Messages

31

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Train Crash?

« on: April 04, 2023, 02:35:53 AM »

One thing to consider is that in any accident the usual cause is almost always multiple things that coincide to create the conditions for the accident to occur.

Human error, loose bolts, one or two mph too fast. rail spread due to heat, sleepers loose, soggy rail bed, uneven loading, one bad bearing, the list can be virtually endless. All the same things may have happened countless times before, one at a time or in a different order and nothing happens, then they align and poof accident.

I think that is why the longer list of things to check. They probably cannot pinpoint one thing as the cause. and those corrections may help to reduce the recurrence.

While the park is responsible, I do not think it was gross negligence per se, just an unfortunate series of events.

my two cents.
Kevin 

32

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Train Crash?

« on: March 27, 2023, 06:36:18 PM »

I am glad to see the train back so soon.
 As it is one of the few rides I can ride, I will not hesitate to ride it again.

Safer now than ever.

my two cents
Kevin

33

Random Talk / Re: Your Travels Thread for 2023

« on: January 13, 2023, 03:03:00 AM »

I have no Idea where you are coming from and this is not specifically dinosaur related but if passing by you might try -- Mastodon state park south of st Louis..  has mastodon bones reconstructed in the museum and other artifacts.

https://mostateparks.com/location/55681/museum

34

Random Talk / Re: Your Travels Thread for 2023

« on: January 05, 2023, 08:16:56 AM »

suggestion --- in your travels try -- STRATACA: KS Underground Salt Museum and the Cosmosphere - both in Huchinson KS if you are passing that way. Two very interesting museums - One is a Salt mine tour and the other is a offshoot of the Smithsonian space museum.

Kevin

35

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Season passes next year....

« on: January 05, 2023, 08:12:42 AM »

I purchased mine on Dec 27 -- there was an option to upload a photo while buying  - So I presume you do not have to wait and do it at the park. My problem was finding a non hideous photo.

my two cents

Kevin

36

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2022 Crowds / Trip Reports

« on: December 07, 2022, 07:37:52 PM »

Thanks Jay -- that was what I was looking for.

I am looking for more of a Photographic opportunity. So Here is hoping for super low temps and or drizzly sky's.

is there a low temp cut off for the entire park? just curious.

Kevin

37

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2022 Crowds / Trip Reports

« on: December 06, 2022, 07:20:29 PM »

I will be in Branson the week between Christmas and New Years --- considering visiting for the first time ever the park in winter, I am a photographer and I thought the winter photos might be a bit different.

(full disclosure I hate crowds and Christmas) but I am curious and if the situation were favorable might consider going to the park.  Can anyone with experience give me the info on that week is it crowded, or do the crowds dwindle after the holiday?
Not a ride person so coaster use is unimportant.
I am a passholder so going or not going is just a thought. I guess the question is can a non Christmas person who dislikes large crowds enjoy looking around for a few hours midweek at this time of year? Or should I give it a pass?

Thanks for the input and help

Kevin

38

Branson Talk / Re: Ride The Ducks Boat Capsizes in Storm

« on: December 01, 2022, 12:05:01 AM »

I saw that same you tube vid -- very explanatory.

I think that like a in great many of these types of incidents.. a whole lot of little things each individually might not be a problem. But under these circumstances, all together caused the disaster.  Had any one or two not occurred the outcome might have been very different.

I think this goes on in a great many things in life, and every now and then, it all come together at the right time and place and fails spectacularly.

its tragic that cost to learn these things is so high.

It could have just as easily been a land based disaster as well. I cannot imagine that these ducks are anything but horrible to drive on even a regular road. Long, heavy, slow, wide, very poor maneuverability, bad visibility.

my two cents.
Kevin 

39

Branson Talk / Re: Hall of Fame Motel - Michele or Lori @ 417-332-2121 3005 W 76 Country Blvd

« on: November 28, 2022, 04:05:10 PM »

I used to stay at White Wing Lodge.  it was perfect for me .. close and reasonable and the shuttle was a nice perk.

now that their rentals are handled by some shady chain rental place (vacasa). I will not go back. huge price jump and many blackout dates requiring up to a weeks stay. used to be you could pop down for an impromptu visit but now it too much hassle.

Covid took its toll also -- its being run essentially as an airbnb - everything online- they send you a door code and there really is no service at all- no one in the office, no manager, no one to fix any problems. you have to call an 800# if your television is not working??. wtf is that. NO THANKS

Shame I loved that place and stayed very often.  now I just tough it out and make all my trips in a single day and head home after. Long day, but saves money.


my two cents
Kevin 

40

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: November 11, 2022, 08:15:11 AM »

I was being 90% facetious, in everything I wrote, I guess it was mis-understood.

