I thought we already had a 2024 thread but apparently not.
Since FITH2.0 has been delayed to 2024 let's move discussion on the project to here to keep things tidy.
With that being said, the ride has gone vertical. You might be able to see it from the firehouse if the lights inside are on. Of course the windows are filthy so you won't be able to get decent photos. Can confirm that there's supports up. There might be some track as well, but that's still a "rumor" for now. We're not sure if what looks like track is track or just a different type of support. Remember RMC track looks like supports so it's hard to know for sure until confirmation
Glad to see you Swoosh.
2023 will definitely be interesting to see all the 2024 work everywhere and to also get "Hill Street" back. I wish they would do a HGTV parody of a makeover show with a before and after reviling. I think it would make for a pretty awesome construction blog.
Jay
Track is confirmed. Now installed on lower level and level two. Resembles brown RMC I-box track
Quote from: Swoosh on December 02, 2022, 12:05:27 AM
Track is confirmed. Now installed on lower level and level two. Resembles brown RMC I-box track
Any photos?
Quote from: Cseeley on December 02, 2022, 08:03:13 AM
Quote from: Swoosh on December 02, 2022, 12:05:27 AM
Track is confirmed. Now installed on lower level and level two. Resembles brown RMC I-box track
Any photos?
Cannot post pictures from backstage.
More supports and track are now stage in Pumpkin Plaza.
Lots of support steel in the building and you can see where a bit of it has gone vertical. You can see what may be track in the background on the floor in a few photos, but no long runs of installed track could be seen.
The exterior has also continued to receive some theming additions.
*These photos were taken from inside of Fireman's Landing.
With things moving along now, I wonder if they'd give thought to having 2024 Season Pass holder previews during Old Time Christmas next season as an incentive to purchase early.
Quote from: chittlins on December 13, 2022, 03:15:12 PM
With things moving along now, I wonder if they'd give thought to having 2024 Season Pass holder previews during Old Time Christmas next season as an incentive to purchase early.
That would be great!
Was at the city yesterday and got a quick picture of the continued progress on the facade for FITH2.
Assuming that it's lit like the rest of fireman's landing for OTC it's going to look amazing during OTC.
Track is now onsite
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/12/projwxt-2024-sdc.html
I never did get to go back there on my most recent visit since I was herding kids, but I'm told there's obviously a lot of work going on inside now. I really wonder if they could have gotten this open for 2023... Since things were obviously delayed I had thought construction would have slowed or stopped until the summer or so. I have a feeling it will sit 90-somethingish completed for 9 months, like the last few big rides. They are probably still waiting on certain components anyway.
Our view of the inside of the building has now been blocked off.
More track has arrived and we have some hilly track pieces now
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/02/project-2024-sdc.html (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/02/project-2024-sdc.html)
With the track manufacturer for this new coaster being rmc, what if for elements of the ride could be sub contracted to a company like intamin. They have done work for these types of rides all over the place ( both major Harry Potter coasters at universal Orlando) I am also wondering if the installer for it could be some 3d party company, with Swiss Ride Services being very likely. With sdc doing a lot of work with them recently such as time traveler and mystic river falls. If sdc does use any of these company's I feel like this ride could be very different then we imagine.
RMC is supplying the ride components. The park is building the attraction
In case you're interested, they've trademarked Fire in the Hole
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/03/project-2024-sdc_17.html
Quote from: Swoosh on March 12, 2023, 09:39:06 PM
In case you're interested, they've trademarked Fire in the Hole
Interesting
Opening Weekend Progress on Project 2024
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/03/project-2024-sdc.html
Weekend #2 Progress on Project 2024 (we have new shade structures going in over the queue area)
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/03/project-2024-sdc_18.html
Quote from: Swoosh on March 22, 2023, 08:59:12 PM
(we have new shade structures going in over the queue area)
In Miss Mary's day, we called those "trees". ;)
Quote from: KBCraig on March 22, 2023, 11:05:25 PM
Quote from: Swoosh on March 22, 2023, 08:59:12 PM
(we have new shade structures going in over the queue area)
In Miss Mary's day, we called those "trees". ;)
No offense, but Miss Mary has been gone for decades
It's time to retire that statement. It's old, tired, and irrelevant.
Thanks for the updates again!
Looks very FITH-like inside so far. Nothing too crazy yet, which is good IMO.
Quote from: Swoosh on March 23, 2023, 08:56:56 AM
No offense, but Miss Mary has been gone for decades
It's time to retire that statement. It's old, tired, and irrelevant.
Don't worry, the concept has been retired and replaced with the new, tiresome, and irrelevant to the 1880s theme.
Week #3 Progress on Project 2024
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/03/project-2024-sdc_23.html
Track in view from Fireman's Landing.
They are also pouring more concrete in the plaza area outside the ride entrance.
It would really help if they would clean these windows. 🤣
Glad to see they are adding some window treatments to the rest of the building, I wonder if they'll ultimately let vegetation overtake the building like FITH 1.0? I would think the pumpkin plaza shipping containers would eventually be replaced with something on the side of the new building, but then again....those containers have been working fine.
Jay
Any reason to believe a formal announcement is coming this week for FITH 2.0? SDC Facebook feed has already alluded to "so much exciting news" coming this week.
They announced the opening of Fried Fancies yesterday, and just dropped a playful, but cryptic nod to FITH with an all red picture and, "I aint got no pants no more. The dang baldknobbers stole 'em" just this morning.
I don't expect so. They have often said they have BIG news coming, only for it to be something we consider trivial. BIG news has a lot of room for interpretation I guess. This news is probably related to the new food stands opening up and the furniture factory getting underway, but could also be about something coming later this year for one of the festivals. There is no good reason for them to announce the new FITH until august when people start thinking about vacations for next year and other parks are making announcements. If they announce too soon, people are encouraged to skip SDC this year and focus on WOF or wherever instead.
Double posting because I've just seen the announcement myself. The fact that it's a photo of mystic river with the 'i' in BIG turned into a '1' is interesting. Maybe they want to try for another Guinness world record this summer? Or maybe it has something to do with mystic? That ride has been causing all kinds of problems...
Part of me expects they want to find a way to rework it without admitting it is a disaster. Seems like they wouldn't do that at the start of summer though. It's made it this long.
^ As was speculated on the Facebook site it probably means they were voted the #1 theme park.
That makes more sense. They are always hyping up something 'big' and like I said, 'BIG' news has a lot of room for interpretation. Winning that again is definitely something they will hype.
Still think they have to do something to Mystic within the next few years. I keep hearing about it beating people up.
^ I agree. I like the tower drop with the splashdown but I'm not a fan of the constant spinning.
Also take note that the fire company for Fire in the Hole is #1 Fire Company.
^ Great point!
👆🏻👆🏻
That's why I posted yesterday and am still inclined to believe this will be the official FITH 2.0 announcement. SDC posted an overt FITH post Monday. Yesterday, a news announcement with a subliminal nod to Fire Company No. 1. Why the Mystic River visual? How do you put out a fire? And what has been FITH's signature element for decades? One final drop into a splash ending.
While outside the typical practice of waiting until close to end of season to announce a new attraction, hyping the FITH reboot this early accomplishes two things. It generates excitement about what's coming. And drives traffic to get your last rides in on a SDC Classic NOW.
A simple press release would suffice for being voted the #1 park, announcing the the opening of something on the order of Fried Fancies, or lineup news with regards to the festival offerings.
If you're going live with an announcement, I anticipate it being legitimately newsworthy.
If you really think the news on Friday is about FiTH 2.0, then get ready to be disappointed. You should save your straw-grasping theories for later in the year, say August/September
We'll all know for certain in 48 hours.
Quote from: Duelist on May 03, 2023, 08:30:48 AM
^ I agree. I like the tower drop with the splashdown but I'm not a fan of the constant spinning.
Yeah that was unexpected for me too, I didn't expect to spin more on that ride than on Time Traveler. That should say something.
I actually feel like the spinning and especially the abruptness of the stop at the bottom of the slide have significantly improved since opening. It really isn't that bad anymore.
The timing lines up with the USA Today poll result announcement too much for it really to be anything else. However, I would expect them to tease future announcements on Friday.
Quote from: shavethewhales on May 02, 2023, 06:51:42 PM
Double posting because I've just seen the announcement myself. The fact that it's a photo of mystic river with the 'i' in BIG turned into a '1' is interesting. Maybe they want to try for another Guinness world record this summer? Or maybe it has something to do with mystic? That ride has been causing all kinds of problems...
Part of me expects they want to find a way to rework it without admitting it is a disaster. Seems like they wouldn't do that at the start of summer though. It's made it this long.
B1G is also commonly used for the Big Ten athletic conference.
Maybe they're trying attract more Ioweenians and Illinoisyans.
Quote from: mg on May 03, 2023, 05:25:24 PM
I actually feel like the spinning and especially the abruptness of the stop at the bottom of the slide have significantly improved since opening. It really isn't that bad anymore.
I strongly second that. And in truth, much like Time Traveler, it's reliability and capacity the past two years is much, much better as well. Machines these days just take time to get to know, as has been causally pointed out to me on park.
P.S. If you try to use station number two these days, fire directly into the wave, otherwise you will miss the boat completely. If you try to use station number 1, well, you might consider buying a poncho first ;D ;D
Yes the big news reveal was the park being voted the #1 theme park in America (it was already #1 to most of us anyway :)). And $49 tickets for the month of May if you buy them before May 10th: https://www.facebook.com/sdcattractions/videos/190150990561276
Predictable, I suppose ;D
Can't wait for August when we can finally get excited for the big announcement. We've been talking about the new FITH for years and years now. We will have watched the construction for three years by the time it opens. Sure hope it is worth the wait.
Quote from: shavethewhales on May 06, 2023, 04:54:47 PM
Predictable, I suppose ;D
Can't wait for August when we can finally get excited for the big announcement. We've been talking about the new FITH for years and years now. We will have watched the construction for three years by the time it opens. Sure hope it is worth the wait.
When do you expect the announcement to be, because I believe they will not wait until august to do it
Quote from: Cseeley on May 06, 2023, 05:37:46 PM
Quote from: shavethewhales on May 06, 2023, 04:54:47 PM
Predictable, I suppose ;D
Can't wait for August when we can finally get excited for the big announcement. We've been talking about the new FITH for years and years now. We will have watched the construction for three years by the time it opens. Sure hope it is worth the wait.
When do you expect the announcement to be, because I believe they will not wait until august to do it
Time Traveler was announced in August before opening year, and Outlaw Run was announced in August before opening year. I believe August would be a good educated guess. ;D
Is a new FITH for certain? Like, are there only rumors or has there been confirmation? Even from park insiders? Where would the new FITH be?
I for one think it was in poor taste to use the destruction of a cherished childhood memory (FITH) as a PR/marketing tool. If it's going to be revamped, announce it at the same time as the termination of the original ride.
I'm clearly not happy about the destruction of the original. It brings tears to my eyes - my father died in 2018, he was a retired KCFD captain, and loved that ride. He took my sons on it. My sons wanted to take their future children on it.
Announcing a FITH 2.0 would have at least lessened the sting of the announcement the original was going away.
My prediction: Next on the chopping block will be the Flooded Mine, followed by Grandfather's Mansion. Perhaps laser lights will be added to Marvel Cave. Maybe aliens with phasers will replace the Bolens on the train robbery...
With all the talk on this board (and others) and the hints that SDC themselves are dropping I feel very confident that the new ride will be some form of FITH. As has been said many times the building has gotten to the state where it would be more cost efficient to rebuild the ride in a new building. The fact that the new building is over at Fireman's Landing is another tell tale sign that it will be FITH 2.0. As for the other attractions you mentioned I don't think they are going anywhere for a while since Shave and others have pointed out they are low maintenance. To get rid of FITH and not replace it with a similar version, in my opinion, would be a gross marketing and financial faux pas given the love for the ride that so many of us have stated.
Quote from: Duelist on May 14, 2023, 01:10:44 PM
With all the talk on this board (and others) and the hints that SDC themselves are dropping I feel very confident that the new ride will be some form of FITH. As has been said many times the building has gotten to the state where it would be more cost efficient to rebuild the ride in a new building. The fact that the new building is over at Fireman's Landing is another tell tale sign that it will be FITH 2.0. As for the other attractions you mentioned I don't think they are going anywhere for a while since Shave and others have pointed out they are low maintenance. To get rid of FITH and not replace it with a similar version, in my opinion, would be a gross marketing and financial faux pas given the love for the ride that so many of us have stated.
I appreciate your post. And I agree with it for the most part. The only thing I bristle at is the cost factor. To be clear, if the Herschends/SDC really wanted to renovate the old building/ride FITH, it COULD be done. And while they're at it, they could/should throw the Flooded Mine and Grandfather's Mansion a little TLC as well. I'm 47, I'm old enough to remember all of these rides in their heyday. Heck, I remember "riding" Rube Dugan's Diving Bell. So yeah, I'm a sucker for nostalgia and the old stuff.
Oh yeah, bring back the hobo shower! Turn your heads, ladies!
First went in June 1969 myself, right before they filmed "The Beverly Hillbillies" episodes. Rode the stagecoach, Jim Owens Float Trip, went through Herman the Hermit's Treehouse. Been almost every year since. I've been riding FITH since it opened in 1972. My brother and I went up on stage to sing the song "Bingo" while Sherry Herschend played the dulcimer. So I'm a fan of the old stuff too :D
Quote from: coalesce99 on May 14, 2023, 09:57:21 AM
Is a new FITH for certain? Like, are there only rumors or has there been confirmation? Even from park insiders? Where would the new FITH be?
If you get there quick, say in the next few days or weeks, before they close the hole the rest of the way up, you can clearly see FITO style track on a slow grade, in multiple levels. Track wise, they have painted themselves out of the corner and may soon be ready to seal that side of the building up completely. Photos thru those windows are not too great but in person, it's clear as day what the ride is meant to be, especially when you compare it with construction methods of FITH on the park's own tribute site to the original.
