SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => Construction/Rumors => Topic started by: shavethewhales on August 22, 2007, 07:13:08 PM
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Hints will start dropping about whatever is happening in 2008 very soon. Watch the blog and for random things to start popping up in the park.
My guess is still that we'll see the Landing revised, as they are finally getting around to fixing up the Mansion and other things this off-season, among other things.
Whatever happens, we know that it will be pretty large, as the capital investment for this year is reported to be at the very least in the $5 million range, and it could be as high as $8 million. We also know that 2008's improvements will not include a new coaster, as that was said early on by park officials. (2009 is a whole different story though).
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I am expecting improvements all around the park this year. But in 2009 I want another roller coaster!! Remember that I am going to the park the last weekend in September, so I can look at anything you guys want me to....
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^Yeah, be sure to keep an eye out. It should be somewhat obvious what's a clue if you've been to the park very often, but sometimes you never know what they're getting at, so be sure to look around carefully.
There are at least a couple of random improvements planned for around the park, but I expect there will be at least one central big new thing this year, even if it isn't even a ride. I'm hoping for new shops even if they aren't in the midtown area. If we get hit with new games I'll be mad.
I'm also starting to wonder if maybe they could be bringing back one of the old flat ride concepts, like the shot tower or the frisbee, or even something completely new, seeing as The Giant Swing was such a hit. I still think the park needs more shops rather than rides though. Everyone disagrees with me because SDC doesn't have as many rides as other parks, but remember: SDC isn't a traditional, cookie-cutter, ride-oriented park, it's almost a real city, and that's what makes it so special. Face it: other parks are only as good as their rides, but SDC only has a handful of rides, yet it ranks with Disney and Universal.
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I'm also starting to wonder if maybe they could be bringing back one of the old flat ride concepts, like the shot tower or the frisbee, or even something completely new, seeing as The Giant Swing was such a hit. I still think the park needs more shops rather than rides though. Everyone disagrees with me because SDC doesn't have as many rides as other parks, but remember: SDC isn't a traditional, cookie-cutter, ride-oriented park, it's almost a real city, and that's what makes it so special. Face it: other parks are only as good as their rides, but SDC only has a handful of rides, yet it ranks with Disney and Universal.
Here's what I would love to see in '08:
Grandfather's Mansion rehab- Don't change the history of the ride, but make it more modern
More Shops- Midtown area.
A new major flat ride if more shops aren't built.- I would love to see the once-proposed pendulum swing come to the Grand Exposition.
Tom Sawyer's Landing Revival- I would love to see this area come back to life into what it was like whenever I was little.
If all this were to happen that would go over the budget that I've heard that their planning to use.
I agree with you though Whales. Now that SDC is a top ranked attraction in the US, I don't want them to go all thrill on me. I still want the park to hold the great charm that the park has always held.
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Well if you ask me I've been going to sdc for all my life foe 17 years and I know this is a classic i would like to see them do rehab on fire in the hole or the flooded mine "I mean even disney does rehab on there classics.
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So I've been reading around and it turns out that the rumor that the park will expand down the left side of the main square facing the back of the park is older than I thought. I still think it's a pretty big possibility though, I mean, that's the absolute perfect spot for the next coaster, provided it doesn't mean that the cave collapses. Anywhere else would be pretty crowded unless they put it back in the woods.
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actually you would be suprised of how much land they have, they have A BUNCH, when your going up the hill on wildfire at the very top look straight ahead and they own all that land plus more.
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^I've always liked that about the Herschends, they really plan ahead. Unlike so many major parks, we'll never have to worry about the park running out of room.
This also makes it very interesting in speculating where they could put a new attraction, as they could expand pretty much anywhere. So far the obvious points are off the main square, in the Grand Expo behind the RGH Hall, behind Wilson's Farms, and on the soon to be completed loop that will connect Wildfire to Powderkeg (I've speculated that this loop will be closed for the last three years, but alas, it's never happened yet for whatever reason).
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When is the loop from wildfire to pk suppose to be done?
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^Who knows, it's been like that since 2001. It is set up though (to what I can tell, at least) for a path to branch off from the loop, go down the hill between the two coasters, and then fork in three or more directions. That valley down there would sure make good terrain for a woodie...
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So I've been told that it's unlikely that SDC will do anything to the Landing, or even Mid-Town this year. Of course, no one but those in charge really know, but it sounds to me like the park is searching for another family attraction, pitted at those 12 and older. Maybe we're in for a Splash Battle after all? I hope not. I'm still holding out for some type of new shopping establishment, SDC knows that shopping is still their biggest draw, besides the experience as a whole.
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Who told you?
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Another person who was there at last year's Coaster Christmas.
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Hmmm...well how does he know?? I don't know, I guess I'm just skeptical over some things. A new flat ride? Shot tower?? Pendulum swing? Pleasssssse no splash battle!
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This is all out of my head. I am not saying it might or will happen.
I would love to see the Landing moved to the other side of Geyser Gulch. They would have to move their maintenance and construction warehouses, but that is fine. Re-theme Geyser Gulch to fit with Tom Sawyer’s storyline. I have always hated the themeing of Geyser; it is the sore thumb of the City.
Create the New Landing for young adults (target ages 15-35) with a great B&M hyper-coaster throughout the woods and a Woodie for those of you who like them!!!!! Add a new carousel made by SDC crafts people and use the old horses to create a new Carousel Barn that can hold the carousel and special events. The Carousel Barn can hold an amazing Santa’s Wonderland for the Christmas season ect. The new Landing area would eventually connect to Wilson’s Farm. New restaurants and shops would be added to the Landing area as well. Also the new Rube Duggin’s Diving Bell would make a great addition to this area. I know SDC would love to have a larger indoor theatre and they could do it in this location. The theatre could have a fly-space something the Opera House doesn’t have.
