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I have yet to make it to Dollywood. But, I've always loved Dolly. Her music, humor, values, authenticity, philanthropy. Truly an American icon. This news has hit hard this week.

The fall SDC Times said there would be a dedicated park entrance for resort guests. Any idea where this will be located?

I would almost put money down that FM will be the next classic to go. And the replacement ride system will be like Nightflight Expedition at Dollywood.

I think this looks like a great addition to the park! Looks highly re-rideable and frankly, I'm glad it's a high capacity ride without any extra gimmicks. It fits the theme of the park and will fill a major need once TNT is gone. I would have loved more cave elements, but this looks really nice. I love the authentic mining headframe.

I don't love the name. Maybe it will grow on me but right now, it lacks originality and is not special. I do love Daredevils Pass and the fact that the area will finally be connected and no longer a dead end.

This is a unique treat. A walkthrough of SDC from 1990. Not just short clips, but an actual walkthrough - which was no small feat back in the days of the good 'ol VHS camcorder. Really drives home how much SDC has changed.

https://youtu.be/AzgpCBbYRiw?si=6bak_ElpWEtLnZ0N

GREAT find, thank you for sharing. This is the SDC of my childhood!

Seems like a cool and unique ride concept. I'm interested to see the POVs when it opens. Most interesting part of the article is how it really sounds like DW is pushing to become a national destination on the level of the Orlando parks.

This one hurts. I saw the writing on the wall awhile ago...pretty soon the park will be vastly different than what I grew up with. I anticipate the train station is going to relocate, we'll get a new entrance eventually, LROtO is gone, FITH is gone. TNT was my first coaster. I know things have to change for progress but this hurts to lose. It was a special, classic mine train coaster.

I don't think that TNT is going to be rebranded with this new attraction as was the case with FITH. They're using the language of "retired" and their marketing is basically saying that TNT is no more, look for something bigger/better.

Ahhh what a gem of a find. Thank you for posting!! Been wanting to relive BSF with a POV for so long.

Herschend had a random flurry of activity on their YouTube channel today. Interesting video posted regarding the economics of the theme park industry and how HFE makes capital decisions and handles "IP"

https://youtu.be/NojpN4T0Q7o?si=gBBzBnasidZSsFAK

Was nice to see the Herschend CEO has been to SDC.

I'm halfway joking.

I enjoyed watching it online. Favorite announcement was the SDC bag merch. Can't wait to get my hands on one of those hoodies. I also enjoyed the concept art for the interior of the resort. Incorporating the cave elements helped to calm my fears about the overall "modern stale" vibe I got from the initial concept art.

Excited to learn more about the Marvel Cave Mining Company!

Fan Fest is going to be all resort updates and teases, along with smaller things coming in 2026. Festival lineups, food/beverage, etc. There's no way this ride opens in 2026. As others have said, SDC hypes up their rides for months on socials and we would have already gotten an announcement.

Any park where I feel there is a distinct, well—-theme, or "thesis statement." I would agree with all your parks and how you classified them. Any park with a hodgepodge of rides or attractions without a central through line or concept behind them I would classify as an amusement park.

Thanks for your report, Bill. Pretty disappointing to read about the downfall in quality customer service at the park. That used to be one of the hallmarks of the park. Something they desperately need to get back to and improve on.

Wow. Thanks for sharing this. That was the coolest video I've seen on the internet in a long time.

I could see them wanting to add something similar to Firechaser Express at DW. Then eventually with the idea they would replace Thunderation. Seems like they're removing a lot of the older rides and replacing with new and updated versions. The general public has been complaining about how rough TNT has gotten and they may not want to spend the capital to refurb.

Just my speculation.