SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => General Silver Dollar City Talk => Topic started by: Swoosh on March 17, 2022, 07:35:02 PM
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Photo Trip Report from Opening Day 2022
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/03/spring-ride-days-sdc.html
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I got to the light just after 9AM, was hoping to get parked quickly, and get in right as they do the chain drop. The traffic for parking immediately stopped that. Both lanes were backed up almost to the light. Lots of people switching lanes back and forth. Lot 2 was already full. They just started to fill Lot 5. I decided to walk from Lot 5 for the first time. I forgot my mug, which was a HUGE mistake (normal mug, not SDC mug). The main entry plaza was packed with people because of the bottle neck wall. The turnstiles line was further up. I went to every locker area to look at the new Best Lockers and prices. The lockers behind the ticket booths were $15 for all day and these are the ONLY kind that are Large. This is why these are the most expensive. Went thru the metal detectors and bag checks. They still don't have an automattic conveyor belt machine! 🤬 UGH! I used my phone as my season pass. I had to turn the light on my phone up higher than any department/convenience store for these scanners to scan it and they still need to see my ID. Why have they still not using our season passes as an ID by putting our picture on them?!?! This would help SO MUCH!!!
First is Rivertown. I noticed that the music is the same Dixieland Jazz music as what they used to play on the dock for the Showboat. It's not really good or bad, but it's DEFINATELY an upgrade and MUCH BETTER than the crap music they play in all the other old areas of the park, plus it fits the theme much better too! I looked at Clara Belle's and I think it looks nice. The splash pad in front of Mystic River Falls is not nearly what I expected. Just 2 areas with water coming out of a rock inside each one and a small waterfall on one. I saw the new Water Bottle Filling Station for Riverfront Playhouse (I will address all of them together, as well as the water fountains at the end). Most of the lockers in this park are the same price and most are the same size, small. These were $3 for 2 hours and you can only use this location, or $10 and you can use every locker location across the park. There are extra lockers at this location, but they are in the uncovered overflow line on the other side of this locker/dryer wall. I walked the 2 overflow lines under the roof that have theming. This has got to be the best theming I have seen at this park so far! Saw all the employee towers. There are 5 total. I also loved seeing the infrastructure and emergency exits. Now to ride MRF. The rapids aren't nearly as bad as people say. I felt very safe and never felt like we would tip over. I rode with a family of 5. The conveyor belts, waterfalls, rapids, lift tower, trough, slide, and turntable were all so amazing! The trough reminds me alot of Waterworks Waterboggan, the raft hit the trough hard, and I felt like the raft was going to fall over the side because of the sides of the trough were so low. The trough was the only part that scared me. The slide was very easy and not scary. Didn't try to tip once. The splash looks alot bigger than the water that gets on you. There is definately a dry and a wet side. The cannons work, except 1. The turntable works great and they figured out a way to use it without keeping it wet with a hose. The goldfish are still in Lake Silver. The new pathway around Lake Silver is open and awesome! Overall, 8 out of 10. Rivertown is my favorite area of SDC now! MRF is 10 out of 10! RES really blew me away! They are a new ride manufacturer and this is only the third ride they ever made (first ever raft ride by them), and I felt like they ACED it! I also felt like they had lots of elements implimented into this ride that other manufacturers wouldn't be able to do. Riverfront Playhouse lockers are also small and prices are $10 to switch all day or $3 for 2 hours.
Firefall was a 20 minute wait. Got to 30 minutes after I got in line. I got pics of the new FITH. They have 2/3 of the concrete in place for the base, they have some rebar sticking straight up, they have gravel in the area without concrete, a guy was using a pounding machine over the gravel to pack it down, and the water lines are in place. We should be seeing it go up very soon.
TNT had a 30 minute wait with both trains running. TT said 150 minutes, but I felt like it was more like 90 to 120 minutes with all 3 trains running (yes, ALL 3 TRAINS RUNNING), every overflow was used, and it was backed up almost to the old photo wall. The Trailblazer Pass line was almost all the way down their staircase. Lockers are also small here and the prices are $10 to switch all day or $3 for 2 hours.
504 was the only steam train running. I think they were running 30 minute rides, even with a long line down the fence, because they only had 1 robber. Flooded Mine was 30 minutes. FITH was 35 minutes when I got there.
Wildfire was a 10 minute wait, but it looked like more than 1 hour because they had people going straight in. Not even going thru 1 overflow! Also, overflow 1 is no more. This is now the Single Rider Line and is the FIRST EVER Single Rider Line for SDC! YAY!!!! I talked to an employee about it, since it was closed today. He said they only use it when the line is long. This makes me like Wildfire even more! The Wildfire lockers were small, but also the cheapest. $8 to switch all day or $2 for 2 hours. American Plunge was closed for maintenance, but I could tell that the slide, pool, and the AP/WF bridge was brand new. I saw the fence around the burnt down Heartland Home Furnishings, Flossie's Fried Fancies, and Pork Rind Stand area. I also saw the bridge was gone that used to be behind Heartland Home Furnishings that had the big American Plunge sign over it. The fence was around this area too.
I heard Riverblast was closed for a while and saw a guy on the roof looking thru a door from the side of the train depot.
I also saw that basically every water fountain and water bottle filling station was turned off, except Hugo's Hill Street, Powder Keg (a janitor told me), and Red Gold Heritage Hall. I told Guest Relations and they said this was because they are expecting 1 more hard freeze before summer. I was afraid some idiot forgot to turn them on or that someone didn't care about their customers dying from dehydration. I started noticing when I was in Rivertown and I went around to Fireman's Landing, and Grand Exposition. We couldn't find a concession stand with a fountain machine near Fireman's Landing. I never noticed how hard they are to find. The pretzel stand next to Boatworks doesn't even have one. This is why I regret forgetting our mugs.