In the old Landing area revamp the Crafts on park making them the center of attention. For example a new glass blowing shop in this area would be great.
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Re-theming Geyser Gulch to Tom Sawyer is a BRILLIANT idea. I LOVE it. Anything that preserves Mark Twain-related theming at SDC is a good idea in my book.
You know, wouldn't it be cool if SDC took their public surveys to the next level and actually had some sort of an open meeting at the park where visitors can pitch ideas? There are so many wonderful ideas that people have come up with for SDC that I'd love to see incorporated, and I'd love it for SDC to know of all these great ideas.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
PS: Hey, Steve, is there any way to change or get rid of whatever thing is turning "L O L" into "I use silly acronyms"?
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Good ideas except for the hyper coaster. Not enough room and it would look dumb smack dab in the middle of the city. I think that is where you meant to put it.
EDIT: I especially love your idea Joy.
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Jesus Copper, that's genius, the thought of moving the Landing had never once crossed my mind, but that would be about the only way that that area can live on at SDC, what with that area being so prime for shopping and other things. I also agree that Geyser Gulch needs to be changed a bit. Some of it looks pretty damn cool, but they still like to pretend that it is in some way a 'tree house', and the colors aren't working either, even in a wacky way.
I too would like to see a B&M hyper, but it'd be a push for SDC. It'll be a long time before it's even a possibility, they probably want their own Mystery Mine and Woodie before then.
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Yeah, the colors on Geyser Gulch have always been a sore spot with me. I like the stuff there, but the colors are just SOOO out of whack with the rest of the SDC theme... A forest green/brown/burnt orange color scheme would work better, I think, but above all, I prefer fading/weathering so that it doesn't look so pristine. It's part of an 1880s mining town; it shouldn't be pristine.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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What if it was incorporated into the new Landing, like an old mansion that Tom and Huck find? Hmmm, someone should e-mail SDC with this ;).
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Notify Conductor Sam immediately!!
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of a hyper, just not right now. And not in the middle of the city.
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Well, with having Splash Harbor adjacent to Geyser Gulch, you could re-theme GG to a Mississippi steamboat, which feature heavily in both Tom and Huck's stories. Could make it that it's docked at the dock of Tom Sawyer's hometown along the Mississippi.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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Yeah, I like this idea a lot. It would be hard to do though.
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Yeah, now that I think of it, the main building would have to be messed with a bit to make it look more like an abandoned manor, and the S.S. Tadpole doesn't exactly look like much of a steamboat, but it's still not out of the question, especially the part where the Landing is moved over there.
Really though I want to see a new Tree House, and I mean a real tree house. I kinda hope they'll just re-build the old one where it is, but who knows. It'd be awesome if they did something totally massive like that big tree at Disneyland/world/wherever.
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Lake Silver should be expanded a little. They should move Splash Harbor further into the New Landing. An Island on the far side of Lake Silver would be built to house the new Diving Bell ride. The diving Bell would be built in a Jules Vern nautical style. This type of ride would also help out on inclement weather days. The indoor rides (Fire in the Hole & Flooded Mine) stay open during lightning. This would be one more attraction people could enjoy during these days. A river boat idea would be great for a sea-food restaurant. They could even include a small stage on the boat for ragtime and comedy skit shows. I would also like to see the Medicine Wagon Stage be brought back to the City. Originally the Medicine Wagon show was where the Magic Box shop is currently located. The theatre eventually turned into the Valley Theatre and now the magic show/shop. I would like to see the magic shop moved to the New Landing and combine the Medicine Wagon show and Magic Shop. They could create a vaudeville style magic show. This would bring back the SDC shows of yester year.
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so are they really suppose to add a rube dugan ride agian?? and i would love to see them expand the lake silver area it would be a nice expansion, and they could add (this is a long shot but you never know) a sumberine ride in the lake that would be pretty neat if you ask me what do you guys think??
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^A submarine ride would be incredibly hard to pull off, as the lake would have to be expanded significantly.
I'm sure we'll eventually see the return of Rube Dugin, but it may be in 10 years.
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they could possibly add a timber tower type of ride out on the lake and do tom sawyer themeing that could be cool.
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^Let's hope not, seeing as the Dollywood version is almost dead. I'm kinda surprised it hasn't been taken out yet, but then again it is a very expensive addition.
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do you think a thunderhawk type of ride would do good??
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Maybe not in that particular spot on Lake Silver but I think it would be very popular in the Grand Expo area. Are you talking about the Thunderhawk at WOF?
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yes, i'm going there for the haunt fest it is going to be cool i like the idea of bloodshed sounds scary, but anyway what about a sequioa adventure ride its kind of boring but would be pretty cool at the same time.
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Yeah Thunderhawk is fun. My friends and I rode it a couple times while Timberwolf was broken down. (It broke down as we were the next people to get on ::))
I don't know what a Sequioa Adventure is.
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go to google and type it in you will find it, its like a european rollercoaster its called a flying squrril coaster ;D
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do you think a thunderhawk type of ride would do good??
Yeah, I said in anther thread that a large Huss ride like that could really hit the spot at SDC, just like TGS did.
By sequoia adventure, do you mean the S&S Screamin' Squirrel at Gardaland? Hmmmm, that thing has it's issues, discomfort and a boring experience being two of them. However, if fitted inside an ice house...
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It took one image from Google for me to realize, no that would not be a good ride at SDC. It'd stick out like a sore thumb. Belongs in a Six Flags.