It gets referred to alot as 2.0, but personally, having been on both when they both in their prime, I consider Blazing Fury to be the true FITH 2.0, as BF does have some nice iterations: 18 passenger train, tire drive station, auto lap bars, it's just seems to be missing FITH's superior moisture remediation for some reason (speculation: FITH may have better ground floor air flow). There are more differences of course, as BF was built from the ground up with it's current layout, where as FITH was later modified to match BF's layout, omitting the second lap around the third floor. I personally prefer FITH, still has the lake, great opening scene room, the barrel of laughs, but BF does have some cool features.
I'm thankful that FITH is being allowed to go with its boots on, as I don't know how i would feel if I grew up going to SDC Tennesse and trying to wrap my head around "FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!" with no splash. I honest prefer the route that has been chosen here.
I'd love to be wrong, but I would not expect a straight remake of FITH at the new location. Its been pretty clear in recent years that SDC has gotten pretty loose with sticking with their original theme. Best advice is to expect the new ride to be in the general flavor of FITH but with some fancy modern tech and other gimmicks to hype it. The original theme/story won't likely return. Look at Lost River being remade into Mystic River Falls as a recent example.
I just hope the new ride is more reliable than MRF as the latter was broken down all day yet again when I visited on Friday, that ride is officially the parks new Buzzsaw Falls.
(maybe they need to avoid ride names with the word "Falls" in it to break the curse lol)
^That's exactly what I expect too. We refer to it as FITH 2.0, but the new ride will almost definitely have a different name, a new story, and a theme that's only tangential to FITH. It'll be something about a fire crew since it's part of the Fireman's Landing area, but I very much doubt baldknobbers will be mentioned or shown expect in passing. It'll be much more generic and they'll definitely try to "honor first responders" somehow.
Who knows though. SDC knows what they've got. They do a very good job at theming and storytelling when they are allowed to, and they've had several years to work on this. One would hope that an entire extra year will make it even more elaborate and themed to the nines inside. Could be a much faster roller coaster experience though, so maybe the theming would matter less.
^ You're probably right but I hope not. They're really promoting people to come and ride FITH this year and they're advertising the Baldknobber aspect so I'm not so sure they won't keep the theme but hoping they do that and add the updated animatronics we're hoping for. And they definitely need to keep it a family coaster that young kids can ride.
Quote from: coalesce99 on May 14, 2023, 02:33:14 PM
Oh yeah, bring back the hobo shower! Turn your heads, ladies!
The other way, ladies.
SDC's twitter today posted what looks like to be a front of a book cover or picture frame can't really tell but this most likely has to do with the new coaster.
I played with the exposure and brightness of the image to see if there were any hidden messages and sadly I didn't find any. However, there is a faint shape of what looks like a girl on the cover of the book. This could be absolutely nothing but still fun to speculate! https://quickshare.samsungcloud.com/qoOxTHyefAnO
They posted the same exact picture to Instagram for a second time today. Very curious as to what they're doing
Another tease today. They added a V and an N to the frame/book cover.
At this rate I think the announcement will be early July. That volunteers needed for a brand new fire in the hole.
I think this puts to rest that it will keep the same name as fire in the hole and use a new name.
^How so? Only two letters revealed so far and it's probably not the name. I doubt that it will use the same name though, purely for marketing reasons.
Can't believe that it's almost July already. I wonder if this tease is just to announce the announcement. They usually announce things in early August and since this is a major three-year project I'm sure they'll want to put on a similar shin-dig as what they put on for Time Traveler.
Quote from: Cseeley on June 21, 2023, 09:27:09 AM
I think this puts to rest that it will keep the same name as fire in the hole and use a new name.
They literally filed trademark for Fire in the Hole in February. No, they're going to keep the same name.
^ Thanks Swoosh- that's great news! That gives me hope that the ride will be at least similar.
I am expecting something similar to how Zambezi Zinger was revived at Worlds Of Fun. It will have the same name, but a much different ride experience.
Update, rode Fire in the Hole today and there's a new sign at the beginning of the ride that says volunteers needed!
https://twitter.com/sdcattractions/status/1673134034757599233?s=46&t=qBLRG-DChvD7kifgJuurMA
They also posted a graphic to social that says volunteers needed.
I would assume there will be an announcement email sign up page posted soon.
There is a date of 8.16 floating around, but not sure where it came from.
8/16 is national roller coaster day, and it's the day that parks have chosen to make announcements in the past few years. I believe they had the big media reveal for Time Traveler on NRCD back in 2017.
Quote from: shavethewhales on June 26, 2023, 09:19:14 AM
8/16 is national roller coaster day, and it's the day that parks have chosen to make announcements in the past few years. I believe they had the big media reveal for Time Traveler on NRCD back in 2017.
Thanks for the explanation!
^ Outlaw Run's announcement was August 9th, 2012- my birthday! So early to mid August seems to be the time.
Mystic River Falls was announced on August 13, 2019. Keeping with the early to mid August theme
This was posted a little while ago on Facebook. "Volunteers needed"
Man this forum is dead. lol :P
I guess everyone is waiting for the announcement of the worst kept secret.
Today they posted a link to sign up for info and a few minutes ago posted "tomorrow"
My guess is sending out info tomorrow about a press conference the first week of august to finally officially announce the new fire in the hole.
Announcement will be on 8.14.23 according to their social posts today.
Has anyone been to the park lately and got any new pics of the site? Been hoping for an update.
I went on the 4th, but didn't take any pics. There was a little more progress on the facade but not that much from my previous visit in April.
But there has been big progress on heartland home furnishings. The new building looks to be framed(at least all exterior walls, and they had the rafters and plywood all done for the roof. It's big. It's more visible from the main path than it used to be.
I was at the park last Sunday - I meant to upload these pics, but got busy.
Not sure why the furniture store pics posted upside down, but here are some of the new ride (from last Sunday as well).
The name plate store across from the pottery shop is now closed, and it appears like it may be selling some games when it reopens. Also, I believe that there was a post a while back about the emergency stop button at the train tracks, but I can't recall for sure.
Nice pictures. Thanks for posting SharkWatch!
FYI, the name shop never reopened this year, the couple retired in December. It's used for storage for games. The park is loaded with empty buildings :'(
Thanks for sharing all the photos! Glad to see the new shop coming along. The new area is sure different, but hopefully the trees fill in before long and the "shine" wears off a bit - it'll eventually blend in better.
I know this isn't SDC but it will affect them. A 2 billion dollar resort and theme park has been announced near Vinita, Oklahoma, a few miles from the Missouri boarder and near Grand Lake.
https://www.americanheartlandthemepark.com/
Quote from: jericho on July 20, 2023, 02:48:25 PM
I know this isn't SDC but it will affect them. A 2 billion dollar resort and theme park has been announced near Vinita...
There is a tread with some discussion here: https://www.sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=4388.0
I'm slow to check on things these days, so I've just now noticed that the park has confirmed that the announcement will be SDC's "Largest Investment Ever" according to screamscape and other sources. I haven't found where the park actually made this mention, but I trust screamscape didn't just make it up.
While the new FITH is a big ride, it obviously won't come close to their biggest addition to date by itself (unless the inside is really going to be Disney quality, which is my dream, but unlikely).
Many are speculating once again that this is the cusp of the resort announcement. I'll be a bit disappointed if it's not the case. We've been wondering when we would get ours since DW got their first, something like a decade ago now?
On Twitter, Screamscape confirmed that the "Largest Investment Ever" was in the press event invite.
Quote from: mg on July 25, 2023, 10:03:03 AM
On Twitter, Screamscape confirmed that the "Largest Investment Ever" was in the press event invite.
The park probably wants to model itself after Dollywood, I am expecting a Resort like the one they are opening at Dollywood and either an indoor/outdoor water park to replace White Water as it is small,dated and separate from the park.
Yeah the new Tool Booth/Parking/Entrance setup is very reminiscent to Dollywood's, I also expect the park to formally break away from its central theme and have themed sectors like Dollywood or Disney in the near future.
Quote from: sdcfan88 on July 26, 2023, 11:23:09 PM
Yeah the new Tool Booth/Parking/Entrance setup is very reminiscent to Dollywood's, I also expect the park to formally break away from its central theme and have themed sectors like Dollywood or Disney in the near future.
Like an area themed to firemen, an area themed to a worlds fair/grand exposition, an area themed to a river front town?
They are all set in the same time period but they would seem to all be themed sections... are you thinking they will drop the 1880s as an overall theme and have some lands set in different time periods?
This provides a good summary comparison if SDC is indeed following Dollywoods evolution as a park. https://www.themeparkarchive.com/parks/dollywood
Unlike SDC, Dollywood doesn't have a main coherent theme that fits any single time period. They got 1880's, 1920's, and 1950's themed areas/attractions along with several other attractions with fantasy/nature focused themes with no explicit time period.
I have noticed too the "You've got a great past ahead of you." quote seems to be used less and less at SDC.
^ If they drop the 1880s theme then that is a deal breaker for us.
Quote from: sdcfan88 on July 29, 2023, 08:39:54 AM
Unlike SDC, Dollywood doesn't have a main coherent theme that fits any single time period. They got 1880's, 1920's, and 1950's themed areas/attractions along with several other attractions with fantasy/nature focused themes with no explicit time period.
Unlike SDC, Dollywood has Dolly. The new time period areas happened after she became involved and they all have to do with her history. They aren't just completely random timeframes. However, I could see a version of Wildwood Grove working at SDC if it was adjusted a little.
Either this is just random or there is something planned for this area that will be part of the announcement on 8.14. Has anyone heard rumors of something happening in this area is the park?
^ Is that the building across from the Pottery Shop?
Quote from: Duelist on July 31, 2023, 11:15:35 AM
^ Is that the building across from the Pottery Shop?
Yes. In past years it was the name sign shop. During Spring Break it was a stuffed animal shop and now it appears to be storage.
Quote from: mg on July 29, 2023, 07:37:12 PM
Quote from: sdcfan88 on July 29, 2023, 08:39:54 AM
Unlike SDC, Dollywood doesn't have a main coherent theme that fits any single time period. They got 1880's, 1920's, and 1950's themed areas/attractions along with several other attractions with fantasy/nature focused themes with no explicit time period.
Unlike SDC, Dollywood has Dolly. The new time period areas happened after she became involved and they all have to do with her history. They aren't just completely random timeframes. However, I could see a version of Wildwood Grove working at SDC if it was adjusted a little.
DW has a semi-cohesive theme of all things Dolly Parton. Everything is connected to her in some way (some looser than others). Her involvement seems to have massively slipped in recent years though. Can't believe she would be happy about all the tree clear-cutting if she still cared about the park or visited much.
As far as that little building teaser goes, if they are indeed announcing a resort then this may become a preview center for the next year.
Quote from: Duelist on July 31, 2023, 11:15:35 AM
^ Is that the building across from the Pottery Shop?
Sales office for the new Silver Dollar City timeshare resort to be announced 8)
Quote from: shavethewhales on July 31, 2023, 12:17:48 PM
Quote from: mg on July 29, 2023, 07:37:12 PM
Quote from: sdcfan88 on July 29, 2023, 08:39:54 AM
Unlike SDC, Dollywood doesn't have a main coherent theme that fits any single time period. They got 1880's, 1920's, and 1950's themed areas/attractions along with several other attractions with fantasy/nature focused themes with no explicit time period.
Unlike SDC, Dollywood has Dolly. The new time period areas happened after she became involved and they all have to do with her history. They aren't just completely random timeframes. However, I could see a version of Wildwood Grove working at SDC if it was adjusted a little.
DW has a semi-cohesive theme of all things Dolly Parton. Everything is connected to her in some way (some looser than others). Her involvement seems to have massively slipped in recent years though. Can't believe she would be happy about all the tree clear-cutting if she still cared about the park or visited much.
As far as that little building teaser goes, if they are indeed announcing a resort then this may become a preview center for the next year.
About 8 years ago SDC was giving a little talk about the history of the park. I sat in a couple of times and some of the talk went into the direction of how much Herschend Family Entertainment owned. Frisco Jack who has since retired was giving the presentation. He was saying that Dolly owned about 3% of Dollywood which I remembered because that was somewhat of a shocking number to me. Now whether that is true or not I have no idea but that is what the man said. If that is the case then I wouldn't think she would have a whole lot to say in the operations of what goes on there. Her ownership % might have changed since that time though.
Dolly may own 3% or so outright, but the Dollywood company that is in partnership with HFEC to run the place owns something like 51% I thought. Not sure what the split of things is anymore, and this is only my impression from vague third party info I've heard over the years, but I thought that when DW was created out of SDC Tennessee, they basically sold most of the operation to the Dollywood Company that was created at the time to kind of represent Dolly's interests and market her brand through the park. HFEC obviously kept a large percentage and is the operator of the park, but they don't own it outright. Who knows how things have shifted through the years.
Point remains though, DW is themed to Dolly Parton and SDC is supposed to be themed to a fictional version of Marmaros. That theme has been diluted heavily with things like Wildfire and Time Traveler that are totally made up and not even tied into historical elements, but the overall idea is still there. I am hopeful that the new FITH will bring back the "city" emphasis a bit more instead of random crazy adventures and inventions.
Yeah....it would be really interesting to know who owns what % and how much say The Dollywood Co. has in the matters and operation decisions that go on there. The same thing at SDC.....I am always wondering if the brothers have any say to what happens anymore at the city or if all those things come from the board of HFEC.
Gold and Diamond pass holders can reserve a spot to attend the announcement on the 14th.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silver-dollar-city-town-hall-tickets-676242709147
LOL, that's what I get for getting the 'cheap' season pass. ;D
Don't think I would have been able to make it anyway, but it would be tempting. There is the official announcement that this is the biggest announcement ever. Really think the resort is part of this... Probably lots of other hints of future expansions too, similar to DW's 10 year plan that they discussed back when Mystery Mine was announced. Man, DW was unrecognizable back in 2007 compared to now. Will SDC be the same in 10 years?
