Who is planning on attending on opening day? I will be there for breakfast and plan to stay till closing. Any one else planning on going. If so mabe we could all meet up.
I won't be there until the weekend... teaching schedule and all... so I hope to be giving cave tours march 20th
I'll be there, I'm on vacation, that week!!! ;D
im planning on being there. i want to start with the breakfast buffet but my wife and i have a tradition of riding powderkeg first thing..i dont think those two would go together lol
Sure they do.
I wanna go, but I have school (I *still* don't know why MSU made our Spring Break so early! Just one week later, and I'd be able to be there for opening day!).
I'd love to hitch a ride with someone on that Sat or Sun, maybe. (I'd help pay for gas)
The plan is to be there on the 19th. ;D
Would be there on the 18th, but I have Parent/Teacher Conferences that day >:(
Wish I could but I've got school. :(
Was there last year on opening weekend. Was rather disappointed about how little was up and running. Even a number of the stores were still closed. Will wait this year. Have made my hotel reservations for the weekend of the Anniversary party. Plan on being there all three days open to close. Has anyone else bought their tickets for the concert that weekend?
Hmmm... I probably should make my reservation for May, too. I'd like to get at least four people into a room at the Deer Run (so we can split the cost four ways); it'd just be for that Friday night, so we can get up EARLY May 1st and be there as early as they'll let us. :D
What all is still closed on opening day? I'm taking some friends that have never been there before, and I don't want them to be disappointed!
I was also a bit disappointd in the lack of open stores etc on opening day 09'. It was great for pictures, everything was spotless, and clean. and EMPTY. I remember the closed stores were-Gun shop, apple butter, leather shop(I think), lye soap, several rides, love my country, maybe even a few others....Signs like this were posted at all the stores
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/johnscabin268.jpg)
it was a relaxing day, and enjoyable, more than likely I'll be there again this year, as our "spring" break falls in winter this year, and is the week SDC opens. I would have been there all week but SDC doesn't open until Thurs-grr!!!
^^Besides several of the shops being closed, the magic number for most of the rides is 40 degrees. So as long as it's 40 degrees rides like The Giant Swing, Wildfire, Thunderation, and Powder Keg should be operating. RiverBlast will be open, however AP and Lost River are seasonal rides so they'll probably be closed.
I am totally planning on being there the first Saturday, but won't be able to make it on the actual opening day. Bummer.
Last year American Plunge and the Lost River were open opening day. This year they are still planning to have some of the stores closed. They also will only have a few shows. No Saloon Show during March....
The Saloon Show didn't open until World Fest last year.
The shops up by Powder Keg will be closed until World Fest and a few others around Midtown and down TNT way.
Is this because of the size of their workforce before the summer arrives? Don't get me wrong, I love going in early spring and enjoying the park when it's mostly empty...but I have always been curious as to why it seems like half the park is still dormant early on.
^Yes, most of their seasonal workforce doesn't arrive until April/May.
To be honest last season SDC was being extremely cautious and they opened stores according to their sales history. Certain shops don't see high traffic during the Family Spring Break Days and early spring, so they decided to leave them closed during that time last season to help save on labor cost ect. I have not heard how they are going to do it this season. When I do I will let you know!
^That approach makes a lot of sense. I wouldn't blame SDC if they did that again this year.
I don't blame them, but it is still poor show.
You can't spend money in a shop that is closed.
If I hadn't had a season pass and had paid full admission, I would have been extremely upset and probably had lodged a serious complaint. If they are not going to have the park completely open on "opening day" then maybe they need to adjust the admission price. Weather is one thing.....just not opening an attraction, show or shop is entirely another.
I remember when the park didn't open until the first day of World Fest in April. To be honest, I think they ought to go back to that. For the most part, any new rides are either not finished or it's too cold to open them in March. Several shops stay closed, and then they always underestimate the attendance numbers, so food supplies run out, etc.
And then, it's usually just too darned cold in March to really enjoy anything.
Love Spring Break Days.. Glad they open early.. Love Branson and SDC so much I am looking at 2 different homes to buy when I am there. Not moving there but just thinking about buying a small vacation house. I spent over $800 last year just on the motel.
I don't mind spring break days. We went one year. It was a little chilly, though. I remember my legs freezing on the flying swings, but I was wearing capris.
I might be disappointed in the shops being closed if that was the only day of the season I'd planned to go. Honestly, the day we went, I don't remember missing anything. I know I didn't ride any wet rides. It was just a spur of the moment idea. We just went for the day that day.
The one time we went to Family Spring Break days we practically had the park to ourself. I remember being in the square and it being us and a citizen as the only people to be seen. So I enjoyed it, but I can't imagine them making much of a profit if most days are like that and not all the shops are open.
