4111
SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Mishaps
« on: March 16, 2008, 03:28:49 PM »
Well maybe not. I just looked at the Swinging Bridge picture and it just says 1881. I must just be remembering the old sign.
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4112
SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Mishaps
« on: March 16, 2008, 03:24:18 PM »
Isn't that still what the sign says? I'm thinking it's still there.
4113
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Herschend Family Entertainment
« on: March 16, 2008, 03:22:04 PM »
Yeah, but it also seems to mean they are partners in the ownership. For example, the site mentions the Dollywood Corporation and the Dollywood Company. Is this another corporation owned by HFE, or does Dolly have more to do with it? Not that it really matters, but Dolly seems to claim ownership of the places with her name on them, but it she the owner or just the spokeperson or the figurehead?
A lot of people were really worried when Kenny Rogers came onto the SDC scene a few years ago. They were worried that SDC would become something more like Dollywood (but I guess the name Kennywood was already taken), and that the Branson Belle would become a gambling vessel. Though I've been to a couple of Kenny Rogers concerts myself, the partnership seemed a little forced. I was just wondering if a partnership with Dolly Parton, for example, means that both parties own shares in the company.
Anyway, I have ridden the Ducks (history tour), and thought it was well worth the price, and I have toured Talking Rocks, which I believe to be one of the most beautiful caves.
A lot of people were really worried when Kenny Rogers came onto the SDC scene a few years ago. They were worried that SDC would become something more like Dollywood (but I guess the name Kennywood was already taken), and that the Branson Belle would become a gambling vessel. Though I've been to a couple of Kenny Rogers concerts myself, the partnership seemed a little forced. I was just wondering if a partnership with Dolly Parton, for example, means that both parties own shares in the company.
Anyway, I have ridden the Ducks (history tour), and thought it was well worth the price, and I have toured Talking Rocks, which I believe to be one of the most beautiful caves.
4114
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Herschend Family Entertainment
« on: March 16, 2008, 02:58:05 PM »
Can someone tell me exactly being a Herschend Brand means? The HFE website (http://www.hfecorp.com/default.aspx) give a lot of information about the history of the company, including some history of Marvel Cave Park (aka SDC) and even some pictures. Then it talks about the brands of the company - Talking Rocks Cavern, Ride-the-Ducks, etc. Being a brand seems to mean that they own, "partner", or operate a business.
4115
SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Through the Decades
« on: March 16, 2008, 02:32:34 PM »
Every year (as I remember it) when I was a kid in the 70s, SDC would have an election for mayor. Shad would "campaign" for the job. I was too young to really get into it, but I seem to remember election posters and speeches were made. Was this part of the street troupe shows? I specifically remember this occuring around the American Plunge, like on the bridge that crosses the plunge to get to the other side. It seems someone would use that bridge for a political speech. It's just one of those "impromptu" shows that added to the appeal of the park. You never knew where something was going to happen.
4116
SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Your Worst SDC experience
« on: March 14, 2008, 11:49:09 PM »
I have to agree that the older people are too rigorous with their duties in the Great Expedition. Definately.
But it is nice that it's not just teenagers running the rides like at other parks, and it gives those folks something to do besides hassle the shoppers coming into WalMart.
The parking is often an issue, too. I always want to park in the C lot (sort of a tradition with us), and I always want to ride on the long green tram (I hate the busses and "trolleys".), but there are times when we have to park across the street, and it's a major pain. It takes 45 minutes just to get to the front gate on those days, and it always seems to happen when we've brought visitors with us. It really sets the wrong tone for the start of the day. I wonder how the new road, etc., will affect all of this.
But it is nice that it's not just teenagers running the rides like at other parks, and it gives those folks something to do besides hassle the shoppers coming into WalMart.