Finally, the Hospitality House lockers next to the restrooms are small. Prices are $10 to switch all day or $3 for 2 hours. I was there from about 9:45AM until 6:30PM.
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Any reports on TnT?
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Any reports on TnT?
It is open and was running two trains on Opening Day. What type of report are you looking for?
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Any reports on TnT?
It is open and was running two trains on Opening Day. What type of report are you looking for?
I think they must have done some work in it as that big painful bump in the tunnel appears to be fixed. The bad spot out of the tunnel also appeared to be fixed as well. Seemed like there were a couple of other spots that were rough but I did not think it was nearly as bad as it was the last several years.
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Any reports on TnT?
It is open and was running two trains on Opening Day. What type of report are you looking for?
I think they must have done some work in it as that big painful bump in the tunnel appears to be fixed. The bad spot out of the tunnel also appeared to be fixed as well. Seemed like there were a couple of other spots that were rough but I did not think it was nearly as bad as it was the last several years.
I cannot find the picture in question now, but yeah there was a post made a couple years ago in one of these threads showing they were working on TNT during the past couple off seasons.
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Any reports on TnT?
It is open and was running two trains on Opening Day. What type of report are you looking for?
I think they must have done some work in it as that big painful bump in the tunnel appears to be fixed. The bad spot out of the tunnel also appeared to be fixed as well. Seemed like there were a couple of other spots that were rough but I did not think it was nearly as bad as it was the last several years.
Interesting. I rode it and those were still there and there’s new one going into the tunnel
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Any reports on TnT?
It is open and was running two trains on Opening Day. What type of report are you looking for?
I think they must have done some work in it as that big painful bump in the tunnel appears to be fixed. The bad spot out of the tunnel also appeared to be fixed as well. Seemed like there were a couple of other spots that were rough but I did not think it was nearly as bad as it was the last several years.
That's the kind of report I was looking for.
There have been complaints for years about the rough bumps. I wanted to know if it was better, or not.
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Swoosh said he rode it and those bumps were still there. I sure didn't feel it, but not sure if I want to ride it again to find out if I somehow missed it.
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Is there fish served at any place to eat for lent?
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Is there fish served at any place to eat for lent?
Molly's has catfish, but it's a buffet so you'll have to skip over the other entrees, I have purchased the skillets before without the meat (not sure if they still do that), There's cheese pizza at the pizza place and a lot of other great snacks that do not contain meat (funnel cakes, potato twists, kettle chips, etc.).
You can always fill up on Cinnamon Bread....
Edit: And there are also the grilled cheese sandwiches over by Time Traveler - can't believe I forgot those.
Jay
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Went today, 3-27 and arrived at 8:40 am…drove right up to season pass preferred parking and no one was in front of us. The park was empty that early in the morning. We used our gold season pass, got in early, and rode everything that was open (temps were a little low this am).
Still at noon there were no lines and all the food we had was very good. We rode MRF and did get a little wet on this cold day…but that ride seems to be operating well.
The bumps on TNT are still there but we we’re sitting in the middle of car 1 and the bumps didn’t seem to be as bone jarring as before.
The train robbery was long….at first I thought they had changed things up to keep the brothers away from the train….however after several new jokes…they proceeded down the hill to get everyone’s gold and silver. Was nice to hear the old with a bunch of new.
Jay
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Bluegrass & BBQ Festival
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/05/bluegrass-bbq-sdc.html
Food
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/05/bluegrass-bbq-food-sdc.html
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KIDSFEST Trip Report
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/06/kids-fest-sdc.html
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - ABBA Trip Report
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/06/summer-concert-series-abba-sdc.html
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We were at the park Friday and Saturday. It did not seem particularly busy but then again with the trail blazer passes we did not really wait in line too much. I will say it appears they have a ton of new employees that might be guest workers of some sort. At times at the rides it did not appear they were very organized or knew what to do. At one point at the TT there were a few of us in the TB line and folks in the regular line just walked up and got on whatever spots they wanted at the bottom of the stairs. After that, we were assigned our spot and I saw people instead of waiting in the main line, they just sort of cut thru and simply got on a number and nothing was done about it. At the barn swing, normally they tell you what seat to get in. The 3 times we rode it, it just seemed to be a free for all with everyone just sitting wherever they wanted. The new security theater at the entrance was nice not having to stop and be quasi searched. We also got the tasting passport and the wife and I used 2 each. I am still not sure if its worth it or not but figured I would try it. We will probably use the rest next time we are there.
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When I rode Outlaw Run in May I didn't find it horrible and there doesn't seem to be many complaints on this board or the other Branson websites. But Ross Hudson on the RMC Connoisseurs Facebook page gave it horrible reviews yesterday.
Comparing Outlaw Run to Hades, saying OR is non rideable, will not be back, etc. (not that we care if Ross comes back or not). Joe Wendel from SDC got on the thread to defend the ride, maintenance crews, park, etc....as well as most of the other people in the 80 comments.
I personally find the ride very enjoyable and intense in it's current state and think SDC does a fine job maintaining such a forceful wooden coaster. You guys feel the same or do you think Ross has a legitimate gripe?
Jay
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I have ridden it a bunch of times and I liked it but really do not ride it anymore as I find the restraint system to be uncomfortable on my legs. If it had older the shoulder restraints I would ride it quite a bit more. I have not been on it at all this year and I do not think I was last year either.
