SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

Herschend Family Entertainment Closes Celebration City,
   Explores New Development Concepts in Branson
   
(Branson, MO 10/24/08) Due to a shift in business strategy, Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) announced today the closure of Celebration City in Branson, Missouri.  The company is already exploring various new development concepts for the site including an aquarium, other family attractions, re-theming the current park and also, destination retail and dining. The park will close at end of day on Saturday, October 25, the last scheduled operating day of the season.

HFE properties in the region employ more than 2,000 year-round and seasonal positions.   Approximately 18 full-time positions are directly impacted by the closure, and the company is able to find new roles for most of those individuals.     Seasonal employees will have the opportunity to interview for 2009 seasonal positions at Silver Dollar City, White Water and the Showboat Branson Belle.

   "As with businesses across the country, we have had to carefully examine our future strategic plans.  We need to make smart, forward-thinking decisions in a tough economic climate.  HFE has operated attractions in Branson for nearly fifty years and our businesses there have continued to expand with the market growth. We are confident Branson will continue to grow as one of America's premier vacation destinations for the long-term.  As we plan the re-development of the Celebration City property, we will focus on projects with strong appeal to new and returning visitors to the market," said Joel Manby, president and chief executive officer for Herschend Family Entertainment.

So I guess we know where the new rides for 2009 are going to come from.
How sad.

This is distressing news. :(

On the website they've already announced the 2009 dates for Moonlight Madness and KidsFest at SDC, along with the deal to buy 2009 season passes before December 30, 2008 at the 2008 pre-season price.  So, expectedly, ticket prices are going up and all they have to show for it right now are the 2009 Moonlight Madness and KidsFest.  Interesting marketing strategy.

I feel bad for the CC employees, who get to compete with the returning seasonal employees of SDC, WW, and the Branson Belle for jobs next year.

Check it out for yourself here.  They list Moonlight Madness and KidsFest under "2009 News", followed by an invitation to get your 2009 season passes.
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/sdcattractions.aspx (http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/sdcattractions.aspx)

Ehhh, not really a surprise.  Honestly I never expected much out of this park from the moment it was announced.  Still said to see it go...well at least in it's current form, anyway.

Dang!  Now I'm depressed.  If I had known it was the last time I would've been at CC last weekend, I would've spent more time there.  We probably saw the fireworks and laser show for the last time.  Man, this is sad.  You know, my husband and I spent our wedding night there with our friends and family.  I know it wasn't open that long, but we made lots of memories there, including last weekend for our adult-only trip.  Well, I guess we'll see what happens. . .

I'm going there tomorrow.  The first time I've gone this year, and the last time I'll ever go.

I knew the place was doing somewhat poorly, but I never expected this, at least not this early. This really seems like a wild swing to take, the park needed more time to really prove itself.

I can only hope that they'll keep OzCat as a side attraction to whatever else they throw in there.

Thinking about it more though, the park really was struggling, and it needs a re-organization if it's going to be profitable. I don't think they're necessarily talking about gutting the park completely at this point - just turning it into more of a Wild Adventures type of place that's less like an amusement park and more of an unique attraction. I'm pretty confident OzCat will stay where it is, and that's honestly all I'm concerned about.

I am disappointed that CC didn't work though. I've always said that if the park were in a different location, it'd be one of the most highly prized little parks in the world.

Accompanying the official press release from HFEC, Lisa Rau, Director of PR for Silver Dollar City Attractions issued this statement...

"As you read the release on the closure of Celebration City this weekend (its last scheduled weekend of the season), you'll see that this is a redevelopment plan for our 110 acres on Branson's western edge of the 76 strip. 

Studying the opportunities for the site of Celebration City is something we've been looking at for quite some time now.  Of course, the current economic conditions of this country have had a role in our final decision, as the economy is clearly affecting decisions in most every business and within most every family in America.

In the future, we'd like to create an anchor destination for Branson's western edge that might include an aquarium, family attractions and retail and dining. 

Those of you who know us, and know our 5-decade history, know we strive to make the most accurate of announcements, therefore, as noted in the release, these are some of the ideas we are studying. " 

She also commented that as of now, no rides will be removed from CC as they study other ideas for that area.