Yeah I never got the media invite for this either. Though with Lisa gone I suspect a lot of her contacts didnt get passed on to the new guy.
Wonder what the "special surprise" is for the passholders. Maybe a walk-through of the state of FITH 2.0?
The fact that the special event is an hour long makes me wonder. What else would we be doing for an hour after the 30 min main presentation has ended. I'll be going to the event so I'll try to take as many photos as I can and let you all know what's going on for the "Special Surprise."
Looks like somebody took some photos they weren't allowed to take, as they were promptly removed from the Facebook group page
It doesn't really confirm anything we didn't already know but it is very cool to see them. Nice job snagging them before they got taken down
Looking at those pictures, do you think this is going to be more similar to the original FITH than not? I was worried with RMC involved that we might have some more daring track maneuvers but that little dip and the drop in the back of that photo doesn't seem too crazy.
Jay
Quote from: cowboy on August 10, 2023, 03:14:11 PM
Looking at those pictures, do you think this is going to be more similar to the original FITH than not? I was worried with RMC involved that we might have some more daring track maneuvers but that little dip and the drop in the back of that photo doesn't seem too crazy.
Jay
While honestly it's doubtful I'd really like to see a mild drop track or slight tilt track. Nothing to make it more intense or thrilling per se but just some cool effects to add to the story and experience of the ride. With that said though I've got a feeling it will be pretty similar to the original, just a bit more "modern feeling".
With the switch from "Volunteers Wanted" to "Heroes Wanted", it just stresses the firefighter theme and all but throws out the Bald Knobbers. After all the emphasis on the history in the closing announcements, I was holding out a modicum of hope, but not any more.
While the ride at Dollywood still holds a little off the same nostalgia, it's not Fire in the Hole. This will have the name and some similarities, but...
We'll see. I expect they will pay homage to the baldknobbers in various ways, but it'll mostly be about firefighters. It is in Fireman's Landing after all. It'll be nice, I'm sure. I just hope it is fun and reliable. Emphasis on reliable. So tired of brand new rides that close constantly and have terrible through-put.
Those photos are definitely old. I've been told that much of the interior walls are already finished out. They are getting close to theming the place out. Hopefully after all the delays and such the theming budget has grown instead of getting cut back.
No whispers of any crazy elements in all this time. We once speculated that there would still be a splash element or drop track back when the foundation was going up, but it's impossible to know for sure. I doubt there will be any water due to mold issues, but they could have a squirt gag somewhere.
I hope the red flanders scene is brought back!
Fire in the Hole without Red Flanders is simply not Fire in the Hole.
^ Agree! And Fire in the Hole without the Baldknobbers is not Fire in the Hole.
Is it really a Red Flanders scene without mentioning the Baldknobbers?
Quote from: History Buff on August 10, 2023, 08:46:00 PM
With the switch from "Volunteers Wanted" to "Heroes Wanted", it just stresses the firefighter theme and all but throws out the Bald Knobbers. After all the emphasis on the history in the closing announcements, I was holding out a modicum of hope, but not any more.
While the ride at Dollywood still holds a little off the same nostalgia, it's not Fire in the Hole. This will have the name and some similarities, but...
No need to worry. Both the baldknobbers and Red Flanders will be part of the new ride.
See some of you in the morning at the Town Hall Meeting
https://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/attractions/rides/fire-in-the-hole/
Here it is at last!
Looks awesome! Way more faithful to the original than I had thought they would go with! Looks like they are keeping just about everything that made the original special from the storytelling the water splashdown itself. I'm actually most surprised that they are keeping the splash! Very much looking forward to this!
Wow! I'm excited, surprised, and impressed! This looks fantastic! We keep the Baldknobbers, Red Flanders, the song...everything! Well done SDC!!
https://www.silverdollarcity.com/2024
Keeping the name, the theme song, Red Flanders, the Baldknobbers, the burning bridge, and the splash. That all sounds great.
And it's fully HVAC controlled, which will make it very popular on hot days.
Brad touched on the expansion. He pointed out how much land they have, and that "We have a master plan." He also said they weren't announcing anything today. That's good. It doesn't take away from the FITH announcement, but it served as a pre-announcement of an announcement to come.
Thrilled to see the baldknobbers present in the description and the artwork! I thought we were losing them for sure.
More focus on the firefighters than before. That's definitely where they want guests' attention.
There is mention of fiber optics in lighting the fuse. It looks like the fire chief has a plan to "blow the tower", meaning the water tower. How this will be depicted is yet to be seen, but it appears that the water tower will be demolished to allow the water to put out the fire. I assume this is the final "Fire in the Hole!" drop.
There is no mention of animatronics, but the on-board audio should enhance things quite a bit.
Other parts of the announcement include Red Flander's Dry Goods (which I presume means FiTH souvenirs) and a new pretzel dog stand along the trail to Pumpkin Plaza (which will eventually link to Grand Exposition). Did he say 300 seats for dining in the area? That seems to be a lot for pretzel dogs.
Fireman's Landing (which was a stupid name to begin with; why is everything in Branson called a Landing?) will now be known as the Fire District, which is certainly a more PC label for the area.
The new version of the song sounds great.
Quote from: History Buff on August 14, 2023, 12:02:46 PM
Did he say 300 seats for dining in the area? That seems to be a lot for pretzel dogs.
I thought he said 140 seats.
While I know its just concept art, I love how the train scene includes one of the FSDL locomotives, it just ties everything together. This truly feels like a love letter to the original ride while modernizing it.
Quote from: Baldknobber on August 14, 2023, 12:30:51 PM
Quote from: History Buff on August 14, 2023, 12:02:46 PM
Did he say 300 seats for dining in the area? That seems to be a lot for pretzel dogs.
I thought he said 140 seats.
That would make more sense.
Quote from: History Buff on August 14, 2023, 12:02:46 PM
Fireman's Landing (which was a stupid name to begin with; why is everything in Branson called a Landing?) will now be known as the Fire District, which is certainly a more PC label for the area.
What is un-PC about Fireman's Landing?
Quote from: History Buff on August 14, 2023, 12:02:46 PM
...and a new pretzel dog stand along the trail to Pumpkin Plaza (which will eventually link to Grand Exposition).
I didn't get a photo, but the sign by the Tastes of the City booth had the Pretzel dog logo and said something like coming in 2024. It made it look like that stand would become the new pretzel dog stand.
Quote from: legoerosion on August 14, 2023, 12:37:45 PM
While I know its just concept art, I love how the train scene includes one of the FSDL locomotives, it just ties everything together. This truly feels like a love letter to the original ride while modernizing it.
I'm assuming that this will be the tunnel that the train is in. I hope that it moves forward in the tunnel toward the track to make it more dynamic.
Seeing it in person today, the building seems much larger than I expected. It is also back further away from the railroad tracks than I expected. The City hosted a great announcement event today and we were lucky to attend it. Can't wait for next spring!
Quote from: mg on August 14, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
I'm assuming that this will be the tunnel that the train is in. I hope that it moves forward in the tunnel toward the track to make it more dynamic.
From what I was told back in winter of 2021 is that it will indeed move forward as you go towards it. I don't think they would change something like that between then and now, but you never know
Quote from: jericho on August 14, 2023, 01:14:32 PM
What is un-PC about Fireman's Landing?
"Fire
man" is out of use. The modern term is "firefighter". Just like you have a mail carrier now, instead of a mailman.
I'll have my video posted tomorrow afternoon showing video inside and talking about the things that were announced (and a couple that might have been overlooked a little)
I was very pleased and excited about the announcement. They're doing a great job with it. Someone said that this is a love letter to the old ride. I think that's a great way to put it.
Very surprised at how faithful this appears to be to the original ride. Also very excited and thankful that this isn't the end for FITH. Seems to be carrying on the amazing legacy while updating the technology.
Will never know this answer but I would love to know the maintenance costs that the old FITH was costing on a regular basis to justify a re-build (with updated technology obviously) at 30 million.
This all sounds great, and I am no expert, but surely they could have rehabbed the original ride for a fraction of the cost?
Quote from: Coaster on August 14, 2023, 06:38:24 PM
Will never know this answer but I would love to know the maintenance costs that the old FITH was costing on a regular basis to justify a re-build (with updated technology obviously) at 30 million.
Quote from: Okiebenz on August 14, 2023, 07:42:14 PM
This all sounds great, and I am no expert, but surely they could have rehabbed the original ride for a fraction of the cost?
Rehabbing the original wouldn't have been a fraction as it would have required complete replacement of the ride, the sets and the building anyways. Without getting into details, the original was nearing end of life and there really wasn't an option to just rehab it. With the investment it would have taken it was better all the way around to build a new one.
Additionally removing the building (which simply has to be done) opens up an area to be used in the future. Think about how much Dollywood has changed in the last 15 years or so. SDC's turn is coming.
Exciting news all around ...
What are our insiders saying about long term projects (i.e. what will go where FITH is now?)
At one time, it was mentioned there would be a move for the train station to that location.
As an old "but the theme!" curmudgeon who rode FITH its first year, I was happily surprised with the announcement.
I would normally never tune in for any announcement on FB Live, but I had to be up and killing time for other reasons. So, I watched it (after being irritated by the delay in streaming, then irritated by the delay before any actual announcements, then irritated by those doing the announcing... hey, I said I'm a curmudgeon!)
FiTH2 seems to keep all the important traditional elements, if it arrives as announced.
My technical-minded side notes that the mobile audio and full HVAC should eliminate a lot of problems that result from hard wiring in a wet location. The audio should be wireless and splash-protected, and the HVAC will cut down on electronics-killing humidity.
Moving the pretzel stand is interesting. Does that mean that building is going to be removed soon for something new down there?
The fire district: will boatworks theater be part of the fire district and/or pumpkin plaza?
I'm a little disappointed they didn't announce construction starting soon on the resort, but it sounded like Brad mentioned more announcements coming for 2024..... all though that might just be the worlds largest can of Spinich or something equally not exciting.
Here is our construction tour report from this morning
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/08/fire-in-hole-construction-tour-sdc.html
Here is our report from the Town Hall Media Event
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/08/fire-in-hole-media-event-sdc.html
Great pictures as always! Thanks Swoosh!
Did anyone else notice the LARGE roller coaster in the background of the concept art? Maybe they're hinting at the next big coaster for the park! Obviously, that's just speculation but I don't think they would go out of their way to put it there if it didn't have any significance.
Hopefully they will pay homage somewhere in the ride to Andy Miller, "the founder of the feast", since he was the one that came up with the idea of the original FITH. The current ride has "Andy's Wagon Works" on a large barrel across from the firemen's restaurant (the one with the Burnt Toast, Scorched Eggs, etc on the menu).
Quote from: blatym on August 15, 2023, 07:47:49 AM
Did anyone else notice the LARGE roller coaster in the background of the concept art? Maybe they're hinting at the next big coaster for the park! Obviously, that's just speculation but I don't think they would go out of their way to put it there if it didn't have any significance.
I was just about to ask the same question. That is a rather large coaster in the artwork. Obviously, it doesn't reference location because if it were, it'd be across Hwy 76.
What a great announcement! The SDC team and Validate Productions did a fantastic job. It's great to see the park turn something that is truly part of it's heritage and history and make it new. Also, having Dailey & Vincent remaster the song was genius!
Quote from: KBCraig on August 14, 2023, 04:37:47 PM
Quote from: jericho on August 14, 2023, 01:14:32 PM
What is un-PC about Fireman's Landing?
"Fireman" is out of use. The modern term is "firefighter". Just like you have a mail carrier now, instead of a mailman.
I didn't realize women were firefighters in the 1880's. I never even gave the name "issue" a thought.
Quote from: SDCisHome on August 15, 2023, 09:33:30 AM
Quote from: blatym on August 15, 2023, 07:47:49 AM
Did anyone else notice the LARGE roller coaster in the background of the concept art? Maybe they're hinting at the next big coaster for the park! Obviously, that's just speculation but I don't think they would go out of their way to put it there if it didn't have any significance.
I was just about to ask the same question. That is a rather large coaster in the artwork. Obviously, it doesn't reference location because if it were, it'd be across Hwy 76.
What a great announcement! The SDC team and Validate Productions did a fantastic job. It's great to see the park turn something that is truly part of it's heritage and history and make it new. Also, having Dailey & Vincent remaster the song was genius!
Yeah, the concept art is just that. If you notice, everything is in the wrong place. 2.0 is not on the lakeside, for example. That other stuff is just emphasizing that there are other things to do in the park. It fills the frame.
Quote from: jericho on August 15, 2023, 12:41:28 PM
Quote from: KBCraig on August 14, 2023, 04:37:47 PM
Quote from: jericho on August 14, 2023, 01:14:32 PM
What is un-PC about Fireman's Landing?
"Fireman" is out of use. The modern term is "firefighter". Just like you have a mail carrier now, instead of a mailman.
I didn't realize women were firefighters in the 1880's. I never even gave the name "issue" a thought.
Doesn't really matter these days. I'm sure somebody is still offended by the term - even if it is historically correct. I kind of wondered if a change might be coming to avoid an issue.
For what it's worth, when Brad said they had taken liberties with the story of FitH, that probably includes the idea that there were any firefighters at all nearby. Those "volunteers", if there were any, were likely just neighbors who showed up in time to watch the last embers float lazily to the forest floor.
Thought about this more overnight and just how happy I am with the announcement. Lots of comments on social media had a negative reaction to the announcement which I just don't understand. If Disney or Universal made this kind of an announcement to replace a classic attraction, the fans would be thrilled.
I'm hoping this announcement puts to rest the negative discourse on these forums for awhile regarding changes to the park and how the PTB don't care about the theme or history of the park. To me, this announcement makes it clear that they do care and do want to carry forward the legacy of the park. Yes, things will change and evolve. We will surely lose more classic or iconic things which are tied to core memories for each of us. But things have to change, as SDC is a business and they have to continue growing and give people reasons to return. But just because things change does not mean that the core of SDC and the legacy of the park change with it.
I'm hopeful that the final product of FITH 2.0 matches up with the concept art, and we get a truly great reimagining of the classic ride. Can't wait to experience it.
