Thought I would let everyone know that SDC filed trademarks for the following:
Christmas at Silver Dollar City
Christmas in the City
I'm wondering if we will see a change in names from An Old Time Christmas to one of these two in 2018.
Well that would be... lame. Old Time Christmas is perfect. Why bother modernizing it? Do they think the youngin's are turned off by the word "old" now? ::)
I'd wager these are just extra terms they'll use in conjunction, but you never know these days...
Agreed with Shave. Both those names are just boring and way too generic. Old Time Christmas fits the park perfectly in my opinion.
I agree with Coaster - they are generic and boring. They really have no meaning. Old Time Christmas puts an image in your head, and that should be their goal. I think even youngins get that picture and would want it to remain.
...At least it's not "Holidays at Silver Dollar City" ;) :o ::) :P
Quote..At least it's not "Holidays at Silver Dollar City" ;) :o ::) :P
I don't think SDC would ever go the route of "Happy Holidays" but you never know. It's a corporation now not a family affair. I am of the strong belief that corporations have no soul and are proud of it. When "Happy Holidays" comes along my seasons' pass will be retired.
SDC posts Bible verses weekly to all their social media accounts. I don't think we have any reason for them to go the 'Happy Holidays' route.
I could live with Silver Dollar Christmas
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 04, 2017, 08:38:44 AM
Well that would be... lame. Old Time Christmas is perfect. Why bother modernizing it? Do they think the youngin's are turned off by the word "old" now? ::)
I'd wager these are just extra terms they'll use in conjunction, but you never know these days...
Agreed.. "Old Time Christmas" is pretty easy to understand at what to expect. ;D
it would be foolish to lose the old time christmas title. The trademarked names are very bland. My 27 year old wife (at the time) went ooooo when she heard "old time" bedore the first time she went. Its what made it easy for me to talk her into going.
Im going to make an assumption, and it could be totally false, but I know the powers that be read this board from time to time. Like I said might be false now and this whole trademark might have nothing to do with a re naming, probably doesnt. Also I could be false in what im about to assume about some of the current PTB.
But I believe there is someone on the higher up, or maybe a few, who would like to get away from the old time themeing or don't think its that important, or would rather go with a cookie cutter approach to it. I believe this is a mistake or would be for a few reasons. The classic themeing has two effects on people. Either they:
1. Love it. For people like me its part of why I choose sdc and pass numerous closer parks to get there. For a lot of SDC faithful, its part of what keeps us coming back.
2. Or they are indifferent. It doesnt matter to them, might find some elements cool, but they wanna ride the new coaster. They might come back they might not. As long as there is stuff to do.
NO ONE hates it. As long as there is ac in the summer, heat and lights in the winter, people do not hate the old themeing.
I think its foolish for one to assume that more people would come if you dropped the old time, or if you got away from classic theme of sdc, or that it doesnt matter. Quite the opposite actually. I also think its very foolish to think millenials or the next generation dont care about or dont like the old time 1880s theme of the park. I think a lot DO like it, especially millenials like me with kids. Just because we have iphones doesnt mean we dont like some good 1880s ozarks hillbilly theme. Its what sets sdc apart and gets people coming back.
Now i think sdc is doin a good job had a good trip this year. Im just throwing this out there in case these felings exist within the PTB now or do at any time in the future.
Some information about 2017 Christmas additions in today's Live Stream at the 48:00 mark of the video.
https://youtu.be/Fwn6VfSVQC4
Looking forward to seeing Midtown this year.. The lights and New Facades will be great along with the new displays.
I did find it humorous the way Brad described the new Christmas Tree on Midtown...
"90 feet tall from the top of the tree to the street"...
Of course "we" know the tree will be sitting on the platform where the old treehouse was which is probably 30 - 40 feet off the street already... ;D
Quote from: sanddunerider on August 17, 2017, 08:47:05 AM
Looking forward to seeing Midtown this year.. The lights and New Facades will be great along with the new displays.
I did find it humorous the way Brad described the new Christmas Tree on Midtown...
"90 feet tall from the top of the tree to the street"...
Of course "we" know the tree will be sitting on the platform where the old treehouse was which is probably 30 - 40 feet off the street already... ;D
Yes! I got a good laugh out of that too. ;D
Quote from: sanddunerider on August 17, 2017, 08:47:05 AM
Looking forward to seeing Midtown this year.. The lights and New Facades will be great along with the new displays.
