241
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Fireworks
« on: June 29, 2015, 10:27:05 AM »
Am I missing something, or is there no fireworks show this year? Maybe I am misremembering that there had been in previous years?
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242
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Any secrets in SDC? (secret areas, etc.)
« on: June 24, 2015, 09:29:30 PM »Hi everyone! I was just wondering if you knew if there was any sort of secret areas, cheaper alternatives to things, etc. If you do, please tell me!
We could tell ya, but then we'd hafta let the Bolens kill ya
243
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2015 Meet-Ups
« on: May 15, 2015, 10:46:11 PM »
My wife and I are here at the Classic, heading to the City 1st thing in the morning.
244
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2015 Meet-Ups
« on: April 16, 2015, 09:30:05 PM »
Lord willin' and the crick don' rise, the missus an' I will be there this Saturday after spending the night at CMI.
245
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2015 Trip Reviews
« on: March 15, 2015, 06:34:14 PM »
Post Script: we tried the new skillets down on the lake front, and they were both very good.
246
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2015 Trip Reviews
« on: March 15, 2015, 06:04:10 PM »
A few specific, minor boo-boos Opening Day:
We got to Stop 2 @ 7:40; the first tram didn't run till almost 8:20--I have never seen the first tram so late in the morning. Several people decided to walk; my wife and I were at the point of walking ourselves till the tram came into view.
There was no Opening Ceremony because of the rain; several citizens said this was SOP, and we had seen it before. Still, it was disappointing but hardly a crusher.
My wife, the pin trader, found no one to trade with Saturday--nobody had pins on that we saw. So she is prepared for our next trip (having bought several).
The Pickers and Frisco Jack complained that several chairs had disappeared out of the cabin, and that left a lot of folks standing.
I really like listening to Frisco Jack, but, Saturday morning, most of his half hour was a canned commercial for the seaon.
The Great Stuff:
Sitting in the cabin listening to the Pickers and watching the audinece participation reminded me that the core of SDC is still there. There is still a place for friendly folks, no electronic amplification, wood smoke, Ozark woods, and common faith.
We really like the commedian/magician. And I say this despite the fact that *I* was the one who had to catch the bowling ball and was brought up on stage to help for one act, not because of it.
My wife and I talked to him for a while after his show, and I really like his plug for fostering children in need.
The train was running 4 cars; the revised skit was interesting. No Yankees or Indians; there's a new danger. Also, Raphie was not going after "coppers and daughters," which makes sense as Ralphie was a woman. This didn't bothe rme in the least. There were plenty of hard, deperate woman in those days. The new woman conductor, however, I am not so sure about but for ONLY this reason: it breaks theme. She's a great kid and looks to know her stuff pretty well for this very early point in her career, and I am more than sure she can do the job. It's probably just the re-enactor in me. #13 was dressed up all pretty.
As a matter of fact, there was fresh paint in quite a few places, so they didn't worry only about Fireman's Landing. Many signs look fresher, and some of the paint on the fences and streets was new. They replaced part of the depot's floor, from just inside the gates out to the edge of the platform, with some of that new plastic wood. I don't mind the replacement, but I would prefer wood ;-) I know the reasons why not, but still. . . .
Fireman's Landing really cleans up the waterfront. I'm not sure it's much more SDC than GG, but it is prettier and cleaner! No kids with us this past weekend--and we don't have any more ankle-biters, anyway--so I didn't hang around in there long. The little ones ought to really love it! The rebadged toy store is a little easier to get around it, but it has been reduced in size and carries less stock.
We were walking around river front when a citizen came up to my wife and asked her if she had any money. Puzzled, she replied that she did, and he asked to be adopted! I told him I didn't mind--we needed another kid at home to help witht he chores and work on the place--at which point he claimed child abuse and begged to be released from the contract. All good fun--it was great to see a random citizen getting to the fun!
We visited the Pottery, and I happened to be looking at their new featured items, a serving bowl and a chip-and-dip tray. The latter would be really useful to us! As I read the big display sign, however, I noticed that it was referred to as a "ship and dip tray." I pointed it out to my wife, and she called one of the clerks over, who got a big kick out of it. I wonder if they will reprint or make a game of it.
We snagged a free sample of taffy by getting to know one of the gals working at Phoebe's. It was great to be recogized by folks at Mollies and elsewhere. We didn't catch up with Terry, however.