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When I rode Outlaw Run in May I didn't find it horrible and there doesn't seem to be many complaints on this board or the other Branson websites. But Ross Hudson on the RMC Connoisseurs Facebook page gave it horrible reviews yesterday.
Comparing Outlaw Run to Hades, saying OR is non rideable, will not be back, etc. (not that we care if Ross comes back or not). Joe Wendel from SDC got on the thread to defend the ride, maintenance crews, park, etc....as well as most of the other people in the 80 comments.
I personally find the ride very enjoyable and intense in it's current state and think SDC does a fine job maintaining such a forceful wooden coaster. You guys feel the same or do you think Ross has a legitimate gripe?
Jay
Agreed..
Remember.. a "review" is the same as an "opinion".. They are going to vary, and you are not going to agree all the time..
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My family visits both Holiday World and SDC regularly. I won't ride the wooden coasters at Holiday World. They kill me. Way too rough. Outlaw Run is a walk in the park compared to the wooden coasters at Holiday World. I enjoy riding on Outlaw Run every time I come to the city.
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Yeah, I may finally be at that point where I'm going to have to stay away from the rougher coasters. My back doesn't like TnT, OR, or even TT at this point.
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Outlaw Run is perfectly fine for me if I ride in the front 2-3 cars. Back half of the train though...way different story.
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Outlaw Run is perfectly fine for me if I ride in the front 2-3 cars. Back half of the train though...way different story.
I hypothesize that the middle of the train is the smoothest position and only in the morning, before the track heats up in the sun, but I don't think I'm going to conduct any more tests to make any sufficient conclusions on my research.
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We only ride OR in the front row. We’re only ride TNT in the middle row of a car.
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Anyone know why PK is closed? I’ve noticed on the app it’s been down and am at the park today and the sign by the ticket booths say it’s not operating today…
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Anyone know why PK is closed? I’ve noticed on the app it’s been down and am at the park today and the sign by the ticket booths say it’s not operating today…
I swear I read somewhere (I forget where now) that it was supposed to be getting a new train. Maybe they’re in the process of getting it certified to run? Don’t quote me, but I swear I read that somewhere
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Ahh…that could explain it. I was with a group today and we left around 5:30. I noticed on the app around 7:30 that PK had a 20 minute wait, so I’m guessing it opened in the evening. I’ll be back Saturday evening so hopefully will get to ride then.
MRF didn’t open until around 2:45 today. Our group got in line when the water started rushing through the channel and waited about 40 minutes for it to open…not sure what it’s problem was.
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Anyone know why PK is closed? I’ve noticed on the app it’s been down and am at the park today and the sign by the ticket booths say it’s not operating today…
The cable broke/snapped on the launch, and it took them several tries over the course of Sunday/Monday to fix it
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I did notice that there were 2 full trains in the garage at PowderKeg last night when we were headed back to the station.
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Just had a wonderful night at Moonlight Madness. We arrived about 6:30 and left at 11:30. The crowds were very manageable as we got a couple of tasting passports and used all the punches, watched the Echo Hollow show and fireworks, and rode several rides (TNT, FITH, FM, WF and the Train). It was a very nice night in the Ozarks. Now bring on Pumpkin Nights!
The only things I would comment about is Flooded Mine needs some TLC and Grandfather’s Mansion was like Grandfather’s Sauna…it felt like the heat was blasting in that place.
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At the park yesterday. Was the crowd that I’d expect for southern gospel fest probably 6,000-8,000 people and a thousand of them just came for the Issac’s concert in echo hollow. Most of the crowd was 50+, there were fewer homeschool families than I’ve seen at past SGF. Most rides were walk on or very nearly walk on. The only times it felt crowded was walking through an area where a show was starting or ending. Food lines were also almost nonexistent. I would say it was only like 4,000-5,000 people but echo hollow was almost full, so I think total attendance was a little higher than it felt like walking around.
I had my little kids with me so we mostly rode rides in grand expo and fireman’s landing, I noticed on several rides they were giving the full or in some cases any of the pre ride instructions. It stood out to me because that has not been my experience in the past even on slow days. It also seemed like a lot of the staff was less friendly and not as interested in engaging customers. It was still a great day at the city.
I did get a couple pictures of new FITH, I’ll post those in the 2023 project thread. Also had a good view of foggy hollow from fire spotter balloons that I’ll share in the 2022 project thread, no pictures because of the loose articles rules for fire spotter.
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Just a quick report.. Went to SDC Sat & Sun, Sat was not busy at all! We got there around 2'ish & got on 4 rides with no wait at all!! It was awesome! Stayed until about 4:30 or so. Sunday we got there for breakfast & opening ceremonies. Park didnt get too busy until about 11a. Thought it was weird that Sun was busier than Sat, but i guess we made the right decision to go the weekend after Labor Day. Aint seen the Saloon show in probably 5 or so years, it was pretty good. We left about 4:30. Saturday, all the effects & sound were working on FITH & FM. Sunday was a different story.. By 11a, 3/4 of the coasters were shut down. Rode the train & checked out some shops. All in all it was a great visit. Stayed at Shady Acres in the 2 bedroom house - apartment above the office, it was awesome! Private porch to boot. $116 a night. See ya all next time..!! :)
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Went to the first day/night of Harvest Festival/Crafts and Pumpkins in the City. There were people in the park on Wednesday but it was not crowded. Staffing levels seemed higher than my last visit during Bluegrass and BBQ. Enjoyed Eastern Heights, the Branson band that is providing the 6 pm show throughout the festival. Was about 50 minutes of music, no intermission. Was a variety of country and pop music from 80s - current. It was a little loud.
