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I will amend my statement to be " not common" rather than rare.
Kevin
one last thing - although it could happen anytime - a storm like this in December is usually pretty rare. NOT gonna get in a global warming discussion but a tornado watch in Dec is not a normal thing. The crowds in Dec are huge and any tornado at any time that were to direct strike the park is gonna result in a huge tragedy regardless.
Much like a huge earthquake at Magic Mountain or Disneyland would.
two more cents
Kevin
So as some might remember I am a Storm Chaser for a TV station in NWA and I have been monitoring all the reports and data from the past 48 hours. Well it turns out that there was indeed a tornado near the Branson area around 7:30. (near Branson West of all places) Fortunately it dissipated before moving further east towards the park. I can only imagine what kind of disaster that would have been if it had sustained itself and hit SDC with Christmas time crowds present. These storms were moving between 40-60 MPH so there would be little time to react and evacuate the park with those crowd numbers.
I really think theme parks and stadiums need to close and completely cancel events on days where there's severe weather in the forecast. (even if SDC/Branson was on the western fringe of the outlook area)
https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSSGF&e=202112112042
I would think the chances are basically nil if they are really rebuilding anything similar to FITH. The RMC powered coaster prototype rumor seems most logically sound.
Plus it would be an odd choice after Time Traveler, especially with two other looping coasters in the park already. They don't need anymore inverting coasters unless it is something unique like a flyer or an invert or something. The park is in far more need of good family coasters. Plural.
It will be interesting to see where this leads!
Splash and Bubbles hasn’t had new episodes since 2018.
I think that Chuggington is the much more known brand. They have had Chuggington merchandise in the parks for a few years now.
Also, the Disney forcing the move on their Imagineering department, this could be an exciting time for smaller parks to pick up some amazing talent or for some new firms to get a start.
How would you all feel if FITH was simply rebuilt with a new indoor coaster system?
SAME name SAME story, same theme, same coaster style, just with updated lighting, effects, and animatronics. I think while it might not be as splashy as a brand new IP - it could end up being a great draw for the millions of visitors over the years that have enjoyed it. Advertising a refreshed and updated Fire In The Hole might lure those that remember it over the years to return to the park. Just a thought. FITH was the initiation of many coaster enthusiasts and regular folks too and I feel they would support it.
another two cents
Kevin
Another thing that we need to remember is the MASSIVE numbers of older folks (50+) like myself- who are in the city on any given day. They constitute a HUGE demographic. I am too fat and old to be riding the coasters and thrill rides, so their appeal is limited to me. as I am sure it is to may of the older guests. The flooded mine is still accessible to grandma provided she can get into and out of the boats.
As I said earlier a "calico mine ride" like at Knotts would be ALL ages friendly and still be able to keep the 1880's theme. It could be argued that 4 or 5 thrill coasters is enough for SDC. It doesn't need to be in the coaster/thrill ride theme park competition with the Disney's or universal studios.
The biggest draw is the parks unique feel and atmosphere. If you lose that, whats the point.
...My wish though would be, with other manufactures with drop tracks, forward and reverse launches, track switches, etc., ...
If they did go the route of upgrading it to more of a thrill ride, I hope that we also get another kids coaster soon since Fire in the Hole has a low height of 36". Our whole family loves Dragonflier at Dollywood. I would love it if we got a version of it, but with the brake run upgrade to allow for 2 train operations.