Messages

226

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: April 10, 2017, 12:30:20 PM »

Looking at your pictures on Facebook, this one has me scratching my head.....

Look at the two openings on the right. I would guess these are the maintenance openings for storage, etc. (just a guess though). These openings also line up with what we think is the loading platform to the left.

Now, if we enter the ride using the top platform and top level, and you look at the top of the openings to the right......there isn't much room for a train to set on top of the track and line up with what we think is the loading platform. I guess the train could sit very close to the top of the track (like a wing coaster) and it still work......or we enter the ride in the level below (but why have the floor opening on the top level if that was going to be the case {unless the track goes there?}?

So my guess now is we enter from the lower level or have a coaster that sits very close to the top of the track (wing coaster).....

Also looking at topographical maps, I'm guessing the dive out of the station could be around 150' (if they do some earth work) if they do massive earth work (tunnel) it would be greater. Then they could have a launch or second lift and big drop to get us back to the station.......didn't someone say this would have a 200' drop?

Jay

227

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: TripAdvisor 2017

« on: April 03, 2017, 04:29:40 PM »

Here's your top 25:
1.   Universal’s Island of Adventure
2.   Discovery Cove
3.   Magic Kingdom
4.   Europa-Park
5.   Universal Studios Florida
6.   Universal Studios Hollywood
7.   Disney’s Hollywood Studios
8.   Disneyland Park
9.   Disney California Adventure Park
10.   Beto Carrero World
11.   Tivoli Gardens
12.   SeaWorld Orlando
13.   Disney’s Animal Kingdom
14.   Epcot
15.   Le Puy du Fou
16.   Bush Gardens Tampa
17.   Universal Studios – Singapore
18.   Dollywood
19.   Disneyland Park – France
20.   PortAventura World
21.   Silver Dollar City
22.   Paultons Park
23.   Cedar Point
24.   Gardaland Park
25.   Hong Kong Disneyland

https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Attractions-cAmusementParks-g1

I'm surprised that Busch Gardens Williamsburg isn't on the list.

Jay

228

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: April 02, 2017, 02:15:46 AM »

I noticed the www.link on the fence changed and "WildMountain" has been replaced with "OverTheFence". Both links are still active and take you to the same web page: http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/what-is-it

Which made me wonder....what if I replace "WildMountain" with "TineTraveler"......so I did, but it only lead me to a "page not found" page.

Jay

229

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2017 Project Part 2

« on: March 20, 2017, 05:07:08 PM »

Here's a picture of the tree house area. The hollow tree and bridge are gone, but he tree house platform just sitting there doesn't look very good.

Jay

230

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: March 20, 2017, 04:48:08 PM »

There are footers that line up directly with the opening on the station, headed back toward TNT's switchbacks. This picture was taken right at the "don't look over the fence" sign.

Jay

231

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2017 Project Part 2

« on: February 22, 2017, 03:46:37 PM »

I know it will not happen, but Mary's Springhouse would be a excellent place for the Upscale Coffee/tea house and roastery.  I have wished for this for years.

It would be an even better place for a Mexican Subway (like Chipotle).  Don't be shocked if that's what they put there

Well......looky here: https://blog.silverdollarcity.com/article/new-percys-southwest-grill?cid=smc_000262

Percy's Southwest Grill - Sounds like a Chipotle, Qdoba type place to me - I'm looking forward to this.

Jay

232

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Got another survey this week about SDC

« on: February 19, 2017, 10:13:22 AM »

I think you are going to see changes at SDC as a reflection of the demographics changing in Branson. The new attractions on 76 are an indicator too: Drop Tower, Alpine Coaster, Youth Sports, Challenge Parks, etc.

I was saying things were changing away from the "feel" of SDC when they add Half Dollar Hollar right smack in the middle of the park; the atmosphere around the swinging bridge was forever ruined. You could say though that the additions of Wildfire, Powder Keg and Grand Exposition started the "change" long before; but HDH right in the middle of the park I thought was poorly done.

But with each of my "I do this differently" - there are others that love what was done. So as long as they don't start putting up Batman in one section of the park, then Superman in another, and completely abandoning the "overall cohesive theme"; I'll enjoy my day. In addition to the rides, leave me stores to shop, shows to see, food to eat, and crafts to watch and I'll be back year after year.

But if it's not special and magical and becomes generic - I'll probably find something else to do with my time and money....but so far, even with all the changes that have been made, I find that SDC is my "happiest place on earth".

Jay

233

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2017 Project Part 2

« on: January 22, 2017, 08:59:26 AM »

Still looks like SDC.  Trees.  Buildings.  Rides.  :p

You noted Trees!! Midtown is getting the Osborn lights and changes would or are being made to support this during the off season.  If you look at the art work you will note that there are many large things up in the air, this brings me pause.  In order to have these things up you need clearence so you can instal it in the first place and for any animated movement.  My suspision is trees and growth has been "adjusted" or removed for this as they probably would not do this mid season.  What will this do to the shade and the character of mid town?  Thats what I am interested in, this is a old area of the park that really captured the SDC feel.  From Marys Spring house down to the woodcarvers (old toy shop) is sensetive and hopefully they have maintained its integrity and character.