The fog from Foggy Hollow really carried into other areas of the park. It filled the front of the Boatworks Theater during the 7:30 show of Lindley Creek. The band was calling it their spooky set due to the fog. The bluegrass group will be playing the late afternoon and evening shows throughout the festival at the Boatworks.
There were no shows in the Opera House, Riverside Playhouse or Red/Gold.
We have decided to give up on Chester's Chips which used to be our favorite place. No matter what time of the day we have made a purchase last year or this year, the chips have been cold. Within the basket we got Wednesday at 5 pm, we had crispy chips and raw chips but all cold.
Didn't see any promotional signs for the new Fire in the Hole.
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Went to the park on Saturday (9/24) and we had a great time. We arrived at the park around 3 p.m. and stayed until the park closed (10 p.m.). The crowds were fantastic. You could tell the park was "busy" but definitely manageable. I would say for a Saturday, the crowd was probably below-average, but that's just a guess. There weren't any long lines and staffing did not seem to be an issue.
This is the time of the year I don't ride many rides, we like to go and try the food with the tasting passports and walk around and enjoy the City. However, we did ride the train, FM and FITH. The train was great as always. I've always thought it'd be cool if they were to do a silly "ghost train" this time of year, but that's just my opinion and I understand why they don't. Flooded Mine continues to be a disappointment. I just sit in the boat now as our guns didn't work again and the animatronics seem to be...well...dead. I walked on FITH around 8:30 and there was no line at all. They were still operating 3 trains according to the chalkboard. Ride was great and everything seemed to be working. The only ride not operating was MRF, but around 8:30 they started pumping water through the channel...not sure if they were testing or if it eventually opening, i don't know.
Pumpkin Nights is one of my favorite times to go to the park. It's great to be there with all the lights on cooler evenings. As always, I highly recommend the tasting passport. Well worth the money. We had multiple full-size portions with our punches.
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I was in the City over the weekend.
The good things I saw:
1. Despite changes here and there, the atmosphere continues to be second-to-none.
2. It was great to see our old friends such as Terry Sanders, the Schrock family making sorghum, Pat McCarty the blacksmith, Doug Bratcher the cooper, Buck Taylor, the Homestead Pickers and many others.
3. They have new hand-blown glass bell Christmas tree ornaments in the glass blowing shop!
4. Fire in the Hole and the Flooded Mine were in great condition.
5. Hillary Klug the fiddling buck dancer is great!
6. The molasses cookies in the bakery are back!
7. Still feels like home.
The negative things I saw:
1. Modern music in the park remains the bane of my existence. Unnecessary and a complete head-scratcher.
2. The new, lighted refrigerated cases in the General Store make me sad. In a few more years, I expect it to make the full transition into a Dollar General (only halfway joking). :(
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2. The new, lighted refrigerated cases in the General Store make me sad. In a few more years, I expect it to make the full transition into a Dollar General (only halfway joking). :(
Somewhat along the same lines, I hope that the new standup Coke coolers with bottled water that recently appeared around the City are integrated better over the offseason. Specifically, the one at Corn Dogs & Tenders is just sat out front and is kind of in the way. Hopefully they will work on them over the off season to blend them in more.
It is nice that they have an older/retro rounded style to them and aren't the stock squared off ones you see in concession stands.
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It's just a theme park now. No point in even mentioning the "theme breaks" any more. They stopped caring a long time ago. It's a lost cause. Most people will never know the SDC we grew up with when that was a scandal and you were really supposed to be stepping back in time. I mean, the park is covered in roller coasters now anyway...
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It's just a theme park now. No point in even mentioning the "theme breaks" any more. They stopped caring a long time ago. It's a lost cause. Most people will never know the SDC we grew up with when that was a scandal and you were really supposed to be stepping back in time. I mean, the park is covered in roller coasters now anyway...
On Saturday around noon, I saw a citizen walking down the path toward the glass blowing shop carrying several Dominos Pizza boxes. It was a bit of a shock. What would Miss Mary say to that!?
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While there is a divide between old SDC and new SDC...it is still way better than your average theme park. In Missouri, it blows Worlds of Fun and Six Flags St. Louis out of the water. So what if it's "covered in roller coasters" it's 2022 and that's what the new generation is going for. It pays the bills. Plus, it's not like the coasters are sitting right there in the middle of the park, they're all hidden in their own way.
There is still plenty of old SDC for everyone to enjoy. The festivals are incredibly themed and fun to attend and the only one that has seemed to be omitted from years past is World Fest. Just because things may not be the same as they were 5, 10 or 20 years ago, doesn't make it bad. To say "they've stopped caring a long time ago" is a complete insult to the citizens who have put a lot of time and effort to making SDC a national destination.
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Yes, it is completely accurate to say they have stopped caring a long time ago...about the sticking to theme that you are stepping back in time. Just the design of the new buildings says that. It is more more becoming just another theme park.
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It's just a theme park now. No point in even mentioning the "theme breaks" any more. They stopped caring a long time ago. It's a lost cause. Most people will never know the SDC we grew up with when that was a scandal and you were really supposed to be stepping back in time. I mean, the park is covered in roller coasters now anyway...
On Saturday around noon, I saw a citizen walking down the path toward the glass blowing shop carrying several Dominos Pizza boxes. It was a bit of a shock. What would Miss Mary say to that!?
Well she would have had a heart attack with all the clear cutting of the trees in the middle of the park over the past decade. Though the latest example couldn't really be helped due to the fire, it still shocked me to see so much more get clear cut after the fact.