It seems to me that the majority of the employees are older, so I cant imagine it is for a lack of coverage to open all the venues. I'm sure it is purely a dollar and cents decision for such a delay. Delaying the shipment of merchandise, not to mention to parishables that some of the stores carry, means any payment for that merchandise will not come due to later in the season when revenues are rolling in. I work retail and we wait for delivery of seasonal merchandise as late as we possibly can to push payment to later in that season when the product is selling faster.
I have no problem with a "soft" opening for the season. It just seems to me that a lower admission price would be appreciated by the patrons during that time. I sure it would be rewarded with higher repeat attendance by those later in the season.
Do we know if Spring Break Days is attended mostly by Season Pass holders? If so, maybe it could be spun as a perk for SP holders - have a limited opening only for SP holders during that time, and just figure most of your money is going to be made on a few trinkets and food.
Perhaps this is a training time for new employees and a time older employees can count on to extend their income.
Oooo... That's an interesting idea!
thats a cool idea..i like it
The last 2 years on opening day they had way more people in the park than expected and were short handed. I hope they have learned from this and will beef it up.. I doubt it though. It makes it hard when you are bringing new people to the park and trying to get them to buy season passes when the lines are long and the service is slow.
Stores opening dates. 13 stores will not be open on opening day.
March 18th ~~~ Apple Butter Shop, Ashley's Tintype Photography, Becca's House, Bishop's Watercolor Art, Bittersweet Gallery, Brown's Candy Factory, Dazzle Magic Shop, General Store, Gill Wire Jewelry, Greene's Wagon Train Dolls, Guilliams Cut Coin Jewelry & Rings, Hazel's Blown & Cut Glass Factory, Heartland Home Furnishings, Hillcreek Pottery, Honey Heaven, Hospitality House, Huff's Gallery, Inventor's Warehouse, JJ Fiddlestick's Toy Store, Maples Tole Painting, Mission Metals, Ozark Marketplace, Phoebe Snapp Taffy, PowderKeg® Company Store, Railey Creek Broom Works, Sawmill Signs, Silver Dollar City U.S. Post Office, Smokehouse Jerky & Sausage Company, Sullivan's Mill, The Greatest Gift, Two Sisters Jewelry, Valley Road Woodcarvers, Wilderness Road Blacksmith Shop.
April 8th ~~~ Carrie's Candles, Casey's Baseball Bat Cart, Cowboy Jepp's, Granny's Lye Soap, Mountain Leather Shop, Mountain Outfitters Gun and Knife Shop.
May 13th ~~~ Christmas Hollow, Duplicating Lathe, Love My Country, Outdoor Missouri, Riverfront Traders & River Freight Company, Whistle Stop Shop, White River Mercantile.
I know this is off topic, but how much business does the Christmas Hollow shop get during the spring and summer season? I haven't paid that much attention but I know it's always packed during the holiday season.
There are always people in there when I walk by that shop.
Of that list, the one that surprises me the most not opening with start of the season is Carrie's Candles. That store is always busy.
I am supprised about the Candle shop as well.. I have called and put my 2 cents in on that one already. I think if more people would call in them might open that shop.
Heck there's enough of us here that we could all man the shop for a day on our visits! But I am sure I would leave with a headache. Not from the customers, or the chaos of working retail again, but from the plethora of smells in the store! I can take it in small doses, but for a whole day ...I would be done. I re-shelved a few hundred candles at a store I was working at, and collectively the candles defeated me by days end!
Quote from: rubedugans on February 22, 2010, 08:06:52 AM
Heck there's enough of us here that we could all man the shop for a day on our visits! But I am sure I would leave with a headache. Not from the customers, or the chaos of working retail again, but from the plethora of smells in the store! I can take it in small doses, but for a whole day ...I would be done. I re-shelved a few hundred candles at a store I was working at, and collectively the candles defeated me by days end!
I'm unable to actually go in this store ( :() unfortunately the smell is just too much for me - my daughter, however, loves it and goes in with my mom and dips me a candle every year (at least once). I can't even go into Yankee Candle at a mall, it's just too much smell for me!!
I realize I could probably search the forums to answer the question I'm getting ready to ask... but I think it would take way too long.
Are any of the regular posters here current SDC employees? When I'm at the park this year, I'd like to say "hi" and introduce myself.
Copper, Doc, tinman and a couple others I know for sure are employees.
I'm there enough myself that I might as well be one.
Give us all a holler on the boards when you go so we can be on the look out for you.
Shoot History Buff saw me randomly one time during Christmas, and I usually run into Copper every other time I go.
Zephon and SteamFreak are employees as well. SteamFreak is a conductor on the Frisco Silver Dollar Line. :)
Sweet. Surely I will bump into someone at some point.
Correction: I do not work at the city, only live there! ;D I will be there probably the 18th-20th, often wearing a black Dogpatch USA ball cap.
Man tinman I almost called you and asked if you were withholding information! And if you needed an assistant! I don't live there as much as TM does, but I am there quite often, I WILL work there someday!
Take it from a former citizen...you will enjoy it and you will have fun! Memories to last a lifetime...seriously.