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yeah, but you never know after all it is quite comapct and could be fun and they could theme it really good
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I still don't like it, not my type of ride.
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They don't have to be like Sequoia, they do offer custom layouts -> http://www.s-spower.com/elloco.html
It's pretty much S&S's answer to the G-figher, but I prefer Gerstauler's version far better.
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I like El Loco better but it looks pretty small. The Gerstauler looks bigger for some reason. Maybe that's just the theming of Mystery Mine though.
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so has anybody heard any plans for whats coming next year i know its not going to be a coaster but it might be another thrill ride
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^Not yet. With the way it's been the last few years, one can hardly know for sure what the park is planning. After all, the Grand Expo originally was going to be in the Landing, a wild mouse almost took the waterboggin's place, and a small suspended coaster was almost built in place of Powderkeg. They're probably finalizing things now, but it probably won't be until late next month or even later that the announce anything. Wasn't TGS announced in November?
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I don't remember hearing about TGS until the offseason.
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I was on a six flags st.louis fourm site and a guy said that he lived in springfeild and goes to sdc and six flags but he likes six flags better anyway he said that sdc was getting a tilt coaster soon with a powerfull thrill lift. you guys should check it out, go to sfstl.net then go to fourms then go to park disscussion then go to evil knevil coaster then go to page 5 its at the very bottom, tell me what you guys think of this
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I've beent to the site wher they've posted a RCT3 simulation of a tilt coaster that would hypothetically be built in SDC. My main question is, "why?"
The thrill involved in a lift coaster is very simular to the coasters that are already present at SDC. A woodie just seems too obvious.
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you never know though, I mean I would love them to get a woodie but i think the tilt coaster would bring more guest to the park rather than a woodie would, don't get me wrong i love woodies but the tilt coaster seems to be a good idea
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^It looks cool until you ride one and it leaves you unable to lift yourself out of your seat from the bashing. Plus, operational issues are huge.
A woodie, on the other hand, is timeless, fun, thrilling, cheap, and family-friendly.
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Haha. This is funny. Back in July I posted that SDC might be getting a tilt coaster. That idea was shot down quick. (check SDC's next coaster thread). Anyways, now that I've been explained the logic behind all that, I doubt it will happen. But at least I'm not as stupid as some think.
A woodie, on the other hand, is timeless, fun, thrilling, cheap, and family-friendly.
Woodies aren't cheap. Especially the one SDC would get.
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Woodies can be as cheap or as expensive as SDC wants to make it. Compare a steel coaster with the same specs to a woodie and the woodie is cheaper.
I'm a little confused by one of the posts: Who has rode a tilt coaster and where was it. I can't find one in America.
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I've never rode one but it looks fun.
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Woodies aren't cheap. Especially the one SDC would get.
Woodies, especially GCII woodies, tend to be very cheap comparatively speaking. If SDC went all-out and got a monster woodie, it would only cost them $10 million or so, whereas a monster steel coaster costs more like upwards of 15-17 million.
As for Tilt coasters, only one exists, and for good reason. The lift is a big gimmick with huge operational problems. The ride itself is pretty mediocre and apparently can be quite rough.
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What is the name of the Tilt coaster- I want to take a look at it and see what a real one looks like.
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It's called the Gravity Max, and it's in Taiwan.
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So today Conductor Sam stated that the new parking lot was only the tip of the ice berg as to what is to come in 2008. Sounds like we'll be getting those hints, or at this point more likely a full announcement, soon.
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He's been saying he's going to give us hints forever!!! I'm wondering when it's going to happen.
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Okay hi everybody. I'm johnwalterjohn from the SFSTL forum. I'm the guy that said I like SF better. Before you all blow up, let me explain. Since I was 5 or 6, my family has been a yearly SDC season-pass holder. I am a big thrill seeker, and nothing at SDC really thrills me anymore. Yes, I heard a rumor of SDC getting a tilt. But before you say SDC is way better than SF, you should probably go there at least once. It's much more up to a thrill-seeker's perspective, but it has shops and shows too. The crowd is friendlier, and long lines on rides aren't as common. SF is also a better deal, since you can go to the Water Park free with you SF admission, but Hurricane Harbor has just as many water rides (if not more) than White Water.
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SFStL and SDC are night and day - practically two different universes. Let's try not to have a discussion right here about the aspects of both, but I'll speak quickly for most other people here and say that we really could care less about the great many other parks around that have more and larger thrill rides. SDC is all about the atmosphere - the experience as a whole. It's like the difference between CP and Disney World, but IMO, SDC knocks DW out of the park. Rides are excellent, but if they don't have the SDC charm, it's just another trip around some tracks or through the air on some mechanical contraption.
I mean, I'll go to SFStL for the thrills, but SDC is all about just relaxing and having a good time, in a somehow completely different way. I like both types of parks dearly, but if I had to chose between the two I'd pick SDC. (Btw, I have indeed been to SFStL)
Anyway, I really think we should all just put the tilt-coaster rumor to rest - anyone with any experience in the industry will tell you it's just not going to happen. Seriously, SDC will get a Vekoma boomerang before they get a tilt-coaster.
However, as we thought they might, they seem to be focusing more on traditional SDC goers this year than thrill-seekers, what with the massive new craft barn. I don't think the craft barn will be the only new thing for 08, but I think it shows us what demographic they're focusing on right now.
There must be something big coming though, a central new attraction this year, it's been hinted all season...
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Genesis said at Media Day this Spring that next year would be a "medium cap" year... FYI The Grand Expo was considered a "medium cap" year as well. However 2009 would be the next "large cap" year. PowderKeg was the last "large cap" year.
