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^ that's correct

Also it doesn't "suffer" it actually does quite well with rider numbers. 

as far as what i think (or at least, want) to go next... am i the only one who thinks the american plunge is overdue for retirement?

last i rode it, all the scenery was gone or faded to the point there's nothing to really look at. you just float along, uncomfortably close to whoever's in the boat with you for most of the ride

especially with the shiny new thing being added in that area, AP's age is really going to show. i could certainly see it being redone in the same fashion as the past couple rides, reviving a classic into something fresh but familiar

They just got done extended the tunnel and have recently rebuilt the entire lift.  It's not going anywhere

Dragonflier is a stock model. 

I understand that a new wooden coaster is unlikely, but I also don't think they will do what dollywood did with wildwood grove. If SDC got their own "dragonflier," people would not be happy. Now a family suspended coaster themed around something more "realistic" could work, but again, WildFire took the "flying machine" theme.

I'm going to give you a break here because you probably don't go into that section of the Grand Expo, but the area past the swing ride entrance is literally called "Insectarium" so yes, Dragonflier would definitely fit as the rides in that area are bug themed (or frog)

The trip reports from January really should be in the 2024 season thread

They could do a c/p from Dollywood

I don't see HFEC building any new wooden coasters for the foreseeable future

I've been thinking about Grand Exposition, and I think that it would benefit from a small scale GCI-Gravity Group family wood coaster. Outlaw Run is terrific, but they need a gentle, family wood coaster to act as an in-between coaster between Grand expo coaster/FITH, and thunderation. Something like Oscar's wacky taxi at sesame place. Alternatively, since SDC loves RMC, I could see an RMC wild moose going there as well.

If anything gets added there look for a Dragonflier clone in the Insect area.  There's just not room for a wooden rollercoaster back there

I mean I agree on the launch thing too - but each would serve a different purpose and a different rider group. 

I mean DW have two launched as well and before the retrofit of LR they had 3

If this really is a coaster project, then I'm expecting something more along the lines of Big Bear, but maybe a bit smaller since Powderkeg is right there. Hopefully it doesn't end up being a replacement for Powderkeg... PK is 20 years old now, and has always been a bit of a maintenance headache. It's still a solid ride though and is very popular.

If it's a replacement for anything it will be for ThuNderaTion.  But yes I'm
fully expecting a ground hugging Big Bear Mountain type of coaster that the whole family can ride

I'm guessing this lines up with the new railroad crossing between PowderKeg and Outlaw Run.

There will be a new major access road through there that will take out Hobo Junction

So there will be a significant change to the railroad layout?

There will be zero changes to the layout. 

I am still wondering how the park and resort are gonna connect.

Highway 76.
The two will not "connect"

Opening Weekend of Spring Exposition
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2025/04/silver-dollar-city-spring-exposition.html

Tasting Passport
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2025/04/tasting-passport-new-festival-means-new.html

Random clearing behind Outlaw Run
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2025/04/silver-dollar-city-unknown-construction.html

Sorry Wrong Thread

Construction update from 4.12
https://www.midwestinfoguide.com/2025/04/silver-dollar-city-project-2026.html