Wouldn't making such changes reflect an even greater need for capital?  I wonder if, in their attempt to bring income to the site, they would move to a more ticketed ride system.  An aquarium would seem to require a greater investment, but with their recent aquarium experience, perhaps they are seeing a nice payoff in that area.

I wondering if they won't go to more of a "Wild Adventures" type of park as that was one option in that survey awhile back on what would you like Celebration City to become.

They should stay open for two more weeks to catch some last minute crowds.  Wouldn't a lot of people want to visit before the closure?

I don't understand is how the HFE parks are doing so poorly and chains like CF can hand out distributions to thier shareholders. This is pretty sad and means they are serverly out of touch with their customer base. Not to mention out of whac on some of thier marketing. Here are some examples from several of thier parks:

1. Celebration City, what kind of park is this? For they longest time they have touted "have fun at SDC durring to the day CC is the night spot". What is SDC typical closing time? 7-8pm in the summer, CC cities is 9pm sometimes 10pm. So I leave SDC at 7pm spend the :30 minute drive to CC (if you can ake there in that time becuse of traffic). That leaves me n hour and a half at CC. Most of the go-cart track in Branson are open until at least Midnight. This has been my big compalint with CC since day one. It is supposed to be a nighttime destination and they really aren't open at night. Even WOF and SF have midnight madness why couldn't they do this here?

2. How much expansion have they done since opening worth talking about? 1 Ride that they bought from a closed park? You could say they added a ride in 2007 but they took one out in 2006. Too keep repeat visitiors interested you have have to keep upating and changing. Without this why would someone want to travel here from KC or STL?

3. Let's raise prices and take away from the visitor. My example of this was the fact that an all cities pass would get you in to Dollywood for free in 2007. This was reduced to a measly discount in 2008. If I purchase a CF Platinum Pass for $150-$160 depending on which park you buy from, or a SF Pass for $60 not only do I get into ALL the parks, I also get waterpark access. FYI My all cities pass this year was $140 yeah they are open for Christmas, but that is only 1 park and it's really that big of a deal? (By the way Six Flags in Dalls is open for Christmas).  My point is all cities should mean all parks all locations especaily since they are charging as much as CF does and they own the Roller Coaster Caiptol of the World.

4. Let's pick on White Water for a moment. Where do I begin on this one. Sheesh, the cement at the wave pool and lazy river are crumbling, bad. If you noticed the park's cement areas look like they were painted by a 3 year old with ADHD. Dive in Movies and concerts used to be a BIG draw, they have been gone for several years. They took out the tall water slide only to replce it with the same thing only a little taller, yeah I know they added the racing slides. You know the ones they spent a bunch of money to put timers on this year they that don't ever use... Other than that the only other "new" ride they have done was to take out a rapids and body speed slide and put in 2 prosildes. Looks like a downgrade to me considering there is one less item there and you have put in sldes similar to what you already had.



Ok, I could keep going on about this and everyone here knows what I am talking about. Don't get me wrong here I like the parks and have always bought passes. MY point is they should have been expanding in the "good" years so they could keep the numbers up in the bad. It's my opinion that CC hs been stagnat since they year after they openend it and never had a real direction of wether or not they wanted a kiddie park with limited attendance or a World Class theme park. I have the same opinion of SDC but the question is, do they want to cater to the much older generation that can't walk up the hil, or appeal to the < 50 crowd. We have become a world of adrenaline junkies. My fear is that they have waited too long to make some important decisions and unless the economy turns around the whole corp may be doomed.


Just think of it this way, we may all know what the Officail decision is in 1 week. After all if the "new" concept is opening next eason and will have a season pass available for entry, they go on sale Nov 1....

If they try to jack the prices way up for 2 parks, I will go without. May do that anyways becuse I want to take a midwest coaster tour again next year since all the other parks have new rides/coasters from this year and next.

I think the problem with CC was stated:  they want it to be "an anchor destination for Branson's western edge" and clearly it is not.  Selling season passes is a great way to make money up front, but until there is something inside the park to get money out of visitors' pants, the cash is really not flowing.

Marketing to a younger crowd means you can sell a few souvenirs and cheap trinkets and carnival food, but where are the quality items that you can't get anywhere else?  Where is the really nice restaurant and really quality shopping areas that people would actually pay admission to shop and eat in?  Rides are attractions but they only sell tickets - they don't invite people to open their wallets once inside the park.