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I can tell you from working there for 10 years that they arnt fixing the mansion.. sorry its a rummor.. almost all ther buildings leak there and the roofs are replace one by one. not a priority. with the expansion of the parking lots i can tell you there is no money
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^Not any money? They said they were investing between $6-8 million into the park this year, that's enough for the parking lots then some.
It still could be just a rumor that the mansion will be fixed, but it seems highly likely all around.
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I can tell you from working there for 10 years that they arnt fixing the mansion.. sorry its a rummor.. almost all ther buildings leak there and the roofs are replace one by one. not a priority. with the expansion of the parking lots i can tell you there is no money
Where exactly do you work in the park?
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I'm curious where you work too, because what you are saying and what I have seen and heard are not matching up.
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OK, fellas and gals, they're doing some work between Echo Hollow and the Frisco Barn. There is a wood fence there blocking the view down the hill and into Echo Hollow (Of course, you can't usually see through the trees there anyway.). Looking through the knot holes, you can see some earth-moving equipment and that an area has been cleared. Are they merely widening the walkway to Red Gold Hall and the Grand Exposition, or are they putting the "New for '08" Craft Barn in that location? It seems odd that it would be the latter. This area is a narrow trail and would just be more congested with people coming in and out of a new structure.
Also, the road re-route is going to be extensive and expensive. One can definately see how millions are going to be spent on this for next year. It looks like the parking is going to be much more organized. We're just hoping they're not setting things up for pay parking in the future.
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^Hmmm, could they possibly be planning on turning the Frisco Barn into the new craft house? I wouldn't think so, but crazier things have happened. Maybe they are just widening the pathway, as it is not only part of the parade route, but also a major pathway into an expanding area and is thus pretty crowded.
I agree with you about how the new road is going to cost millions, but most of that is being taken care of via a Branson TIF project, right? The parking lots will still cost quite a bit themselves though, as I imagine the there's quite a bit more to it than just the new gully parking lot.
Still, I expect something more to be announced than just the new craft house, maybe another small family flat ride or a new young-family oriented activity. It just doesn't seem likely that they would go a season without adding any sort of new draw with the way they've been moving recently - the momentum is just going too well.
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Confirmed: Now new ride for 2008. They are building the Culinary Craft School across from the Red Gold Harvest Barn above Echo Hollow.
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That's it? Huh, and the craft house is only going to be a cooking school? And what an odd location for it...
Lame... oh well, as long as we get the woodie in 09, I'm happy.
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Not just a cooking school -- it will change with the seasons on what they have in there. It is actually a rather large building they are constructing. It will be part display area -- see what you can do at home with the crafts from SDC and part school.
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How serious are you guys about the cooking school concept? Ya know, I would almost plan a visit around learning a new way to use my dutch over. This sounds almost. . .innovative. I've never heard of such an idea. Hopefully they can widen the sidewalk threw there at the same time.
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This could be used as a means of advertising. Not sure if SDC would think of this themselves:
They could partner with the Food Channel and have guest TV personalities Rachel Ray, Ina Garton, Tyler Florence, Paula Deen... host their shows from SDC with the studio audience consisting of SDC guests. There could even be a segment of Historical Kitchens that would show how the kitchens form the past worked. There are a lot of opportunities to utilize here.
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That's it? Huh, and the craft house is only going to be a cooking school? And what an odd location for it...
Lame... oh well, as long as we get the woodie in 09, I'm happy.
I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I think it's great SDC is taking a break from new rides, it will balance the recent expansions out more.
8)
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^Yeah, it is pretty awesome, I just thought there would be a little more, what with them saying that they would spend $5 - 8 million this year on improvements. I guess I didn't expect the parking project to be as big as it is.
Now that I know it's more than just a cooking school, I'm more excited for it. I still say though, that this would have been a great year to throw in a small shop or two around the park, even very small ones. The Grand Expo needs something like a magic shop to balance it out.
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Well FWIW, they are adding a new show to OTC - Frosty the Snowman in the Boatworks theatre and not to mention they are adding a lot of stuff to the other festivals as well.
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Photos of the construction area for the new culinary school
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/120507/
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Awesome, but I still say it's an odd place. It seems so small, how large is this school/craft/demonstration building going to be?
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It's bigger than you think. I'm not sure on the dimensions, but it runs from behind the games there across from the entrance to Red Gold all the way down to the start of the facade for Frisco. Then the area cleared goes down to the top of Echo Hollow -- it's not small by any means
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^That's great to hear.
So, was anything ever said about Grandfather's mansion, the tree house, or the landing? I had asked some officials about the tree house this summer, and they said that it was all up in the air, pending a decision in the fall. Have they decided anything yet?
I supposed the Landing was only a fantasy of mine, but I was sure they were planning on fixing up the mansion as well. Maybe fixing up the effects so that they work again was as far as that will go for now.
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Grand Expo is just BEGGING for a nostalgic band stand where some Dixieland jazz or small bands could perform. It would add an authentic festival feeling to the area and mask some of the sounds of the rides.
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What do you think that gazebo there in the middle of the area is for?
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^Is it ever used? I haven't seen anything happen there ever. Of course, maybe there's more going on during Kidsfest, which I never personally visit.
The place does need something other than rides though, and while the culinary/crafts barn is close, it won't really affect the atmosphere of the area that much. Maybe if they moved the wax works and sand station over there.
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They have had a string quartet among other things performing there during World Fest
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Culinary and Art School Progress
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/122707/
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Nice, now I can see how it fits in with the amphitheater.
It's still an interesting place though.