^ Well said! Thanks Coaster
Quote from: Swoosh on August 14, 2023, 11:09:10 PM
Here is our construction tour report from this morning
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2023/08/fire-in-hole-construction-tour-sdc.html
Stairs to exit? That's odd.
Just a thought, what would be really cool is if we could get some overlap, where both the old and new ride are operating simultaneously for a period of time. Does not sound like that will happen though. It would also be interesting if they were to do walk thru tours or something of the old ride before it is removed.
Anyone else notice how they said Heartland multiple times? I have to assume that it was a conscious choice after the Oklahoma announcement.
"Fire District" is just the next step in the evolution of the park. You will start to notice that each new area will be branded as a neighborhood. This started with Midtown. Then you have River Town. I'm sure where the new Fried Fancies and Heartland Home Furnishings will get a name once that area is complete.
Quote from: Okiebenz on August 15, 2023, 06:48:05 PM
It would also be interesting if they were to do walk thru tours or something of the old ride before it is removed.
I am hoping this will happen for Coaster Christmas. Perhaps tours of both? Might be a stretch but if they were to do it I'd definitely attend and I bet they would have a pretty good turnout for it.
Quote from: mg on August 15, 2023, 06:53:48 PM
Anyone else notice how they said Heartland multiple times? I have to assume that it was a conscious choice after the Oklahoma announcement.
Are those the opening salvos of competitions we hear?
There were 'special edition' Pathfinder newspapers given out to everyone at the FITH 2.0 announcement event. I haven't seen these posted anywhere else and they contain quite a bit about the overall new narrative story and effects used within the ride.
Quote from: History Buff on August 14, 2023, 12:02:46 PM
Other parts of the announcement include Red Flander's Dry Goods (which I presume means FiTH souvenirs) and a new pretzel dog stand along the trail to Pumpkin Plaza (which will eventually link to Grand Exposition). Did he say 300 seats for dining in the area? That seems to be a lot for pretzel dogs
I believe they are moving the Fire Spotter Balloon ride to the empty pad near the water and the Pretzel Dog Stand will take its place. There is already a temporary food stand behind the Fire Spotter ride across from the Boat Works Theatre.
If anyone is interested...Silver Dollar City just uploaded the new version of the Fire in the Hole song to YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saeqx5nVQnc
Quote from: underdog250 on August 16, 2023, 09:16:32 AM
There were 'special edition' Pathfinder newspapers given out to everyone at the FITH 2.0 announcement event. I haven't seen these posted anywhere else and they contain quite a bit about the overall new narrative story and effects used within the ride.
Thanks for posting those Underdog!
Quote from: SDCisHome on August 16, 2023, 04:38:21 PM
If anyone is interested...Silver Dollar City just uploaded the new version of the Fire in the Hole song to YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saeqx5nVQnc
Us old timers remember when we had to download a bootleg MP3 version. I had it as my ring tone for a while. ;)
Quote from: SDCisHome on August 16, 2023, 04:38:21 PM
If anyone is interested...Silver Dollar City just uploaded the new version of the Fire in the Hole song to YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saeqx5nVQnc
Thankfully, the original version is posted, too. The new performance lives up to the original, but the lyrics leave something to be desired, of course.
This time last week, I would have said that "updating" the song would be blasphemous. This new version just knocks it out of the park. I love it. I never, ever thought I would say that. The PTB really did a bang-up job with this entire "replacement" process. I can't wait to ride the new ride!
Quote from: KBCraig on August 16, 2023, 09:53:08 PM
Quote from: SDCisHome on August 16, 2023, 04:38:21 PM
If anyone is interested...Silver Dollar City just uploaded the new version of the Fire in the Hole song to YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saeqx5nVQnc
Us old timers remember when we had to download a bootleg MP3 version. I had it as my ring tone for a while. ;)
Still have to for the amazing covers playing on a near time traveler (or I haven't seen an official release).
I honestly looked for a CD of it in the shops for a while the first time I heard most of the music (hint hint SDC merch team).
They should go ahead and re-do the powderkeg theme song while they are at it, lol. Didn't the ride operators revolt because it was played too much? ;D
I think Riverblast used to have it's own theme song too. Haven't heard it in a long time. What other theme songs are/were around the park?
^ The American Plunge song (Americans ? together), the Flooded Mine song
The PTB have completly knocked this one out of the park. I cannot wait to see the new technology in the scenes and audio. Don't know what to say except bring on 2024 so I can experience it.
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 17, 2023, 10:38:50 AM
They should go ahead and re-do the powderkeg theme song while they are at it, lol.
I loved the PK theme song...I wish they would release it!
Not to take away from the hype of the new FITH, but something that has bugged me since the announcement is the coaster in the background on their announcement page. That IS NOT Wildfire or Powderkeg. The layout is all wrong. Other theme park and coaster enthusiasts have already caught onto it as well speculating that this is a terrain hyper coaster being teased. Might be a stretch but yet seems plausible. It would definitely give Mamba at WOF a run for its money which I suspect SDC would try to do now that WOF finally got a new major coaster. (even if wood Zinger was a loose remake of the classic)
If they somehow don't do the resort announcement later with FITH2 opening it may be with this mystery coaster. Many people continue to echo that SDC will be seeing major rapid expansion like Dollywood just did.
Quote from: sdcfan88 on August 20, 2023, 09:20:30 AM
Not to take away from the hype of the new FITH, but something that has bugged me since the announcement is the coaster in the background on their announcement page.
The thing about an "artist's concept", is that it is just that. The background doesn't always have any meaning, or any connection to anything real.
A lot of things in concept artwork don't match reality. Heck, even the park's Tshirts don't always match reality. Remember when one of the wildfire tshirts had a vekoma boomerang on it? lol
There are almost certainly big things coming to SDC in the future, but over the next 5-10 years I would expect a couple more ride replacements to be the main focus rather than additions.
And not to be a downer but besides the one big hill - the rest of that concept coaster looks like a "wild mouse" in the sky. Not something I'd be really excited about. Also, that artist rendering puts the new FITH in the middle of "Fireman's Landing".
I do expect though a big coaster to be announced at some point. I think Swoosh has talked about it before that SDC would getting a terrain hyper as part of a multiyear expansion.
We've also talked about these following things are on the list of improvements: new entrance, new flooded mine, removal of Thunderation, relocation of train station, resort, relocation of WW, etc. - SDC better get busy!
Jay
The care and thought that the PTB took in the new FITH gives me a glimmer of hope that *maybe* the Flooded Mine could get the same kind of love in the future.
Quote from: flutas on August 17, 2023, 08:15:51 AM
Quote from: KBCraig on August 16, 2023, 09:53:08 PM
Quote from: SDCisHome on August 16, 2023, 04:38:21 PM
If anyone is interested...Silver Dollar City just uploaded the new version of the Fire in the Hole song to YouTube...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saeqx5nVQnc
Us old timers remember when we had to download a bootleg MP3 version. I had it as my ring tone for a while. ;)
Still have to for the amazing covers playing on a near time traveler (or I haven't seen an official release).
I honestly looked for a CD of it in the shops for a while the first time I heard most of the music (hint hint SDC merch team).
There is a series on iTunes called Pickin' On Series. I know some of the music played by Time Traveler is part of that collection. Mountain Music by Alabama is from it.
Quote from: Pudgy Jones on August 21, 2023, 08:48:06 AM
The care and thought that the PTB took in the new FITH gives me a glimmer of hope that *maybe* the Flooded Mine could get the same kind of love in the future.
The flooded mine should be next, the park can move the train station where the old FITH was giving them more room. Then build a fully enclosed where proof flooded mine. Think about a Pirates of the Caribbean type of ride. I would dump the guns aspect and add a brand-new soundtrack like Pirates of Carribean.
Quote from: Jesus4me on August 21, 2023, 07:44:18 PM
The flooded mine should be next, ... I would dump the guns aspect and add a brand-new soundtrack like Pirates of Carribean.
Amen!
Agree with losing the guns on FM. Reinstall the cave in. Make sure everything works, and then leave it the heck alone.
Sounds like I may be in the minority on the forum. I would love to see it upgraded with a new, modern, and reliable shooting system along with an overall update much like what Fire in the Hole is getting. Our family loves shooting rides and is really something that we missed when visiting Dollywood. A fun and reliable shooting ride is very re-rideable.
Now if it was truly upgraded to something more along the ride experience of Pirates where there are a few small drops, more effects throughout, and more of a story, I could get behind that... but I think that the park could still use a shooting ride.
...back to 2024.
It will be interesting to see how the early access goes with those that buy passes during the presale. It was kind of a mess with Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood this year. I am guessing that SDC will adjust their messaging around it to avoid some of the issues that Dollywood had with it.
Quote from: palallin on August 22, 2023, 07:32:06 AM
Agree with losing the guns on FM. Reinstall the cave in. Make sure everything works, and then leave it the heck alone.
This ^^^^ and replace the exterior water effects as well
my two cents....
Kevin
Quote from: palallin on August 22, 2023, 07:32:06 AM
Agree with losing the guns on FM. Reinstall the cave in. Make sure everything works, and then leave it the heck alone.
The "CAVE IN" was before my time. Can you describe it and where in the ride it happened?
Quote from: Jesus4me on August 22, 2023, 01:05:13 PM
Quote from: palallin on August 22, 2023, 07:32:06 AM
Agree with losing the guns on FM. Reinstall the cave in. Make sure everything works, and then leave it the heck alone.
The "CAVE IN" was before my time. Can you describe it and where in the ride it happened?
it was actually, if I am remembering correctly, where the convicts are climbing the rope to escape.
Just above your head in that area there was a chicken wire ceiling. a recording would yell ,, watch out rock fall or rock slide I am not sure and there would be a loud rumbling then some strobes would go off and a lot of foam boulder shaped rocks would drop onto the chicken wire. it was pretty cool and effective.shortly after there was the ore washing station and that had a few jets of water the would turn off as you approached leaving you dry.
anyone else whom remembers PLEASE correct me if I missed anything or am mistaken.
my two cents
Kevin
Quote from: KevinLong on August 22, 2023, 01:30:43 PM
Quote from: Jesus4me on August 22, 2023, 01:05:13 PM
Quote from: palallin on August 22, 2023, 07:32:06 AM
Agree with losing the guns on FM. Reinstall the cave in. Make sure everything works, and then leave it the heck alone.
The "CAVE IN" was before my time. Can you describe it and where in the ride it happened?
it was actually, if I am remembering correctly, where the convicts are climbing the rope to escape.
Just above your head in that area there was a chicken wire ceiling. a recording would yell ,, watch out rock fall or rock slide I am not sure and there would be a loud rumbling then some strobes would go off and a lot of foam boulder shaped rocks would drop onto the chicken wire. it was pretty cool and effective.shortly after there was the ore washing station and that had a few jets of water the would turn off as you approached leaving you dry.
anyone else whom remembers PLEASE correct me if I missed anything or am mistaken.
my two cents
Kevin
The boat would actually stop in the show area for this. The convicts voices first said I'm getting out of here then the rockslide portion but you pretty much hit the nail on the head.
I loved the flooded mine before the intrusive gun era came along. Now, I just try to block out all the pee pow noise and remember it like it was.
Quote from: mg on August 22, 2023, 08:47:05 AM
Sounds like I may be in the minority on the forum. I would love to see it upgraded with a new, modern, and reliable shooting system along with an overall update much like what Fire in the Hole is getting. Our family loves shooting rides and is really something that we missed when visiting Dollywood. A fun and reliable shooting ride is very re-rideable.
Now if it was truly upgraded to something more along the ride experience of Pirates where there are a few small drops, more effects throughout, and more of a story, I could get behind that... but I think that the park could still use a shooting ride.
...back to 2024.
It will be interesting to see how the early access goes with those that buy passes during the presale. It was kind of a mess with Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood this year. I am guessing that SDC will adjust their messaging around it to avoid some of the issues that Dollywood had with it.
I agree with you. We love the guns too (that is when they work ::))
Some of my favorite SDC memories as a kid was when we would visit on a summer weekday, and I would ride FM over and over and over and over without having to get off of the ride.
When I rode FM on Sunday almost nothing worked. The guns turned off through the first half of the ride, then randomly came back on, but without sound effects. Very few of the props responded to being shot. Several seemed to be set to go off randomly instead of when shot at. It's as if they have given up on the guns working at all. Writing really seems to be on the wall for FM.
What's sad is that some of us know a certain maintenance person who almost single handedly kept the ride going for a long time until he was pushed out a couple years or so again. As soon as he left things went downhill steeply. It's incredible how fast things "fall apart" when you lose the only person or two who knows what they are doing. They'll replace it with something new and then that will barely last a decade before it has major trouble too.
I want both. I want a flooded mine dark ride with no guns, maybe slightly expanded and a remastered audio track...
I also want a separate shooting ride. I think a trackless "stagecoach" ride through the hills/woods in a sherif training course would be fantastic use a modern gun system that works and shoot targets.
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 22, 2023, 03:45:05 PM
They'll replace it with something new and then that will barely last a decade before it has major trouble too.
Reminds me of another boat ride which had decent operations but got replaced by something thats massively over-engineered and broke down on every visit. *cough* Mystic River Falls *cough*
Quote from: mg on August 22, 2023, 08:47:05 AM
It will be interesting to see how the early access goes with those that buy passes during the presale. It was kind of a mess with Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood this year. I am guessing that SDC will adjust their messaging around it to avoid some of the issues that Dollywood had with it.
Hmm, has it been confirmed they're doing this? I haven't had a chance to watch the announcement they posted but I haven't seen any mention of it.
Also what were the issues with BBM? Long lines, or something else? I haven't paid much attention to DW as of late.
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 22, 2023, 03:45:05 PM
When I rode FM on Sunday almost nothing worked. The guns turned off through the first half of the ride, then randomly came back on, but without sound effects. Very few of the props responded to being shot.
