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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.

Personally, I don't mind the design as we love the DreamMore.

I honestly think that they didn't go with a rustic lodge look for a few reasons and Big Cedar being a big one. Why make a resort that everyone just says looks like Big Cedar?

Another is what is more appealing to most moms picking a resort for their family, a rustic lodge or a nice clean looking resort in a beautiful setting? My wife is going to pick the current rendering over something rustic basically every time.

This is a great point, and I honestly feel like you hit the nail on the head.

As far as this resort bringing in more people, I think it's important to remember that this is only the first announcement in a decade's worth of expansion. The park will be expanded, along with potentially bringing a waterpark to the property. These things will turn SDC into a multi-day destination.

Thanks for all the work you're putting in, Shave.

Initially, I was so excited. The video sucked me in. I've loved this park and visited this park for my entire life. I'm thrilled they're expanding and the thought of a decade of announcements and expansion is so exciting. The rendering of the hotel is not at all what I pictured, however. I was hoping for a more rustic look, something more in line with the theme of the park. This looks like a copy and paste of the style of the Dollywood resorts, not something that matches the aesthetic of SDC. Hopefully this can evolve over the next two years before the resort opens.

Historically, SDC makes their announcement for the next season in August. And in recent seasons, they have had countdowns and reminders on their social media for the announcement date. There's been no word on social media and nothing from the park. So, I'm not expecting any major announcements for the 2025 season. The park has also taken at least a season after a major ride addition to focus on festivals and smaller improvements.

We are likely looking at an announcement for the resort sometime late 2024 possibly but probably 2025.

I'm here for the long haul. I also like the opportunity to go back and read old threads. Thanks for all the work, Shave