Messages

1

Construction/Rumors / Re: Future SDC Development Speculation (Long-term)

« on: August 21, 2023, 08:43:59 AM »

Maybe a Fire Chaser Express type - in pretty much the same layout. Do the first half of the layout just the same - then go up the lift - make a turn to the right to a "mine entrance" - get "blasted" through the second half of the layout backwards (big drop) - add a second swooping turn that would line you back up with the station so you can return facing the correct direction.

Keep the mine train "ThuNderaTion Theme".

Jay

2

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC’s 2024 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: August 21, 2023, 08:33:41 AM »

And not to be a downer but besides the one big hill - the rest of that concept coaster looks like a "wild mouse" in the sky. Not something I'd be really excited about. Also, that artist rendering puts the new FITH in the middle of "Fireman's Landing".

I do expect though a big coaster to be announced at some point. I think Swoosh has talked about it before that SDC would getting a terrain hyper as part of a multiyear expansion.

We've also talked about these following things are on the list of improvements: new entrance, new flooded mine, removal of Thunderation, relocation of train station, resort, relocation of WW, etc. - SDC better get busy!

Jay

3

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC’s 2024 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: August 10, 2023, 03:14:11 PM »

Looking at those pictures, do you think this is going to be more similar to the original FITH than not? I was worried with RMC involved that we might have some more daring track maneuvers but that little dip and the drop in the back of that photo doesn't seem too crazy.

Jay

4

Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma

« on: July 21, 2023, 09:16:00 PM »

I thought it was interesting that Screamscape was saying they had doubts about the new park because they are building the RV park first.

I think it was a must to build the RV park first so the construction workers, etc. have a place to stay. There really isn't anywhere to stay in Vinita or relatively close so the RV park makes perfect sense.

I have my doubts, but maybe it will happen after all.

Jay

5

Other Parks / Re: Bell's Developments

« on: July 20, 2023, 02:31:25 PM »

Just to update on this, the proposed land has a buyer and as far as I know from the land agent, it does not include any property to be retained by the Bell's family. The buyer was not disclosed to me.

Jay

6

Other Parks / Re: New Park - American Heartland in NE Oklahoma

« on: July 20, 2023, 01:51:57 PM »

I'm a bit skeptical based on the number of visitors they say they'll attract - 4.9 million?? SDC doesn't attract that many, SFOT doesn't attract that many, most seasonal amusement parks do not attract that many...

I think the idea of the park is a good one, something based around Route 66 and America's Heartland - so I'd definitely love to see it succeed. I just don't want to get my hope shattered again. Not sure why they didn't build it around Catoosa Oklahoma that would still give them that Route 66 tie, but also closer to Tulsa and the Hard Rock Casino (Land is probably a lot more reasonable for purchase in the Vinita area).

There seems to be several large-scale announcements happening in Oklahoma with the $300 Million OKANA Resort in OKC, the Harrah's Casino and Resort between OKC and Tulsa, and the Tulsa's Gathering Place expansion, etc. It will be interesting to see how and if everything comes to fruition.

Jay

7

Random Talk / Re: Do some dang research....

« on: June 20, 2023, 05:33:19 PM »

Oh my gosh…the boards are getting funny now.

Today someone asked if anyone knew what the weather was going to be like Thursday or Friday. All the responses were from weather apps and comments such as “Hey Siri, what’s the weather…” People are definitely starting to answer in sarcastic ways and being pretty short with the stupid questions. Makes me wonder if some of the questions are there just to get the responses…

Jay

8

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2023 Crowds / Trip Reports

« on: June 07, 2023, 10:14:24 AM »

I'm a diamond pass holder - and I've not used that entrance, we're always buying another ticket for someone - so we just go around the regular way.

If it's just crossing the bridge and that's it - then yeah, just a marketing ploy. However, if the little bridge leads to a separate line through the gate - that becomes a bit more of a perk, especially on busy days. But I haven't even looked to see how that entrance works.

Jay

9

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Disappointed in SDC website orders

« on: June 06, 2023, 02:13:14 PM »

My receipt from my purchases has it listed on there with a zero cost - check your receipt.