I did find it humorous the way Brad described the new Christmas Tree on Midtown...
"90 feet tall from the top of the tree to the street"...
Of course "we" know the tree will be sitting on the platform where the old treehouse was which is probably 30 - 40 feet off the street already... ;D
He said it would be on a platform about 30 feet in the air and then went on to say that it would be 90 feet from the star to the street. FTR - the platform will be decorated as a large gift so technically it would count as part of the tree
[/quote]
He said it would be on a platform about 30 feet in the air and then went on to say that it would be 90 feet from the star to the street. FTR - the platform will be decorated as a large gift so technically it would count as part of the tree
[/quote]
I missed him saying it would be on a platform..... I thought I was listening close.... LOL.. guess not ::)
I am thinking that you will be able to see that tree from almost the entire park. I would easily say 70%.
You may not from FL, PK, GE but you may see it more than you think with it being lite and the foliage being gone.
Nor the square but it has a tree already.
This will sure help disperse the crowd. Will Midtown also have a music/light show? Isn't that how it was displayed at Disney?
QuoteWill Midtown also have a music/light show? Isn't that how it was displayed at Disney?
I think there will be something maybe in between the big show with the tree ( needs updating).
Last time I was there they had good sized speakers all over mid town already installed ready to go. Now I wonder how this will be used to make money or will it just be another attraction.
Quote from: mhguy77 on August 17, 2017, 08:43:04 PM
QuoteWill Midtown also have a music/light show? Isn't that how it was displayed at Disney?
I think there will be something maybe in between the big show with the tree ( needs updating).
Last time I was there they had good sized speakers all over mid town already installed ready to go so. Now I wonder how this will be used to make money or will it just be another attraction.
Marketing. They have a HUGE campaign coming down the pipes. Expect a flood of commercials.
QuoteMarketing. They have a HUGE campaign coming down the pipes. Expect a flood of commercials.
I look forward to the additions.
More than anything, it will spread out the crowd. Lots of people have stories about the misery of the elbow-to-elbow experience of OTC.
a lot of the Christmas at Midtown set pieces are up now. I took some photos today, which you can see at
https://www.facebook.com/sirwillow/posts/10155767713240984
it actually looks like it's going to be pretty neat. I wasnt' sure how it was going to work with the narrow walkways there, but I think it's going to end up pretty nice, with a more intimate feel and not being totally overwhelming like I was afraid of. But still plenty of lights to make for a very, very neat experience.
Also I had a chance to talk to one of the guys in charge of this a few days ago (at a funeral of all things). These are NOT the pieces that used to be at Walt Disney World. They have built everything here from scratch- the frames, attaching the lights, wiring, everything. He said that while there might be a few pieces that will look similar, all of it is original to SDC, and has not come from Florida.
"few"
So pretty much everything except the façades then?
I will say this for being "original to SDC" ... nope not buying it because I've heard otherwise
Quote from: Swoosh on September 16, 2017, 08:37:20 PM
"few"
So pretty much everything except the façades then?
I will say this for being "original to SDC" ... nope not buying it because I've heard otherwise
Few as in Saturday and I've been busy since then and it's a low priority. But I also talked to a couple of my friends who work in M&C today as well. You can not buy it if you want (not that it was for sale) but since these are the guys that actually built the stuff, all of the stuff, themselves, I'm inclined to believe them.
Ok.
Some of the features are exactly the same - not just similar. Too many coincidental similarities for them just to copy them outright. I would think that if they were building their own things, that the globe, the banner, the tree, and others would be original designs.
The facades would have to fit specific building measurements, however, so I could understand that part being manufactured in house. They're going to really immerse the crowd in that area when they are lit up.
Quote from: sirwillow on September 16, 2017, 09:02:25 PM
Quote from: Swoosh on September 16, 2017, 08:37:20 PM
"few"
So pretty much everything except the façades then?
I will say this for being "original to SDC" ... nope not buying it because I've heard otherwise
Few as in Saturday and I've been busy since then and it's a low priority. But I also talked to a couple of my friends who work in M&C today as well. You can not buy it if you want (not that it was for sale) but since these are the guys that actually built the stuff, all of the stuff, themselves, I'm inclined to believe them.
Perhaps we just misunderstood what you wrote. M&C did have to retire and restrain all of the set pieces that came from WDW. That's what you meant, correct? If so, forgive my earlier post.