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To say "they've stopped caring a long time ago" is a complete insult to the citizens who have put a lot of time and effort to making SDC a national destination.
I don't think it's a reflection of the citizens at all. In fact, I would argue that it's the long-time citizens that's kept up the atmosphere as much as it has been. To me, it's more of a top-down issue. In the same way that Mary Herschend set the culture at the beginning, current management is responsible for setting the culture now. Current culture says it's OK to have giant light up Coke coolers in the General Store and play pop music during the day over the speakers. Honestly, there's only a handful of us obnoxious purists who see it as a problem. Most people probably don't even notice. Heck...my wife and kids don't see it as a problem. But then again, they've not been coming to the park since the 70's like I have.
That being said, it is still a special place, especially when compared to other theme parks. I plan to keep coming back and obsessing over the details that no one else notices. :)
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... Just because things may not be the same as they were 5, 10 or 20 years ago, doesn't make it bad. To say "they've stopped caring a long time ago" is a complete insult to the citizens who have put a lot of time and effort to making SDC a national destination.
Nah. Talk to some workers in the park about the direction things have been going in. Seriously, talk to anyone. If you can find any of the last remaining "old timers" they'll tell you some stories. The park used to be completely different before Wildfire was added about 21 years ago - just a completely different experience.
I'm not going to bemoan what was lost, because times change and what we have now is obviously pretty fun, but there was an SDC of the past that is basically completely gone now. That's what people are getting at when they talk about lighted coolers in an old store. In the old days that would be extremely jarring because they really were trying to create a tongue-in-cheek 1880's experience.
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While there is a divide between old SDC and new SDC...it is still way better than your average theme park. In Missouri, it blows Worlds of Fun and Six Flags St. Louis out of the water. So what if it's "covered in roller coasters" it's 2022 and that's what the new generation is going for. It pays the bills. Plus, it's not like the coasters are sitting right there in the middle of the park, they're all hidden in their own way.
There is still plenty of old SDC for everyone to enjoy. The festivals are incredibly themed and fun to attend and the only one that has seemed to be omitted from years past is World Fest. Just because things may not be the same as they were 5, 10 or 20 years ago, doesn't make it bad. To say "they've stopped caring a long time ago" is a complete insult to the citizens who have put a lot of time and effort to making SDC a national destination.
They stopped caring a long time ago.
Its well on its way to being six flags branson.
Thats what the powers that be prefer.
Heck some of them are probably happy about the train being down. Now they can “update” it and get rid of the classic aspect of it.
Wait til you see the new FITH. No doubt it will be a soulless PC glitzy ride with no real history or theme.
I try to enjoy the remaining aspects of what made the park special before they transition those out too, one by one as they have been.
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Perhaps the new FITH will simply be an indoor dark coaster like the one they have at Six Flags.
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With the rumors of a new larger train station going in where the current FITH sits, it makes me wonder with the recent train incident putting the train out of commission and now no references are being made to it on their website or social media, what if they don't bring the train back into operation until that project is done to give time for the media frenzy to die down and give the public the impression that things have been sorted out with it? Seems nuts they would actually have it out of commission for that long but still... considering how viral this incident went being on national news and whatnot, it wasn't good for SDC's publicity. I know none of the trains will likely be in operation this Christmas.
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With the rumors of a new larger train station going in where the current FITH sits, it makes me wonder with the recent train incident putting the train out of commission and now no references are being made to it on their website or social media, what if they don't bring the train back into operation until that project is done to give time for the media frenzy to die down and give the public the impression that things have been sorted out with it? Seems nuts they would actually have it out of commission for that long but still... considering how viral this incident went being on national news and whatnot, it wasn't good for SDC's publicity. I know none of the trains will likely be in operation this Christmas.
I seriously doubt they will shut down the train for that long. Everything seems to be a multi year project now. FITH is 2024 and the new stain is beyond that.
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Visited the City over the weekend. Attended ACE’s Coaster Christmas presentations. Gleaned the following information—the new ride is scheduled to debut in 2024. Brad Thomas showed a picture of the new building and said (with tongue firmly planted in cheek) that they are building the world’s largest Dollar General, and that more information would be announced next year. So, it looks like we still have another full year to ride FITH 1.0. Brad also mentioned the new property acquisitions. He said they have “exciting plans” for the property but didn’t elaborate. He did mention that by the time all is said and done that SDC’s real estate holdings will extend all the way to Branson West.
As I mentioned in another thread, other sources indicated that the investigation into the train accident has been completed, but the results have not yet been made public. Hopefully, we will hear something soon. And you don’t have to worry about missing Grandpa’s story. He was sitting on a bench in front of the depot when I walked by on Sunday and he happily told the story to me and my family. It was really neat, even without the lights and music.
On a random note, the apple dumplings are only about a third of the size of what they used to be. They are basically just a ring of apple wrapped in pastry. I asked the worker at the stand if they changed the size due to the tasting passport. He said, “no”. They had to find a new supplier. On the bright side, they tasted really good, just very small.
All in all it was a good visit, my only real complaint is the lack of bluegrass. It used to be that they played Christmas music in a bluegrass style throughout the park during Old Time Christmas. Now about the only place you hear bluegrass at SDC is if you go watch the Homestead Pickers (which I recommend). Please note: I’m not a huge bluegrass music fan. But I’ve come to associate that style of music with SDC, and I miss it when its not there.
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We are thinking about a last minute trip to SDC this Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26. We've never been this time of year does anyone have any experience with the crowds the weekend after Thanksgiving day? I know most condo rentals are booked and prices are way up. I'm assuming SDC will be very busy?