This is probably more of a discussion for the 2017 thread, but I hope you weren't too attached to the Springhouse.  I'll admit, I never ate there in all the years of its existence.  Guess I never will.

We really spent more time in Midtown than mainstreet. We enjoyed eating at Mary's Spring House, candle making, fresh cinnamon bread, etc. But this area never seemed to be too busy.  It will be interesting to see how much this area gets changed and what all changes are made. It will be nice if Big Al's becomes something again and do they replace the treehouse with a new shop or just remove it and leave the area open? Looking forward to March and getting back to SDC.

Jay

234

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2016 Trip Reviews

« on: January 04, 2017, 01:49:08 PM »

Just a quick review of our trip on Dec. 26th and a few notes.

1. The park had a large crowd, but it wasn't so large that it was miserable.
2. Wildfire had a very long line, used upstairs queue, was out the door....but kids wanted to ride, so we stayed in line. The line moved, but we waited over an hour. The ride itself felt much better and smoother than when I rode this summer....no headache this time.
3. Flooded Mine line began at the train station, but moved quickly, seemed to be a popular ride that day.
4. Outlaw Run had a little trouble in the early part of the day, but was running two trains at night and there wasn't a line. I can't express how awesome this ride is at night when you are completely blinded by the darkness. This was my best coaster ride ever.
5. The sausage in the calico skillet was awful - it was bone dry and something was just off (seasonings, texture, something wasn't right).
6. The candle shop seemed very bare - not much holiday selection of items and stock was very low. Are they doing something with this shop?
7. The welding shop was bare of Christmas items too. We've purchased quite a bit of decorations from this shop in the past, but there wasn't much of anything left on Dec. 26th.
8. I heard SDC staff talk about how many guest they are turning away from "It's a Wonderful Life" - they were saying they turned away over 400 people at the last show.

Oh, and I left my sunglasses on top of the cubbies at Thunderation.........after a while I realized what I had done and went back, they were still there! But I think that commends the cliental that visits SDC. I have had items stolen from me in other parks, and here, I've never had a problem......even when I tempted fate with my own stupidity.

Overall, our visit was a great one. We rode all the rides we wanted to, shopped all the shops we love, got some great after Christmas deals, etc......just didn't have time for any shows this time around.

Jay

235

Random Talk / Re: Trex Track??

« on: November 20, 2016, 08:03:09 PM »

Well, it's not TRex - just a little smaller. Manufactured by RMC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOIyt9O3lOc&app=desktop

Jay

236

Random Talk / Re: Trex Track??

« on: November 18, 2016, 10:38:20 AM »

Okay, the track looked very similar (flat box style) and I thought that maybe Skyline had sub consulted that work to RMC....

Or are you saying that it won't be the "first" installation.....and that the first TRex will be something else?

Jay

237

Random Talk / Trex Track??

« on: November 17, 2016, 02:37:48 PM »

Could the new Skyline Attractions SkyWarp be the first "coaster" type attraction to use RMC's Trex track? Look at these renderings and pictures - it looks like Trex track to me:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/005_469.jpg

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1754498#p1754498

Jay

238

Branson Talk / Re: New Adventure Park on 165 proposed.

« on: October 24, 2016, 02:01:53 PM »

My daughter and I rode this four times this last week and had a blast. Yes it was a little expensive but we really enjoyed the ride. We both went full throttle on all rides. The first ride I almost pulled back on the brake on the second helix, but maintained full speed all the way through. Some observations:

1. Make sure to profile the people that are in line before you.......if there are little kids, or someone you might not think will go full throttle, ask the attendant to hold you back before releasing you so you have plenty of space before the cart in front of you.
2. They will slow the lift down to clear the track if there are slow riders....hopefully though you're not released before they identify the slow riders.
3. don't slow down too early......fly through the last bridge section and only slow if there is a cart in front of you. There are magnetic brakes at the end that will stop you....no need to stop too early.

Jay

239

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: October 20, 2016, 08:59:31 PM »

Lol I was there today too. I will just leave this here. I brought my telephoto and took lots of photos today which I will upload tonight after I get home.

Video: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154616921217232&id=503502231

Great video! I wish I would have stayed until E.H. opened so I could have seen this too! We may go back tomorrow, but that depends on how my daughter feels in the morning.

Jay

240

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2018 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: October 20, 2016, 06:37:21 PM »

Went to the park today, expecting to see hills scalped, etc. I guess I had prepared myself for something more than what was there. Anyhow, here are my thoughts and observations.

Right now you cannot see much unless you get down into Echo Hollow, or ride Thunderation. I was expecting to be able to see a lot of clearing from the picnic tables around the skillet area, but you really can't. Also, I'm assuming the construction hidden from view by the wooden fence in G.E. is for the new Echo Hollow bathrooms (there were door frames, etc. being staged in that area).

It looks like the "footers" are now going down the hill. Lots of work going on today. You could hear a bunch of sawing which I assume is for the footer forms.

I was also happy to see a small retaining wall next to Thunderation, which leads me to believe Thunderation will survive this expansion.

I didn't try to take any pictures because there wasn't anything easy to photograph and my group didn't want to stay for the show (sorry, I failed).

Jay