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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

Just filled out an interesting survey from SDC. This one was focused on shopping.

It began by asking the last time I visited/how much I enjoyed or considered visiting the following destinations:
SDC, Disney Springs, Disneyland, Busch Gardens VA, DCA, Universal FL, Universal City Walk FL, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios FL.

I found this an interesting grouping of shopping districts/parks to ask about. Then the survey just got more specific to SDC asking what shops I visit, what motivated me to buy something, asking about what is important to me for the retail experience, the last thing I bought, etc. There were also specific questions about what retail experiences I feel are missing and also what could SDC remove without the overall experience declining.

Obviously SDC is looking to make some changes to their shopping and retail experience with this survey. The inclusion of Disney Springs and City Walk make me think that some of their questions were related to the upcoming (likely) SDC resort and shopping options they may or may not include with that resort. The Busch Gardens inclusion in the survey is the most random to me but that's also the park I'm least familiar with having never visited.

Either way, interesting survey.

I also received this survey, and mine had a heavier focus on the Great America Exhibition with fewer questions about Flower and Food. I'm not extremely excited about either festival, but Flower and Food is my preference. I would much rather them bring back World Fest than the American festival.

Anyone have any info on the auction barn? I have never heard of that being at SDC.