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yes. they will be VERY BUSY. those days they usually hit max capacity. if you're going get there an hour or more before they open or if you just want to go to see the lights you can go after the first parade when half the people are leaving.
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We are thinking about a last minute trip to SDC this Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26. We've never been this time of year does anyone have any experience with the crowds the weekend after Thanksgiving day? I know most condo rentals are booked and prices are way up. I'm assuming SDC will be very busy?
It's not uncommon to block admittance during the day until the number of visitors drops.
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We went the day before Thanksgiving last year and it was a mad house. We go quite often, so if ride lines are long we just skip the rides and eat food, shop the stores, and catch a show or two. Last year was incredibly busy with food lines just as long as the ride lines - we ended up leaving to come back another time.
Jay
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Was there on Sunday 11/20 12:30 to 7:30. Very busy, long lines, had to be prepared to wait to ride, to attend shows, and to buy food and drinks. Poor women at the stand by the saloon where frozen lemonade is usually sold was working by herself trying to make various food in a waffle cone, sell drinks, and take money. She definitely needed help. Quickest place to get food and drink was the new place across from the Boatworks that is set back off the sidewalk and backs up to Foggy Hollow. We got in and out in about 5 minutes.
Speaking of Foggy Hollow why go to the effort to hang all of those lights in the trees and not have them on during the Christmas festival? Why wasn't the pathway open?
Coming Home for Christmas was okay but it reminded me of what Andy Williams used to do during his Christmas shows on TV and in his theater except there was no big name star in this show. At times there was just polite applause at the expected applause spots in between songs.
The performers in Dickens seemed much more comfortable with the new music this year. Applause was much more enthusiastic during this show. We enjoyed it.
Also saw the saloon show. I have not ever seen such a long line at the bar before the show started. People were really wanting hot drinks becaue the day was so cold. Not much of a story to this year's show. We didn't make it to the Living Nativity at the Dockside or the Spoken4 gospel quartet show at Riverside or the parade.
Missed getting a Christmas ornament by 1 festival and the employee refused to sell it to us. Said we had to come back next year in order to buy one. We were waffling on buying 1 season pass and using BAFs like we did this year but the extra high price on the pass plus the attitude of the employee confirmed our decision not to buy so we waited in line for 30 minutes for nothing.
From car tags seen at the park and around Branson more and more people are coming from further away. Also more and more people must have off all of Thanksgiving week. We were in Branson Sunday - Tuesday and it was busy.
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Missed getting a Christmas ornament by 1 festival and the employee refused to sell it to us. Said we had to come back next year in order to buy one. We were waffling on buying 1 season pass and using BAFs like we did this year but the extra high price on the pass plus the attitude of the employee confirmed our decision not to buy so we waited in line for 30 minutes for nothing.
Glad they stuck to their gut and didn’t sell it to you to be honest. Seemed like you were the one with an attitude and not the employee, they have their own rules to follow. 🤷🏻♂️
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Missed getting a Christmas ornament by 1 festival and the employee refused to sell it to us. Said we had to come back next year in order to buy one. We were waffling on buying 1 season pass and using BAFs like we did this year but the extra high price on the pass plus the attitude of the employee confirmed our decision not to buy so we waited in line for 30 minutes for nothing.
Glad they stuck to their gut and didn’t sell it to you to be honest. Seemed like you were the one with an attitude and not the employee, they have their own rules to follow. 🤷🏻♂️
He didn't say that it was against the policy to sell it to us. We didn't have this issue before so if it is policy, we didn't know, and he didn't inform us. There were only 2 employees selling passes, and they needed help. There was also an issue with the people he waited on before us. We just said thank you for your time and we left.
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We went the day before Thanksgiving again and it was a very large crowd. We arrived at just before noon worried about the craziness we experienced last year - but this year we were through the gates and into the square by 12:10 then had to kill some time. We shopped the few places that were open but that didn't take too long, was surprised Sullivan's Mill wasn't open.
Used my gold pass to ride Time Traveler, Powder Keg, and Outlaw Run in the first hour...this perk is nice considering how quick those lines fill up. I couldn't find the Trailblazer line for Fire in the Hole, and it was very crowded, so I didn't push my way to the front to find it.
The food we had was good, I really liked the Bang Bang Shrimp (could use a little more bang) and Acorn Squash Mac and Cheese. The other food was good as always.
It will be nice to get the furniture store and funnel cakes back - that area of the park seems so depressing with the "black hole" effect of those buildings missing.
We did experience a big bottle neck at the Hospitality House when leaving, so we exited by the bathrooms and saved a little bit of time.
All in all, was a great day.
Jay
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I was told by an employee as I was leaving this evening that there were 24,000 through the gates today.
SDC still has that special attachment to me. I attended the hymn sing at the Wilderness Church. The piano player's brother (who happens to be the sorghum maker in the fall) got up and gave an impromptu recitation of "The Christmas Guest". It was a great moment for all who experienced it. You won't experience those moments at any other theme park.
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I couldn't find the Trailblazer line for Fire in the Hole, and it was very crowded, so I didn't push my way to the front to find it.
It is to the left of the main line. At the entrance to the line out front, you just go to the left to walk up to the entrance instead of entering the main line.
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This is the first time that I had noticed that they removed the extended queue area for Mystic River Falls and added more tables and chairs.
Yesterday was also the first time that I had heard them make announcements on PowerKeg about not taking phones at all on the ride due to newer phones having crash detection. First ride of the day, no mention of it. Second ride, that is all they talked about. Third ride, no mention of it. Seems to very inconstant on if it is an actual rule or not. It was one ride op that was harping on it.
