Recent posts
#31
Random Talk / Re: HFE Youtube
Last post by KBCraig - October 04, 2025, 03:49:17 PMQuote from: Coaster on October 03, 2025, 08:10:51 PMHerschend had a random flurry of activity on their YouTube channel today. Interesting video posted regarding the economics of the theme park industry and how HFE makes capital decisions and handles "IP"
https://youtu.be/NojpN4T0Q7o?si=gBBzBnasidZSsFAK
Was nice to see the Herschend CEO has been to SDC.
I'm halfway joking.
It sounds like he understands that long term success won't be found by chasing the latest greatest thrill ride. Not everyone on this forum gets that.
#32
Random Talk / HFE Youtube
Last post by Coaster - October 03, 2025, 08:10:51 PMHerschend had a random flurry of activity on their YouTube channel today. Interesting video posted regarding the economics of the theme park industry and how HFE makes capital decisions and handles "IP"
https://youtu.be/NojpN4T0Q7o?si=gBBzBnasidZSsFAK
Was nice to see the Herschend CEO has been to SDC.
I'm halfway joking.
https://youtu.be/NojpN4T0Q7o?si=gBBzBnasidZSsFAK
Was nice to see the Herschend CEO has been to SDC.
I'm halfway joking.
#33
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC Fanfest
Last post by Coaster - October 03, 2025, 08:05:08 PMI enjoyed watching it online. Favorite announcement was the SDC bag merch. Can't wait to get my hands on one of those hoodies. I also enjoyed the concept art for the interior of the resort. Incorporating the cave elements helped to calm my fears about the overall "modern stale" vibe I got from the initial concept art.
Excited to learn more about the Marvel Cave Mining Company!
Excited to learn more about the Marvel Cave Mining Company!
#34
Random Talk / Re: H2R survey
Last post by shavethewhales - September 29, 2025, 11:10:01 AMMakes sense. HFEC has historically dialed things way back during economic upheavals. Back in 2008 they delayed Riverblast a year to control costs and due to falling visitor counts that year. They've also famously pulled the plug on things quickly rather than sending good money after bad (Celebration City, numerous small brands and water park ownerships, etc).
They're obviously a much larger company now, but I imagine they are still pretty fiscally cautious around economic forecasts. Hard to say what the near term outlook is, but inflation is really biting people and everyone is cutting back. I know a lot of people are eating out a lot less. Entertainment will the next thing to cut...
I imagine most of HFEC's revenue comes from domestic tourism, but they do have some parks in the NE now that are going to be impacted from the fall of Canadian tourism. Domestic tourism to SDC and DW *could* see a small upswing if people opt for "staycations" instead of going to Florida or overseas. Hard to say, but I'd be nervous opening a massive new resort with these market headwinds right now.
They're obviously a much larger company now, but I imagine they are still pretty fiscally cautious around economic forecasts. Hard to say what the near term outlook is, but inflation is really biting people and everyone is cutting back. I know a lot of people are eating out a lot less. Entertainment will the next thing to cut...
I imagine most of HFEC's revenue comes from domestic tourism, but they do have some parks in the NE now that are going to be impacted from the fall of Canadian tourism. Domestic tourism to SDC and DW *could* see a small upswing if people opt for "staycations" instead of going to Florida or overseas. Hard to say, but I'd be nervous opening a massive new resort with these market headwinds right now.
#35
Random Talk / H2R survey
Last post by runner1960 - September 29, 2025, 09:23:51 AMJust got a survey from Herschend Marketing. The interesting thing is this did not concern anything about attractions or future developments. The entire survey was based on economic questions. How does the current economic situation affect my travel plans ? Have tariffs and inflation made me change plans or affect how much I am going to travel in the future.( specifically the next 6 months to 1 year ) Its was also centered on 3 markets . Pigeon Forge, Branson , and Orlando. Do I plan to visit more free attractions or museums , botanical gardens due to the uncertain economy. All in all a real downer survey.