Quote from: tinmann620 on February 23, 2010, 12:59:33 AM
Correction: I do not work at the city, only live there! ;D I will be there probably the 18th-20th, often wearing a black Dogpatch USA ball cap.
I'll be there sometime around then - incognito. I like to blend into the crowd (well as much as a person with a Nikon camera taking pictures of everything can)
Is anyone going to try to beat me to "The" table at The Mill, on opening day? :)
There used to be "The Table" in the Mine, too. Anyone know if it's still there and "operational?" We used to have fun with guests at both of those tables! ;D
It was still there last season. I heard about it here and we went to the Mine for lunch one day in June and we were part of a handful of folks eating. Before we left, we asked if we could see "the table." One of the ladies happily obliged, even setting our three-year-old daughter at it to show her what would happen. Funny stuff.
The one in the mine broke last season. I hope they have it fixed for this season. They said it was going to be hard to find parts for a 50 year old table.
Does anyone know about the Homestead Pickers and Judy, the storyteller? I love the homestead. Its my primary reason for going so much during the season ;D
^I think so. It looks like Aunt Judy will be on park, and the Homestead Pickers do not have any off-park road shows scheduled in the month of March.
I've emailed Judy just to make sure. I don't know how to reach the Pickers though. DO they have a website?
Just got confirmation from Judy...she's there on Opening Day!! !yaaaay!~
The Homestead Pickers used to be on facebook, but their account no longer exists. Here's the link to their website:
http://www.homesteadpickers.com/
FOr those of you that are going opening day. DO you want to meet up somewhere to say hello?
WooHoo, I just scheduled this day off at work.
I'm always up to making new friends, I've made some great ones, through this site! I'm on vacation that week, so I'll be there as early as I can, regardless of the weather. We'll figure out a good spot for all of us to meet up. If you're early, before the chains are "dropped", that would be the easiest-
Got confirmation email from 2 of the pickers...at the present time they are planning to be there! YAHOOO! Now if I can just get some fried chicken with taters an gravy that day, I'm all set. So, we all meetin' up someplace?
I plan to eat at the mill for breakfast. I wonder if enough of us were going if they would let us all sit upstairs together?
I plan on eating there also!!!
I've actually never eaten breakfast in the park anywhere. Being a life-long local we always stuff ourselves with a big breakfast before we head out. Which means I've also never been at the park right at opening time. But opening day this year I think I'm going to be adventuring by myself, so if there's a breakfast meetup I might just swallow my shyness and join you all.
Well, unfortunately, Spring Break for MSU is a week before SDC opening. I was contemplating skipping classes on the 18th, but I've got my first huge exam in English Lit that day, and she doesn't give make-up exams. So opening day is definitely out for me.
I'd still love to go the Saturday of opening weekend, if anyone is willing to let me hitch a ride (for which I'll help pay for gas).
^Ask her if you can take it early
Nope, no can do. She made it clear in the first day of class that she won't give early or late exams because she's got a full load and doesn't have time to write up an all-new exam for the early/late birds.
It's all good. Looks like I might be coming with Tinmann on the 20th.
^translation: I'm a lazy college professor who is set in my ways and I refuse to get on board with the "rest of the world" and allow people the freedom to take the test earlier if so needed.
You might want to remind her that you are one of the reasons she can afford to put food on her table at night and that you are in fact paying her to teach you.
Yeah, but she really does have a pretty full schedule, plus a young one at home... I've decided I'm still gonna ask her tomorrow if she'd be willing to let me take it early (I know she won't let me do a late one; that was quite... emphatically... said in the syllabus). Or since we're at least one day behind our syllabus, I wonder if our exam will end up pushed back a day, too....
I'll be there on the 20th. There needs to be a meet up that day to! This is when we need the SDC Fans t-shirts!
Maybe we should open a poll and vote on a design for a shirt? If we get it done within the next couple days, there should still be time to order shirts and receive them if we use the SDCFans Zazzle shop. Or even just vote on one of the designs already there, to make it even easier and faster.
I ordered some shirts for me and my kids. I will have them next week. THey will say SDCFans on them.
Two weeks from TODAY...OH MAN I CAN'T WAIT!!! The anticipation is killing me!!!
I am so excited that I changed my ringtone (something I never do) from the old telephone bell ringing to the Train whistle recorded from the crossing at the pottery shop....CHOO CHOOOOOO!!!!!! ;D
^Oh that's a great idea! I am so gonna record sounds from SDC on my phone when I go so I can use them as message alerts and ringtones. As much as I love my Doctor Who-themed sounds, I think I've used them long enough for now.
Remember they have some of the sounds on the 50th web page.. I have downloaded them all to my phone.
Quote from: rubedugans on March 04, 2010, 09:09:18 PM
I am so excited that I changed my ringtone (something I never do) from the old telephone bell ringing to the Train whistle recorded from the crossing at the pottery shop....CHOO CHOOOOOO!!!!!! ;D
I made that my ringtone the day I started there haha.