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Do you think the refreshments at the Echo Hollow show will be better, considering the proximity of the culinary bldg.?
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no
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This may give you some idea of how the Culinary Building will fit with Red Gold Hall and the entrance area to the Grand Exposition.
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/100_2845.jpg)
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Wow, it fits in a lot closer than I had thought. Kinda gives more depth to the area.
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Yeah, it's going to feel more like you're still in the park and not on the edge or the park.
And wouldn't it be great to see smoke coming from that chimney?
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UPDATES from Friday:
Culinary and Craft School (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/apr18/craft/)
TIFF Road Project (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/apr18/road/)
Parking Lot Project (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/apr18/parking/)
Misc. Updates (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/apr18/misc/)
Interesting to note that WildFire will soon have the capability to record your ride to sell on DVD. Oh and Tina's photo of the Wheel of Fortune is in the Misc Update
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OMG!!!!
I don't where they got the idea for the recording of Wildfire, but I've been talking for AGES to my friends and family about how they should employ this one company who sells equipment for recording on-ride video of people and offers them on DVD.
I swear someone at SDC is on the same brainwave as me, 'cause it seems like a lot of the things I think about end up actually happening... Oooo, maybe I'm psychic. LOL
I can't WAIT for this! I will definitely be getting a vid of me!
And thanks for the Wheel of Fortune pic!
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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^That's definitely a good idea, selling DVD's of people's rides. I wonder how much they'll cost and if they'll have to mail them or have people come by later in the day to pick them up?
Good to see the ol' Wheel of Fortune. :)
I definitely expected them to be further along with the parking lot project. I also expected the Culinary & Craft School to be further along. Thanks for the pics, Swoosh!
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If it is anything like over at SFStL the videos are made right as you order it and includes b-roll footage of the ride and then integrates you riding it into the video. Something like $12 or something close to that. There is no sending off and you can actually preview your footage before ordering.
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I wonder if the delay in the parking lot/road projects is because of how much rain they've been getting down there?
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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Wow!!! That is pretty awesome!! The video cameras weren't on the ride when I was at the park a few weeks ago. They must have just installed them when you were there or something. That will be so awesome!!
^^I also have to wonder why the progress on the Craft School is so slow. It looks practically the same as it did in the pics I saw during the offseason. It will also make things more difficult for them to work on it now that the park is open.
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I wonder if the delay in the parking lot/road projects is because of how much rain they've been getting down there?
~ "Becky" Joy ~
That does make sense. I didn't think about that. But that doesn't explain the delay in the Culinary & Craft School. I have to reiterate my surprise at how slow that is coming along. Maybe they're waiting for supplies or something.
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The culinary arts school I can understand, but it is too bad about the new road and parking lot. It must be hell to work around a daily torrent of thousands of people, plus all that rain; I just hope they can work something out to get it finished up quicker.
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Looks to me they spread themselves to thin on the off season. They just need to hire an outside contractor to get the parking lot done within a certain amount of time. There is really no excuse for the Culinary and Craft school's outside to not be finished. They started too later working on it and should have had its outside at least finished... they should be in the "get inside done" phase by now.
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The Culinary & Craft School sounds pretty cool. Have you seen the description on SDC's website? If not, here it is:
"As the Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City is taking the art of demonstration to a whole new level in 2008 with the all-new Culinary & Craft School!
Scheduled to open in fall of 2008, the Culinary & Craft School will provide a space for guests to share ideas, learn culinary secrets and long-forgotten crafts, and participate in hands-on activities your whole family will love!
The school will make its home in a charming 1880's style handcrafted timber-frame farmhouse. This newly constructed building will house our BIGGEST presentation of hand-crafted work to date showcasing functional as well as one-of-a-kind decorative items made by Silver Dollar City craftsmen. A state-of-the-art kitchen will welcome guests to participate in a rotating schedule of culinary and craft classes.
Continue to watch the website for design details, class schedules and even interactive ways you can get in on the action!"
Sounds like fun to me! Now if it was only fall so we could all check it out... ;D See below for the nifty design logo for the school (click to enlarge).
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Sounds like fun to me! Now if it was only fall so we could all check it out... ;D See below for the nifty design logo for the school (click to enlarge).
Yeah it'll be interesting to see. This type of thing isn't really my cup of tea but I'll enjoy looking at it each trip even if we don't spend much time in there.
Oh and I'm not ready for fall. I'm just ready for school to be out! Fall would mean school would be starting again. ;D
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It's going to be interesting to see how they work in a "state-of-the-art" kitchen into the 1880s theme! Yes, it's a craft demonstration, but I doubt they're even going to try to mask that the refrigerator and the convection ovens are from the 21st Century. That's what bugs me the most.
But I agree, the outside should have been finished before the season opened. I hate to see construction while I'm there, unless it's part of a demo, but this one isn't even hidden. It's a glaring reminder that there is no full-season 2008 project.
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It's going to be interesting to see how they work in a "state-of-the-art" kitchen into the 1880s theme! Yes, it's a craft demonstration, but I doubt they're even going to try to mask that the refrigerator and the convection ovens are from the 21st Century. That's what bugs me the most.
They have done it before. Just look at Eva & Delilah's Bakery next time you are there. They have huge convection ovens that bake everything and the only part you see of them is the door that is made into the brick. This makes you not notice it is a modern oven you mind thinks it is a big wood fired oven they would have used back then.
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^I agree with you, oklaSDCfan. I think they'll mask the modern appliances and conveniences the best they can. They do a pretty good job of that throughout the park.
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They do a pretty good job of that throughout the park.