Now if you are saying the large set pieces (globe, Santa/sleigh, angels, tree) were built by M&C from ground up then no that is not correct as they were literally shipped up here from Florida
I gotta say, the framing is ugly. Does it detract from landscaping and decorations for the Fall festival?
Quote from: Gilligan on September 17, 2017, 10:00:17 PM
I gotta say, the framing is ugly. Does it detract from landscaping and decorations for the Fall festival?
Only if you're in Midtown and are really looking for it. I mean it's obvious it's there but you don't have to look.
The only reason to be in that area anyway is cinnamon bread
QuoteThe only reason to be in that area anyway is cinnamon bread
That's a problem unto itself.
Quote from: mhguy77 on September 18, 2017, 10:23:32 AM
QuoteThe only reason to be in that area anyway is cinnamon bread
That's a problem unto itself.
I agree. It never makes it to the car.
Quote from: Swoosh on September 18, 2017, 11:18:43 AM
Quote from: mhguy77 on September 18, 2017, 10:23:32 AM
QuoteThe only reason to be in that area anyway is cinnamon bread
That's a problem unto itself.
I agree. It never makes it to the car.
With our family, we're good to make it out of the store with it still in tact.
The only reason to be in that area anyway is cinnamon bread
[/quote]
Hmm? I kinda like them apple turnovers too ;D
^Can you be more careful when you quote? You have a bad habit of deleting part of the code
Quote from: Swoosh on September 19, 2017, 04:49:01 PM
^Can you be more careful when you quote? You have a bad habit of deleting part of the code
Maybe..? ???
I will watch that..
But typically I try to only copy and quote the part of the statement I am responding too.
If you are cutting down a quote, remember that there is an opening [ quote ] tag and a closing [ /quote ] tag (no spaces between the brackets).
Is October too early to start playing Christmas music? I'm ready for it.
Quote from: shavethewhales on September 21, 2017, 08:10:56 PM
If you are cutting down a quote, remember that there is an opening [ quote ] tag and a closing [ /quote ] tag (no spaces between the brackets).
Is October too early to start playing Christmas music? I'm ready for it.
Yup, I think it's a little early! ;D I was at the City yesterday, and while there wasn't any Christmas music, the lights were on in several areas as workers were stapling them to structures.
Quote from: Gilligan on September 22, 2017, 10:14:06 AM
Yup, I think it's a little early! ;D I was at the City yesterday, and while there wasn't any Christmas music, the lights were on in several areas as workers were stapling them to structures.
It's never to early to play Christmas music! lol
they've actually been putting the lights on since the end of July. If they don't start that early, they'll never get them done in time. it's a huge project that has a dedicated crew of guys that are actually on it year round. In January they start taking all of the lights down which takes a while as well, then in the off season it's a process of checking every light string and bulb, rotating the strings of lights so that older strings are pulled out of service, newer ones are reused, and brand new strings are brought in, and a lot of other work.
Add to that the huge amount of welding that they had added onto their workload this year to build all of the new props, flats, and structures for the Christmas in midtown, and it's a huge amount of work.
BTW, the new globe could be spotted in the Red Gold parking lot near it's entrance today. Similar to the one at Disney, but most certainly smaller by several feet. (I got to see the Osborne lights- mounted and in pieces backstage- on a frequent basis when I worked at Disney) Talked to another one of the guys who helps to oversee a lot of that and he adamantly confirmed that while it was inspired by Disney, and some of it will look similar, ALL of it (flats, globe, angels, supports, and other props) was built in house. They did use some photos of the Osborne lights at Disney as inspiration and models, but none of it came from Florida. the only ones I've heard say that any of this came from Florida all have "mysterious sources" or aren't sure, but that is not what any of the guys who actually work on it, supervise it, or have overseen it have said. And I've talked to several of them now.
Edit in: I am aware of a truck of smaller props that came in, though the people that I've talked to about it weren't sure what was on it other than it wasn't anything large and may have included some angels. But not sure where it came from.
I've seen crews out installing lights over the summer, but first time I saw them being installed while they were lit.
Finally get to put some of the rumors to rest, thanks to SandDuneRider's incredible pictures that she posted today.