Since this thread's gotten so long, I figured I'd post a head count (from what I could glean; I'll update this post for anyone I miss) for the 18th (Thu), 19th (Fri), & 20th (Sat), so we can all work out about meeting up with our fellow SDCFans!
18th
oklaSDCfan
tinmann620
orient express
DalesDaMan3
rubedugans
jeffthephotog
slow_walker
saladdays (possibly)
19th
Swoosh
tinmann620
tinaalsgirl
DalesDaMan3 (possibly)
20th
docspeleo
tinmann620
slow_walker
adairmd
DalesDaMan3 (possibly)
Let me know if I've missed you or mis-read your plans. Looks like the 18th is gonna be the busiest for SDCFans, though the 20th looks pretty good, too.
I'll be there 18th, and then either 19th, or 20th, or all three days! Depending on what my friends have planned.
Thats a bit like me having arguing middle schoolers as my ringtone...you sure you wanna take your work home with you like that Steam? ;)
^That wouldn't work because I'd never hear it -- I'm so used to just tuning that sounds out. ;)
Quote from: oklaSDCfan on March 05, 2010, 07:26:36 AM
Remember they have some of the sounds on the 50th web page.. I have downloaded them all to my phone.
How did you download them to your phone?
^Well most of the smart phones that are out there you can sync them by pluggin them into your computer...
Figured that was the only way. I still have the basic phone that comes with the plan. I tried recording it with my phone but no bueno. Thanks Swoosh.
I put them in I tunes and then on my phone.
Quote from: sonthew on March 05, 2010, 08:22:05 PM
Figured that was the only way. I still have the basic phone that comes with the plan. I tried recording it with my phone but no bueno. Thanks Swoosh.
What carrier are you using? I was able to get an upgrade to a Blackberry Curve this last time for free.
AT&T - how did you swing that?
Um, I was due for an upgrade and the Blackberry Curve was one the free options (and I have AT&T as well). You might want to go check on your online account to see if you too are qualified to get the free upgrade. I take it you have a Razor now? At most you might have to pay $10 for the phone, but even that would be worth it.
When my crappy old LG finally quit for good, I bought a Razr go-phone at Wal-Mart for about $98 (I'm moving in about a year, so I can't risk the contract that would go with an upgrade).
I swapped the SIM and was in business, and now I have a Bluetooth phone that will sync with my computer address book, and I can transfer files by Bluetooth as well.
Quote from: rubedugans on March 05, 2010, 12:57:23 PM
Thats a bit like me having arguing middle schoolers as my ringtone...you sure you wanna take your work home with you like that Steam? ;)
Are you kidding? I spent my Off-season playing rail-road simulator, building HO railroads, and making big skillet dinners for my wife...I AM my work lol
Funny that I made the skillet, and the succotash, AND the ginger cookies from the cooking school. I honestly am envious of your job, and If/ when I do gain employment there (whenever that may be) I will also be attached to my work. As a teacher, it is hard to get away from being a teacher! I find myself wating to repromand kids in lines, I want to Shoosh movie patrons. It would be like you giving a play by play in your car while driving "And on your left you'll see the wreck of the old plymouth and a dump truck" or while passing through intersections you tell your backseat passangers to "wave theit fists and shout ugly".
HO trains... I build O and O-27.
I've got a HO layout in the house, and I have G-Gauge live steam locomotive to run out side when the weather's nice.
Opening day is finally in the 10 day weather forecast!!!, but right now, it shows rain/snow :(
Snow.... I can't believee they are calling for snow...
when was the weatherman ever right :o
Forcast has already changed to 59 and a 30percent chance of rain showers.
I'm so anxious for opening day that I can't hardly think of anything else. What's the general consensus on the expected crowd on Opening Day? I'm in Springfield, so I was planning on being there by 9am. Wonder how busy it might be that day?
I plan to be there by 8 to get my usual parking place. Also going with friends and they willbe purchasing some tickets at the gate so we need to be there early.
I would imagine it would be like any other opening day. Seems to me that Anniversary weekend would be the big crowd draw. I am waiting this year...was there opening weekend last year and the crowd was lack luster at best.
I'm off work that day, and my family is thinking about going. I haven't ever been to opening day before, and I couldn't imagine that a Thursday would be that crowded, but how crowded is it usually on opening day?
Well the weather forcast keeps changing. Now it will be sunny and 60. At this rate of change it might just be 75 and sunny by the time it really comes to pass.
Hold onto your hats! Just five days away! :D
If you are going to the park on opening day, would you take a camera with you? I would love to see shots not only of RiverBlast, but also the area around Lake Silver where things were removed over winter. Also the area that the old apple butter cabin sat, and where the new apple butter shop is now. Thanks a million!
We'll be there on Friday, so if photos have not been posted by then, we'll have some up on Saturday on MiG (we'll have them up regardless)
In less than 4 days I will enjoying the sounds and smells of one of my Favorite Places. I can hear the Blacksmith pounding, and smell the skillets cooking already?