Jay

10

Other Parks / Re: Bell's Developments

« on: May 17, 2023, 08:39:23 AM »

Until the land actually sells - there is always hope. Robby is still very positive (as he is always) that something can still be worked out. The letter from Santa Cruz to Michael Spurgeon (as I understand from Robby) was a very positive letter and did not talk about the Bell's family in a negative light. The letter did state they thought the area was still good for an amusement facility or development - they just don't want to be a part of it anymore. As far as I know, there hasn't been a sell of the property to a new owner - Santa Cruz still owns it, but they do have a local land developer/agent marketing the property.

Maybe Robby can still pull something off and be able to keep a piece of the property - just don't expect it to be the 100 acre development previously discussed.

11

Other Parks / Re: Bell's Developments

« on: May 12, 2023, 03:55:21 AM »

The California group paid all our contracts, project expenses, etc.

12

Other Parks / Re: Bell's Developments

« on: May 11, 2023, 02:41:59 PM »

Just FYI......when Robby made the press conference, it wasn't all talk without substance.

They had been working on it for more than two years at that point, we did preliminary plot plans, utility agreements, earth change permits, met with the City multiple times, was in the middle of a traffic study, working with the Corps of Engineers on jurisdictional determinations, etc. - in fact work on this started in 2019 and then Covid hit and put it on hold. We were given the green light to start again in 2021 and was moving forward. I had several conversations with the "California" people who at that time wanted to remain anonymous and the City didn't even know the group involved.

The project was to a point where some major decisions had to be made on how to move forward and I sent the options to the team in California. We almost had the traffic study at the preliminary report phase when I got the call from California telling us to temporarily halt the project. I called Robby and he didn't even know at that point that California put it on hold. The next week they contacted City of Broken Arrow and that's when it was made public.

We were told at the time they would reevaluate the project and determine how to proceed. However, a couple weeks ago I received a call saying they wanted to sell the land, so I provided all our survey information to the land agent. The intent to sell has now been made public.

I hate this for the Bell's family because they were working hard not just for themselves but also the group from California. I'm not sure why they abruptly pulled the plug on the project (considering they purchased the land) but as with any company, sometimes business decisions are made that aren't what we want to happen.

I just put this out there because Robby really believed this was the real deal this time. It wasn't just an idea and him jumping the gun. He wants to bring Bell's back has been working to live and make it happen. Things were pressing forward, and I really hate that it didn't happen for them, Broken Arrow, Tulsa, etc.

13

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: RIP fry bread… new cheesesteak and fry stand takes its place

« on: May 01, 2023, 05:03:30 PM »

Yes, it was just announced by SDC that the new Flossie’s is opening this week.

I really like cheesesteak fries…so I’ll have to check those out!

Jay

14

Random Talk / Do some dang research....

« on: April 27, 2023, 09:09:17 AM »

Just a little gripe, but it seems like people have forgotten how to do simple research for information. With the internet age - you can basically do anything by doing a Google search, then YouTube example videos, etc. Heck I've done a lot of work around the house figuring out appliances, cars, etc. using this method. But go to the Silver Dollar City Facebook pages - and some of those simple questions that show up are just mind blowing. I usually answer those by giving a link to the SDC website.

Some examples:

• Can you buy tickets online before you get to the park? - um, yes, go to silverdollarcity.com, select tickets and passes
• Do I get any discounts with my season pass? - um, yes, go to silverdollarcity.com, select tickets and passes - look at the benefits list
• I hear you can't use BAF passes on Friday - um no, look at your BAF Passes, they list the restrictions on each individual pass

I see these kinds of questions on several different pages (not just SDC) and it makes me wonder if we've forgotten how to do simple research?

BTW, does anyone know when White Water opens for the year?? - 

Jay

15

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC’s 2024 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: April 24, 2023, 10:02:42 AM »

Glad to see they are adding some window treatments to the rest of the building, I wonder if they'll ultimately let vegetation overtake the building like FITH 1.0? I would think the pumpkin plaza shipping containers would eventually be replaced with something on the side of the new building, but then again....those containers have been working fine.

Jay