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This is the first time that I had noticed that they removed the extended queue area for Mystic River Falls and added more tables and chairs.
Yesterday was also the first time that I had heard them make announcements on PowerKeg about not taking phones at all on the ride due to newer phones having crash detection. First ride of the day, no mention of it. Second ride, that is all they talked about. Third ride, no mention of it. Seems to very inconstant on if it is an actual rule or not. It was one ride op that was harping on it.
They have been mentioning the phone thing on and off, especially on Powder Keg, ever since the iPhone 14 came out. As you say, not every op marches to the same drum. I have heard similar announcements on a few other coasters around the park, but those concerns seemed to have quieted down. The extended que on Mystic River has been filled with tables and chairs for quite some time now, thankfully.
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I will be in Branson the week between Christmas and New Years --- considering visiting for the first time ever the park in winter, I am a photographer and I thought the winter photos might be a bit different.
(full disclosure I hate crowds and Christmas) but I am curious and if the situation were favorable might consider going to the park. Can anyone with experience give me the info on that week is it crowded, or do the crowds dwindle after the holiday?
Not a ride person so coaster use is unimportant.
I am a passholder so going or not going is just a thought. I guess the question is can a non Christmas person who dislikes large crowds enjoy looking around for a few hours midweek at this time of year? Or should I give it a pass?
Thanks for the input and help
Kevin
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It will be a jam packed madhouse, period.
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I will be in Branson the week between Christmas and New Years --- considering visiting for the first time ever the park in winter, I am a photographer and I thought the winter photos might be a bit different.
(full disclosure I hate crowds and Christmas) but I am curious and if the situation were favorable might consider going to the park. Can anyone with experience give me the info on that week is it crowded, or do the crowds dwindle after the holiday?
Not a ride person so coaster use is unimportant.
I am a passholder so going or not going is just a thought. I guess the question is can a non Christmas person who dislikes large crowds enjoy looking around for a few hours midweek at this time of year? Or should I give it a pass?
Thanks for the input and help
Kevin
If you're a non-Christmas person, going between the holidays probably isn't a great idea. The park is still filled with everything Christmas. Lights everywhere, which I think are beautiful, but sounds like that's not your thing.
Crowds are insane - if the weather is mild the place will be extremely packed. If it's a bit on the cold side - the park will be open but crowds extremely light (rides probably not operating). I went one year, and the snow was beautiful - and had the park to myself. This might be what you're looking for if you want some beautiful pictures (maybe you'll get a snow day).
Jay
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Thanks Jay -- that was what I was looking for.
I am looking for more of a Photographic opportunity. So Here is hoping for super low temps and or drizzly sky's.
is there a low temp cut off for the entire park? just curious.
Kevin
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is there a low temp cut off for the entire park? just curious.
Kevin
Not that I am aware. I think it was 2018 just before New Years I was there and it was in the teens. Definitely an interesting experience. Crowds were moderate at best.
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We've been there with wind chills around -30. There were about 1000 visitors in the park. I was told they wouldn't close early as long as there were guests on park. They will close with winter weather moving in. The last half of December is supposed to be well below normal temps so I would think lighter crowds.
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Here is our reviews on the food offered on the Christmas tasting passport
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/12/an-old-time-christmas-food-sdc.html
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Nice review! Good to know if these are offered next year.
Here is our reviews on the food offered on the Christmas tasting passport
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2022/12/an-old-time-christmas-food-sdc.html
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We've been there with wind chills around -30. There were about 1000 visitors in the park. I was told they wouldn't close early as long as there were guests on park. They will close with winter weather moving in. The last half of December is supposed to be well below normal temps so I would think lighter crowds.
There is a growing chance of white stuff the week before and after Christmas.
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We've been there with wind chills around -30. There were about 1000 visitors in the park. I was told they wouldn't close early as long as there were guests on park. They will close with winter weather moving in. The last half of December is supposed to be well below normal temps so I would think lighter crowds.
There is a growing chance of white stuff the week before and after Christmas.
Glad we're going this Thursday and Friday. Supposed to be cold but dry.
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I've heard it's been super busy this week now that the weather has improved. Despite this, the rides are having more issues than ever.
People sure love lights. I feel like the light festivals are the only thing keeping SDC going at this point. It's often dead during the summer (with some exceptions on certain weekends), and spring is often hit and miss with Spring Break being super busy and it being dead the rest of the time. Other parks have tried and basically failed to copy SDC's light bonanza. The setting and the scale of what they do is indeed impressive, but it sure feels like basically every other aspect of the SDC experience has fallen off hard over the past few years. I just wonder what it will take for the crowds to stop coming for the lights. I'll be watching the 2023 crowd levels with interest...
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We went to the park yesterday and could not believe the crowds. We arrived about 4pm to find mostly full parking lots. Since we have Season Pass preferred parking we were able to pull up to the shack and park in the narrow lot between the shack and the entrance road. By the time we left they had people parked in the road up to the parking shacks.
The crowds were insane, 1 hour plus for Rides and even longer for food/snacks. For example the line for ice cream outside of Red Gold wrapped back past the current furniture store. Cinnamon bread went back to the nearby restrooms.
We made it about an hour and a half and decided that was enough. We exited the cut glass store about the time the first tree lighting finished and it took nearly 20 minutes to make it out of the park. The crowds were easily the largest I have personally seen since pre covid shutdown. Even had a citizen politely shake their head when they asked where we were from and told them Springfield.
I guess 65 degrees in Dec will do that.
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I've heard it's been super busy this week now that the weather has improved. Despite this, the rides are having more issues than ever.
