Topics

31

Branson Talk / Branson and Casinos

« on: June 03, 2016, 12:03:21 AM »

While it may not happen on the Missouri side,.a step.has been taken to see if Boone.Co. on the Arkansas side will.

http://talkbusiness.net/2016/06/three-casinos-get-attorney-generals-ok-for-arkansas-ballot-signature-gathering-begins/

32

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Congrats to SDC!

« on: May 23, 2016, 09:36:59 AM »

Just read the TripAdvisor Top 25 worldwide Attractions list for 2016. SDC makes #24!!!!!!! That's some uppity company. Dolly wood clocked in at #20. That is two HFE properties in top 25 wolrdwide.

33

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Congrats to SDC!

« on: May 23, 2016, 09:29:49 AM »

Just read the TripAdvisor Top 25 worldwide Attractions list for 2016. SDC makes #24!!!!!!! That's some uppity company. Dolly wood clocked in at #20. That is two HFE properties in top 25 wolrdwide.

34

Branson Talk / Branson Airport (BKG) now with United Codeshare

« on: May 13, 2016, 12:23:32 PM »

Elite, got the scheduled license back in Feb so they arwn't just charter service anymore and using a partnership with Great Lakes to gain access to United connections via Houston IAD and DEN. I priced a couple week long trips out of BKG to Los Angeles  and they are running about 600 to 700 more per trip for 4 than SGF and XNA.:

BRANSON, MISSOURI (May 11, 2016) –

Elite Airways will offer daily non-stop service from Branson to Denver (DEN) and Houston (IAH) with connections to over 100 markets nationwide. The Branson Airport, Elite Airways and Great Lakes Airlines have teamed up to launch this new program. Daily service starts July 15th. Customers can book non-stop flights between Branson and Denver or Houston at EliteAirways.com. The full range of flight options is also available on your favorite travel websites such as United.com, Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz.

“We are pleased to introduce scheduled service to Branson with connecting flights in Denver and Houston through the nationwide United Airlines system,” stated John Pearsall, CEO of Elite Airways. “Our solid reputation as a top-tier service provider in the airline industry and collaboration with Branson Airport and Great Lakes Airlines helped to bring about this exciting opportunity.”

“This new Elite Airways’ service will deliver over 100 connections to major cities all over the country with multiple flight options, making it easier than ever for visitors to get to our exciting destination,” stated Jeff Bourk-Executive Director of Branson Airport. “There is an adventure waiting for everyone in Branson. From outdoor fun to amazing live entertainment, there’s no shortage of great things to do. Visit Top of the Rock, Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing or catch one of the many daily live performances in our theaters. In 2016, with all of the newly announced attractions such as Branson Ferris Wheel (relocated from Chicago’s Navy Pier), Ballparks of America, Fritz’s Adventure and Adventure Mountain Coaster, there are endless reasons to make the trip. Flights are available now at FlyBranson.com.”
Elite Airways and Great Lakes Airlines have entered into a codeshare agreement permitting the use of interline e-ticket and baggage agreements with legacy airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines making the connections seamless for the customer. This arrangement will enable customers to purchase a single ticket from over 100 cities to Branson on United.com or on their favorite on-line travel website such as Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz. For details visit FlyBranson.com.

Branson Airport previously announced seasonal service on Branson AirExpress to New Orleans, LA and Austin, TX. That service is available to book now and will fly from May 27 – August 14th.

About Branson Airport:
Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest. The airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency. For more information on Branson Airport LLC and any of its subsidiaries please visit FlyBranson.com.

About Elite Airways:
Elite Airways was founded in 2006 by airline veterans looking to provide a better travel experience for their passengers. Elite operates charter service for various professional and college athletic teams, celebrities, and corporate clients. On February 16, 2016, Elite was approved by the US DOT as a US Part 121 Air Carrier. Elite has a fleet of Bombardier 50-seat and 70-seat jet aircraft. Elite provides schedule airline service to markets throughout the United States.
About Great Lakes Airlines:
Incorporated in 1979, Great Lakes Airlines is a regional airline operating as an independent carrier and as a codeshare partner with United Airlines. Great Lakes Airlines also has electronic ticketing interline agreements with United, American Airlines and Delta Airlines. Through these relationships, customers are able to purchase connecting flights through the partner airlines, as well as share other benefits such as baggage transfer.

- See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com/news/new-nationwide-air-service-coming-branson#sthash.X6ZfOLWq.5kGZOZVI.dpuf

35

Other Parks / Efteling made an English ad.

« on: March 08, 2016, 09:10:55 PM »

Can't wait till 2018
https://youtu.be/PY5A55OFLKI

36

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Manby raids Herchend

« on: February 19, 2016, 07:02:21 PM »

Guess maybe the Hotel building is over?
http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2016/02/seaworld-entertainment-makes-hotel-development.html?ana=e_orl_bn_newsalert&u=cFV59ttGdTJLSYao4y9EzQ044eec6d&t=1455929853

37

Other Parks / Houston's Downtown Aquarium to expand?