I've borrowed a few of them and put them in a gallery alongside several that I took of the Osborne Lights when I used to work down at Disney. Going back and forth you can see the similarities, but you can also clearly see the differences in the pieces as well. If you'd like to see them along with my notes in the captions, you can. They're posted at:
https://sirwillow.smugmug.com/Amusement-Parks-Roller/Walt-Disney-World-Disney-MGM/Osborne-lights-vs-Silver-Dollar-Citys/i-Dc5j2JR
And thank you so much to SandDuneRider for letting me borrow a few of her great photos to do this. :-)
Wow! Thanks for the side-by-side comparison. I even grew up in West Little Rock and remember the Osborne Family Lights on their private residence long before Jennings Osborne gave them to Disney. I just assumed it was them, but after the side-by-side, its obvious they were 'inspired.'
@ sirwillow.. Your welcome,
If anyone would like to get a look at the finished product, there's a brief video on the SDC Fans Facebook page I shot on Saturday. I've also got a ton of photos on my photo site. You can see them at:
https://sirwillow.smugmug.com/Amusement-Parks-Roller/Mid-USA-TX-MO-OK-etc/Silver-Dollar-City-Christmas-in-Mid-Town
(start about page 7)
I'll have a full video preview posted to my youtube channel Tuesday or Wednesday. :-)
Was there music from the speakers they installed in midtown? I could not tell with the video.
I am surprised they don't do the fake snow unless that could cause a slippage problem on the sloped ground surface. Very nice video!
Quote from: mhguy77 on November 07, 2017, 07:17:09 AM
Was there music from the speakers they installed in midtown? I could not tell with the video.
I asked that question on the 2017 Project thread and no one answered me. Guess not.
yes there is music. I'll be posting some videos later today where you'll be able to hear the music in the background. It is background music though, that constantly plays, not an overwhelming loud soundtrack. I thought it was perfect.
and no, no "snow" which isn't a bad thing. The fake snow is a soap like mixture and it would make for extremely slick walkways around there. Not a good mix.
Got the video posted! it's "unlisted" until tomorrow afternoon, but since there has been interest here, I figured I'd post a link here for everyone. Several minutes of video footage and a few photos are at the end. It's not the best video I've done by any means, but hope you enjoy it and a look at the rest of SDC around Christmas as well.
https://youtu.be/8VyyGhGR0PI
Quote from: sirwillow on November 06, 2017, 11:00:15 AM
If anyone would like to get a look at the finished product, there's a brief video on the SDC Fans Facebook page I shot on Saturday. I've also got a ton of photos on my photo site. You can see them at:
https://sirwillow.smugmug.com/Amusement-Parks-Roller/Mid-USA-TX-MO-OK-etc/Silver-Dollar-City-Christmas-in-Mid-Town
(start about page 7)
I'll have a full video preview posted to my youtube channel Tuesday or Wednesday. :-)
Great pictures!!! Look forward to watching the video this afternoon.
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 08, 2017, 08:46:31 AM
Great pictures!!! Look forward to watching the video this afternoon.
there's a link to it in the post right above yours. :-)
Loved the video...
You mentioned it was hard getting pics inside the shows. Last year we did the Show Lover's Passes for both Dickens and Wonder Life. I got some decent pics with my phone. Here are some from the 2 shows.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2)
Quote from: DollarCityBoy on November 07, 2017, 08:37:07 AM
Quote from: mhguy77 on November 07, 2017, 07:17:09 AM
Was there music from the speakers they installed in midtown? I could not tell with the video.
I asked that question on the 2017 Project thread and no one answered me. Guess not.
In this video, you can hear the background music throughout.
https://youtu.be/MzSmw38DNHE (https://youtu.be/MzSmw38DNHE)
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 08, 2017, 04:16:12 PM
Loved the video...
You mentioned it was hard getting pics inside the shows. Last year we did the Show Lover's Passes for both Dickens and Wonder Life. I got some decent pics with my phone. Here are some from the 2 shows.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2)
Nice photos!
I really didn't want to use the phone to take photos since there is no way to turn the screen off and it can disturb others. So I shot with my DSLR and it's screen turned off. it's more iffy that way, but the light doesn't stand out in the crowd either. :-)
The main shows seem to be as good as always this year. I was remarking at how Dickens' seems to always run perfectly every time - I've never seen them have an off night.
The Christmas Saloon show is just right this year. It's the perfect mix of "serious" singing, jokes, the actual skit, and the gospel presentation that they are required to shoe in.