I think that's what they are investigating with this move.  They should have researched it better before they bought Branson USA.  They started correctly with the retooling they did before the first year, but they dropped the ball when they just focused on bringing in used carnival rides.

That's not to say the whole thing is dead.  I don't think HFE plans to lose money on this.  That one statement - "an anchor destination for Branson's western edge" - gives me some real hope that we may see something worth visiting in the future.

I did notice that Moonlight Madness is happening July 21 through August 9, 2009 and those days they are open from 9:30AM - 10:00PM..  That has really extended that time from a few days.  This must be a new festival instead of just a 2 or 3 day deal that they have added.

Gah, I hope that it's just an extension of hours and not the whole MM package. That'd be a huge step towards SDC abandoning what they are altogether. It's nice to see that SDC can go back to long hours if they want though.

I definitely need to contact them for more on this. Anyone know more?

QuoteI hope that it's just an extension of hours and not the whole MM package.

I'll second that!!

OK Zephon, DocSpeleo, & Copper...  What have you heard about the new MM for next year?

What's going on? The world is falling apart!
lol
Here's my two cents...

two cents.

Well, I cannot divulge any information under penalty of death or being tossed in the sinkhole to fall 300 ft to the bottom of the Cathedral Room... a fate that only few have ever suffered.


or possibly I have been too busy to gossip and hear whats up...

I'll let you decide.

I haven't heard anything about MM.  Been very busy, long hours, making the change over from HW to DCC.  It would seem to me though that it will be pretty much like it was this past year...shops, restaurants, and rides open, but very limited on shows.  Maybe they will have some of the bands, with those entertainers starting their days in the mid-afternoon.

As for CC, it's sad that it had to close because I hate to see any HFE venture end in failure, but IMO it was a bad investment from the start.  Purchased mainly to keep undesired competition from buying up the land, I don't understand how they expected to make money on it.  A carnival, albeit with a facelift, is still a carnival, and not the draw they were 50 or 60 years ago.  And I feel they made the same mistake with Wild Adventures in Georgia and wonder how long it will be before they dump it.  Maybe the new direction on the CC land will be towards the resort possibilities that they mentioned in their announcement of a few weeks ago.  It will be interesting to see what they come up with.

Here's what I know about MM for next year.  Copied directly from SDC's website:

"2009 News:

Calling all Night Owls! You're going to love Silver Dollar City's newest evening event, Moonlight Madness happening July 21 through August 9, 2009 when you can enjoy Silver Dollar City rides under the Ozarks' skies until 10 p.m.! Ride on into the night on PowderKeg, Lost River of the Ozarks, American Plunge & more!

Summertime Spectacular! Kids of every age find added fun at Silver Dollar City from June 6 through August 9 during America's Largest Children's Festival! Enjoy a huge magic show full of surprises, a VeggieTales production you can ONLY see here, and an all-new live percussion and dance performance act never seen before in the United States! Plan your family's visit now to KidsFest 2009.

Season Passes On Sale starting November 1 at the 2008 pre-season price! ORDER BEFORE December 30, 2008 and receive the best rate of the season. Our season passes remain the best value in town at less than the price of 2 days of admission. Get in on all the fun all year long with the best value – the 2 Park SUPER PASS with super benefits & now super savings. These benefits more than pay for the price of your season pass! Order online or call 1-800-888-PASS (7277)."

From that little blurb it sounds like it's just extended hours, and nothing more.  It's not a new festival since it coincides with KidsFest.  KidsFest runs from June 6 through August 9 while MM is from July 21 through August 9.

Again, check out the site for yourself:
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/sdcattractions.aspx (http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/sdcattractions.aspx)

So, at the current moment nothing is really planned to leave CC, but surely the final concept will involve a lot less rides. Anyone want to hodge some bets now at what will stay, what will turn up elsewhere, and what will leave completely?

I'm pretty sure OzCat, the ferris wheel, the go-karts, and Roaring Falls will stay, and maybe the mini-golf course as well unless it's in the way.

The Oribiter could turn up anywhere - I almost think it could go to SDC but I don't know if they'd risk the GP noticing. SDC doens't really need it anyway.

The two steel credits and Chute D' Shutes will probably be sold off. They're way below chain standards, and they're really not worth keeping for the future developments.