That is the only thing that gives me hope with this situation. At least if they don't hide the modern equipment they can say that it is because it is in the Grand Expo area.
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I honestly don't think they will hide it at all. It's not like the school is really part of the park anyway as it will be an upcharge. How is this any different then from the "test school" they did last year in Red Gold? I see it being a very modern kitchen with country decor in this cabin. It won't be seen by the "common guest" unless they pay to take the classes.
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^I'm completely stupid. I didn't know the classes cost extra :o. So, is anything in the School free? Can we walk in and look without paying? We're not really the type of people that would pay for a class (especially when roller coasters and other enjoyments are in walking distance)
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The show room is free. It shows off how the crafts can be integrated into your home
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Culinary and Craft School Update from May 17th
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/may17/craft/
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Wow, it's gotten huge compared to what it used to look like - at least in the photos. It looks twice as large now. I just can't wait to see how they're going to fix up the exterior.
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It looks really nice and it looks like they're making pretty good progress.
^The exterior is supposed to be a log cabin isn't it?
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It looks really nice and it looks like they're making pretty good progress.
^The exterior is supposed to be a log cabin isn't it?
They are making pretty good progress. It's good to see the "Coming in September" sign too. At least I now know what month they're aiming for. I didn't before seeing that in the picture. The website says it'll be a "timber-frame farmhouse".
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Man, what happened to the timber-frame farmhouse design? Copper's photos don't depict a timber-frame farmhouse. Here's this quote from SDC's website:
"The school will make its home in a charming 1880's style handcrafted timber-frame farmhouse." It doesn't look like a "charming 1880's style handcrafted timber-frame farmhouse" to me. I'd say it more closely resembles the Kent farmhouse on "Smallville". :-\
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Yeah, it kinda looks like someone ploped a modern-age house right in the middle of SDC. The siding just doesn't work, I think they could have at least used some old-looking boards or something - just look at how they built the PK/Buzzsaw station, or Wildfire's Station... I guss they cheaped out at the last minute again.
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This really disgusts me. It looks like any house on any street in any neighborhood. Who's making the decisions out there now???
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Ugh! ... not to mention the fact it is STILL not done yet. >:( ::)
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You know, I was thinking that the siding may be temporary. I'm not sure why they'd install temporary siding (all the wet weather?), but that crossed my mind. I don't know about the tin roof, but maybe it's temporary as well. It's a possibility. I hope it's temporary, because the way the outside looks now is nowhere near what they have promised.
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I don't know about the roof - I actually think it might fit in all right - but that siding! We can hope it's temporary, but a lot of the temporary things that happen become permanent for some reason. I was wondering if it was because of what will be inside the building, but that didn't make any sense to me. Now I'm wondering if it's a part of their tendancy to become more "green" these days. I hope that's not a taste of things to come, but...
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^I guess you're right about the roof. But they've promised a "charming 1880s style timber-frame farmhouse", and vinyl siding definitely is not charming or 1880s style. That's why I think the siding may be temporary. It's fine to be "green", but when your park has an 1880s theme the construction materials used can't be very "green". If the siding is permanent then HFE has really botched this project. (I hope that's not the case, because I never thought I'd ever have to say that HFE has botched anything).
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I entirely agree with you. I can't say mistakes haven't been made, but this one was a conscious decision by someone. The cost of materials couldn't have made that much savings. This project simply will scream out to us every time we visit, since it's in such a prominent position. It totally ruins the vibe.
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I was looking back through this thread and the video cameras on Wildfire still aren't up and running as of my last visit (June 25). Just an update on some of the 2008 projects.
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/apr18/misc/
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Kodak was having difficulty with the program and the cameras. They are functioning now but they are not active yet that should happen within a week or two.
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I have to mention that after reading about the Wildfire cameras, I expected to see a lot of this at Disney World, figuring they would be at the forefront of such a money-making scheme. I saw none of it at all. I wonder why.
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I doubt they'll be on board for long. The pricing does not seem like the thing that many will want to put out...... unfortunately. . . i don't know if I'll pay it.
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I certainly wouldn't pay for it. After all the expenses you go through getting to and into the park, then paying for food and whatever else while in the park, who wants to shell out an extra $20 for an embarrassing video of yourself screaming? I mean, I've seen these at Cedar Point, and they aren't very popular at all.
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I won't pay, either, but how much do people pay for a still shot? Would it be that much more for a video to show to Grandma? There are some teenagers and groups of teenagers that seem to have expendable income - money they have to return to their parents if they have any left over. I've never seen the operation, though, so I guess time will tell. Maybe there will be more on the video.
Do we know for sure that it will be $20?
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That's what they go for at other parks.
Usually it is a montage of you riding the ride juxtaposed with b-roll of the ride.
I've never bought one, but I know some people that have, and that was the case
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I'm sure there will be people who will pay $20 for a video, just as there are people who will pay a lot for photos of themselves on a ride. I can definitely see kids with expendable cash buying one, but I can see some families getting one as well. The only photos we've ever gotten are Marvel Cave group photos, and then the new photos of just your family/friends. Are these Wildfire videos on DVDs?
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yes :)
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A great DVD could be put together with an introduction by Doc Harris in which he could explain the develoopment process for the new fuel. They could do something that would make the video more than just the ride, and it could be pretty appealing if some thought is put into it. Also, if they promised "previews of future attractions" and "the making of Wildfire" features on the video, would some of us be interested?
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^I would be interested. :)
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The Culinary & Craft School is set to debut on September 11.
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SDC Update
http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/jul4
Tom Sawyer Landing Progress
Land Clearing / Flags in Grand Expo
Road Progress
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^Thanks for the update. Looks like things are progressing nicely. My guess about the Expo land clearing is that will be the new home for the SkyChase Balloons. Whether this year or next, I don't know.