Maybe you are just a bad shot, pardner. Ha ha. ;)
Quote from: flutas on August 23, 2023, 07:42:46 AM
Hmm, has it been confirmed they're doing this? I haven't had a chance to watch the announcement they posted but I haven't seen any mention of it.
It is listed in the press release.
QuoteGiven next year's excitement, Silver Dollar City will offer a 2024 season pass pre-sale October 9-31. During the pre-sale, passes will be offered at the lowest prices of the season and include early line access to FIRE IN THE HOLE in the spring.
https://www.silverdollarcity.com/press/2024-announcement/
Quote from: flutas on August 23, 2023, 07:42:46 AM
Also what were the issues with BBM? Long lines, or something else? I haven't paid much attention to DW as of late.
They sold it as buy your passes early to be the first to ride, but then some general public got to ride before the pass holders had their reserved ride times. It was really that people thought they were promised one thing, when they actually weren't and they got mad.
Quote from: mg on August 23, 2023, 09:16:08 AM
Quote from: flutas on August 23, 2023, 07:42:46 AM
Hmm, has it been confirmed they're doing this? I haven't had a chance to watch the announcement they posted but I haven't seen any mention of it.
It is listed in the press release. QuoteGiven next year's excitement, Silver Dollar City will offer a 2024 season pass pre-sale October 9-31. During the pre-sale, passes will be offered at the lowest prices of the season and include early line access to FIRE IN THE HOLE in the spring.
https://www.silverdollarcity.com/press/2024-announcement/
Quote from: flutas on August 23, 2023, 07:42:46 AM
Also what were the issues with BBM? Long lines, or something else? I haven't paid much attention to DW as of late.
They sold it as buy your passes early to be the first to ride, but then some general public got to ride before the pass holders had their reserved ride times. It was really that people thought they were promised one thing, when they actually weren't and they got mad.
Ah, my bad. I missed that somehow.
I had assumed you meant they were planning on doing ride previews this year for passholders (why I was kinda confused because it would be a real rush to hit that goal).
I wonder why SDC doesn't do the Disney approach. Usually they do previews in the order of something like: Staff followed by VIPs followed by Passholders followed by General Public. All with reserved times and you got one go.
Work has started on the new location of Fireman's Flyers.
The former Taste of the City booth has been removed.
Construction on the new Fireman's Flyers area continues to move along.
Also, the new Gold & Diamond pass entrance is using self serve scanners for season passes. There are still hosts at the entrance to help and to supervise the entrance.
^ Thanks for the update on the flyers. I suppose the Gold and Diamond passes have a different kind of barcode that lets them be self-scanned? Otherwise, what would stop a Silver passholder (like myself) from going through the self-scanners? Not that I would, of course, but just curious.
SDC starting a teaser campaign on the re-imagined Baldknobbers.
https://www.facebook.com/sdcattractions/posts/706370414851048
The new Baldknobbers look so realistic! In the video, the costume is still under construction.
https://fb.watch/nXw4s7CCSe/?mibextid=qC1gEa
^ Yeehaw! Those look great! Hope they do the same kind of thing in the Flooded Mine.
The new costumes are (I think) historically appropriate, but they shouldn't bring white hoods to anyone's mind.
Question regarding FITH 2.0. (Maybe this has been covered but I haven't been on the site for a while.) Since it appears that the railroad track goes between Fireman's Landing and the ride building, how will guests get from one side of the tracks to the other. Will they put in another crossing like at the exit of FM or will they build some kind of viaduct?
There is a new crossing behind the fence behind the little swings. The little swings will move to their new home near the lake and the crossing will be opened up to the area that the swings are currently at.
Thanks for solving that mystery. Kind of seems odd they would make another crossing that will need to manned when the train is running. :-\
The masks are funny. I'm not sure what the historical masks were actually like, but these are a bit different than the originals from the old ride. The new mannequins look really good though. They are definitely putting in effort on the theming. Very hopeful that this ride will not only replace the old, but exceed it in terms of quality so that it sticks around for 60 years like the original.
Does anyone know if the original FITH will be demolished before park opening in 2024?
Also, I'm reading conflicting reports about if FITH used to be longer. Some say a portion of track was removed in the early 80's making the ride shorter. This picture of the control panel seems to show that more track used to exist.
Quote from: jericho on November 13, 2023, 02:22:42 PM
Also, I'm reading conflicting reports about if FITH used to be longer. Some say a portion of track was removed in the early 80's making the ride shorter. This picture of the control panel seems to show that more track used to exist.
Yes, it used to be longer. You can see where the track used to peel off at one point in the ride. I guess it is still there since I have not looked in years. Ill make it a point to look next month to see if you can still see it.
Quote from: jericho on November 13, 2023, 01:12:25 PM
Does anyone know if the original FITH will be demolished before park opening in 2024?
I don't know, but I would expect that to happen in the off season.
Given the timetable (I was told by SDC staff during Coaster Christmas that most of the original theming and props will be transferred to the new ride to save time and $$$) they will likely need 2-3 weeks to clear out both the maintenance area and the theming assets from the old structure. So expect mid-late January for the demo.
The new FITH cars- Pumper Wagons- are to be revealed today at 1:40 CST: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=717445130410243&set=a.695023275985762
Quote from: sdcfan88 on November 13, 2023, 10:24:44 PM
Given the timetable (I was told by SDC staff during Coaster Christmas that most of the original theming and props will be transferred to the new ride to save time and $$$) they will likely need 2-3 weeks to clear out both the maintenance area and the theming assets from the old structure. So expect mid-late January for the demo.
Interesting. I believe we originally heard the only thing going to be recycled rom the original ride was the mural of the burning of Marmaros. So, are they reusing more of the old ride?
One thing I'd like to see them do: is to have an exhibit to walkthrough in the ride queue. It could contain displays about the town of Marmaros, the guano mining in Marble Cave, and the Bald Knobbers. It could also contain original display pieces from the original Fire-in-the-Hole.
Otherwise, what is the latest on what SDC will do with architectural pieces of the old ride? Are there still rumors of a possible auction to sell some of the old ride?
Trains Baby
Quote from: jericho on November 13, 2023, 02:22:42 PM
Also, I'm reading conflicting reports about if FITH used to be longer. Some say a portion of track was removed in the early 80's making the ride shorter. This picture of the control panel seems to show that more track used to exist.
Yup, I can't remember the full story (it's buried on this board somewhere), but they shortened it around the time that Blazing Fury at DW opened. BF is a clone of FITH, but with the shortened layout. Probably had to do with timing/guest throughput and ease of maintenance. The tracks were still there until a "few" years ago. I can't remember when they finally took them out and walled off that area, but you could see them right before the train tunnel next to the hanging scene.
Quote from: MoOzark on November 14, 2023, 01:30:21 PM
Quote from: sdcfan88 on November 13, 2023, 10:24:44 PM
Given the timetable (I was told by SDC staff during Coaster Christmas that most of the original theming and props will be transferred to the new ride to save time and $$$) they will likely need 2-3 weeks to clear out both the maintenance area and the theming assets from the old structure. So expect mid-late January for the demo.
Interesting. I believe we originally heard the only thing going to be recycled rom the original ride was the mural of the burning of Marmaros. So, are they reusing more of the old ride?
One thing I'd like to see them do: is to have an exhibit to walkthrough in the ride queue. It could contain displays about the town of Marmaros, the guano mining in Marble Cave, and the Bald Knobbers. It could also contain original display pieces from the original Fire-in-the-Hole.
Otherwise, what is the latest on what SDC will do with architectural pieces of the old ride? Are there still rumors of a possible auction to sell some of the old ride?
They are transferring a few things over, but we'll see how much. I know some of the stuff outside and in the queue area will make it over, but most of the props within the ride are probably headed for the trash. They have all new mannequins and baldknobber costumes, and most of the props will be better, newer stuff in the new ride. There's not a lot within the ride that could be easily transferred since it's a lot of building sets and fake rockwork. I'm excited to see the train replica they are building. The final scenes should be much better in the new ride.
I'm trying to get an idea of how the new fire in the hole district will be accessible from the existing park. I know one end will be accessible from the fireman's landing but will it also be connected to Grand Exposition?
The old tracks were still there as of December 2021, when I got the experience of walking through the ride in the pitch black. (Creepy as hell). The scenes were gone from what I could tell, but there was still the track.
Quote from: jericho on November 15, 2023, 03:37:33 PM
I'm trying to get an idea of how the new fire in the hole district will be accessible from the existing park. I know one end will be accessible from the fireman's landing but will it also be connected to Grand Exposition?
The connection will be where the little kiddie swings are currently. You can see the new location for that ride has already been prepared next to Lake Silver if you go into the Landing.
They won't be adding a pathway to GE - yet. Looks like they could easily add one, but they haven't done much with that back area yet. It is not part of the Christmas event this year, but I would wager they will activate that space more in the coming years. They really need to add some tree islands or something to it - I don't like that it feels like a parking lot.
Quote from: shavethewhales on November 16, 2023, 09:49:29 AM
Quote from: jericho on November 15, 2023, 03:37:33 PM
I'm trying to get an idea of how the new fire in the hole district will be accessible from the existing park. I know one end will be accessible from the fireman's landing but will it also be connected to Grand Exposition?
The connection will be where the little kiddie swings are currently. You can see the new location for that ride has already been prepared next to Lake Silver if you go into the Landing.
They won't be adding a pathway to GE - yet. Looks like they could easily add one, but they haven't done much with that back area yet. It is not part of the Christmas event this year, but I would wager they will activate that space more in the coming years. They really need to add some tree islands or something to it - I don't like that it feels like a parking lot.
Ugh. So the new FITH will be another dead end street just like Grand Expo, the original FITH, and Outlaw Run streets. SDC really needs to work on connecting all the dead end streets together. It would really help the flow of things.
Quote from: jericho on November 16, 2023, 01:20:29 PM
Quote from: shavethewhales on November 16, 2023, 09:49:29 AM
Quote from: jericho on November 15, 2023, 03:37:33 PM
I'm trying to get an idea of how the new fire in the hole district will be accessible from the existing park. I know one end will be accessible from the fireman's landing but will it also be connected to Grand Exposition?
The connection will be where the little kiddie swings are currently. You can see the new location for that ride has already been prepared next to Lake Silver if you go into the Landing.
They won't be adding a pathway to GE - yet. Looks like they could easily add one, but they haven't done much with that back area yet. It is not part of the Christmas event this year, but I would wager they will activate that space more in the coming years. They really need to add some tree islands or something to it - I don't like that it feels like a parking lot.
Ugh. So the new FITH will be another dead end street just like Grand Expo, the original FITH, and Outlaw Run streets. SDC really needs to work on connecting all the dead end streets together. It would really help the flow of things.
And the Wildfire/Powderkeg dead ends. Access to Wildfire is significantly worse with the secondary entryway removed in favor of the new Fried Fancies dining area. The GP doesn't seem to be too happy either as I overheard several who were confused on how to reach it now. I mentioned these concerns when talking to the SDC staff during Coaster Christmas. Hopefully they will take this opportunity to consider it. Might be wishful thinking but I do believe they listen. https://rcdb.com/720.htm#p=41641
I am hopeful they'll connect OR to the area vacated by the original FITH. The new FITH really does look like it is setup to eventually connect back to GE, but like I said they'll have to finish that back area first.
As for the wildfire/PK dead ends... it would be harder to connect them, but I feel like they could run a path between them. I'm surprised they haven't after all these years.
On the latter, all I see them needing to do is dig out that hillside just a bit in front of the WF queue and it would be a pretty easy connection, unless they already got another attraction in the works over there but at that point they might as well connect it all anyways.
Maybe if they connect the new FITH to GE they will do away with those awful dance parties. One can hope!
Quote from: Pudgy Jones on November 17, 2023, 08:42:55 AM
Maybe if they connect the new FITH to GE they will do away with those awful dance parties. One can hope!
Man, don't I wish!!!
^^ Unfortunately those dance parties draw customers to the Harvest Festival like flies to, well, you know. :-X
The old retaining wall has been removed as work begins on the new Pretzel Dog restaurant.
I don't think we discussed it much on here, but that new pretzel dog restaurant is going to be huge. Kind of feels like they wanted something big to establish the area more. Possibly a lead up to adding more back in that area where the pumpkin dance party is. No more wooded walk unfortunately, unless you count the few tall cedars left hugging the pathway. I'm sure they'll eventually connect it all to the new FITH.
Quote from: shavethewhales on November 29, 2023, 11:16:35 AM
No more wooded walk unfortunately, unless you count the few tall cedars left hugging the pathway. I'm sure they'll eventually connect it all to the new FITH.
Too bad. That had quickly became one of our favorite spots during the Craft festival at night.
I wish they would put a catfish restaurant somewhere. I've requested this on the surveys they send out. Maybe they could add them to the menu at the Dockside Grill. Some catfish, hushpuppies, fries and slaw would be great. A long time ago they did have a stand at the National Crafts Festival (that now is the Harvest Festival) that sold catfish dinners.
Quote from: shavethewhales on November 29, 2023, 11:16:35 AM
I don't think we discussed it much on here, but that new pretzel dog restaurant is going to be huge.
It does look huge. I hadn't seen this image before, but here's a drawing of the new pretzel shop from a presentation during ACE's Coaster Christmas event. Can anyone add any more context? I assume this front elevation is on the main path across from the Boatworks Theater. Does the upper story on the right side cross the pumpkin path?
In an interview today they did say that the mural is moving to the new ride.
That's great news to have that confirmed!
On Monday, SDC will announce how 36 of the final seats on Fire in the Hole will be given out. They are also going to randomly giveaway 12 seats in the park on December 30th.
The announcement will be on Facebook, Instagram, and TicTok.
The total seats being given out equals the last 4 trains on Fire in the Hole.
With the demolition of OG FITH coming soon, do we still anticipate this area to eventually become the new Train Depot?
Maybe eventually, but I'm not sure what to expect next at this point. Haven't heard many rustlings lately. I think they keep the cards closer to their chest these days. A lot more people are paying attention than the old days when it was mostly just us on this obscure forum.