Please note that some recent comments in this thread have been split into another thread.
See them here: http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=673.0 (http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=673.0) under the topic Save the Hillbillies!
I hope to run into some of you tomorrow on park.
I'll be there, rain or shine, at 8:30! ;D
I wanted to get up to the park Thursday, but it looks like I won't be able to. Will somebody shoot some pictures or some video, and post it here for us to see? Enjoy yourselves! (I'm jealous!) Also: If you get your hands on the 50th anniversary book give us details about it. How it looks, the cost, where it's available on park, and so on! THANKS! ;D
I will be there tomorrow and I'm taking the Nikon dslr so I will definitely post some pics. Any of you going to be in the park feel free to watch for me and say "hi". Im a big girl and I have shoulder length brown hair, will be wearing a dark blue tshirt that says "Roaring River 28" on the front. I will have a Nikon D40 around my neck and a red drawsting Nike backpack on my back. By myself for a few hours in the morning.. then later with 2 blonde women, 2 smallish kids and a baby. Feel free to just holler "Hey Slow Walker".
Although I can't be there for opening day or weekend, I'll be there next weekend. Don't know if it'll be Saturday the 27th or Sunday the 28th but I can't wait!!
Anyone there tomorrow, be sure and tell us all the changes we need to know and all your great stories!
In 12 hours...I'll be at Silver Dollar City...awaiting the opening of the gate...I can already hear the mandolins and fiddles in my head...and through the fog, I can see in the distance...an old lady in a bonnet...stirring a copper kettle full of hot pnut brittle...or maybe she's making funnel cakes, I can't tell yet...
I been to 3 county fairs and a goat ropin' and I ain't never been this excited.
Will be there Friday. Those of you that get to go tomorrow, be thinking of me - I'm trapped at school until 7pm with Parent/Teacher conferences.
In the many years of this site, I've never seen you guys so excited. Man, the winter must have been a rough one.
And I've been there a couple of times this year, already...my alarm is set for 5 a.m., can't wait! ;D
^why so early? :o
I'm more excited for being able to do things outside again.
This winter has been rough on me. I hate being stuck inside and not able to go anywhere.
It's just after 7am on SDC OPENING DAY, 2010. Here I am at home, unable to be there. To those of you headed to the park...you have a GREAT PAST AHEAD OF YOU! Enjoy the day, and PLEASE, report back to us all here who could not make it! Photos, videos, descriptions. Have fun! ;D :D
Run boys run, don't be slow, it's opening day, and it's time to go!
Sorry about that, I woke up this morning singing my opening day version of Fire in the Hole. ;)
Most importantly, WHERE ARE THE OPENING DAY PICTURES?
Calm down, calm down...I'll have them up on flicker in a couple of hours, well the first batch. I only took about 400, today, but I'll be back Friday.
Swoosh: It takes me an hours worth of coffee, before I can even check my e-mail! The lines to get in at 8:30 were amazing, I don't think they expected that! oh, and I got my first sun-burn of the year... ::)
BUSY BUSY BUSY opening day! I'd love to hear what the count was. Took me 2 hours and 10 minutes from the time I turned onto Indian Point Road from 76 until my pass was scanned and I actually entered the City. I turned onto Indian Point Road at 9:30am. 45 minutes later was able to park my car. 10 minutes later was at the ticket counter. An hour and 10 minutes later my pass was scanned and I entered the park. I bought my pass at the park today because I didn't want to buy online and pay their 'online convenience fee'. BIG MISTAKE! (Next time, I'll give them their 'fee' and buy online, even though I don't agree with it.) Until 11am, they only had 6 ticket windows open, but then they opened at least 4 more. Busy busy busy! But so worth it. Had a blast. Judy told excellent stories as always, and the Homestead Pickers were awesome as well. I spent 6 hours actually in the park. Didn't take pics, but the Apple Butter Cabin is a great improvement on the old one. So much more room and really made up nicely. Overall, a great first day.
great day. was extremely busy. lots of improvements of scenery on FITH. apple butter shop was pretty good. riverblast was soso but the theme is really done well. i like the new puppy in the FITH queue. anyone see him/her? missed buckets though :(
Quote from: tinmann620 on March 18, 2010, 07:40:26 PM
oh, and I got my first sun-burn of the year... ::)
Holy... Dear lord a'mighty, I am definitely bringing the sunscreen with me tomorrow! If you burned today, I would most definitely burn tomorrow without it!
And just think, they're calling for snow Saturday night! The last count I heard around 4, was 12,000. Uploading pictures, as I type...
12,000 huh...wow that's alot for an opening day. Of course Spring Break kids accounted for a HUGE percentage of todays crowd. Oh and BTW...I saw Terry Sanders and at least 3 other characters on the square for a large part of the day today. Very glad to see.