#36
Construction/Rumors / Re: Project 2026 Tracker
Last post by mg - September 29, 2025, 09:23:11 AMQuote from: Duelist on September 28, 2025, 02:22:13 PM^ Did you get an ice cream freebie, MG?
No Highland coupons for us.
#37
Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC Fanfest
Last post by mg - September 29, 2025, 09:22:12 AMIt was a ton of fun and was exactly what they advertised it as being.
The new cheesy garlic pretzel bread was really good and will actually be available beginning this year during An Old Time Christmas.
I was really happy to see that we are getting a new parade that is bigger than the current one.
Overall, it was a fun event and we look forward to next season.... and we have to keep track of the Marvel Cave Mining Company certificates that we received.
The new cheesy garlic pretzel bread was really good and will actually be available beginning this year during An Old Time Christmas.
I was really happy to see that we are getting a new parade that is bigger than the current one.
Overall, it was a fun event and we look forward to next season.... and we have to keep track of the Marvel Cave Mining Company certificates that we received.
#38
Construction/Rumors / SDC Fanfest
Last post by Lampie - September 28, 2025, 06:12:07 PMHow's everyone feeling about fanfest?
What was your favorite announcement?
My overall thoughts: it was alright, the announcements were about what I expected(although I thought they might have a new show or two next season). It felt like they are trying really hard to be more like Disney.
My favorite announcement, probably goes to the pretzel cheese bread. Getting some interior renderings of the resort was a solid second place.
One big question I was left with was with the announcement about the showboat, they said the ramblers would be moving there, so will they not be in the city at all next year? What will they replace them with?
Other thoughts: I think a men's button down shirt in the merch bag pattern would be fun.
What was your favorite announcement?
My overall thoughts: it was alright, the announcements were about what I expected(although I thought they might have a new show or two next season). It felt like they are trying really hard to be more like Disney.
My favorite announcement, probably goes to the pretzel cheese bread. Getting some interior renderings of the resort was a solid second place.
One big question I was left with was with the announcement about the showboat, they said the ramblers would be moving there, so will they not be in the city at all next year? What will they replace them with?
Other thoughts: I think a men's button down shirt in the merch bag pattern would be fun.
#39
Construction/Rumors / Re: Project 2026 Tracker
Last post by Duelist - September 28, 2025, 02:22:13 PM^ From the talk on this board I really wasn't expecting them to announce the new ride for next year. And yes I thought Choctaw Charlie was entertaining but to me they didn't really have anything I would have considered big for a Fan Fest. But it was nice for them to have a Season Pass Holder exclusive showing (even if it was streamed to everyone). We have been Season Pass holders for 35 years now ourselves. And it was really great of them to offer active military free Season Passes (Season Passports I guess now). Did you get an ice cream freebie, MG?
#40
Construction/Rumors / Re: Project 2026 Tracker
Last post by mg - September 28, 2025, 07:28:11 AMFan Fest was 100% what it was advertised as. No one should have expected a ride announcement since there haz been zero teaser campaign.
They aren't just renaming the Showboat, its getting a remodel, seating arrangement is changing, new show, and new menu. I wouldn't be surprised if the dock area gets a remodel too.
There were a ton of other announcements from merchandise, foods, festivals, concerts, and the new Star, Lights, and Christmas Nights parade. Just because there wasn't a ride announcement doesn't mean that there weren't announcements.
It was a fun event and they did a great job hosting it.
They aren't just renaming the Showboat, its getting a remodel, seating arrangement is changing, new show, and new menu. I wouldn't be surprised if the dock area gets a remodel too.
There were a ton of other announcements from merchandise, foods, festivals, concerts, and the new Star, Lights, and Christmas Nights parade. Just because there wasn't a ride announcement doesn't mean that there weren't announcements.
It was a fun event and they did a great job hosting it.