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I don't think it would take too long to get the Sky Chase Balloon Race up and going over at the Grand Expo. That cleared area is also serving as an access road to the back of the Culinary School right now so, I would say as soon as that project gets wrapped up (finally) then they can go ahead and make the final preps to get the ride open there.
In all honesty I could see it being open for An Old Time Christmas if they wanted it to be
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The balloons haven't been given the okay to move to that area yet. The last time things were mentioned was that they would be in a new area by next season but that area had not yet been assigned.
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Speaking of Kodak and pictures and such.... Has anyone been to the Powderkeg photo booth lately? When I went at the end of April, I signed a release form to have my picture on a poster that Kodak was gonna put up in the booth. I was just curious to see if it's up and if I managed to make it on there...
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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Sorry, did not actually take the time to go over to the PK photo booth the last time I was at the park.
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^^Last time I was there I don't remember seeing your picture.
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OK, cool. Thanks for lettin' me know.
~ "Becky" Joy ~
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The new webpage for the Culinary & Craft School is up at http://www.sdcculinarycraftschool.com/. They're making a big deal about how much of the building has hand craftsmanship from shops in the park (no word about who handmade the vinyl siding), and the class schedule is up for the season which starts September 11.
There will be two classes a day, and classes are two hours apart. Cost for each class is only $10. For this season, there are five classes offered on various days, and the classes are all themed for the fall/winter season. Future offerings will include crafts and classes for kids.
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Interesting. It'll be pretty cool when this finally gets finished and opened up because it has been awhile since SDC has came out with anything to further their craftmanship offerings and showings.
I do wonder how this will work for them. I know my family won't take the classes but I'd assume senior citizens might. Otherwise I don't think many people would want to do this. It'll be a nice addition though definitely.
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^Those classes do seem like fun, and relatively cheap for a theme park offering.
I think the classes for kids might be pretty popular, and even if most classes are only popular with older adults that's still a large percentage of SDC's visitors.
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I have a feeling that the tour bus groups will eat this up and that it will be included with their package ticket. The older folks are going to love this as it will give them something to do other than watch people ride.
I wonder if my "mothers" would like to do this when they come down with me and my wife for Old Time Christmas... I might have to ask them.
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My wife is in "the city" today, and she made sure to take the camera. She tells me she has shots of the parking lot project, of some flags in the GE, and of the devastation in TSL. I'll try to get them to post sometime before the weekend is over. I make no promises, however, as to the quality of the pictures, though, since I haven't seen them yet. She reports a couple of grumpy park workers, one of whom told her the balloons may not be going back up any time soon.
Steve, should I shoot them directly to you for the main site?
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^That would be great, I can feature them easier from my controls.
What kind of grumpy workers were they? Official park workers? I wouldn't take too much stock in what they say, they're probably alluding to the fact that the location for the balloons hasn't been decided on yet.
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I'm not sure yet who the workers were. They shouldn't come across as grumpy, though - they should be more prepared with answers from the bosses - but I understand - they're probably tired of people asking them questions.
Also, my wife has reported that there is no vinyl siding on the Culinary & Arts School - that is is wood siding. That makes me feel better, as I couldn't imagine them going vinyl - hopefully that will remain true on the 2009 project, as well.
She's excited about the cooking classes, BTW, and wants everyone to know she's not one of the "older folks".
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Wood siding! I never imagined from the photos, it's unfortunate that it looks so similar, but it's good to know. I guess as the building grows older it will blend in more this way as well, especially if they re-paint it a different color down the road. There's still the tin roof to complain about though. ::)
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^Wood siding! That's a relief. I'm not too concerned about the tin roof. I suppose it does look different in person; cameras, with lighting and angles, can make things look quite different than they do in person. It's so nice to know the school isn't as much of an eye sore as I originally thought! :D
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We've got some new photos of both the parking project and the culinary school, thanks to History Buff.
http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=12
http://www.sdcfans.com/gallery.php?g=11
I can't believe how far behind the parking project is. I mean, I know about the rain and everything, but this is kind of ridiculous. There's still months of work left to do and the project was supposed to be mostly completed about a month ago. Maybe this is another reason why the big ride project was pushed back. I'm sure this year has been hell for the park just because of the parking conundrum.
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^The wet weather has been nuts down there! Has to be very frustrating for the park officials, since I'm sure they wish the parking lot and road projects were right on track. But you can't control the weather.
As for the 2008 project, those are great photos! I'm actually quite pleased with the project overall. I never appreciated it's hilltop location until I saw the new photo gallery. It'd be great to step out onto the back balcony and look out over Echo Hollow and the Ozark hills...really, that is a perfect location for the school, in my opinion. :)
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^Yeah, I do agree with the location. Although we most likely won't do much with this attraction, I'm sure it will be very successful. (You guys have helped me change my mind about that issue :))
I also think that with the school being there it will help it feel like that the Grand Expo is more part of the city, instead of on the outskirts like it really is.
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As I look at the top of the page to make sure I'm in the right place...
Hey! Look! The 2008 project is open for business! Finally! Would anyone care to share their Culinary & Craft insights? Who's been out to see the place in all its glory?
Also, what is this I hear about the basket shop relocating in the woodcarvers' building? Where are the woodcarvers? What's in the basket shop's old locale?
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^I'm confused as well about the woodcarvers and basket shop. ??? I don't know what's in the old basket shop. All I know is the woodcarver and basket shop is in the same location right now: Valley Road Woodcarvers and Basket Shop, which is over by Thunderation.