Fireball will probably be sold as well, seeing as it's too sub-par for SDC and DW, and WA already got a nice frisbee. If they tried to strip the lights off and throw it into SDC or DW I'd be a bit enraged.

Everything else will probably depend on space issues and exactly what the final plan is. There's not much else to worry about other than the flyers and the S&S double shot, which were both highly enjoyable rides.

^I tend to agree with you on all of your guesses.  I feel positive that Roaring Falls will stay, being a sizeable $5 million investment.

I am curious to see what will happen if something like Fireball or Orbiter ends up at SDC.  I really hope they alter any rides that will move to SDC.  It's not like SDC and DW getting the same ride.  It will really stick out if they don't make an effort to change the theming of a ride that they move from CC to SDC.

^^ I'll take a stab at it.

I see Oz Wildcat, the ferris wheel, bumper cars, mini-golf, go-karts, RF, and the S&S (It's a small space) staying without any issues.

I think the scrambler, flying circus, the carousel, The Stinger, and Thunderbolt will probably stay.

Things I could see just about everything else leaving.

Obviously, the Celebration Theater will probably stay.  The boardwalk will probably retain the atmosphere.  The laser theater will probably become some sort of attraction, maybe the aquarium?  I'm not familiar with the HFE aquariums, so I don't know.

I find it funny that they're willing to spend millions to reinvent a park they failed to poor investment in.  If they would've taken the money they plan to spend redeveloping the land and used it to make the park better, CC would have been awesome.  They can blame the theme if they want, but I say it was a lack of investment.  Now they're going to spend TONS of money to redevelope a site that I believe didn't really need to be redevloped, just invested in.

Keep ozcat, move the carousel to the GE and get rid of the rest.

I really hope some of the kids rides end up somewhere.  The best part of CC to me was a lot of rides my young kids could enjoy.

Keep the kids ride?  Why?  Unless things have changed since last year, I thought that the kids rides were terrible. 
I hope that you guys who are thinking that the Oz Cat is staying are basing your observation on a strong rumor or fact. You have given me hope!  I rode Evel Keneval(sp) last weekend and was reminded how much I love OC. 

Prowler will be anything but "small" - unless you are meaning "height" which is overrated -- see SOB if you don't believe me.

I love "small" wooden coaster.  My definition of "small" is a reaction to what is seemingly the coaster's industry definition of "big." My first favorite "small" coaster was Outlaw in Des Moines.  Then, through the late 90s, I rode a lot of the great mega woodies like Texas Giant, Mean Streak, Beast, Rattler, and the Missouri piece of over sized crap- The Boss.  I keep coming back to these smaller coasters that have speeds of 50 MPH, less than 100 feet tall, and a lot of tight corners.

Well Prowler is actually rather long and spread out so I don't think small will fit it -- but I see what you are getting at.

The land footprint of this coaster has to be seen to be fully appreciated.  It's bigger than I thought it was going to be.

What's the chance of SDC ever extending their hours to get some of that evening action? Wasn't that ostensibly the reason for CC in the first place?

Quote from: Tom on October 27, 2008, 07:30:18 PM
Keep the kids ride?  Why?  Unless things have changed since last year, I thought that the kids rides were terrible.

Are you a two-year-old or four-year-old?  Do you have kids that are that age?  You try telling my kids that the rides there are terrible. 

My kids 3 and 4 are so upset that Celebration City is closing.  They loved the sheer number of kiddie rides.  They also liked being able to ride the tilt-a-whirl and were constantly measuring to see if they could ride the bumper cars.  On a side note it is wierd that the bumper cars had such strict "no ride" height restrictions, even with an adult.  Of course in this litigious world who can blame any of the parks for stict anything.  It is a wonder that they let even adults ride anything other than a pillow machine the way some sue happy people are always looking for a quick buck.

^^^They've already announced extra long hour days for next season. http://www.sdcfans.com/news.php?id=41

It is too bad they didn't hold CC to that though. They may have survived if they had lengthened their hours and provided more adult entertainment, rather than cutting hours so most people couldn't even make it to the park, and market to a group that was really more interested in SDC in the first place.

Quote from: shavethewhales on October 28, 2008, 05:48:28 PM
^^^They've already announced extra long hour days for next season. http://www.sdcfans.com/news.php?id=41

It is too bad they didn't hold CC to that though. They may have survived if they had lengthened their hours and provided more adult entertainment, rather than cutting hours so most people couldn't even make it to the park, and market to a group that was really more interested in SDC in the first place.

