting talk with a manager from the park. He said the River Battle is not the ride we were suppose to get. He said that is the ride we are getting because of the economy. He said what we were suppose to get was a coaster.
May I ask which manager? Was it Brad?
No... It was one I had never met before. He was really nice. He even helped me with the rabbit problem I had. Yes I let my 5 year old talk me into buying a bunny at the petting zoo. I am a push over when it comes to my kids.
There was approximately 9,500 people for the three nights. Monday and Tuesday being higher since the weather was nice, but Wednesday night was real slow with the threat of thunderstorms (which did not happen). Overall it was considered a success.
^So they were happy with the turnout? Do you know what attendance numbers they were hoping for?
The hope was about 10,000 each night. However, I didn't think that number was possible as most kids are/were back in school by then, plus being on a week night... Haven't heard whether it will be attempted again next year or not.
I heard today that they averaged 4 to 5 thousand each night. And they did consider it a success. Whether they do it next year remains to be seen.
If they do it next year, maybe they should try ending Kidsfest earlier and doing Moonlight Madness in early August. That'd make some people happier and more people would probably go since school wouldn't have started yet.
^That's what I hope they do. School keeps starting earlier and earlier. They need to do it the first week of August if they want a higher turnout.
I wish I could have gone, but without a job or driver's license, I'm pretty much stuck at home right now. I hope it was considered successful enough to do next year, because I REALLY want to go ride the rides in the dark!
~ "Becky" Joy ~
Does anyone have WW's numbers for the 18th and 20th? They were open from 11 AM to 4 PM on those dates for Moonlight Madness (they are normally closed during the week by the third week of August).