The crowd was small, which made getting around a snap. HFE might have been hoping for more numbers, but we were happy.
All in all, it was one of the best days we've every spent at the city--and that's saying something. Sure, not all the stores were open, but we weren't really shopping. We were there mostly for the atmosphere, and it was present in spades.
We got to Stop 2 @ 7:40; the first tram didn't run till almost 8:20--I have never seen the first tram so late in the morning. Several people decided to walk; my wife and I were at the point of walking ourselves till the tram came into view.
There was no Opening Ceremony because of the rain; several citizens said this was SOP, and we had seen it before. Still, it was disappointing but hardly a crusher.
My wife, the pin trader, found no one to trade with Saturday--nobody had pins on that we saw. So she is prepared for our next trip (having bought several).
The Pickers and Frisco Jack complained that several chairs had disappeared out of the cabin, and that left a lot of folks standing.
I really like listening to Frisco Jack, but, Saturday morning, most of his half hour was a canned commercial for the seaon.
The Great Stuff:
Sitting in the cabin listening to the Pickers and watching the audinece participation reminded me that the core of SDC is still there. There is still a place for friendly folks, no electronic amplification, wood smoke, Ozark woods, and common faith.
We really like the commedian/magician. And I say this despite the fact that *I* was the one who had to catch the bowling ball and was brought up on stage to help for one act, not because of it.
My wife and I talked to him for a while after his show, and I really like his plug for fostering children in need.The train was running 4 cars; the revised skit was interesting. No Yankees or Indians; there's a new danger. Also, Raphie was not going after "coppers and daughters," which makes sense as Ralphie was a woman. This didn't bothe rme in the least. There were plenty of hard, deperate woman in those days. The new woman conductor, however, I am not so sure about but for ONLY this reason: it breaks theme. She's a great kid and looks to know her stuff pretty well for this very early point in her career, and I am more than sure she can do the job. It's probably just the re-enactor in me. #13 was dressed up all pretty.
As a matter of fact, there was fresh paint in quite a few places, so they didn't worry only about Fireman's Landing. Many signs look fresher, and some of the paint on the fences and streets was new. They replaced part of the depot's floor, from just inside the gates out to the edge of the platform, with some of that new plastic wood. I don't mind the replacement, but I would prefer wood ;-) I know the reasons why not, but still. . . .
Fireman's Landing really cleans up the waterfront. I'm not sure it's much more SDC than GG, but it is prettier and cleaner! No kids with us this past weekend--and we don't have any more ankle-biters, anyway--so I didn't hang around in there long. The little ones ought to really love it! The rebadged toy store is a little easier to get around it, but it has been reduced in size and carries less stock.
We were walking around river front when a citizen came up to my wife and asked her if she had any money. Puzzled, she replied that she did, and he asked to be adopted! I told him I didn't mind--we needed another kid at home to help witht he chores and work on the place--at which point he claimed child abuse and begged to be released from the contract.
All good fun--it was great to see a random citizen getting to the fun!We visited the Pottery, and I happened to be looking at their new featured items, a serving bowl and a chip-and-dip tray. The latter would be really useful to us! As I read the big display sign, however, I noticed that it was referred to as a "ship and dip tray." I pointed it out to my wife, and she called one of the clerks over, who got a big kick out of it. I wonder if they will reprint or make a game of it.
We snagged a free sample of taffy by getting to know one of the gals working at Phoebe's. It was great to be recogized by folks at Mollies and elsewhere. We didn't catch up with Terry, however.
The crowd was small, which made getting around a snap. HFE might have been hoping for more numbers, but we were happy.
All in all, it was one of the best days we've every spent at the city--and that's saying something. Sure, not all the stores were open, but we weren't really shopping. We were there mostly for the atmosphere, and it was present in spades.
247
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2015 Meet-Ups
« on: March 10, 2015, 02:13:44 PM »
My wife and I will be there Opening Day for our anniversary, too, W. P.!
248
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: OTC 2014..What do you think?
« on: December 29, 2014, 10:03:58 PM »
Something else occurs to me about A Christmas Carol: They are missing a trick using the music they use during the dance at Fezziwig's: that dance featured a fiddler, one who "knew his business." Surely the show could find a fiddler or two in the Ozarks who fits that description . . . .
NOT a criticism, just a suggestion!
NOT a criticism, just a suggestion!
249
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: OTC 2014..What do you think?
