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^ I still disagree. We just had the Arkansas State Fair.  You can ride bumper cars there. I don't want them at Silver Dollar City. Just my opinion.

Fully agree Duelist!

It took me a couple of visits to figure out that the star would show me all unread posts since last visit (the way I prefer to view all forums).

I know Shave will be updating the look and feel after making everything function correctly. So far, I'm not having any trouble at all.

Enlighten me please.

"Priority park access"

Does anyone else think the new plaza looks like an eventual second park entrance for the resort?

You're definitely right about Six Flags. Texas used to be heavily themed to the actual six nations represented by the flags. 

People at Dollywood last year asked us how it compares with SDC and it was hard to say. In many ways, they two are still similar, but the theme of Dollywood is more location-based and not limited to a time period. Who knows if SDC will go a similar route.  I hope they do not. It strangely works for Dollywood though.

I, for one, cannot stand the generic shows and completely out-of-theme acts though.  They completely ruin my experience and the illusion.  They claim, "You have a great past ahead of you," but they doing tell you that sometimes it's the 1880s and sometimes it's the 1980s.

I'm here!

Exactly the reason for SDC to identify as being in the Ozark Mountains and not Branson

I think the award is also for Theme Park - which Silver Dollar City does extremely well. Yes, they could use a nice long ride (hyper or giga) but the ones they have were top of their game when installed. But the main reason my family loves going to SDC over anywhere else is because there is something for everyone: Shows, Rides, Shopping, and Food. Also, the cave is pretty cool too.

Same reason my family loves to go to Busch Gardens, Sea World Orlando, Disneyland, etc. There is more to do than just rides, carnival games, and bad food.

I'm not 100% sure how SDC beats out Universal, or some Disney parks - but SDC does an excellent job campaigning for their park.

Jay

Agreed about what is offered.

As for Universal and Disney, the company machines are completely different. I can't imagine that they really care about these awards.  You don't need the endorsement of a non-scientific poll when you are already at the level everyone else can only dream of reaching and when you have the IPs and other supports to lean on.

As a confirmed member of the Not In Miss Mary's Day club, I'd like to see the signs be hand painted again, and not computer printed.

They replaced quite a few sings this season and they are hand painted.

Anyone seen the TV screen menus at the new Sadie's Pretzel Dog Place?   Ugh.

I second each of the items above. All in favor, say aye.

When I was at the media event for FITH 2.0 the SDC big wigs said that Thunderation is undergoing a multi year maintenance overhaul so it can be enjoyed for years to come. SDC recognizes the uniqueness and nostalgic value of that coaster considering it was their first big thrill ride/coaster. As for the old FITH I directly asked about it and all they would say is what's not going there is a new Train Station.

That's a shame.  It seemed like a good idea to get the train a larger station and more space for waiting during three Christmas season.

Pretty sure I heard on a ride review of FITH 2.0 that the water tower in the last scene is supposed to "fall" or at least create the illusion of falling, but every POV video I've seen since the first one was posted doesn't give me the impression of that at all. Can anyone confirm or dispel that? On a separate, but related note, the fiber-optic chasing fuse leading to "blowing up" the water tower seems like a super cool and well-executed detail.

That scene happens so quickly that it needs the action of the tower falling to tie everything together.

Wildfire's "wildfire" applicators over the trains are operational again.

Good to hear.  Without it, the ride is not as good.

Isn't the Grand Opening just a party to which the media is invited?

Cold on the last day of winter before the first day of spring. 

- Grabbed some plastic passes in lieu of the digital passes. They just seem easier to fiddle with.
- Not many guests, so parking was very easy, but the new lot arrangements, exit lanes, and name/number/color designations and clear signage are very nice.
- Most people seemed to have stayed away with 29-45° temps.  Crowds were minimal in the Monday of many Spring Breaks in the area.
- The windows at the demonstration area for Heartland Furnishings seem like they will be a constant source of glare and reflection. It may be hard to watch the demo without putting hands around your face and getting against the glass.
- Play some music in the furniture showroom for crying out loud. The place is like s very uncomfortable museum. Very awkward to shop in there while some family sits in the couches (to stay warm) and stares at you.  I couldn't get out of there fast enough.
- It was nice to see candy and taffy demonstrations in process for a change.
- I really would prefer if the seasonal acts could take it upon themselves to dress more in theme and use music that also gets closer to the theme.
- Kettle Corn bucket refills increased price from $2 to $3.  The $10 bags the sell appear to be significantly smaller as well.
- Wanted to get a cave tour with Cave Guide Cory, but I guess I'll have to do that later in the season.
- Even though temperatures reached 44-45°, the only coaster in operation was Outlaw Run.  We were quite disappointed that the park never opened the others even when temps reached the levels they list.  Not fun when the 13-year-old has his heart set on taking his girlfriend in her first ride on Powder Keg (not that it wouldn't be experiencing other shutdowns).  We left the park around 3:30 or 4:00.
- Upgrading our season pass mug to unlimited refills for $10.80 seemed to be a no brainer.

Some notes from our visit on the last day of winter:

- Agreed:  FitH is not dark enough. We don't like seeing the ceiling of the show building.
- On board audio is too loud to allow hearing of the external storytelling
- Is the new recording of the theme song anywhere?
- Do any of the mannequins move besides the one in the pond under the bridge?  We couldn't tell what effects might not have been working.
- Is the water tower supposed to move?  Seems like it should.
- We thought the digital screen work was great, and I spotted some nice background artwork that added depth to the experience.
- All of the scenes seemed very close to riders, presumably to allow for more scenes and characters.
- Blowing up the water tower gave purpose to the final exclamation of the ride's name. It wasn't really clear why they shouted "Fire in the hole!" in the original.
- I missed the crickets at the beginning.
- I wish the sign at the beginning said Marmaros instead of Silver Dollar City.

I may nitpick, but all in all, we were pleased with the update.  It doesn't feel as homespun or as homemade as the original, but we couldn't expect it to.  Hopefully it stands up for a long time.