That's one thing I never understood.  We used to go to WW and SDC in the same day, WW first and then SDC.  When CC was announced and they dubbed it a nighttime park I thought it would be open until midnight.  I was excited thinking about the possibility of spending a large chunk of the day at SDC (because it's bigger and has more attractions) then leaving in the evening and spending the rest of the day at CC.  But with CC closing so early in the night that was never possible.  I really wish it had longer hours and more adult entertainment.  It might still be open if it did.

Originally it did stay open later, but when the crowds never showed up, well those hours were cut.

     By last year, I thought that the park was trying to make a legitimate stab at being a family park.  I took my 3 and 4 year old and we had a great time. . . but we went to the sea lion show, the parrot show, the Veggie Tale show, sand pit, water fountains, and legoland.  The rides were okay. . .but they were clearly run down carnival rides.  My kids loved the children's "thrust" tower at Six Flags STL but were to short to ride the CC version.  I liked the smallness for walking around with small children and I liked the scenery. 
     We did not go this year because there were not shows that would attract my kids and the rides just didn't prove to be reason enough to go.  If someone is only going for rides, than why not go to that little children's park in front of the Tanger Mall. 
     Do the Hershends own the Grand Village (that Victorian shopping mall across from the Grand Palace.)  If they do, why not move the children's rides to that parking?

Quote from: Tom on October 28, 2008, 08:02:50 PM
     Do the Hershends own the Grand Village (that Victorian shopping mall across from the Grand Palace.)  If they do, why not move the children's rides to that parking?

They did own the Grand Village, but sold it in 2005.

Quote from: Swoosh on October 28, 2008, 06:15:56 PM
Originally it did stay open later, but when the crowds never showed up, well those hours were cut.

I forgot that it was open later, but in 2003 when CC opened I no longer lived in the Springfield area.  By the time I briefly moved back it was no longer open late.

I've been reading up more on the closing, and HFE has ideas for redevelopment of the property but it looks like nothing will be happening next year.  How soon anything is done with the property depends on the economy.  So next year when you drive by CC it'll look like one of the many abandoned theme parks that exist in this country, since all of the rides are staying put for now. :-\

Does anyone know when Wonders of Wildlife at Bass Pro plans to reopen?  If so, how would that affect any aquarium built at CC?

^I believe it's supposed to open sometime next Spring.

So they aren't demolishing the whole place down?
If so, that's a relief, but at the same time, from a buissiness perpective, the land CC is on is clearly not meant for
a theme park experiance. This is at least the 3rd time the land has been closed to be re-opened. Perhaps a more simple attraction is in order, something more adult, like a resort hotel and resteraunt, or a premeir shopping area? CC is fun for me about once a year, so I'm only conrtibuing about $150.00 to CC a year, including ticket prices, food and drink, and various souveniers. It's just not a big money maker.

There's a rumor floating around that a local church has made some sort of agreement with HFEC to lease CC somehow for the mean time. I don't know if they're using one of the buildings as a chapel, or having a christian fun-fair, or what. Anyone know more?

Quote from: shavethewhales on April 08, 2009, 07:39:38 PM
There's a rumor floating around that a local church has made some sort of agreement with HFEC to lease CC somehow for the mean time. I don't know if they're using one of the buildings as a chapel, or having a christian fun-fair, or what. Anyone know more?

I don't know exactly how it works but there is already a church using CC.. The big castle building has services every weekend. 

Stopped by on a very overcast May 1 to catch a few silhouette images of CC

(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/celebcity.jpg)

Beautiful photo- makes me sad :'(

The name of the church is Woodland Hills Family Church.  I have a friend who goes there.  Here is their web site if you want to check it out.  As far as I know they only use the castle.  www.woodhills.org

Same here, Rube...

Great Minds think alike...yet again tinman! I am a churchgoer, my dedication to attending some sort of service on Sundays is fairly strong be it my church or my wifes church, And being in town I was tempted to attend this one for a service, but would have felt guilty knowing that I only attended to see the inside of that castle, not for the Lord. So I went to the Wilderness Church instead!