WOW, RB just looks great. The last touches really put it over the top. This might be the most well-themed ride SDC has ever made... well, maybe - it looks pretty good! I love how they themed the little wheelchair lift - I was worried it would stick out.
Good to hear about everything else going better than expected too.
the fog in the early morning at RB was soo awesome too bad they couldnt have that much fog there all the time
Thanks for the pics Tinmann! They look great! Wow!! A SUNBURN??? I almost got frostbite here in SD!! ::)
Thanks! Soon as River Blast finishes, I'll start uploading all the other ones, like the Apple Butter, the 50th merchandise (and there's a LOT of that!), the new Powder Keg store, with a whole line of NEW stuff. I even ran into Jack Herschend, twice, today!
I totally can't believe we're expected to get snow on Saturday. The heck's goin' on?! :)
12,000... not bad. A few years ago, the year Grand Exposition opened, I was there on the season opening day and I believe the shuttle guy said they reached over 14,000. Which is surprising considering how cold it was that day.
I think I'm definitely gonna have to start taking art commissions, 'cause I know there's gonna be all sorts of 50th anniv. stuff I'm gonna want to buy.
And so it begins...next...opening weekend...and then anniversary weekend. If there was such a traffic jam today, I can only imagine what it will be like that weekend. It makes me grateful that I got my room at Deer Run and can walk to the park. Being able to come and go as I please that weekend will be awesome. Get tired of the crowds, leave for a while. Get bored at the motel, go back.
The only problem will be getting to and from Branson with the traffic. Of course, I don't imagine I will want to spend much time in Branson on that trip. I will save that for the following month.
I can't tell which way is up in some of those pictures. It's hard to get oriented. Guess you have to be there to take it all in.
I particularly like the simple box that says Ship to Marmaros.
What is the significance, if any to the Miller and Sons/Forsythe sign? Is there a story behind it?
And the boat's name Ricky Phalen? Where does that come from?
Wow, those are terrific pictures Tin Man! I was nervous that River Blast would end up looking cheap, and plastic, but it actually turned out nice. I am blown away with the amount of attention to detail they put into it! This proves that the folks at Silver Dollar City have not lost their touch.
Now I really cannot wait for my trip this May! ;D
QuoteWhat is the significance, if any to the Miller and Sons/Forsythe sign?
I was wondering if this could be a nod to Andy Miller, the man who is responsible for so much of the theme at SDC.
QuoteAnd the boat's name Ricky Phalen?
I believe Rick was an employee who passed away this winter.
Thanks for those pics, Tinmann!
I admit that I had low expectations for RB, but it looks really good. You won't catch me inside the splash zone, but I'm sure the kids will have fun.
Quote from: orient express on March 18, 2010, 09:07:21 PM
the fog in the early morning at RB was soo awesome too bad they couldnt have that much fog there all the time
The Fog is generated at the ride, it will be there all the time. Rick Phelan was an employee who passed away this winter as copper said.
THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS! RiverBlast looks VERY GOOD. The landscaping at the old apple butter cabin was also done nicely. The new apple butter location looks good, too. How about some photos of the area around Lake Silver? Let's see how those areas that were "cleared" look now. I'm divided about how the General Store location looks...could we have a few more shots of how the building was revamped over the winter? Thanks again for the photos!
Okay guys, I was so exhausted and dehydrated and sunburnt from opening day yesterday that I didn't have the energy to work with my pictures last night. But I've got a good start on them now. Here's a link to my Flickr set http://www.flickr.com/photos/roseykrh/sets/72157623523178877/detail/ - Ive still got a couple dozen more to add.
For the record, I didn't make it to the park at all last year and only 1 Christmas visit in 2008 so I didn't realize there were no more green trams. When did that happen?
And I LOVE the characters running around. The Undertaker was creepy (creepy = awesome) and all the various other characters were simply cracking me up. There was a jazz band from Bethany College out of Kansas playing in the gazebo on the square before opening ceremonies. As I came through the hospitality house first thing yesterday morning I was behind one of the saxaphone players. She had her sax around her neck and one of the characters came rushing right over. "That is the biggest peace pipe I've ever seen. Did u get that from the Cherokees? Oh the Osage, yeah they do have the dirtier stuff." Cracked us all up.
^No more green trams??? This was a surprise to me too, as I haven't been to SDC since '07. So did they replace them with purple ones or what?
I am sure someone will chime in with specifics, but our beloved green trams have been updated to new white trams. I am going to barrow one of Tin Man's great pictures as an example.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30708145@N02/3925563531/
Yeah, they're totally different trams and they're white now. Yesterday as I was boarding the tram to leave the city I had my camera dangling from my neck and like 3 shopping bags in my hand and I did not find it easy to get on the tram. There is not enough room between seats to "walk" to the inside of the row and I was banging my camera and bags into everything. Also I thought it was a little harder to step into and out of. But it could be just me since I'm a big girl.
Quote from: Copper on March 19, 2010, 12:15:31 AM
QuoteWhat is the significance, if any to the Miller and Sons/Forsythe sign?