We went to the city on Saturday. HOLY CROWDS!!!! Enjoyed the day. Saw It's A Wonderful Life, Living Nativity and Dickens (a requirement every year) and were very thankful we did the Show Lovers. On a side note, when we were leaving the Dickens show, we saw the entire Duggar family. They were seated behind the musicians. They must've taken up 2 rows!!
Christmas in MidTown was fantastic and all that it was advertised. I hope this continues to expand as all of a sudden the rest of the park seems average in comparison. HA!
Started to sprinkle on us around 8:45 so we decided to bolt a little early. It was another successful SDC Christmas trip. Look forward to heading back New Years Eve weekend.
Quote from: sirwillow on November 08, 2017, 06:18:11 PM
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 08, 2017, 04:16:12 PM
Loved the video...
You mentioned it was hard getting pics inside the shows. Last year we did the Show Lover's Passes for both Dickens and Wonder Life. I got some decent pics with my phone. Here are some from the 2 shows.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2)
Nice photos!
I really didn't want to use the phone to take photos since there is no way to turn the screen off and it can disturb others. So I shot with my DSLR and it's screen turned off. it's more iffy that way, but the light doesn't stand out in the crowd either. :-)
Thanks SirWillow for being considerate! Even more annoying than seeing the phones light up for picture takers, are those trying to video with their phones.
Quote from: Gilligan on November 15, 2017, 12:18:01 PM
Quote from: sirwillow on November 08, 2017, 06:18:11 PM
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 08, 2017, 04:16:12 PM
Loved the video...
You mentioned it was hard getting pics inside the shows. Last year we did the Show Lover's Passes for both Dickens and Wonder Life. I got some decent pics with my phone. Here are some from the 2 shows.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2 (https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2HbInvB9BBjztOE2)
Nice photos!
I really didn't want to use the phone to take photos since there is no way to turn the screen off and it can disturb others. So I shot with my DSLR and it's screen turned off. it's more iffy that way, but the light doesn't stand out in the crowd either. :-)
Thanks SirWillow for being considerate! Even more annoying than seeing the phones light up for picture takers, are those trying to video with their phones.
Especially when they expressly tell you not to do that before the show starts!
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 15, 2017, 09:15:29 AM
We went to the city on Saturday. HOLY CROWDS!!!! Enjoyed the day. Saw It's A Wonderful Life, Living Nativity and Dickens (a requirement every year) and were very thankful we did the Show Lovers. On a side note, when we were leaving the Dickens show, we saw the entire Duggar family. They were seated behind the musicians. They must've taken up 2 rows!!
Christmas in MidTown was fantastic and all that it was advertised. I hope this continues to expand as all of a sudden the rest of the park seems average in comparison. HA!
Started to sprinkle on us around 8:45 so we decided to bolt a little early. It was another successful SDC Christmas trip. Look forward to heading back New Years Eve weekend.
So who is the Dugger family ? Is this someone famous ?
Quote from: Runner1960 on November 15, 2017, 02:20:41 PM
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 15, 2017, 09:15:29 AM
We went to the city on Saturday. HOLY CROWDS!!!! Enjoyed the day. Saw It's A Wonderful Life, Living Nativity and Dickens (a requirement every year) and were very thankful we did the Show Lovers. On a side note, when we were leaving the Dickens show, we saw the entire Duggar family. They were seated behind the musicians. They must've taken up 2 rows!!
Christmas in MidTown was fantastic and all that it was advertised. I hope this continues to expand as all of a sudden the rest of the park seems average in comparison. HA!
Started to sprinkle on us around 8:45 so we decided to bolt a little early. It was another successful SDC Christmas trip. Look forward to heading back New Years Eve weekend.
So who is the Dugger family ? Is this someone famous ?
They were on a reality tv show...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_Kids_and_Counting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_Kids_and_Counting)
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 15, 2017, 04:51:44 PM
Quote from: Runner1960 on November 15, 2017, 02:20:41 PM
Quote from: kbosch1 on November 15, 2017, 09:15:29 AM
We went to the city on Saturday. HOLY CROWDS!!!! Enjoyed the day. Saw It's A Wonderful Life, Living Nativity and Dickens (a requirement every year) and were very thankful we did the Show Lovers. On a side note, when we were leaving the Dickens show, we saw the entire Duggar family. They were seated behind the musicians. They must've taken up 2 rows!!
Christmas in MidTown was fantastic and all that it was advertised. I hope this continues to expand as all of a sudden the rest of the park seems average in comparison. HA!