« on: February 01, 2016, 03:17:48 PM »

Rcdb says it's a Chance

38

Other Parks / Not one Coaster but now on my list

« on: January 09, 2016, 09:15:14 PM »

Wow
https://youtu.be/IgOYMTWjF8w

39

Random Talk / Rogers Arkansas Railyard Bike Park now open

« on: November 09, 2015, 06:11:45 AM »

In the Lake Atlanta area

40

Random Talk / Goosebumps movie

« on: October 25, 2015, 11:39:41 AM »

Took the boy to it after we finished up the game yesterday and drop his friends off at their homes (awesome dudes day, btw) it was entertaining but I couldn't help but think how this IP could be a big hit for a park chain either as a seasonal property for fall geared to preteens or even a themed permanent sections of a park with a few rides based off the most popular books, I think a dark ride done right would be awesome base off this book series/tv shows. My Son really enjoyed the movie some of the kids even clapped at the end.

I see Sony and Rovio is doing an Angry Birds movie.

41

Other Parks / The Boomerang woodie

« on: September 14, 2015, 10:01:50 PM »

About that Gravity Group boomerang woodie outside San Antonio

https://youtu.be/8Eb_NIWuzjY

42

Random Talk / What's going on in NWA, 2021

« on: August 07, 2015, 09:06:23 PM »

Rumor, up to a 1,000 layoffs coming at Walmart Corporate. 200 VPs may get cut. Teimming the buracracy. Pain off layoffs expected to be short term

Alice Walton is selling off her cutting horse business and Ranch in Ft. Worth. Wants to concentrate on Crystal Bridges

The Scott Children's Museum is now open in Bentonville. I was underwhelmed cause i've seen a dozen of them with our kids. TheY have outgrown this. Figure newer parents love it.


Arkansas Children's Hospital is coming to Springdale, the 6th largest Children's hospital in the US will build a 225,000 facility on land near Arvest Ballpark donated by the George and
 Evans Families.

http://www.nwabusinessjournal.com/14335/arkansas-childrens-hospital-plans-new-hospital-near-arvest-ballpark?utm_source=enews_080715&utm_medium=email&utm_content=breaking-news--northwest-arkansas-business-journal&utm_campaign=newsletter



Walton Family Foundation has launched an architecture program:
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The Walton Family Foundation has announced a plan that will elevate the quality of architectural and landscape design in Benton and Washington counties in Arkansas. The new initiative, called the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program, will promote the highest level of design in the development of future public buildings and spaces.

Karen Minkel, Home Region program director at the Walton Family Foundation, outlined the vision for the project.

"The establishment of a design excellence program in Northwest Arkansas was driven by our strategic approach to preserve our region's sense of place," said Minkel. "Over the last 25 years, the population in Northwest Arkansas has more than doubled, creating opportunities and challenges in planning and design. The Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program will encourage quality design of public spaces, while complementing the rich architectural history of our urban fabric."

Through this program, the Walton Family Foundation will provide financial support to entities such as school districts; county, state or local municipalities; and nonprofit organizations that intend to develop space for public purposes. Funds will be earmarked for all phases of design work.

The Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program is inspired by a similar enterprise in Columbus, Indiana, by the Cummins Foundation.
http://news.uark.edu/articles/31971/walton-family-foundation-announces-design-excellence-program

43

Branson Talk / Tell me what you think

« on: July 18, 2015, 11:06:25 PM »

t's an ideal I've tossed about here and I finally got bored and made a couple of copies and did a mash up with the kids today. Took a space that once was for a screen at a local drive in and did this.i've got theming ideas down and will share those later on. I've mentioned this for a CC reuse here as well, but never gave it a visual, a one of a kind Drive and Dive In. Yes, a screen behind the wave pool for movie nights.

44

Other Parks / New Pie in Sky: Theme Park for Grand Canyon region

« on: July 08, 2015, 11:35:26 AM »

Specifically Williams Arizona.

Found this while researching ways to do the Canyon and found the overnight train excursion located here but Google showed results for this and they want SEAS to run it:

2/17/2015 11:10:00 AM
Williams theme park plan unveiled
Granger Group lays out plan to build theme park on the Gonzales Ranch Property located north of Interstate 40 and west of the Quality Inn


Marissa Freireich
Williams-Grand Canyon News Reporter


WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Amusement park rides, an adventure course, a wilderness area, an amphitheater, a hotel and spa and themed restaurants are all part of a proposed theme park plan for Williams.

Representatives from the Granger Group in Michigan presented their initial plans to Williams City Council members at the Feb. 12 meeting. The development group has completed several health care and senior living complexes, but has never developed a theme park.

The Granger Group's Gary Granger, president and CEO, and Greg Markvluwer, senior vice president, discussed their vision for developing a theme park that would drive tourism throughout the state.