I was wondering if this could be a nod to Andy Miller, the man who is responsible for so much of the theme at SDC.
QuoteAnd the boat's name Ricky Phalen?
I believe Rick was an employee who passed away this winter.
Wow. I really didn't think anyone could answer this without some research. Was Andy from Forsythe? Is that also why the swinging bridge is Miller's Bridge? I hadn't thought about that.
The white "trams" were a part of the new parking lot process. What they don't do: speed up the process between parking and entering.
Observations:
I notice in slow walker's pictures that signage has been added to point out the corkscrew overpass. That will be nice for guests who have not found it before.
The quote sign in the smoking area has been repainted and looks bright. Oh well, I suppose the smoke will soon restain it to its aged perfection.
I hope the fog continues. I know it was a planned feature for RB, but things like this tend to go by the wayside. The "steam" doesn't always work at the launch of Wildfire, and need I point out the water feature for PK that never was activated.
I missed that that the general store was redone. I'm going to have to reexamine that one.
Those new trams look nice (Thanks for the pics) and one good change is that they appear to have plenty of headroom unlike the old green ones. I seem to remember me or one of my boys getting quite a whack on the head getting into one of the old ones.
Slow-walker, EXCELLENT pictures! Thanks so much. The park really looks good. Glad to see at the 50th anniversary signage. The whole park looks spruced up. Nice to see the shots of the characters...especially my old pal Terry Sanders! I was glad to see the shots from around the lake. I'm surprised they left the sign on the waterboggan building. It will be interesting to see what they put down in that area in the next year or so.
Did they ever finish the new parking lot? Seems pretty weird that people pay to park in an unfinished lot, that they still have to wait for trams in.
Quote from: PastorDon on March 19, 2010, 01:26:25 PM
Those new trams look nice (Thanks for the pics) and one good change is that they appear to have plenty of headroom unlike the old green ones. I seem to remember me or one of my boys getting quite a whack on the head getting into one of the old ones.
That was my only problem with the green trams. One time I stood up too fast and too soon and really smacked my head on the roof! The new trams do look nice.
Thanks everyone for the pics from yesterday! RB looks even better than I thought it would (and I had high expectations to begin with)! :)
Quote from: shavethewhales on March 19, 2010, 01:47:43 PM
Did they ever finish the new parking lot? Seems pretty weird that people pay to park in an unfinished lot, that they still have to wait for trams in.
"Pay to park?" This is another surprise. What's the deal? Also, do season pass holders still get to park closer for a small fee?
^Most of the parking is still free, but the new lot is all paid parking I think - got to recoup the costs of building the darn thing I guess. Season pass holders still get a discount on 'Premium" parking
here is a photo i took of the awesome fog
Wooo! What a Day! I still have 200+ pics, from yesterday, and took 500 more, today, on my visit with Joy! The lines were long at all rides, except Wildfire, and most food places. Even Lost River had a line out to the theatre. They've hired a bunch of new people for the street troupe, but all seem to be character nameless. They do wander around the whole park, helping guests. (We even heard 3 sing "Happy Birthday" to a guest). Sadly, both days, there were no "goodbye" greeters at the hospitality house. No more Ada Mae. :( I'll start adding to the new trip report post, after today.
I am *so* exhausted, but I had so much fun today! Thanks again for letting me tag along!
I liked the new characters, but yeah, they need names. Loved seeing them sing Happy Birthday; that was great.
:( I really missed having characters saying goodbye, and darn it if I never did get the chance to meet Ada Mae.
I had tons of fun watching the top spinning. Those Citizens truly are "characters"...
Whoo-oo whoo-oo!
Quote from: tinmann620 on March 19, 2010, 08:08:41 PM
Wooo! What a Day! I still have 200+ pics, from yesterday, and took 500 more, today, on my visit with Joy! The lines were long at all rides, except Wildfire, and most food places. Even Lost River had a line out to the theatre. They've hired a bunch of new people for the street troupe, but all seem to be character nameless. They do wander around the whole park, helping guests. (We even heard 3 sing "Happy Birthday" to a guest). Sadly, both days, there were no "goodbye" greeters at the hospitality house. No more Ada Mae. :( I'll start adding to the new trip report post, after today.
I took this picture as I was leaving yesterday. These 3 were saying goodbye at the Hospitality House and there was a hillbilly character on the other side of the sidewalk also. I left about 3:30.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4444991825_9a4df6c7d3.jpg)
Ah, interesting. I think we got to the Hospitality House around 5:30-ish today.
Thanks to all who've posted reviews and photos. I'm sorry I was not able to make it to the park Thursday or Friday. Today I'm sitting here at home in Northwest Arkansas watching a COLD RAIN fall. The TV weatherman says 3-6 inches of SNOW tonight. This is March 20th, the FIRST DAY OF SPRING!
How's that new water ride workin' for ya on the first day of spring at 30 degrees?
