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This is really interesting....we know it isn't the size of the park, the rides, or the "wow" factor of SDC that is driving this poll. We die-hard SDC fans know what it is....it has to be the atmosphere...the "mystique" that keeps us coming back year after year...it is something indefinable. A return to the "good old days" - the family-safe place where you aren't afraid to let your kids roam alone - the fascination of watching craftsmen practicing their almost-lost arts - the smells of asphalt, fresh-baked cinnamon bread, and pan-fried potatoes - the friendliness of the "citizens" of SDC, who really DO seem to care about the visitors who come to their very special little town every day....

In comparison, we shouldn't be able to compete against the Disney empire, Cedar Point, or Six Flags....we are pretty small, in an out-of-the-way place, and some of our buildings/rides are aging.  There must be something more that makes people vote for SDC over the more well-known theme parks...

I think this poll shows that Americans are starved for wholesome goodness and a place that has something refreshingly "different" to offer every member of the family. A slower-paced atmosphere where you can escape the frenzied and frantic lives most of us live.  A place that still genuinely holds the values of faith and family, despite political correctness.  SDC is a heart-warming place to rediscover the meaning of "family entertainment." What could be better?  Way to go, America....you're catching on.....we've known SDC was #1 for years!  Thank you, Herschend family for giving us so many special memories....please don't EVER change the unique atmosphere of SDC that we love so much!

Back to topic...changes you'd like to see at the park...

My family, for one, REALLY misses having an in-house gospel quartet full-time at the park.  The girls of Pure Heart (and the Sons of the Silver Dollar, when they do gospel songs) do a great job, but we long for the days of being able to go see Chosen Few or the Cumberland Quartet lift up the name of the Lord several times a day in their shows.  The popularity of the Southern Gospel Picnic and the huge crowds the evening show draws during that time (as compared to the sorry crowds for the GAC evening show) should be a clue as to what people want to see.  I am very disappointed that that aspect has been removed from the daily schedule.  I know Dollywood has Kingdom Heirs as their in-house quartet and they always are very popular.  With all the great talent around, why can't we get another quality gospel quartet at SDC?

Another thing we have sorely missed is the show "Listen to the River" that used to be at the Opera House maybe 20 years ago.  That was an incredible show, honoring the faith and tenacity of the early Ozark settlers.  The "new" show, 'Headin' West' is OK, but greatly misses the mark when it comes to the faith/family aspect of the settlers.  Why give time (in the show) to the saloon girl "floozies" who put temptation in the way of the men who were heading west and fail to emphasize their dependence on God and the hardships they faced as a family?  Listen to the River was the best show the Opera House has ever done, IMO, and I'd love to see it brought back.  Maybe the powers that be see it as too 'politically incorrect' now, but it was classic SDC and something we always looked forward to seeing more than once a visit. 

Seems like the Opera House has been used very little this year, and even Riverfront Playhouse (I worked on park in the 70's/daughter worked on park this year).  Those venues were always the home to good quality shows, and now they sit basically empty except for a few festivals.  Is SDC so strapped for ideas or cash that they can't fill those theaters every day the park is open with something special?  IDK, but, along with the earlier comments about the old street shows and even 'spontaneous' crowd interaction (which I totally agree with), I'd love to see some changes in the shows....