Started to sprinkle on us around 8:45 so we decided to bolt a little early. It was another successful SDC Christmas trip. Look forward to heading back New Years Eve weekend.
So who is the Dugger family ? Is this someone famous ?
They were on a reality tv show...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_Kids_and_Counting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_Kids_and_Counting)
After reading that I feel like the less I know the better. A bunch of wackos. Now back to Christmas at SDC. GOing down the second weekend in December. I wasn't really wanting to go this year but my sister got with my kids behind my back and made plans for it. They informed me after the fact. It will be a fun time regardless.
Tim & Jenn from TheTimTracker on YouTube went to SDC last weekend. Their video of it should be up within the next couple days; I'm super looking forward to it!
Quote from: Joy on November 17, 2017, 04:50:37 PM
Tim & Jenn from TheTimTracker on YouTube went to SDC last weekend. Their video of it should be up within the next couple days; I'm super looking forward to it!
What?? Well phooey. I wish I had known that. Would have certainly tried to be there to meet them.
I unexpectedly ran into Tim Tracker by the front entrance. He was being escorted by a Silver Dollar City staff member. Talk about a surprise! ;D
Picture attached. Sorry, sirwillow. :)
Now it's my turn. Who's Tim Tracker?
QuoteQuoteTim Tracker
Self-promoting Theme Park You Tuber. Tours parks and gives his opinion and observations........
Quote from: Gilligan on November 20, 2017, 06:36:17 PM
Now it's my turn. Who's Tim Tracker?
One of the more popular Disney youtube vloggers who also does a lot of the other Orlando area attractions. Also one of the more positive, upbeat and family friendly ones.
We went Thursday of last week. Thought Christmas in Midtown was spectacular. Saw the last showing of Dickens and the Living Nativity. Most of the far right of the Opera House was empty, and I don't think there were a hundred people at the Living Nativity. Had a short wait for the train just before 8. Also able to walk right in and get our ornaments and season passes with no waiting. Tram lines at park closing were crazy though.
sounds like a perfect visit.. ready for my next trip...
We went last weekend. Stayed till 9 on Friday. Lights were great. It was not all that busy, was just about right. Saturday was OK as well, started getting busy by the time we left at around 2pm. We are going again this weekend, heaven help us. The only reason is because the wife made plans with a friend of hers to use our guest passes, which turned out go into effect Sunday. After I realized what weekend she was talking about, I told her its a huge mistake and will be a zoo in Branson this weekend. I plan on getting there about an hour before opening tomorrow, and may or may not stay into the night. Will have to go back Sunday to get the guests in. Will probably stay till after the 1st parade then head home. Hopefully sunday will not be too bad.
Quote from: Okiebenz on November 24, 2017, 06:38:52 PM
We went last weekend. Stayed till 9 on Friday. Lights were great. It was not all that busy, was just about right. Saturday was OK as well, started getting busy by the time we left at around 2pm. We are going again this weekend, heaven help us. The only reason is because the wife made plans with a friend of hers to use our guest passes, which turned out go into effect Sunday. After I realized what weekend she was talking about, I told her its a huge mistake and will be a zoo in Branson this weekend. I plan on getting there about an hour before opening tomorrow, and may or may not stay into the night. Will have to go back Sunday to get the guests in. Will probably stay till after the 1st parade then head home. Hopefully sunday will not be too bad.
4 day weekend? Sunday? should be an easy day. everyone else will be headed home!. enjoy the crowd..
Here is our PTR from OTC (Wed)
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2017/11/an-old-time-christmas-sdc.html
Not sure if this is being discussed elsewhere, but a cashier informed us that this is the final season for Rudolph and friends (the merchandise is all on clearance).
We arrived yesterday (Saturday) about an hour before opening and still had to park in lot 5. It was busy but I have seen worse. We left about 2 and people were pouring in at that time. Going back today and will leave after the parade.
Quote from: The Outlaw on November 25, 2017, 10:30:39 AM
Not sure if this is being discussed elsewhere, but a cashier informed us that this is the final season for Rudolph and friends (the merchandise is all on clearance).
Interesting... Honestly I completely forgot they even had the IP until I saw the parade again this year. It seems like they pushed it the first year, but after that they didn't try very hard with it, or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. I think that IP will always be around, but it has very limited usage and recognition.