People sure love lights. I feel like the light festivals are the only thing keeping SDC going at this point. It's often dead during the summer (with some exceptions on certain weekends), and spring is often hit and miss with Spring Break being super busy and it being dead the rest of the time. Other parks have tried and basically failed to copy SDC's light bonanza. The setting and the scale of what they do is indeed impressive, but it sure feels like basically every other aspect of the SDC experience has fallen off hard over the past few years. I just wonder what it will take for the crowds to stop coming for the lights. I'll be watching the 2023 crowd levels with interest...
Like I said in another thread, it’s probably time for you to find a different hobby.
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I've heard it's been super busy this week now that the weather has improved. Despite this, the rides are having more issues than ever.
People sure love lights. I feel like the light festivals are the only thing keeping SDC going at this point. It's often dead during the summer (with some exceptions on certain weekends), and spring is often hit and miss with Spring Break being super busy and it being dead the rest of the time. Other parks have tried and basically failed to copy SDC's light bonanza. The setting and the scale of what they do is indeed impressive, but it sure feels like basically every other aspect of the SDC experience has fallen off hard over the past few years. I just wonder what it will take for the crowds to stop coming for the lights. I'll be watching the 2023 crowd levels with interest...
Like I said in another thread, it’s probably time for you to find a different hobby.
Shave has a right to voice his opinion just like everyone else on this forum. Heaven knows you voice yours enough, Swoosh.
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I've heard it's been super busy this week now that the weather has improved. Despite this, the rides are having more issues than ever.
People sure love lights. I feel like the light festivals are the only thing keeping SDC going at this point. It's often dead during the summer (with some exceptions on certain weekends), and spring is often hit and miss with Spring Break being super busy and it being dead the rest of the time. Other parks have tried and basically failed to copy SDC's light bonanza. The setting and the scale of what they do is indeed impressive, but it sure feels like basically every other aspect of the SDC experience has fallen off hard over the past few years. I just wonder what it will take for the crowds to stop coming for the lights. I'll be watching the 2023 crowd levels with interest...
Like I said in another thread, it’s probably time for you to find a different hobby.
Shave has a right to voice his opinion just like everyone else on this forum. Heaven knows you voice yours enough, Swoosh.
Interesting. Pretty sure I only post updates from the park. But, ok.
*edit to to fix typo
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Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year!
and to you! Hope to see everyone on the midways next season. While no new attraction, you’re going to love the changes
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Whoop Whoop the boards are back!! ;)
Jay
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People sure love lights. I feel like the light festivals are the only thing keeping SDC going at this point. It's often dead during the summer (with some exceptions on certain weekends), and spring is often hit and miss with Spring Break being super busy and it being dead the rest of the time. Other parks have tried and basically failed to copy SDC's light bonanza. The setting and the scale of what they do is indeed impressive, but it sure feels like basically every other aspect of the SDC experience has fallen off hard over the past few years. I just wonder what it will take for the crowds to stop coming for the lights. I'll be watching the 2023 crowd levels with interest...
I tend to agree with Shave here but for a much different reason. I can't speak to numbers of guests at any one season, but I think that the rides--at least most of them----ARE the problem.
SDC is becoming a generic 6 Flags over Branson, and there is just no point. So little remains to differentiate it from other parks, bigger ones with easier access and cheaper surroundings or bigger ones with much more crowd draw (a la the monster that is Disney). Left with only a small selection of quirky rides, SDC struggles to find a place. Having invested so much in all that infrastructure, the city is stuck with bad decisions made years again and doubled and quadrupled down on more recently.
My thoughts will be labeled reactionary and silly in the "Modern Economic Climate," but SDC would have been better off not trying to become all things to all guests but rather should have focused on its core, smaller but true to its nature.
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^On the other hand, they could probably get much bigger crowds if they fully committed to being "Six Flags Branson" - but they'd be younger, spend less, and be less loyal as customers. The 'old crowd' is either already gone or is OK with all the new rides and increased prices. Kids like rides. Heck, most of us like the rides. They do a ton of market research and see what sells tickets, and obviously its rides. People say they like the crafts, shows, etc, and they do, but what really moves tickets right now is the coasters.
It's still differentiated by the theming, location, and festivals, but there is always competition when rides are the biggest draw.
All that said though, it's getting more expensive along with everything else, people have less room in their budgets, and there's more competition than ever for entertainment dollars. Branson will remain a tourist hotspot however, so I expect WOF/SFStL to suffer more than SDC in a short term economic crunch.
A lot of SDC guests visit while on vacation in the area and may only stop in for part of the day over the course of staying in Branson for several days. It used to be easier to hop from SDC to Branson to catch a show. With the park growing so much, it's harder to get in and out, not to mention the prices are so much higher now so you have to stay longer or visit more often for it to be worth it. I wonder if there'll be an inflection point where some people see it as too much hassle or money. Of course, adding a resort will make it easier for some...
It's the issues that come up on crowded days that are probably the biggest threat right now. SDC basically has two modes: dead or super crowded, and when it's super crowded their operations are hit and miss. They definitely need more staff and it's something they are working on. Let's hope 2023 is a smoother year all around.
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My hubs and I are from Northern WI. and come down for 10 days to 2 weeks at a time. We don’t ride rides any more. We go to SDC every day they are open. We listen to theHomestead Pickers and HorseCreek. Visit with Terry Sanders,Mandi and Roach. Will go to listen to others that are in the Park too, but mostly the Pickers. If they weren’t there , we would not drive 900 miles to go to SDC. After going to the park since the late 70s, we still come down 3-4 times a year. Miss a lot of the old crafts and more entertainment.