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How are the woodcarvers going to move? Don't they have a lot of old-time machinery? Too bad the basket shop is moving, it really had a cozy little place back there in the woods. Isn't the basket shop one of the more popular shops though? Seems odd to me that they would move to the little woodcarvers' stall.
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This week's Pathfinder has a little article about this move, explaining that the baskets are now being sold (and demonstrated) along with the woodcarving. I'm not sure that this consolidation really works, but at least both crafts are still being demonstrated. The basket shop is a fairly new structure so I'm curious as to the thinking for its use.
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as of last week that had not really decided what they are going to put in the basket shop. One of the main reasons it was moved is because it was not doing well in that location. The needed to move it to a location that people walk past more and was closer to the new Culinary & Craft School.
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^OK, that reasoning makes sense to me and lessens my confusion. :)
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The move of the baskets to the woodcarver's shop is perplexing. Strangely, the baskets actually fit in their new setting pretty well. However, there aren't very many baskets there, and the demonstrator was not there when we came through.
As for the Culinary & Crafts School, it's beautiful on the inside with a collection of "showcased" items. The lady at the computer in the entry room looks more like she's poised to book people into a hotel than enroll people in classes.
The kitchen/demonstration area is really well-planned, with two high-def screens overhead so participants can see the skills being presented. As far as we could tell, however, participants just watch the demonstrator, but don't participate in the food preparation. You walk out with a sample of what the teacher cooks. I had thought this would be more hands-on for visitors and not just a "live cooking show". We felt like we could turn on the Food Network to see this stuff if we wanted to and save our money.
Some pictures:
Isn't this one begging for a woodcarved mantle?
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/Grand%20Exposition/49.jpg)
Upper level? What's up there?
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/54.jpg)
Classroom:
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/Grand%20Exposition/55.jpg)
Also, we haven't mentioned the new menu boards around the city, this year. They are easy to read and all of them have photos of the food to entice visitors:
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/MrHoggatt/Silver%20Dollar%20City/77.jpg)
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^They did a nice job with the inside of the school. It looks great! Thanks for the photos!
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Thank you for this, it's great to finally see this meet reality, despite it's shortcomings.
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So what do you think? Was the craft school worth your money?
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My wife would have taken a class, but they were only making ginger cookies on the day we were there - Yuck!
Besides, all you get for your tenspot is a sample for yourself, and you lose 45 minutes of your visit to SDC (which is all right if it's worth your while). I'm not even sure if you get the recipe.
Hopefully, their trial run, this fall/winter will help them make it better for next year. They are also trying to get the "crafts" in there (since it is called the Culinary & Arts School).
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well if you can take a look around without having to pay for the classes, i might just do that.
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You've pretty much seen it at this point. When classes are going, the doors to the classroom will be closed. There's not much in the "lobby" to see - it's all in the pictures.
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It looks pretty nice. It looks like a really comfortable place to relax for awhile. I really liked the picture of the back porch of the school with all the rocking chairs that was in the other thread. That was a great picture.
I hope this new attraction works out well for SDC.
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Seeing it in person really did help it make sense to me. It looks a whole lot better than I had imagined it, even after seeing all the photos. Apparently, a lot of people really enjoy it, so I'm sure it will make it's mark as a new tradition for many.
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New photos of the school and the road project
<<MiG's SDC UPDATE>> (http://www.midwestinfoguide.com/silver/2008/oct11/index.html)
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I guess there's not enough talk in the C&C School, so SDC has just initiated a new survey. Questions were focused on the type of classes (still only cooking and no crafts) we would be most interested in - a two hour class on tablescapes for $20 (and you get to keep a tote bag), a class about the versatility of mac & cheese, something about cooking vegetables, and one about desserts (in which parent and child team up in the class). We voted for the latter as it seemed most in line with the mission of the park, but none of that stuff really appeals to us. In each of these, you get to sample the dishes (Oh boy.).
Does this mean classes are not filling at the C&C? This had to be the most bland of all surveys. They seemed to be asking if we would visit SDC more if they added the right classes. Nope. Is the C&C actually supposed to be a "destination" attraction?
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I got this too and forgot to mention it since nothing really stuck out. They're just working to improve the culinary school it seems. It's still in its infancy, so there's lots to test out. I think they've done reasonably well so far. For me it's really added back some feeling that the park is still very unique and open to other visitor types and age groups, so that's all I care about. I think there are a few people that for them, C&C really rounds out their experience though, so it's worth developing thoroughly. Maybe it will pave the way for other educational/interactive attractions in the future.
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Just finished this survey I think I chose the entertaining one...I don't know if I would sit thorugh a class of kids...but I suppose I can understand other people wanting to.
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I finished it as well, I did not choose that class as a favorite, the Mac n' Cheese looked scrumptious though! I have never taken a class there, but I have made the Ginger Cookies recipe, and they were amazing!
http://www.foodchannel.com/recipes/1249-silver-dollar-city-s-ginger-cookie (http://www.foodchannel.com/recipes/1249-silver-dollar-city-s-ginger-cookie)
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Does this mean classes are not filling at the C&C?
I can attest that the classes are not filling up at C&C.
In fact very few have ever been full.
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I figure this is true. They charge you to watch a demonstration - not really much participation as I understand - and then they give you a "sample" of what is made and a recipe. When might they bring in the Craft side of the Culinary and Craft School?
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I told them I'd be interested in the Mac & Cheese one... My whole family loves Mac & Cheese.
Joy
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Of the 4 classes my wife went two last year- three were sold out and one was about half full.
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I too agree that the craft side needs to start up. I also know that several have sold out.