I also have to guess that someone who visits the park ONCE every few YEARS, might not be as invested in the overall esthetic of the park and its history and unique features, as some one who visits more often.

My point was, I think making SDC  More Disney like is a mistake. The unusual Geography and finding those hidden Gems around every corner is gone once you make all the pathways wide, square and open. Oh You can get to the rides much faster which is the direction we seem to be heading anyway.

Celebration city was far more  Disneylike....   

We are all fans here... even with different perspectives.

2 more cents
Kevin

41

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: November 09, 2022, 09:37:38 AM »

Why not just shut down the park for a year and fix all these problems. they could make all the pathways 30 feet wide, bulldoze all the trees, shrink the flowerbeds. build a roof over marvel cave and make a straight entrance right from the tram drop off.

There will soon come a tipping point where they will decide to transition from a dedicated 1870's theme Park to an amusement park with a 1870's theme. It happens little by little each year. Money Talks and as more folks from the old days fall away the charm and feel of the place fades as well. SDC is unique I hope it stays that way - it should never want to be or try to be Disneyland.

My cynical 2 cents
Kevin

42

Construction/Rumors / Re: Your Attraction Ideas

« on: October 29, 2022, 11:35:03 PM »

I get that rides and festivals are the big draw these days, but I would like to see a more directed effort to make the entire Park much more of the period themed location it started as. It would be difficult as the craftsman are getting harder and harder to find.

I just feel the craftsman are still there but only as theming for the overall park. There used to be much more of a focus on the life and feeling of the time period in the park. Now it seems more like a novelty rather than the purpose. I may  not be making any sense. sorry--- There are so many crafts that are from that period that are no longer in the park. Basket Making, corn brooms, cooperage. the old shingle saw engine has been moved off and is now a decoration in the farm area. Quilting, printing, stained glass - all are gone.

In fact I would be willing to bet that if you polled everyone leaving the park you would be interested to find how few even know there is a homestead area with animals in the park. Even on the busiest days it would be hard find more than a handful of people in the area at any given time.

 I know that these days the money and the big crowd draws are not the blacksmith shop or the duplicating lathe, but with the loss of the furniture shop and its equipment, a huge blow to the overall period atmosphere has occurred.  The park began with simple ideas and over time it has slowly become less so. 

I just feel if all the attention is on the newest and greatest ride system, eventually the thing that we all love about the park - its ability to transport you to a simpler time, that will be a distant memory. Its already happening , but its not too late. thanks for letting me rant.

my two cents.

Kevin

43

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Train Crash?

« on: October 28, 2022, 12:06:17 PM »

SDC has never been caviler in when it comes to park or ride safety. I am also nearly 100% sure they are insured for this and any possible accident. Lawsuits will be settled. Cause will be determined. The train will be repaired and it will be as safe if not safer than ever.

ACCIDENTS are accidents, unexpected things happen. Considering the literally hundred of thousands of miles in train circuits that have been made over the years. the train is actually very safe.

They will open the train when it is safe to do so, and I have no problem taking their word for it being safe.

my two cents...

Kevin

44

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Student trips from local high schools --- a question

« on: September 29, 2022, 08:47:45 PM »

I am probably just getting to be a an old grump, but there may be a solution someone has figured out.

I was in the park this week- wed 28th, and upon arrival I witnessed the arrival of MANY MANY school buses from various High schools around the region. I ran smack into at least several hundred students milling about the entrance to the park, with more flowing off buses still arriving. I spent most of the day, getting run over (hyperbole I know) by large groups of students and overhearing some of the foulest language and witnessing idiotic behavior.

I am no prude - I swear with the best of them - and I know that kid are kids. I also realize I have no business being in amongst them, I have no patience.

There are many events at the City I avoid because I know they do not appeal to me and I have no business being there ( Christmas, Southern Gospel Picnic, Country Music Days, Young Christians weekend) - its easy enough to avoid them and there is room for everyone's favorite event. 

This brings me to my Question... Is there any rhyme or reason to theses school trips?. I usually attend early in the week to avoid any crowds and I have had this experience a couple times this year.  Are there specific days these visits happen? Does anyone know?. Is there anyway to find out in advance of these large group outings.?

Any advice would be helpful, and I know it may be impossible to guess or figure out. Thanks for reading.

the old grump.
Kevin

45

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: May 27, 2022, 12:27:52 AM »

I was in park and while watching mystic river refill, I was standing near Fire in the hole. If you really look that original building is very large also, much bigger than you think. I think its not as large as the new building but pretty close overall.

my two cents
Kevin