« on: December 27, 2014, 07:45:38 PM »
Well, your daughter, bless her!, is the intended audience, so more power to her and to them! At least, it's not a "Holiday Tree" or a "Winter Tree" or some such contrived name. I can forgive it a lot of flaws for that reason--but I don't have to watch
You know, I hadn't given much thought to that Yet to Come scene, but you make a fair point. The McGoo version returns tot he song I suggested earlier for that part, and that might recommend it even more.
Again: I know that *I* am not a fair judge-in fact, I may be completely by myself. I can live with that. But continued KUDOS to the city for making OTC about the heart of Christmas rather than just Rudolf, Frosty, and $$$$.
You know, I hadn't given much thought to that Yet to Come scene, but you make a fair point. The McGoo version returns tot he song I suggested earlier for that part, and that might recommend it even more.
Again: I know that *I* am not a fair judge-in fact, I may be completely by myself. I can live with that. But continued KUDOS to the city for making OTC about the heart of Christmas rather than just Rudolf, Frosty, and $$$$.
250
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Frisco Train 2013
« on: December 27, 2014, 07:39:28 PM »
Sorry!
The Davenport was SDC's first engine, the grandaddy, if you will. Unlike the the engines in current use, is was a US engine but very light on its feet as it carried its fuel and water in a tender behind it rather than on tanks around the boiler. It was retired fairly early on because, being light on its feet, it couldn't pull as many cars. For years, it sat on display near the bridge behind the saloon and possibly other places, but, for some time now, it has been stored near the roundhouse. Last year, i caught wind of a possible refurbishment, but it was only yesterday that I heard for sure what the current plans are for it.
I think I impressed the (young) engineer I talked to when I said I've ridden behind her. . . .
The Davenport was SDC's first engine, the grandaddy, if you will. Unlike the the engines in current use, is was a US engine but very light on its feet as it carried its fuel and water in a tender behind it rather than on tanks around the boiler. It was retired fairly early on because, being light on its feet, it couldn't pull as many cars. For years, it sat on display near the bridge behind the saloon and possibly other places, but, for some time now, it has been stored near the roundhouse. Last year, i caught wind of a possible refurbishment, but it was only yesterday that I heard for sure what the current plans are for it.
I think I impressed the (young) engineer I talked to when I said I've ridden behind her. . . .
251
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Frisco Train 2013
« on: December 27, 2014, 06:11:22 PM »
When we were at the city yesterday, I noticed what looked like pieces of one of the engine being worked on by the roundhouse, and then it occurred to me that I hadn't seen #76 this year. Sure enough, when I asked the engineer after the ride, he said that they are rebuilding/repainting #76. He also told me that they have finished the cosmetic restoration of the Davenport, and she will be somewhere on display in the city next year.
252
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: OTC 2014..What do you think?
« on: December 27, 2014, 05:39:09 PM »
We just managed to make it to the city for a few hours yesterday, so, while it's fresh in my mind, I'll comment. BUT: I warn you--my commeants will be contrary 
Pleae don't sic the Baldnobbers on me! YMMV!
Tree: UGLY--like Ralphie B. It looks nothing like any tree I've ever seen. I loathe LED lighting--grates on my nerves like fingernails on the chalkboard in the schoolhouse. They are garish and obnoxious, cold but feverish. I refuse to watch the tree show and avoid the square if possible during OTC. The MUSIC is OK, but I don't have to be near the tree-thing to hear it. Give me a real tree--or even a decent artificial one--with real lights, and I'll be mesmorized.
Parade: Zero interest. It is at best an inconvenience when you need to get around the city, and it seems to draw out the worst in people protecting their standing/sitting spots from anybody who might poach them--but all *I* want to do is get through to go somwhere else! Have yet to see one of the parades. I have fond memories of Rudolf's show, and I still try to watch it every year, but I am not the intended audience, so I won't say anything more.
Train: Love Grandpa. I think the conductors should stop the ads during the Christmas runs and add another song or two to sing, especially at least one carol.
Frontier Follies: Haven't seen any of the previous ones but was delighted by this one, especially the shift from the Grinch-ish show to Linus telling Charlie Brown the Real Meaning of Christmas. Great audience participation.
