If you were the guy in charge, and a decision had to be made as to the removal of one of the older attractions to prepare space for something new, what would you choose to remove, and why? FITH? AP? Train? Lost River? Flooded Mine? Tree House? Grandfather's Mansion? It is your choice, and you MUST decide this, even if it is an unpopular move with citizens and guests! GO...
Flooded mine. It just looks outdated and neglected. Replace it with another dark ride.
I'd say the Tree House since it's already not being used, I guess.
It'd still be sad to not see it there.
But I think it's sadder walking past it and no one being able to use it.
I'd have to say Treehouse for the same reason. I wish they would just fix it. I know it wouldn't meet ADA guidelines, but from someone who is affected by those guidelines - I just don't care! I remember how fun it was and wish others could experience it as I did.
American Plunge. It's really just a shell of its former glory. It's been 2 different rides in its life, but now it's pretty boring. Riding it actually makes me sad.
Def American Plunge! I'd still be sad though! :-[
Quote from: Grapeslie on October 23, 2013, 10:59:39 AM
Def American Plunge! I'd still be sad though! :-[
Only if they improved it and could bring it back to its original glory. I use to lov the tunnel. There are so many easy fixes within the park that would make it great without changing original theming.
You get rid of AP, you best have a new flume ride lined up cause it's a staple of any self respecting theme park. The new ones go forward, backwards and forward again along with the theming. A flume is such a natural fit for a park like SDC as well. I've also Sen where Hefema has a whirlpool feature to it's new river rapids mine. Right now, I'd say flooded mine but only in a sense that it needs to be converted to a 4D type ride. I'm sure folks ride it it like we do but there is rarely a wait at all to ride.
The guns at flooded mine need to go and they need some new animatronics. The AP needs a serious face life / remodel but I wouldn't get rid of either one. The waterboggan tower and treehouse would have to get my vote, since they no longer serve a purpose.
Quote from: chittlins on October 23, 2013, 01:31:45 PM
I've also Sen where Hefema has a whirlpool feature to it's new river rapids mine.
Wild Adventures has one... And you DO NOT want it!
WOW! I was surprised to see over a hundred people viewed this thread in the first 12 hours it was started! I guess I'd better chime in here on what I would do...I HATE to see any of the old things go, because, in my opinion, with some TLC and a relatively small amount of cash (when compared to the cost of the latest coaster) I think they all could be revamped and brought back up to par. The Tree House and AP and Flooded Mine probably need the most attention, the tree house would need a wheelchair ramp or themed elevator for ADA purposes, but if completely made over, it could be fantastic. If it came down to an actual decision, I'd guess I would have to say tree house. Since Jack's Sandwich Shop is also "lost" the PTB could revamp that small area with something of high impact. But, I'm old school all the way and would hate to see the restaurant building or the tree house demolished. Repurpose what is there, it could work OK.
I'll agree with the treehouse but don't remove the ghost trap! It was actually working this past weekend :D I'd vote for the Plunge but ONLY if they replace it with a better plunge.
Another vote for the tree house for the aforementioned reasons. Although I'm not sure how that would really free up enough space for a new attraction. As for FM not having lines, I agree. And I love it. It's the one ride we know we can usually get on without a long wait. Now, on with my slightly off topic tangent: I understand the park needs people to make money. I understand the park wants rides and attractions that will attract more people, more money. However I don't get why they act like it's not ok unless every single square inch of the park isn't elbow to elbow with people and every ride has 400,000,000,000,000,000,000 people standing in line for it every second of every day of every month of the year. Increasing attendance is fine, to a point. Unless they are going to physically make the square footage (or acreage, whatever you choose to call it) bigger at some point they won't be able to fit any more people in there. One of the reasons I enjoy going is because I know when to go when it usually isn't crowded. If that ever stops and there are no "slow days", at that point I will quit going.
Quote from: Hollywood on October 23, 2013, 04:08:13 PM
Quote from: chittlins on October 23, 2013, 01:31:45 PM
I've also Sen where Hefema has a whirlpool feature to it's new river rapids mine.
Wild Adventures has one... And you DO NOT want it!
Fine by me, I like to one we have , short and sweet.
Ah, Junior! This is like choosing which grandparent to send to the nursing home! :D
If I was forced to go with the options presented, and refurbishing was not available, I would go with the tree house. Simply because it is currently nothing more than scenery. Granted, it is scenery that I absolutely adore! But, I suppose I could go without it. If you must!
My vote would be the tree house as well.
Well, if the attraction would be moved to my backyard...bring on the treehouse!
I really do not consider he treehouse a attraction since it has been closed for years.
Quote from: Junior on October 23, 2013, 05:40:27 PM
WOW! I was surprised to see over a hundred people viewed this thread in the first 12 hours it was started! I guess I'd better chime in here on what I would do...I HATE to see any of the old things go, because, in my opinion, with some TLC and a relatively small amount of cash (when compared to the cost of the latest coaster) I think they all could be revamped and brought back up to par. The Tree House and AP and Flooded Mine probably need the most attention, the tree house would need a wheelchair ramp or themed elevator for ADA purposes, but if completely made over, it could be fantastic. If it came down to an actual decision, I'd guess I would have to say tree house. Since Jack's Sandwich Shop is also "lost" the PTB could revamp that small area with something of high impact. But, I'm old school all the way and would hate to see the restaurant building or the tree house demolished. Repurpose what is there, it could work OK.