I still think the train station rumor makes sense. Even this year the line was wrapping into the corkscrew pass. They've gotten away with it for many years now, but if they are trying to elevate the status of the park into a major national destination, the current line situation for the biggest ride in the park is still a sore spot.
The real question for me is: if they do move the train station, does that mean FM is gone next? Probably so... They'll probably re-do the whole area from the dead space where runaway-ore-carts was all the way through the FM space when they get the chance.
It feels likely. They have really been trying to reduce congestion and improve flow through the park the last few years and the line for the train makes that whole area congested. I don't want to see Flood Mine go, but I think it really is time for it. I hope that it will get a similar treatment to Fire in the Hole and get remade with something very similar to the original but with a few updates for reliability and ease of use.
SDC posted this comment on Facebook yesterday about connecting the path from the opera house to Wilson's farm. I know they said maybe but it sure makes me think that is the plan.
SDC posted a sneak peek of the new FITH town theming. How are we feeling about this so far? Granted its still unfinished. I hope they add some weathering to the structures like the original and not copying the "clean" look they have been utilizing around areas of the park in recent years. https://www.facebook.com/sdcattractions/posts/pfbid02aZQUqNPQe6G2eUJsuABpTQqatTcnciGhaxMJjzdg9wzu7UrDMJjKJMk7t5yXgmRMl
It looks incredible. They are doing a knock-out job with the theming. It's going to be like a hi-def version of the old FITH. I'm sure the final touches and details will carry it through. They definitely know what they are doing.
(//)
Quote from: DollarCityBoy on January 02, 2024, 12:38:50 PM
With the demolition of OG FITH coming soon, do we still anticipate this area to eventually become the new Train Depot?
Yes, I heard that is a perfect spot because of the downgrade on the track from that spot. This would allow the train instead of waiting sometimes for the show scene stickup/Christmas scene to finish to just wait in the station. It also allows the train not stop in the main part of the park. Moving the station also allows the park to add another something in its place like a flat ride like the flying scooters (pictured below) or to redo and expand the Flooded mine. I believe they will also have a new path to OutlawRun so it is not a dead end.
^ Something themed to the 1880s Ozarks instead of flying scooters though :)
Quote from: Duelist on January 04, 2024, 10:22:27 AM
^ Something themed to the 1880s Ozarks instead of flying scooters though :)
Don't you know? That's just a ride-on version of the Cacophony Tree.
Quote from: Duelist on January 04, 2024, 10:22:27 AM
^ Something themed to the 1880s Ozarks instead of flying scooters though :)
I always thought it would be funny to have the ride vehicles painted as pigs and call the ride when pigs fly. The ride station could be themed to a pig pen.
Or maybe, just maybe, a space can open that returns some of the old magic back to park. Maybe move the old shingle saw and steam engine to the area and staff it. Open up some more craft spaces, corn broom making, a cooperage/ barrel maker, apple cider press, basket making or something that can help maintain the 1880's ambiance a little.
Everything lately has gotten the "ozarks theme" but with that Hollywood tongue in cheek, cheesiness. The feel of being in the 1800's is slowly leaving and becoming a shadow of what it was. Maybe that is what they want. To me immersion is a huge part of the experience.
I know these all lost crafts are hard to staff, but it should be attempted I think....
but I am old and sentimental......
my two cents.
Kevin
I would second this opinion. I love the demonstrations and continue to visit a majority of them each visit.
I really miss the wagon works. I would love to work at something like that. Believe it or not there is a high demand for wagons for tv shows, movies, etc.
Do you think the park will tear down the FITH building this spring or leave it standing for the 2024 season?
Quote from: shavethewhales on January 04, 2024, 08:14:53 AM
It looks incredible. They are doing a knock-out job with the theming. It's going to be like a hi-def version of the old FITH. I'm sure the final touches and details will carry it through. They definitely know what they are doing.
I don't like hi-def SDC. I like low-def, rustic, rugged, hand-painted with drips and errors.
Quote from: Jesus4me on January 12, 2024, 07:39:22 AM
Do you think the park will tear down the FITH building this spring or leave it standing for the 2024 season?
I'm not sure. They usually seem to have a leave it till they need to remove it approach, but it feels like it would be good for them to get it down in the offseason to help shift the focus to the new fith. It also probably depends on the timeline for what will go there. If they want whatever they are putting in that space to open in 2025 then it would seem like they do some or all of the demo this offseason.
My guess is the building stays up and gets demolished in Jan-March of 2025 and we see something new in that area in 2026. That said, I wouldn't be shocked if it is gone before then.
I'm expecting it to be torn down and just be an empty space for this season. I have no idea what the actual plan is, but that would be my expectation just based on what the PTB would probably want. Don't want the specter of the old FITH hanging around inviting comparisons to the new one that they are trying to show off. Plus, it's just going to be a decrepit unused major building at this point. Without use, I imagine the mold takes over pretty quick due to the dampness throughout the building. Still wonder how they kept it down all these years.
They've been busy ripping everything out this month. A lot has already made its way over to the new ride according to their social media postings and the discussions at No Coaster Con.
I'd hope for it to be ripped out, but I wouldn't count on it either. There are a lot of old elements of past rides still in the park. The treehouse sat abandoned for years. If they are ready to start construction on the future development - then yes, it will probably be ripped out. If they are not ready yet for the future Constuction I'd expect it to be there with the front door closed.
Jay
If it won't be demolished before the season opens, I could see an in between where the queue line is removed, all fireman theming is removed, and shutters placed over the broken glass windows on the facade. Maybe some other facade work on the dentist/barber facade to make it not burnt. Make it more of generic building so it's not so obvious to most people that is the old Fire in the Hole.
Whos to say they won't just put a giant fence in front of the old FITH area so you can't see it?
RE: old fire in the hole ---- Why bother doing anything??. it's in a non traffic area, its not blocking anything. Take the signs down lock the doors and wait til you need to renovate the space with whatever. There are dozens of buildings no longer used in the park and they sit for years without any problem.
If they aren't ready to start construction , just making another empty hole is not a great idea. The building facade is not near to collapse or anything, just leave it til you take it down to rebuild.
my two cents
Kevin
Leaving it there until the space is needed seems like the thing to do as it adds to background decoration more so that a bare empty spot.
Quote from: KevinLong on January 19, 2024, 01:39:38 PM
RE: old fire in the hole ---- Why bother doing anything??. it's in a non traffic area, its not blocking anything. Take the signs down lock the doors and wait til you need to renovate the space with whatever. There are dozens of buildings no longer used in the park and they sit for years without any problem.
If they aren't ready to start construction , just making another empty hole is not a great idea. The building facade is not near to collapse or anything, just leave it til you take it down to rebuild.
my two cents
Kevin
The thing is sometimes contruction takes a year, so you need the clear the space if it is a 2025 addition.
^Yeah just like with Lost River, that was a giant hole in the middle of the park for almost 2 years during the demo and reconstruction process.
Someone posted a walkthrough of the old FITH with the lights on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMXX_xnOnFs
Quote from: Duelist on January 22, 2024, 02:47:22 PM
Someone posted a walkthrough of the old FITH with the lights on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMXX_xnOnFs
They could have offered lights-on rides for an upcharge.
Actually, I would like to try it with the lights off.
Lots of photos being shared online from a media construction tour of the new Fire in the Hole. Personally, I think it is looking great. It does look a bit cleaner than the old one, but I think that is actually a good thing in the way they have done it.
It looks like they had all of the mannequins/animatronics covered up during the media tour.
https://www.facebook.com/sdcattractions/posts/pfbid0tZub7NbjDpzdpLqjAT3Af5gp4DhtPUF89mQ6tzc8AdttL53RhY31fwRqMLo9UDoJl
https://www.facebook.com/NerdInformants/posts/pfbid0mM5z49C2vgpDt8AN4ahzT8P3ifod5AivB4QHSjVYRWVADxqw4VbWhUTpCXhqCZc5l
Quick question I have not seen any where yet.....
Will fire in the hole open with opening day this year? or is it a few months off the start of the season?
I am just curious as I have not heard anyone mention ride opening day. maybe I am naive, but I presume it will open with the park opening day this year....
anyone??
my two cents..
kevin
In believe they intend on opening Fire in the Hole on opening day, but have left the date ambiguous in case there are any unforeseen delays. I imagine we will get a definitive date once opening day draws closer.
The SDC website shows Spring Break from March 9th - 24th but it shows the new Fire District (including FITH) opening March 16th.
^^Yup, that seems to be exactly the case. By now you'd hope they have had plenty of time to get everything working, but who knows these days. It's only been under construction for three years. I am sure they will announce things regarding the grand opening closer to the actual date. They may have it soft open on March 9-15 for whatever early spring break crowds are around. I remember riding PK before the actual grand opening.
It does indeed look great. They have kept very true to the character of the old ride. Now they need to add more of this type of theming back around the park where it has disappeared over the years. Now we know they can still do it!
I would think they'd open FITH the same day the festival starts. If not they will have to face the "Facebook wrath" of highly disappointed visitors. Unless they make it clear that the ride won't, or at least probably won't, be open the first week of the Spring Break festival.
Quote from: Duelist on January 31, 2024, 08:58:30 AM
The SDC website shows Spring Break from March 9th - 24th but it shows the new Fire District (including FITH) opening March 16th.
It says March 16, 2022. That was the opening day for the 2022 season.
The other rides in the District that have ride pages show them opening on the 9th with the rest of the park.
^ My bad. :P Good catch mg!
Looks like the mural in the original Fire in the Hole has been saved. More info will be shared next Wednesday.
I expect the demo will begin soon.
Yup, I remember them promising to save the mural somehow. Hope it ends up in the new queue line.
There have also been photos posted to FB showing them taking down the final portrait of the guy with his foot hanging out of the frame. Hope that finds a similar spot on the new ride too. Very odd seeing it look so barren inside now.
Did we really doubt that stuff would be saved? At the very least, it saves them some money on new theming in the queue.
Yeah I'm thrilled!
Also posted on X:
https://twitter.com/SDCAttractions/status/1755379874280190099
Mobile food ordering is coming to the City this season. Sadie's Pretzel Cafe is the only confirmed location so far, but it will be available at multiple locations.
Quote from: mg on February 09, 2024, 09:56:08 AM
Mobile food ordering is coming to the City this season. Sadie's Pretzel Cafe is the only confirmed location so far, but it will be available at multiple locations.
Hopefully this significantly helps with the lines....
^^ Where is Sadie's Pretzel Cafe located? It's not listed under Dining on the SDC website.
Quote from: Duelist on February 09, 2024, 05:10:03 PM
^^ Where is Sadie's Pretzel Cafe located? It's not listed under Dining on the SDC website.
It's the new building on the hill between Fireman's Landing and the trail that is open during Pumpkin Night. Across the walkway from Boatworks Theater... where the Tastes of the City was originally.
^ Gotcha. I forgot that was the new cafe they were putting in. Thanks
On the season pass holder group, the SDC account confirmed some interesting info about the Pumpkins/Festival plaza and the connection to the new FITH. They said that eventually that path will indeed be open for use, and that something special is planned for that back area that will be announced at a later date. Sounds like that will be redeveloped in the near future to blend into the rest of the park and probably be open year round. I assume they'll still want it for event usage, so it's not like they plop a big ride down over it, but they could certainly add a restaurant, bathrooms, or something back there to connect things better and make it feel like less of a backlot.
They could put up s sign at the entrance:
"Be aware that the illusion of Silver Dollar City's theme will be shattered when you cross this threshold. "
I get that a special events and catering group pavilion is needed though.
^ They can still theme it up if they want to
Quote from: History Buff on February 21, 2024, 10:30:34 AM
I get that a special events and catering group pavilion is needed though.
Not quite a pavilion, but they are using the plaza area during YCW for Party on the Plaza. It will be where groups go for the preordered box lunches. There will be a DJ and what sounds like the oversized games from the Summer Celebration.
Quote from: Duelist on January 31, 2024, 02:23:48 PM
I would think they'd open FITH the same day the festival starts. If not they will have to face the "Facebook wrath" of highly disappointed visitors. Unless they make it clear that the ride won't, or at least probably won't, be open the first week of the Spring Break festival.
They have never once said it'll be open on Opening Day, only that it will be open Spring 2024
I'd look for a March 30th Opening if I was a betting man
Fire in the Hole Grand Opening announcement is tomorrow morning.
Swoosh for the win.
March 30
9:45am
Press event is Wednesday, March 27.
I'm still curious if they'll have a soft opening like they've done in the past. I'd think it's highly likely, but definitely not something you could count on. I guess we'll see if anyone gets lucky on opening weekend. They might still be rushing to put the finishing touches in.
Has there been any rumors of projection in the ride? This about digital displays from the press release seemed like new info; "The coaster is housed in a five-story, climate-controlled building and features 14 immersive scenes with state-of-the-art technology, including onboard audio and enhanced digital displays."
I guess I did kind of assume that there would be projection in it after they posted about filming for the final scene of the ride where all of the townspeople are celebrating.
There will also be commemorative "First Recruit" stickers given out.
Full press release: https://www.silverdollarcity.com/press/fire-in-the-hole-grand-opening/
Quote from: mg on March 01, 2024, 10:08:35 AM
Has there been any rumors of projection in the ride? This about digital displays from the press release seemed like new info; "The coaster is housed in a five-story, climate-controlled building and features 14 immersive scenes with state-of-the-art technology, including onboard audio and enhanced digital displays."
I guess I did kind of assume that there would be projection in it after they posted about filming for the final scene of the ride where all of the townspeople are celebrating.
There will also be commemorative "First Recruit" stickers given out.
Full press release: https://www.silverdollarcity.com/press/fire-in-the-hole-grand-opening/
Also: "That heroism is brought to life in an exciting new way, pulling riders into the action with special details that make each ride a different experience." I'm going to assume that projections may run for longer than the rider sees them, so you have to ride again to see different sections of the projection sequence - sort of like you never quite hear the rest of the Red Flanders dialogue because the car is going too fast.