Dickens: A very well done production that could be improved by correcting the silly reversal of the Ghosts of Past and Present. I don't mind the Carol-Kane-esque schtick so much, but put the right ghost with the right name. Believe it or not, the symbolism IS important. Scrooge does a great job of making clear the "Bah! Humbug," is NOT a single phrase but nearly unrelated words. One interesting point: my younger son was put off by the use of a song from The Polar Express. Thinking about it, I think they might try to replace it with the song from Mr. MaGoo's Chsristmas Carol.
Wonderful Life: Didn't make it to see it this year, but did last year. I was left lukewarm by it, but I can't really think of any changes to improve it.
Live Nativity: Again, didn't get there this year, and I am sorry about that. Can't recommend anything because of the miss.
I hope no one is offended by some of my harsh comments, and I fully realize that *I* am not a good judge of what will bring folks to SDC today. OTC does a wonderful job of not only valuing Christmas but doing so for the right reasons, and I can live with what I perceived to be flaws for that reason.
Pleae don't sic the Baldnobbers on me! YMMV!Tree: UGLY--like Ralphie B. It looks nothing like any tree I've ever seen. I loathe LED lighting--grates on my nerves like fingernails on the chalkboard in the schoolhouse. They are garish and obnoxious, cold but feverish. I refuse to watch the tree show and avoid the square if possible during OTC. The MUSIC is OK, but I don't have to be near the tree-thing to hear it. Give me a real tree--or even a decent artificial one--with real lights, and I'll be mesmorized.
Parade: Zero interest. It is at best an inconvenience when you need to get around the city, and it seems to draw out the worst in people protecting their standing/sitting spots from anybody who might poach them--but all *I* want to do is get through to go somwhere else! Have yet to see one of the parades. I have fond memories of Rudolf's show, and I still try to watch it every year, but I am not the intended audience, so I won't say anything more.
Train: Love Grandpa. I think the conductors should stop the ads during the Christmas runs and add another song or two to sing, especially at least one carol.
Frontier Follies: Haven't seen any of the previous ones but was delighted by this one, especially the shift from the Grinch-ish show to Linus telling Charlie Brown the Real Meaning of Christmas. Great audience participation.
Dickens: A very well done production that could be improved by correcting the silly reversal of the Ghosts of Past and Present. I don't mind the Carol-Kane-esque schtick so much, but put the right ghost with the right name. Believe it or not, the symbolism IS important. Scrooge does a great job of making clear the "Bah! Humbug," is NOT a single phrase but nearly unrelated words. One interesting point: my younger son was put off by the use of a song from The Polar Express. Thinking about it, I think they might try to replace it with the song from Mr. MaGoo's Chsristmas Carol.
Wonderful Life: Didn't make it to see it this year, but did last year. I was left lukewarm by it, but I can't really think of any changes to improve it.
Live Nativity: Again, didn't get there this year, and I am sorry about that. Can't recommend anything because of the miss.
I hope no one is offended by some of my harsh comments, and I fully realize that *I* am not a good judge of what will bring folks to SDC today. OTC does a wonderful job of not only valuing Christmas but doing so for the right reasons, and I can live with what I perceived to be flaws for that reason.
253
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2014 Meet-Ups
« on: October 16, 2014, 04:31:00 PM »
My whole tribe will be there Saturday, the 18th, stating with an early b-fast at Mollies. Spending Friday night at the Classic Motor Inn.
254
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2014 Meet-Ups
« on: September 30, 2014, 08:36:01 PM »
Hey, folks!
Long time no been here - life gets int he way.
Anyway, the wife and I are scheduled to be at the City this Saturday, 10/4, from open till 5 or 6. This will probably be our only fall trip during prior to OTC. We've got resxervations at Classic Motor Inn Friday night.
Anyone else gonna be around?
Long time no been here - life gets int he way.
Anyway, the wife and I are scheduled to be at the City this Saturday, 10/4, from open till 5 or 6. This will probably be our only fall trip during prior to OTC. We've got resxervations at Classic Motor Inn Friday night.
Anyone else gonna be around?
255
Branson Talk / Re: Homestay Inn 2014, 417 336 2666
« on: July 23, 2014, 07:19:00 AM »
Oh, no.
Paige is one of our family's favorite attractions in Branson! Folks like her aqre hard to find. Our prayers go out for her!
We may be able to hit the city this weekend: eagerly expecting confirmation of the Classic's situation.
Paige is one of our family's favorite attractions in Branson! Folks like her aqre hard to find. Our prayers go out for her!
We may be able to hit the city this weekend: eagerly expecting confirmation of the Classic's situation.