While Moving to Branson I'm sure it's one church we'll "try out". The website looks like it would fit us pretty well.

Here is a HUGE panoramic of the entrance to CC from this weekend. It measure 48''x23 1/4".It was pieced together using 15-16 individual photos.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/celebcitycopy.jpg)

I was told by a friend that everything at CC is for sale - all the rides, etc.  I can't confirm this, but he got the news from a friend of his.  He has contacts who have contracted with the Herschends on multi-million-dollar jobs in the past.

Are there signs?  Articles in the area?  Can anyone confirm?  With the Wild Adventures survey Steve mentioned in another thread, it sounds like CC as we know it is a memory.

There are a lot of games at Dollywood that came from CC that debuted this year.

Everything seems to be pointing to the immediate break up of the park as we know it, which is pretty much what we all saw coming. The games and equipment have been taken to the other properties, some of the family rides sound like they're on their way to WA, and it sounds like Roaring Falls is coming to SDC.

The question is: what will happen to OzCat? It will either be destroyed or some how be roped into the new developments as an add on. It's a $4 million ride, but HFEC doesn't seem to care anymore. Still, it's conceivable that it and the ferris wheel could anchor a retail development. It'd give them an edge over other shopping centers.

^And the carousel.  I see most of the upgrades made by HFE possibly staying.

Just curious if there is any news on the redevelpment of Celebration City? Has anyone heard anything?

The security guard last week said he heard again about the aquarium scenario, and personally felt that most things/rides would be moved/sold off including the OzCat.

The trains from OzCat were sent to WA, in case you missed that news bit. Seems like pretty damning evidence to me  :'(

Somehow I don't think we'll have much to look forward to with the CC property at this point in time. It seems like they're deciding against making the same mistake twice, from what I can tell. I kind of expect to see the land parceled and sold off, if not sold off all at once to another big outlet.

I agree. Renting buildings oout on the property, and selling off rides is more than likely the last step for this high trafficked area. I am sure the land is fairly valuable, even though you could drive the strip and see several vacant locations already.

This area seems like a great place to be but...............it has never worked.  No matter who tried to make it go.  I think it is a bad location.  People are either getting off the strip and glad to be out of traffic, or getting on and excited to be heading towards the destination.  In all the years I do not ever think of CC as a destination area.  SDC, Shep of the Hills, the Dam, Showboat, the shows, downtown Branson. 

It is a shame but it seems that Branson is taking a few hits, the Palace, CC, several areas not looking all that great.  I hope this thing gets turned around.

Maybe they should try something completely new and different from all the previous developments in that area. It seems as though people think it's meant to be a theme park area. But maybe it isn't.

I could almost see it being completely reworked as perhaps a nightlife kinda place, similar to Disney's Pleasure Island. Less shops, more dining and clubs. Maybe more towards a Legends type place atmosphere-wise... Basically, here's a list of things that I think put together would make a really awesome place to hang out in Branson where CC currently is:

1) A nice modern movie theater, perhaps like the Legends 14, or maybe like AMC's new Mainstreet Theater (which I hear is pretty neat, especially those butt-rumble seats & getting to pick your seat in advance)

2) A few nice restaurants (grill&bars, fancy stuff, Japanese steakhouse, seafood grill, Mexican, etc)

3) Some nightclubs (perhaps a nice country dance club or something)

4) A themed restaurant like Rainforest Cafe or T-Rex, but with a Wild West theme

5) A cool bowling alley (maybe a Lucky Strike; I've seen pics, and it looks pretty awesome)

6) Keep the go-karts & mini-golf; or, in fact, maybe build something like a mix of Powerplay (http://powerplaykc.com/ratesattractions.php) and Zonkers (http://www.zonkers.com/dnn/Rides/tabid/53/Default.aspx). It'd give them a chance to keep some rides and stuff but do it in a new way.

7) A stage or theater perhaps like the Midland at KC's Power&Light? A venue to make up for the Grand Palace being closed...?

8 ) And last, but the thing I'd like to see most: Dave & Busters. It would provide late-night entertainment with a casino-like atmosphere but without the gambling, but also provide entertainment to all ages, since kids are allowed when accompanied by adults. D&B is really fun, and it'd be cool if they got one in Branson.

So, basically, make it something like a mix of Legends, Power & Light, and Great Mall of the Great Plains. And they could still add an aquarium, too. That'd make it even more unique.