The minimum height to ride has now been confirmed as 36" and not 39" as originally announced.
Quote from: mg on March 02, 2024, 01:54:53 PM
The minimum height to ride has now been confirmed as 36" and not 39" as originally announced.
And one must have a minimum of one natural leg.
(No mention of a maximum)
Quote from: History Buff on March 03, 2024, 12:26:36 PM
Quote from: mg on March 02, 2024, 01:54:53 PM
The minimum height to ride has now been confirmed as 36" and not 39" as originally announced.
And one must have a minimum of one natural leg.
(No mention of a maximum)
Complainants won't have a leg to stand on.
Fire in the Hole will soft open during spring break with intermittent operations.
Saw that on the fakebook
The Foot is back! https://www.facebook.com/sdcattractions/posts/pfbid0D5aFFYeBbNMGFbT2g61Qm2YDBQejv2HjPSf6aHWpkj7PawUMXPWe6jGg1bKLkdFKl
Rode this morning. They did a GREAT job honoring the original ride and updateing the effects to last for years to come. Soft open so some effects were not working this morning, but I was excited to see the bridge fall again.
We were able to ride this afternoon and feel like they did a great job updating while sticking to their roots. Well done SDC.
Everyone seems to think it's a hit! I am planning on heading up there the first weekend of April to try it myself. Wasn't sure how the soft opening would go. Hopefully it isn't too packed out by then.
I've said since the announcement that this is exactly what I wanted them to do. The original FITH demise was inevitable, but it sounds like they understood the assignment perfectly and recreated it even better with all the necessary theme details and storyline.
Now the question will become, can/will they do the same for Flooded Mine...
We rode it on opening day and they knocked it out of the park!
When we rode, the off board audio wasn't working, so we didn't hear all of the classic lines, but we did get the music track in the cars. Even without the audio, the ride was great. They did an excellent job on the sets and scenery. My favorite part from the first ride was the updated train scene! So good. Looking forward to hopefully catching a ride this week with everything working.
On Saturday, I posted a photo of new electronics in the guns on Flooded Mine. It also seemed like more elements than ever are working inside the ride. With the response that the photo got, I think it shows how much love there is for Flooded Mine; probably not quite as much as Fire in the Hole, but way more than what some people would expect.
For those who have rode it, how long would you say the new ride is compared to the old one? Shorter or longer duration? Drops about the same, more or less intense?
It's extremely smooth, with about the same length. The bridge drop is a lot smoother for sure. The collapsing bridge effect is definitely bigger than the old one or Blazing Fury's. With the ride building being taller, it takes advantage of the extra vertical space in pretty cool ways ( no more spoilers from me ;D ) I got 7 rides on it Saturday and walked away quite impressed. It's a great blend of the old and new with a lot of little details that take multiple rides to catch. I think there will be a few that will miss the charm that comes only with age, but the current one hits the right notes in filling the old one's shoes.
Haven't heard anyone mention the "Here's a Barrel of laughs" guy. Is that still apart of the new version??
Quote from: DollarCityBoy on March 12, 2024, 11:33:47 AM
Haven't heard anyone mention the "Here's a Barrel of laughs" guy. Is that still apart of the new version??
It's been upgraded and was one of my wife's favorite scenes. No spoilers here...
Well, I knew someone would leak it out. Here's the first published video of the new Fire In The Hole ride, that I've seen.
ADMIN EDIT: Link removed. Let's not post anything that goes against park rules
To be honest, I'm pretty disappointed in the new voice recordings. I wish they were more similar to the originals, especially the Red Flanders and the "fire in the hole!" parts.
Well OK. I have to say I would take the old one over this new one hands down. Maybe I will change my mind if/when I ride it.
If the voices are the only thing that is "bad" about the ride, then I think it'll be a great success for those young and old, even with heavy rose-tinted glasses.
The biggest problem is that they have made the Bald Knobbers out to be a gang of thugs and seem to ignore that they were vigilantes. I know that was inevitable, but I'm sorry to see them become 1950s comic book villains.
As far as I know they were unhappy that the law was not being enforced and based together to enforce it themselves before everything devolved into violence, the establishment of another vigilante group - the anti-baldknobbers - and even more violence.
That is a horrible POV video and was taken when not all effects were even working.
Don't base your opinion on it. Wait until you have the chance to experience it in-person.
lol, there have to be a few changes over time. The original FITH certainly had a few changes over the years itself. I doubt they have the original recordings of the voices anymore. I know that's been an issue before. I think they lost some of the audio at Flooded Mine as well.
Just think, years from now we'll be complaining about changes to this new FITH, or perhaps our children will complain about them doing things to damage it's historic charm ;D
I don't want to be a party pooper, but should that link be allowed in these forums? We all know that it's out there. Heck, I've watched it myself. However, in years past this forum wouldn't allow things like that to be posted because taking the video was a violation of park safety rules.
I know this site isn't sanctioned or affiliated with SDC, but I believe we have always tried to do things to maintain good relations with the folks at the City.
Park Updates
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2024/03/city-update-sdc.html
Fire in the Hole
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2024/03/now-open-fire-in-hole-sdc.html
Quote from: kbosch1 on March 12, 2024, 03:27:13 PM
Well, I knew someone would leak it out. Here's the first published video of the new Fire In The Hole ride, that I've seen.
What makes me mad is the park literally said "or just wait until we post an official one" and the idiots still go and do it to get "clout" (in their minds). This is the very reason why the coaster community is seen as toxic
Thanks for the Midwest Info Guide park update pictures. The City looks great, but my kids aren't going to be happy about the removal of the elevated platform at River Blast. That was their "secret" hideaway where they would go and eat a funnel cake. ;D
Quote from: Pudgy Jones on March 13, 2024, 12:15:04 PM
I don't want to be a party pooper, but should that link be allowed in these forums? We all know that it's out there. Heck, I've watched it myself. However, in years past this forum wouldn't allow things like that to be posted because taking the video was a violation of park safety rules.
I know this site isn't sanctioned or affiliated with SDC, but I believe we have always tried to do things to maintain good relations with the folks at the City.
I agree. I removed the link. I've always typically enforced this, but we don't have many stated rules around here. It makes sense not to post any POVs that break park rules. I haven't been to the city yet this year, but I imagine they have plenty of warnings about not recording on the ride, similar to the old FITH.
^ Thanks for deleting that, Shave. It's important to keep this site one of integrity and respect for the City.
Thank you again Swoosh for the amazing photos and captions. That first soft opening morning many of the effects weren't working but that's half the fun. It was amazing and I loved it. It was well worth the 4? year wait. All the theories, leaks, everything made it so much fun to think about and dream. Is there another example of a theme park doing a reboot of an existing ride like this? I really can't think of any. That barrel-o-laughs update scene...WOW! ;D
The only complaints I've heard from anyone so far is they wish the ride were a little darker. I'm sure in the coming weeks they'll tweak effects so I recommend withholding judgement until the official grand opening. I can tell the park truly cares about the guests want. Brad Thomas said at a presentation that they really try to listen to what people say on those email surveys so always fill them out and tell them what you want.
While I do enjoy rollercoasters my real passion is in well-themed dark rides and riding this made me feel like a kid again.
Quote from: shavethewhales on March 15, 2024, 09:21:32 AM
Quote from: Pudgy Jones on March 13, 2024, 12:15:04 PM
I don't want to be a party pooper, but should that link be allowed in these forums? We all know that it's out there. Heck, I've watched it myself. However, in years past this forum wouldn't allow things like that to be posted because taking the video was a violation of park safety rules.
I know this site isn't sanctioned or affiliated with SDC, but I believe we have always tried to do things to maintain good relations with the folks at the City.
I agree. I removed the link. I've always typically enforced this, but we don't have many stated rules around here. It makes sense not to post any POVs that break park rules. I haven't been to the city yet this year, but I imagine they have plenty of warnings about not recording on the ride, similar to the old FITH.
Sorry everyone for the post! I didn't know that was a rule, but understand the reasoning.
Quote from: kbosch1 on March 15, 2024, 04:15:17 PM
Quote from: shavethewhales on March 15, 2024, 09:21:32 AM
Quote from: Pudgy Jones on March 13, 2024, 12:15:04 PM
I don't want to be a party pooper, but should that link be allowed in these forums? We all know that it's out there. Heck, I've watched it myself. However, in years past this forum wouldn't allow things like that to be posted because taking the video was a violation of park safety rules.
I know this site isn't sanctioned or affiliated with SDC, but I believe we have always tried to do things to maintain good relations with the folks at the City.
I agree. I removed the link. I've always typically enforced this, but we don't have many stated rules around here. It makes sense not to post any POVs that break park rules. I haven't been to the city yet this year, but I imagine they have plenty of warnings about not recording on the ride, similar to the old FITH.
Sorry everyone for the post! I didn't know that was a rule, but understand the reasoning.
No worries!
I respect your understanding.
Some notes from our visit on the last day of winter:
- Agreed: FitH is not dark enough. We don't like seeing the ceiling of the show building.
- On board audio is too loud to allow hearing of the external storytelling
- Is the new recording of the theme song anywhere?
- Do any of the mannequins move besides the one in the pond under the bridge? We couldn't tell what effects might not have been working.
- Is the water tower supposed to move? Seems like it should.
- We thought the digital screen work was great, and I spotted some nice background artwork that added depth to the experience.
- All of the scenes seemed very close to riders, presumably to allow for more scenes and characters.
- Blowing up the water tower gave purpose to the final exclamation of the ride's name. It wasn't really clear why they shouted "Fire in the hole!" in the original.
- I missed the crickets at the beginning.
- I wish the sign at the beginning said Marmaros instead of Silver Dollar City.
I may nitpick, but all in all, we were pleased with the update. It doesn't feel as homespun or as homemade as the original, but we couldn't expect it to. Hopefully it stands up for a long time.
- The new theme song is in the queue line music mix in the loading station.
- The water tower is supposed to move, but I've not actually seen it in the times that we have ridden.
- I don't believe they move with the exception of the the one you mentioned, Red, and the on that switches the track before the train scene. I may be missing one though. They do not talk or anything.
- I agree, the projection/digital screens were done really well. They seem to really fit in.
- Along with the crickets, I need more whippoorwill!
What are the chances that several aspects/effects simply aren't being revealed prior to the official opening? It seems like several who have been fortunate enough to grab an early ride have generally applauded the overall job with theming, but come away somewhat underwhelmed with the overall ride experience relative to SDC's largest ride investment to date.
Respectfully, what's the real point of a delayed official grand opening if they've already opened the ride and revealed it in full weeks before?
^ I would guess the chances are very good. I agree that showing every thing would undermine their Grand Opening.
Isn't the Grand Opening just a party to which the media is invited?
Quote from: History Buff on March 22, 2024, 10:26:34 PM
Isn't the Grand Opening just a party to which the media is invited?
Media day is the 27th.
Quote from: BackInTime on March 21, 2024, 10:18:07 PM
What are the chances that several aspects/effects simply aren't being revealed prior to the official opening? It seems like several who have been fortunate enough to grab an early ride have generally applauded the overall job with theming, but come away somewhat underwhelmed with the overall ride experience relative to SDC's largest ride investment to date.
The biggest thing I've seen is that the ride is so much more smooth and better profiled that there isn't the rough pop on the dip or drops. The only other disappointments I've seen with the ride experience is from people who thought it was going to be way different than the original.
Quote from: BackInTime on March 21, 2024, 10:18:07 PM
Respectfully, what's the real point of a delayed official grand opening if they've already opened the ride and revealed it in full weeks before?
The soft opening allows them to open and close it without the press of the new Grand Opened ride being down for days after it opened. The soft opening gave them the leeway to open and close if issues popped up once it was under actual operation conditions. From the sounds of it, it has actually been performing great with not too much extended down time. And marketing. Having the Grand Opening after the spring break rush could help with crowds before it picks up again once schools are out.
Wildfire's "wildfire" applicators over the trains are operational again.
Quote from: orangesandpeaches on March 29, 2024, 08:45:03 AM
Wildfire's "wildfire" applicators over the trains are operational again.
Good to hear. Without it, the ride is not as good.
Pretty sure I heard on a ride review of FITH 2.0 that the water tower in the last scene is supposed to "fall" or at least create the illusion of falling, but every POV video I've seen since the first one was posted doesn't give me the impression of that at all. Can anyone confirm or dispel that? On a separate, but related note, the fiber-optic chasing fuse leading to "blowing up" the water tower seems like a super cool and well-executed detail.
Quote from: BackInTime on April 02, 2024, 04:52:45 PM
Pretty sure I heard on a ride review of FITH 2.0 that the water tower in the last scene is supposed to "fall" or at least create the illusion of falling, but every POV video I've seen since the first one was posted doesn't give me the impression of that at all. Can anyone confirm or dispel that? On a separate, but related note, the fiber-optic chasing fuse leading to "blowing up" the water tower seems like a super cool and well-executed detail.
That scene happens so quickly that it needs the action of the tower falling to tie everything together.
Quote from: BackInTime on April 02, 2024, 04:52:45 PM
Pretty sure I heard on a ride review of FITH 2.0 that the water tower in the last scene is supposed to "fall" or at least create the illusion of falling, but every POV video I've seen since the first one was posted doesn't give me the impression of that at all. Can anyone confirm or dispel that? On a separate, but related note, the fiber-optic chasing fuse leading to "blowing up" the water tower seems like a super cool and well-executed detail.
I've ridden 8 times so far and haven't seen it move. I believe that there were early rumors that it would move, but I don't believe that the movement made it into the final ride.
Overall they did good with the new FITH after riding it three times, I liked it. The layout and visuals nicely respected the original blending the old effects with the new. Even down to doing the old fire effects using the orange lighting across a rippling curtain instead of doing digital projections everywhere that I expected would be present. If there is some critiques to be made I honestly wished they could have kept the original voice lines, I hate to say it but some of the VO audio feels dialed in and lacks the emotional depth of the originals. I saw a few others commenting on this too on Facebook and YouTube as their first impressions.