Quote from: thelarsonsix on October 23, 2013, 07:48:55 PM
YES!
Another vote for the tree house for the aforementioned reasons. Although I'm not sure how that would really free up enough space for a new attraction. As for FM not having lines, I agree. And I love it. It's the one ride we know we can usually get on without a long wait. Now, on with my slightly off topic tangent: I understand the park needs people to make money. I understand the park wants rides and attractions that will attract more people, more money. However I don't get why they act like it's not ok unless every single square inch of the park isn't elbow to elbow with people and every ride has 400,000,000,000,000,000,000 people standing in line for it every second of every day of every month of the year. Increasing attendance is fine, to a point. Unless they are going to physically make the square footage (or acreage, whatever you choose to call it) bigger at some point they won't be able to fit any more people in there. One of the reasons I enjoy going is because I know when to go when it usually isn't crowded. If that ever stops and there are no "slow days", at that point I will quit going.
YES! I love these responses! Oh, and Rube's ...
Quote from: rubedugans on October 24, 2013, 12:22:58 PM
Well, if the attraction would be moved to my backyard...bring on the treehouse!
As much as people keep talking about the treehouse, I still like to see it and tell my children about it.
FM has its place as the original "theme park" ride in the park. Still, restore the scenes and get rid of the guns that usually don't work anyway. I does like me a dark ride.
AP, however, is outdated, and has been allowed to deteriorate - not to mention it is not themed as well as it once was, with a longer channel, a realistic cavern, and catchy music to boot. I would not miss it if it were to be replaced, but would rather, like most of you, see it upgraded and restored to its former glory.
Americas plunge
This just in: The American Plunge will be renamed America's Moral Plunge. The ride will be updated and will be classified on all park maps as an extremely frightening attraction for all ages.
Quote from: History Buff on October 27, 2013, 03:44:31 PM
This just in: The American Plunge will be renamed America's Moral Plunge. The ride will be updated and will be classified on all park maps as an extremely frightening attraction for all ages.
Miley Cyrus and the Kardashians could be ride operators (in period costumes of course)
Quote from: Duelist on October 27, 2013, 05:07:09 PM
Quote from: History Buff on October 27, 2013, 03:44:31 PM
This just in: The American Plunge will be renamed America's Moral Plunge. The ride will be updated and will be classified on all park maps as an extremely frightening attraction for all ages.
Miley Cyrus and the Kardashians could be ride operators (in period costumes of course)
said no one ever!! :o BAHAHAHA!
The Waterworks Waterboggan tower needs to go. Put another attraction or craft shop there. Make the space useful. AP needs a re-work. The channel is not long enough. It's just through the tunnel, around the bend, and then up the conveyer belt to the top.
Well Miley "CRYUS" and the "Kar(trash)ians" would certainly make it a "frieghtening" ride for sure.
As far as which attraction should go away. None of them! Instead FIX them. Yes. As mentioned, redo/remodel/rebuild the AP. Freshen up the FM. Giddy up Grandaddy Mansion a bit. Make the treehouse functional again. Heck, for that matter, Bring Jacks back to its glory. Sub sammiches are the thing these days (even though I dont care much for them), the masses just love those things today. Look at the chains now. Everything from Subway, to Jimmy Johns, to Quiznos, to Blimpies, and Im sure many many more. People as a whole, likes fresh made subs, with fresh prepared ingredients.
Bring Back Jacks!!!!!
What must go! --- The waterboggan tower. As much as I dont like these rides. It really would be a great location for an S&S Drop Tower Ride.
But in honosty, Id rather see what we have refurbished as opposed to removed.
Hey now, the Waterboggan tower is still in use! They use it string a multiple story tall wall of lights during Old Time Christmas. ;)
I am really not ok with this thread. If anything it is encouraging the PTB to take out an existing attraction and sort of saying that we're all right with that. I personally am not. I like everything that is currently at the park and would like them to continue to add new stuff and just "plus without removal" of the current stuff...
that's just me though
Swoosh, Agreed!!
that's why I haven't touched this thread,,,, as I have said before..... well we have all said before... take a million bucks or so and revamp/repair the existing rides... If you want to add rides there is space where WB used to be and I believe there is space above and behind the waterfall area..... as well other areas on the outskirts...
Just isn't any room left in the heart of the park... HDH took out our last quiet/serene area... need to stay to the outside lying areas.
Quote from: Swoosh on October 29, 2013, 04:13:09 PM
I am really not ok with this thread. If anything it is encouraging the PTB to take out an existing attraction and sort of saying that we're all right with that. I personally am not. I like everything that is currently at the park and would like them to continue to add new stuff and just "plus without removal" of the current stuff...
that's just me though
I'm not saying remove any existing operating ride/attraction to the point where it's not there anymore but it would be nice to see the American Plunge restored or built even better. Even the PTB have to admit that one has fallen to some neglect.
red is dead space that could add a second Tom and Huck themed ride and tie into the back side of River Blast
Orange is the Waterboggin area that could hold a mid sized coaster or the purple outlined parking and service area could be moved and regreened for a large coaster and other things.