The parking is often an issue, too. I always want to park in the C lot (sort of a tradition with us), and I always want to ride on the long green tram (I hate the busses and "trolleys".), but there are times when we have to park across the street, and it's a major pain. It takes 45 minutes just to get to the front gate on those days, and it always seems to happen when we've brought visitors with us. It really sets the wrong tone for the start of the day. I wonder how the new road, etc., will affect all of this.
4117
Construction/Rumors / Re: New Construction Photos
« on: March 12, 2008, 03:48:21 PM »
How big is the culinary bldg.? It doesn't look very big?
4118
General Silver Dollar City Talk / If Silver Dollar City Were Relocated...
« on: March 11, 2008, 08:06:48 PM »WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE IN ANOTHER STATE?
In Texas, they would have a drop tower that looks like an oil well. Water "shoots" the platforms up and down when the workers "strike a gusher". Name of the park: Black Gold City.
In Arkansas, the park would focus on a popular comic strip. Name of the park: Dogpatch USA. (Oops. Done that.) BTW, see http://undergroundozarks.com/gallery/dogpatch for shots of that defunct park (Kinda spooky.).
In Colorado, we would have to see John Stetson making his hats, and a feature ride would be the Pike's Peak Coaster. Name of the park: Freshly Minted Coins City (Only Denver-minted coins would be given in change.
In Tennessee, a popular country music icon could purchase the park and rename it Dollywood.
4119
SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Your Worst SDC experience
« on: March 11, 2008, 07:52:21 PM »
Great idea for a new thread! Only the best of vacation destinations can have a fan site with "worst experiences". Afterall, the worst day at Silver Dollar City is better than the best day of working!
My worst? Hmm. We've had lots of rain experiences. Cancelled shows in the gazebo (which is why more indoor theaters would be nice), closed rides due to lightning, etc. I don't think I've ever thought the trip wasn't worth it, but I do get upset when I have to sit through a bad, self-promoting local-talent show under the premise that it was something different than what I expected.
My worst? Hmm. We've had lots of rain experiences. Cancelled shows in the gazebo (which is why more indoor theaters would be nice), closed rides due to lightning, etc. I don't think I've ever thought the trip wasn't worth it, but I do get upset when I have to sit through a bad, self-promoting local-talent show under the premise that it was something different than what I expected.
4120
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Cave Tour with Jack Herschend
« on: March 11, 2008, 07:46:04 PM »
Looking back at the posts I see Copper already linked to this site.
I just love the old views. We don't really get a good look at the entrance without all the acroutrements. It looks so wild.
Hopefully I can get into the lantern tour next weekend. I could really use the vacation.
I just love the old views. We don't really get a good look at the entrance without all the acroutrements. It looks so wild.
Hopefully I can get into the lantern tour next weekend. I could really use the vacation.
4121
Construction/Rumors / Re: New Construction Photos
« on: March 11, 2008, 07:41:52 PM »
I assume it's OK with the bosses that you're "leaking" these pics?
It's perfectly OK for those of us who are impatiently waiting for the season.
It's perfectly OK for those of us who are impatiently waiting for the season.
4122
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Opening Weekend
« on: March 11, 2008, 07:38:42 PM »
Copper needs to be the SDC blogger. The new construction photos are terrific.
4123
General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Opening Weekend
« on: March 11, 2008, 07:37:01 PM »
Sure would be nice to have a photo pass option, maybe charge a little extra. It would be worth it to not have to pull out another ID.
4124
Construction/Rumors / Re: Your Attraction Ideas
« on: March 10, 2008, 07:02:55 PM »
The Flooded Mine was where I worried they would put the Ice House ride, but I was wrong. There is an advertisement for ice visible in the area (Look up high.), and I thought it was a clue. I had not seen the sign before the survey came out.
How about this for a new slogan: "We're History!"
How about this for a new slogan: "We're History!"
4125
SDC Memories/ Park History / Re: Mishaps
« on: March 10, 2008, 06:58:26 PM »
I'm remembering a fire in the Flooded Mine a few years ago. Employees evacuated the ride manually and were commended for their efficiency.