I do bet, to make up for it, that the park is beautiful with a new blanket of spring snow, though.
I cannot believe that at this time yesterday (actually, more like 11am), I was in shorts & a T-shirt, riding RiverBlast!
But it's the unpredictability of Missouri weather that is one reason I love living here. By comparison, California is so darned boring! LOL
~"Becky" Joy~
OH, YEAH! The snow is falling heavily in NW Arkansas...the ground is starting to turn white. If we got it here, it's almost gotta be falling in Stone Co., MO, too! Let's see some pictures of the first day of spring at SDC with SNOW COVER! I have got to see me some photos of happy tourists riding the plunge and riverblast today! :D
We were at the Jonquil Festival at Old Washington Historic State Park (Arkansas) yesterday, and it was in the low 70s and super sunny. My wife has quite a sunburn. And today, it's 40 and raining and we're expecting 2-5" of snow tonight. Crazy way to start Spring!
OK, so we're stretching this Opening Day into a weather report. No sense in wasting new threads, eh? We have a good 4-5" already (5pm, March 20, 2010) in Joplin with light snow continuing. Ironically, maybe it will stretch our Spring Break by a day and we can be out of school on Monday, as well. Why Spring Break falls the week before Spring I shall never understand.
I'm all for a Snow Day on Monday ;D
Thankfully we were able to get all of our District Music Solos/Small Ensembles Contests in before the storm hit here in Kirksville.
Coincidentally we ended up with 5 II's and 2 III's.
I think only 8 I's were awared total this year ???
SILVER DOLLAR CITY
Opening Weekend Photo Trip Report
March 19th, 2010
FULL UPDATE: the "LET'S CELEBRATE!" UPDATE (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/migcrew/2010/SDC1)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2010/1-2.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2010/20.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa109/Dustijn/ptr2010/26.jpg)
Had a wonderful 2 days at the Park. The weather couls not have been better. We rode all every ride in the park... Even the water rides. Loved the River Battle. Did anyone run in to any SDC fans.. I met DalesDaMan3 in the Candy Store and saw Swoosh float by on the River Battle.
Tinmann and I tried looking for people on Friday but didn't see anyone.
I was there all day..
We were there all day as well Friday - but with 14.5K guests in the park, it was a crap shoot trying to spot anyone specific. There was quite the sea of humanity up there by the Hospitality House trying to get into the park early in the morning. lol
Hey, got a pic of me as ralphie bolin. I did some research on the real Alf Bolin, and that's as close within our guidelines that I could get.
I made it down yesterday, and today, and had a great time despite the cold rainy/snowy weather. Yesterday there were 1,700 in the park and Today was probably one of the best times I have EVER had at the park. We arrived about 9:30 to 5 cars on the lot TOTAL!!! We had a bus to ourselves to the entrance, and once inside...we were 2 of the total of 47 that were at the park. after about 2 hours of talking with every worker (nearly atleast) and doing a few laps of the place, we headed home. Every worker was amazing. They came out to talk to us, joked about how great we were to be at the park on a day like this=30 degrees, sleeting/raining mix.They offered us discounted items, told us little secrets about the place (like a backstage tour almost!) Got big pieces of warm black walnut brittle from Judy (you know it is good when they are spreading the brittle, and just pull off a big hunk and hand it to you!) A nice blanket of slush was on everything. the corkscrew pass was closed to avoid any falls/slips. Train at that time was not running, many food/snacks were not going, no rides were open. But it was still the park to ourselves, at times it was like the dreams I have where I am the only one left and I am in SDC! There were 4 cars when we left! It did clear up some later in the day, so I am sure they got a bit busier. I will never forget the time we had today! Pictures to come soon....
^Wow! That's my version of a perfect day at SDC too! Wish I could've been there with you, rube. :)
Rube, I'm glad you had that experience. I do remember on fall weekdays when it was very slow we employees were more apt to spend much more time visiting and talking with guests. It broke up the day for us. We felt like we threw a party and nobody came, somedays! It is a much more relaxed and enjoyable pace, but I'm sorry all the attractions were not open. It would have been great to have the flooded mine or train or fire in the hole all to yourself to ride as many times around as you wanted. If you want a backstage tour and I'm around...I'll slink around with you until we get caught!
SteamFreak, you were a GREAT Ralphie! I really enjoyed the skit.
Quote from: rubedugans on March 21, 2010, 06:45:06 PM
They came out to talk to us, joked about how great we were to be at the park on a day like this=30 degrees, sleeting/raining mix.
I can't figure out why so few people were there. What you described is a pleasant spring day here in South Dakota! ;D
What a great opportunity. It does sound like a real dream visit.
The falls were not on yesterday Junior, and I was very tempted to walk on back there!
You might as well have walked back there. What is the worst anyone could say? Don't? By the time someone spoke up, you would have been over half way across.
I'm just teasing of course. :D
I'm glad you had a really great time, and keep the adventure going. :)