My family and I went Saturday and arrived at around 2 PM. We had to park in lot JD, which I didn't know existed until this weekend. It is down Indian Point Road, and is basically a gravel pull-off along the side of the road. The trams were running like a well-oiled machine. There was one waiting on us when we got there. With the nice weather, the place was packed! As always, it cleared out after the first parade. A good time was had by all. :)
The parade is starting to get crazy. When we were there weekend before last on Sunday, we had to start lining up nearly 2 hours before it starts. If you don't, you wont get a spot. When waiting people are lined up shoulder to shoulder, they have areas roped off for people to be able to walk past the people lined up on the parade route. People still push thru the line of people, wanting you to move so they can get thru instead of walking a few feet down. I am normally a nice person but after moving for people for 2 hours, or simply getting knocked out of the way I start to become less nice. It almost seems to me they need to rope off the route, especially up by the square, instead of just having the white lines painted on the ground. Maybe I am off base or maybe I am just crazy.
The parade is nuts..! I quit watching it because of the hassle of standing.. IF I have friends with me that want to see it, We try to find an elevated area to watch from, AND we dont get any where close to the square...
I got lucky and wound up being "forced" to see it as I exited FITH and there was nowhere to go. I watched it from the tunnel. lol
Quote from: sanddunerider on December 04, 2017, 06:22:36 PM
The parade is nuts..! I quit watching it because of the hassle of standing.. IF I have friends with me that want to see it, We try to find an elevated area to watch from, AND we dont get any where close to the square...
there's an easy solution to that. Don't watch the first parade. skip it, go do some rides in areas away from the parade or see if they have a show you can watch during it. Then watch the second parade when the crowds have thinned out tremendously and you won't have to fight for a spot- even on the square.
Parade time isn't a bad time to check out the train, of if you have people that want other rides, it's a great time for Fireman's Landing, Expo, Barn Swing, or Outlaw Run. :-)
A good spot for watching the parade is in the expo area. When I've been there, there was just a single line of people.
Well, SDC is certainly not in danger of falling behind the competition for Christmas anytime soon if this season is any indication. The park has been slammed for most of it from what I hear, and Black Friday was apparently a new attendance record of 26,000 or so?
It's really just been perfect this year. The shows have been top-notch for awhile now, the new lights are amazing, the food is great... there's not much left to improve except for updating the tree and some QC on the hot cocoa. I don't think they can even manage any more big improvements because the park can't handle crowds any bigger than what they are currently getting... but more on that in a different thread.
The hot chocolate was fine when we visited Friday - nothing out of the norm.
Twenty-six thousand was the number we were told for Black Friday, as well. They expected 7500 for Thursday evening, but came out shy of that by a thousand or so (as long as you trust the gossip from employees). Friday was a moderate crowd, as well - not too many for comfort.
there's an easy solution to that. Don't watch the first parade. skip it, go do some rides in areas away from the parade or see if they have a show you can watch during it. Then watch the second parade when the crowds have thinned out tremendously and you won't have to fight for a spot- even on the square.
Parade time isn't a bad time to check out the train, of if you have people that want other rides, it's a great time for Fireman's Landing, Expo, Barn Swing, or Outlaw Run. :-)
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We went on a Friday night the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and we waited until the 2nd parade. It seemed just as crazy and packed as I have seen it up on the square.
Never gone right around Christmas and looking to bring a first timer who has never been to the park during this event. Looking at either going the 22nd or 24th based on said persons availability and time off to go. (Friday and Sunday respectively) I already told them no way we are going Saturday due to past experiences. Which would be the better day?
Quote from: sdcfan88 on December 07, 2017, 02:19:28 PM
Never gone right around Christmas and looking to bring a first timer who has never been to the park during this event. Looking at either going the 22nd or 24th based on said persons availability and time off to go. (Friday and Sunday respectively) I already told them no way we are going Saturday due to past experiences. Which would be the better day?
DONT go on the 24th, park is closed. :D :D.
On the other hand, there would not be any crowd ::) ::)
Ha! Looked at the wrong week! Friday it is then.
LOL. have fun! I wanted to JAB you hard about the date, BUT was afraid of hard feelings from other members.,... LOL... ENJOY!!
We visited on Saturday December 2nd and watched the 2nd parade from the top of the climbing tower in Half Dollar Holler. We also had Snowballs at Hannah's Ice Cream parlor- a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a mug of hot chocolate. Only a dollar in our refillable mugs- good stuff!