And granted this is the inaugural season and I expect things will get revised later on, I hope they redo Red Flanders hanging in the window scene to be more like the original with his legs moving on the ladder. Right now it looks like his legs have rigormortis just sitting balanced atop the ladder. lol And this might just be nostalgic nitpicking but I was really missing the "Here's a barrel of laughs! HAHAHA!" The new one with the bugs just doesn't do it for me. At least the old one moved and tipped over to add to that fear factor thinking you are about to get dumped on but I am gonna assume it may get revised later on too.
They absolutely OBLITERATED the trees around Thunderation. Looks like a bomb went off around the ride. Just clear cut everything within ~40' of the track. It definitely lost a lot of character... J&P camp is completely gone, though I think it was cleared away a while ago.
The ride has gotten even rougher than I remember. No seat is really safe anymore. I could only stand one ride.
^ Sad. We went this past weekend and we wouldn't ride it at all even though it used to be one of my favorites. Sounds like a rebuild is definitely needed. I hope the planned multi-year revitalization is followed through.
Yep. Rode it yesterday. The beginning into the corkscrew isn't too bad, but the area in red is basically a clearcut with just a few remaining trees.The most staggering is the lift hill through the return to the station.
Sad how a lot of the park has really lost its character over the years. As much as I like a lot of whats new I would love to go back to Early-Mid 00's SDC and relive my teenage summer years.
Why would they need to clearcut that area? Would that be required to rebuild the track? If that is the case, seems like it would be a totally different experience.
^Rumor is that a tree fell on the tracks and upper management (possibly at the Atlanta level) freaked out. Must have been a huge tree...
It looks like quite a bit of wood was replaced at the bottom of the drop after the lift hill before the track goes through the lift hill.
Also, it sounds like Outlaw Run and Thunderation will now be closed in prolonged/heavier rains.
Not SDC, but WW....
The wave pool LED screen has been replaced.
There will be fresh mini donuts.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is now a park sponsor. They are actually a sponsor of all Herschend waterparks now.
Quote from: Okiebenz on May 20, 2024, 06:13:15 PM
Why would they need to clearcut that area? Would that be required to rebuild the track? If that is the case, seems like it would be a totally different experience.
If they were going to retrack the ride they would have to make room for the equipment. It is metal track not wood and cannot be done by hand. Hopefully it is there next project. If the park thinks the trees could cause problems then It would be great to add building facades or more tunnels.
There is construction near the entrance. It is where the rental tents have been since 2020. I'm guessing it is a new area for rentals.
We are currently at Cedar Point for the 1st time in 17 years. This further reinforces my opinion of how badly SDC needs a coaster that is a longer ride time. We just got off Steel Vengeance, that coaster is so much crazier and feels like 3 times longer than Outlaw Run. We love SDC and are every year season pass holders but it honestly is a bit laughable that SDC keeps getting the best amusement park award when compared to the much larger parks like Cedar Point
Quote from: Wildfire on May 27, 2024, 06:28:04 PM
We are currently at Cedar Point for the 1st time in 17 years. This further reinforces my opinion of how badly SDC needs a coaster that is a longer ride time. We just got off Steel Vengeance, that coaster is so much crazier and feels like 3 times longer than Outlaw Run. We love SDC and are every year season pass holders but it honestly is a bit laughable that SDC keeps getting the best amusement park award when compared to the much larger parks like Cedar Point
Cedar Point is strictly an amusement park. SDC started as, and primarily remains, a theme park. They've added some great rides over the decades, but they're never going to try to out-coaster any other park.
I think the award is also for Theme Park - which Silver Dollar City does extremely well. Yes, they could use a nice long ride (hyper or giga) but the ones they have were top of their game when installed. But the main reason my family loves going to SDC over anywhere else is because there is something for everyone: Shows, Rides, Shopping, and Food. Also, the cave is pretty cool too.
Same reason my family loves to go to Busch Gardens, Sea World Orlando, Disneyland, etc. There is more to do than just rides, carnival games, and bad food.
I'm not 100% sure how SDC beats out Universal, or some Disney parks - but SDC does an excellent job campaigning for their park.
Jay
Quote from: mg on May 27, 2024, 07:44:27 AM
There is construction near the entrance. It is where the rental tents have been since 2020. I'm guessing it is a new area for rentals.
Yeah probably something related to either stroller/power chairs or group sales. They've needed a bigger, more permanent space for awhile. Still think they just need to just go ahead and rebuild most of the entrance/ozark marketplace area...
Quote from: cowboy on May 28, 2024, 01:57:13 PM
I think the award is also for Theme Park - which Silver Dollar City does extremely well. Yes, they could use a nice long ride (hyper or giga) but the ones they have were top of their game when installed. But the main reason my family loves going to SDC over anywhere else is because there is something for everyone: Shows, Rides, Shopping, and Food. Also, the cave is pretty cool too.
Same reason my family loves to go to Busch Gardens, Sea World Orlando, Disneyland, etc. There is more to do than just rides, carnival games, and bad food.
I'm not 100% sure how SDC beats out Universal, or some Disney parks - but SDC does an excellent job campaigning for their park.
Jay
Agreed about what is offered.
As for Universal and Disney, the company machines are completely different. I can't imagine that they really care about these awards. You don't need the endorsement of a non-scientific poll when you are already at the level everyone else can only dream of reaching and when you have the IPs and other supports to lean on.
Quote from: mg on May 27, 2024, 07:44:27 AM
There is construction near the entrance. It is where the rental tents have been since 2020. I'm guessing it is a new area for rentals.
This is just the next step in the parking lot / entry portal revamp.
Look at what they did at Dollywood and you'll get an idea of where they are headed
Updated progress on the new rentals building.
That's pretty nice. Whoever their architect is these days, they do a good job of matching facades to the older buildings. I assume they probably have developed a set of design standards at this point that they go off of. I kind of wish they'd bring back some of the log cabin architecture in a few places though.
Wonder what they'll do next on the entrance. I assume at some point there will be a major modification of the actual entrance portal. They've already widened and cleaned it out over the past few years, but they are still capacity limited with so few turnstiles. I always wondered if they'd move the turnstiles to about where the sign is now, then bump the entrance plaza back to where some of the handicap parking is now. I think having some of that parking where it is now causes more confusion than it is worth, considering the relative amount of spaces vs total users.
Eventually that whole area will be rebuilt. They're just sort of piecemeal building right now. The admin/ticketing building will be completely raised. I've heard OMP will eventually be replaced as well. The park does way too much traffic to still be relying on such antedated facilities
The fence is down around the new rentals building. It's just rentals storage and the current booth is still where you actually do the rental. It looks really good.
Is this wire over the wall new in the TimeTraveler queue? It's on the wall along the section just before your put into groups. I assume that it's an anti-vandalism measure. We hardly ever go through the normal line... typically only ride during first hour TrailBlazer so I've never noticed it.
Yeah, I think that's new. Pretty standard anti graffiti measure at SDC now. Too many damn kids trying to scratch their names everywhere. I've watched at least one get kicked out of the park over it.
The new normal as they transition from a theme park to an amusement park. While its still a "Family park" With the bigger coasters and the lack/reduction in the original 1880's theme overall, I think it morphs from a family vacation spot to a more, cut the kids loose place like a Six Flags.
I am just glad I could experience the golden years.
my two cents and worth about that much
Kevin
I guess the clientele is changing to the type that makes it necessary for such measures.
Oh, there's always been vandalism. It's just that the crowds keep getting bigger and bigger and the volume of incidents goes up.
Kevin, I'd actually say the park is going the opposite direction and will be a multi-day resort destination before long. The "cut the kids loose" crowd is kind of priced out of SDC already and that's only going to continue as they keep upscaling the park.
Shade material has been added to the Fire in the Hole queue.
For me, the most surprising thing about the FITH queue is lack of covered outside space. For it being the only ride that can remain open in inclemate weather, the weather protected line space is quite small.
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 02, 2024, 07:57:07 AM
Oh, there's always been vandalism. It's just that the crowds keep getting bigger and bigger and the volume of incidents goes up.
Kevin, I'd actually say the park is going the opposite direction and will be a multi-day resort destination before long. The "cut the kids loose" crowd is kind of priced out of SDC already and that's only going to continue as they keep upscaling the park.
That's a good point, and the park is way past "arrive after 3, next day free". Single day tickets are of little use except for a small subset of visitors.
I first experienced the park as a member of the generation who drank from garden hoses and were outside from sunup to sunset. (We didn't have street lights in my small town.)
I don't know the stats, but I'm guessing that most fans now buy season passes.
The total visit experience has changed with the times, but I will always object to breaking the theme. The computer-printed signs on synthetic materials are the most jarring to me, compared to hand-painted signs on wood.
I won't apologize for missing Miss Mary's Day.
Quote from: KevinLong on August 01, 2024, 01:38:51 PM
The new normal as they transition from a theme park to an amusement park. While its still a "Family park" With the bigger coasters and the lack/reduction in the original 1880's theme overall, I think it morphs from a family vacation spot to a more, cut the kids loose place like a Six Flags.
I am just glad I could experience the golden years.
my two cents and worth about that much
Kevin
No such thing as "cut the kids loose" at Six Flags parks with them being acquired by Cedar Fair. They all have the chaperones policy in effect
It is pretty wild that they didn't have that shade originally. That was one of my first comments when I saw the waiting area - all that effort for an indoor attraction but you are still waiting over an hour out in the rain/hot. I guess it's not wholly different than the old waiting area - just less trees.
On another topic, anyone driven by Indian Ridge recently? I don't have any trips planned until October myself, but I am curious if they are moving ahead with earthwork or if they were just clearing and grubbing to make survey work easier.
Quote from: shavethewhales on August 05, 2024, 12:14:57 PM
On another topic, anyone driven by Indian Ridge recently? I don't have any trips planned until October myself, but I am curious if they are moving ahead with earthwork or if they were just clearing and grubbing to make survey work easier.
Last Wednesday I drove by to check it out and it doesn't look like any additional noticeable work has happened. There is the chance that there is stuff happening further down the hill where you can't see from the road, but it doesn't look like it.
Quote from: Swoosh on August 03, 2024, 11:26:26 PM
Quote from: KevinLong on August 01, 2024, 01:38:51 PM
The new normal as they transition from a theme park to an amusement park. While its still a "Family park" With the bigger coasters and the lack/reduction in the original 1880's theme overall, I think it morphs from a family vacation spot to a more, cut the kids loose place like a Six Flags.
I am just glad I could experience the golden years.
my two cents and worth about that much
Kevin
No such thing as "cut the kids loose" at Six Flags parks with them being acquired by Cedar Fair. They all have the chaperones policy in effect
Way back in the day I used to work at 6 flags Stl and have a ton of great memories. I tried in the 2010's to get a season pass and enjoy it again, I just could not.
90% of the theme part of the park was gone. staff in tshirts, mall/pop music throughout. I saw very few parents just a ton of kids, the shows had deteriorated to less than high school level productions, the buildings all remained the same. too expensive to replace I would imagine. you can see the dead bones of a once decent theme park buried in a Amusement park.
I know everything looks good in the rose colored glasses of the past, no argument. My sadness is that current generations will miss the real experience many of us had growing up. It used to be a bit like time travel to another place, every year it becomes less so, bit by bit. its a shame money comes before the unique experience.
I fear in 10 years the park will sort of look like the old one but the 1880's "experience' will be a shadowy memory to those who were there.
another useless two cents.
Kevin
^ Your two cents is not worthless. However I do disagree that they are losing the theme. The new FITH may have eased up on the vigilante Baldknobbers but they still keep the story that they set the town on fire. Sure a lot of the shows they do now are not 1880s specific and I do wish they would bring back some of them that were like the Courthouse Show and the Hatfield Haint. But I think overall they are keeping the general 1880s theme.
You're definitely right about Six Flags. Texas used to be heavily themed to the actual six nations represented by the flags.
People at Dollywood last year asked us how it compares with SDC and it was hard to say. In many ways, they two are still similar, but the theme of Dollywood is more location-based and not limited to a time period. Who knows if SDC will go a similar route. I hope they do not. It strangely works for Dollywood though.
I, for one, cannot stand the generic shows and completely out-of-theme acts though. They completely ruin my experience and the illusion. They claim, "You have a great past ahead of you," but they doing tell you that sometimes it's the 1880s and sometimes it's the 1980s.
Anyone know where the second Thunderation train is?
Looks like the side of Fire in the Hole may be getting a huge billboard facing the highway.
Just made it back from the annual ACE Coaster Christmas event. Nothing major this year, but it was good to hear Brad talk about the resort and hint heavily to the group that the years following the resort opening will be packed with new additions. He seemed to hint at a new roller coaster in the next few years. He implied that the resort area and the park would become more connected over time.
Speaking of the resort, they are already moving quickly on the earth moving. You can see it as you drive past, but it's hard to get a photo unless you are quick and in a passenger seat. I stopped at the entrance (it was Sunday, so no one going in or out) and took a couple shots that I posted on our FB page, but you can't see much from that angle. Basically it's just a hill of dirt at this point, but you can tell it's a huge area and will take a lot of earth moving.
Inside the park, the new employee lounge looks great. I only saw it from peaking through the gate next to Brown's. Looks like they made it a lot more presentable from the outside - a possible indication that they intend on using the "second entrance" more often in the future.
Really noticed how much painting they've done around the park lately. Unfortunately, it was more noticeable to me because I started realizing how plain so much of the park looks now. They've gotten rid of so much of the old signage and the antique stuff that used to be scattered everywhere. I understand a lot of that stuff breaks down over time and finding replacements at this point is not easy. Still, the ambiance is certainly changing... The park is filling up with "employee signs" now, but the rest of the theming is quickly disappearing and not being replaced. Hopefully one of these years they'll have another initiative to add more theme items back again.
^ Fingers crossed on adding to the theme!
Quote from: mg on November 10, 2024, 09:22:04 PMLooks like the side of Fire in the Hole may be getting a huge billboard facing the highway.
Seems like a no-brainier to me.