"We think it's going to work very well and we think it's going to be a stepping stone to another project in the Phoenix area, and that's going to be a stepping stone to the whole concept of international travel, understanding that this is the Grand Canyon state," Granger said.

In December and January, the Williams City Council, the Phoenix City Council and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the geographic boundaries and governing body of the first Arizona theme park district in Williams. The five-member board had its first meeting on Feb. 13 (see related story on page 3A).

State legislation allows for the Arizona theme park district board to issue as much as $1 billion in bonds to pay for any number of theme parks. The district boundaries already include two properties in Williams, and the board may also add some property in Phoenix in the future.

The two areas within the Williams theme park district are: the piece of land known as the Gonzales Ranch Property located north of Interstate 40 and west of the Quality Inn and a piece of land north of Rodeo Road just east of the railroad tracks. The first area could be a theme park location and the second area is the planned location for Al Richmond's Arizona State Railroad Museum.

The Granger Group's proposal would likely use about 40 percent of the theme park district board's available bonding authority for the Williams project. Nine percent of the revenue generated at the theme park would be used to pay off the bonds required to build the park.

"This is not something that the community is going to pay taxes on," Granger emphasized. "All we are going to do is take the revenue that is generated that you don't have today, and we're going to be able to recapture 9 percent of that revenue and that 9 percent is used to pay off the capital investment."

According to its proposal, the Granger Group projects the theme park to cost between $300 million and $500 million to develop, see between 2.5 million and 4 million visitors annually, and generate $100 million to $125 million in gross revenue.

In his presentation, Markvluwer compared plans for the potential Williams theme park to the operation of Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida. The piece of land set aside for a theme park in Williams is 488 acres. Busch Gardens is located on 335 acres of land, and receives 4.3 million visitors each year.

Max Biegert, who started the Grand Canyon Railway, bought the 488 acre property that is now located within the Williams theme park district 26 years ago.

"It was purchased for that reason," he said. "I felt a theme park, done properly there, would really work. And it will."

The Granger Group believes a theme park could convince tourists to plan longer trips and explore more areas of the state.

"Our goal here is by using these theme parks as a catalyst to extend the stay and bring the Grand Canyon to be known as the Arizona destination by creating say a three or a five day pass where people can fly into Sky Harbor, they can buy that pass and have the opportunity to stop at a theme park in Phoenix, travel up, hit a number of the venues on the way up, whether it's Bearizona, whether it's the Williams theme park, whether it's the Grand Canyon, and they can spend a five day tourism stay right here in the great state of Arizona," Markvluwer said.

The theme park plans call for an additional interchange off of Interstate 40 to facilitate access to the park, as well as a spur from the Grand Canyon Railway leading to the park. The park would likely be open nine months out of the year and employ a couple thousand people to start with.

The Granger Group's initial plans for the theme park include Route 66, wild west, mining and Navajo Nation themed areas. Activities could include rides, interactive exhibits, animal encounters, stunt shows, gold panning, archery, rock climbing, kayaking, ziplining, mountain biking, and hot air balloon rides.

The Granger Group is currently conducting a feasibility study for the park, which should be complete at the end of April. During the month of May, the group plans to refine the scope of the project. From there the group will work on finding an operator for the park, such as Six Flags, Disney and Sea World. After that, the group will create design drawings and take out bonds. The group hopes to start construction in April of 2016 and finish in September of 2017.

"This is an aggressive schedule, and we know this is an aggressive schedule," Markvluwer said. "We're very excited for the opportunity, and we want to get this moving as quickly as possible."

After Granger and Markvluwer made their presentation, they fielded questions from Williams City Council members and the audience.

Councilman Lee Payne asked how the developers would work to preserve the historic downtown area.

"People have worked years and years to make this downtown a cool little spot that people travel from all over the world to come check out being that they like the small town atmosphere," he said.

Markvluwer said the group would work with the chosen park operator to develop plans that the community supported.

When Mayor John Moore asked the developers how they would help the city with infrastructure, especially in light of the city's ongoing water crisis, Granger said the company would have to find the right consultants to determine would be needed and then go from there.

"We're not here to say that the water issue is going to work out automatically," Granger said. "We understand that there's challenges and we'll work through that. We will get the right study work done, we're going to figure out water issue and we will solve it. At the onset we realize that this is not a project that's going to be a walk in the park."

Moore said that the theme park development would create additional needs within the city in addition to water.

"While you're working on a theme park we'll have to be working with somebody else on housing and all that type of stuff," he said. "It's a big undertaking. I'm sure that as we get into things there's going to be a lot more questions."

45

White Water Discussion / Kids 11 and under only 20 bucks

« on: June 03, 2015, 07:53:29 PM »

That's the tv spot in the Fayetteville area which are basically last year's promotion of the new slide with  this thrown in at the end.

Seems to be a season long price promotion.