The red, and orange area sounds good for development. The purple is infringing too much on the parking lot / roadway. It's already annoying that I can see the parking lot on ThuNderaTion. :P
However, instead of cutting down more trees, I agree with most everyone else - just revamp what already exists.
So, if they was to upgrade AP, what should they rename it?
Quote from: Ozark BBQ on October 29, 2013, 11:54:09 PM
The red, and orange area sounds good for development. The purple is infringing too much on the parking lot / roadway. It's already annoying that I can see the parking lot on ThuNderaTion. :P
However, instead of cutting down more trees, I agree with most everyone else - just revamp what already exists.
Most all of us know the quick fix to thunderaton's view of the backstage area is enclosing the top of the lift and curve before drop in a tunnel per the concept art.
It has been stated that SDC may move the employee parking and service area and that would open it up for development. A berm would be needed like they did for GE to hide the highway. I can vision a service road tunnel under 76 to an expanded area across the road for employee parking and new service area. But yeah, redo American Plunge just like Knotts refurbed their flume. Flumes are a staple of any park.
Quote from: How-doFolks on October 30, 2013, 05:30:24 AM
So, if they was to upgrade AP, what should they rename it?
Buzzsaw falls ;D
Quote from: chittlins on October 30, 2013, 07:12:39 AM
Quote from: How-doFolks on October 30, 2013, 05:30:24 AM
So, if they was to upgrade AP, what should they rename it?
Buzzsaw falls ;D
Now that's funny! And I loved Buzzsaw Falls!
NO attraction should go. But I agree with all saying that the American Plunge needs some love. I have no idea why they would not keep this ride updated or give it a major facelift. It gets a lot of visitors and could get many, many more. I rode this past summer with my nephew and niece and it was almost depressing compared to what it used to be. I almost felt sorry for them that they could not experience the Plunge the way it used to be.
That being said, don't necessarily CHANGE the AP. It should always, always be called the American Plunge. It should stay in the same theme. It just needs to be updated...all the water effects, characters along the way. You used to really get a sense that these groups tried to take the plunge and failed. Now it's just random stuff that doesn't work during the (way too short) float trip part of the ride.
Update the Plunge! Keep all the rides! Give them some love! The money is there, and so are the riders.
I may be in the minority here, but revamping the American Plunge to something similar to the Buzzsaw Falls theme is an excellent idea! I mean really! It makes perfect sense as the American Pluge uses log shaped boats. Except for the entrance sign, the American Plunge has little to no theme at all currently. An old log cutting factory would make for a great new theme for the ride. ;D
So here we are 7 days after I started this thread and over 700 hits! That's about 100 per day. Please understand I DON'T want to see anything go, really! Every now and then I start a thread with somewhat of a controversial topic just to see what kind of reaction I'll get. I have started threads in the past about such things as: 1) Should they serve beer at SDC? 2) Casinos in Branson? and so on. I feel the same way the majority of you do about these things...I don't want an old favorite taken out, just revamped, no to beer at SDC, and no casinos in Branson. So anyway, I've enjoyed seeing the various reactions to this thread in the last few days. :D
Quote from: Junior on October 30, 2013, 04:33:30 PM
So here we are 7 days after I started this thread and over 700 hits! That's about 100 per day. Please understand I DON'T want to see anything go, really! Every now and then I start a thread with somewhat of a controversial topic just to see what kind of reaction I'll get. I have started threads in the past about such things as: 1) Should they serve beer at SDC? 2) Casinos in Branson? and so on. I feel the same way the majority of you do about these things...I don't want an old favorite taken out, just revamped, no to beer at SDC, and no casinos in Branson. So anyway, I've enjoyed seeing the various reactions to this thread in the last few days. :D
I'd love a partnership for a Boulevard Ice House. But that's something for a Revamped CC concept that's more entertainment district with rides. Here's the old 1890's Anheuser Busch Ice House in downtown VanBuren AR.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3231/2946477156_ea1b7b5f48_z.jpg)
Wow! How current is that photo? I was in Van Buren sometime last year and did not see this building. It looks recently renovated. What do they plan to use the building for?
Quote from: Junior on October 30, 2013, 09:27:38 PM
Wow! How current is that photo? I was in Van Buren sometime last year and did not see this building. It looks recently renovated. What do they plan to use the building for?
It's there on main street, had a hobby shop (rc cars, trains) in it last time time I was there. Still has the original bar back.
(http://www.600mainstreet.com/pic00059.jpg)
As you know AB was one of the first to pasteurize their beer, so it was shipped in rail cars on ice and stored and distributed via these ice houses that were often near the rail lines. There's very few left, and this one is a true treasure.
Great info! I'm gonna have to check that out next time I'm in Van Buren.