I dunno... I just think there need to be more nightlife options in Branson beyond go-kart tracks and mini-golf.

Joy

I still think they bailed out on the "night park" idea way to early.  If you stayed at SDC until closing you only had 2 or 3 hours at CC. 

I hate to hear this.  In the short time CC was open many memories was made taking the nephews and kids to that little park.  I wonder what they will do with the lazer show?

I agree with Hatfield about them giving up on the "night park" idea a bit early. It seemed about the time you were starting to enjoy the night riding it was time to go.  Maybe they should have been open until midnight or so.  On the other hand it seems most of Branson is in bed by 11:00.  I was hoping they would weave the aquarium idea in with the rides they have, sort of a Seaworld knock off or go the route of mixing a zoo with the rides. Could you imagine retheming all the rides in a jungle or safari motif? They already have the OzCat and Roaring Falls. They could really do something with that. Speaking of Roaring Falls, unless they decided at the last minute to close the park, why would they invest the money they did on a ride that was only going to be there one year?  I'm not sold on another shopping area idea.  Branson might be about tapped out on shopping dollars considering the three outlet malls and Branson Landing.  There are already quite a few empty spaces.

I also think it would be hard for that area to compete with the new landing.  I would think that all the new themed restaurants would be wanting to be downtown. 


Speaking of closing early, when we were down last the landing was shuting down around ...9:00P.M.????

maybe someone should build the worlds biggest  bingo hall on the property.  Make sure to have room to park all the tour buses. 

I would sure hate to see the OzCat go away.  It is a quality coaster. I was hoping it would be a part of the redevelopment or move to Silver Dollar City.  I always thought CC's operating season was a bit short. I felt in the fall they should have been open during the day so families with kids in on the weekends could enjoy it more.  When they were open Friday and Saturday nights it was tough for families leaving after school on Friday to get there in time. I also wonder if CC would have done better as a traditional day time park. A lot of people still like to go to shows in the evening or walk the strip.

Well, see, I was seeing as something less shopping, more nightlife. Maybe a couple shops here and there, but mainly restaurants, nightclubs, and clean-cut adult fun by way of a Zonkers/Powerplay type place as well as a Dave & Busters.

If anything, I just want to see a Dave & Busters in Branson. I think it'd go over really well.

Joy

Quote from: Firstvisit1967 on August 13, 2009, 08:54:55 PM
Speaking of closing early, when we were down last the landing was shuting down around ...9:00P.M.????

Well, most malls close at 9PM so that surprises you, why?  :-\

I can't make up my mind what kind of late night activity would fly in Branson. It seems when the shows let out at ten o'clock most everybody goes back to the hotel/motel/condo/cabin/campground and goes to bed. I guess that's just a result of the types of visitors that come to town--families with younger children who get tired and older folks who don't like to stay out late and want to start early the next morning.

Well, the go-kart tracks and mini-golf seem to be pretty popular. So a Zonkers/Powerplay type place aimed at teens and adults could work. And Dave & Busters (or a similar type place) is like an arcade for adults, but many of the games are styled like casino games (coin movers, a virtual race track, etc.).

Joy

The Landing Shops close their doors before the shows let out.  It would seem they would want to be a place where people went after the shows.  I know we were really suprised when we saw them closing up and it was just getting dark.  I know when our family goes on vacation we get up early and stay up late. 

Yeah, same here. We've always had difficulty figuring out what to do at night in Branson; we always end up just staying holed up in our room watching cable.

Most shows start at 7pm, which means they get out between 9pm and 9:45pm-ish. For me, being on vacation, 9:45pm is EARLY.

Joy

^Our favorite thing to do after the shows get out is to play a round or two of mini-golf.  Other than that, you're right.  Cable TV.  We don't go to bed at 10 PM. 8)

We end up on the deck looking out over Table Rock.  We normally put something on the grill to snack on and enjoy a few adult bevs. 
We have tried the mini golf or the race tracks but they cost a pretty penny for all of us to play.  By the time we pay for nine.............
One thing we did find that we all liked, even my wife, (mom, grandma,) was a new lazer tag black light golf course.  We did that Easter Sunday afternoon (it was cold and rainy).  It was a fun couple of hours.  Do not know the name of the place, located out past Point Royal.