HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Got to park on opening day at 8:35. Easy and quick ride on the trams to the ticket booth area. By the time I parked, the parking lot was already getting pretty full at stop #2, and they were getting ready to open the area around stop #3. Big crowds, and much anticipation about Outlaw Run. First merchandise display in Hospitality House was for Outlaw Run. I was blown away when I hit Main Street because I found out the park personnel started the line for Outlaw Run at 8am at the Saloon, and by the time I got on Main Street 45 minutes later, the line was already up to the Hospitality House!
Plenty of "citizens" on hand to work crowd control and everyone seemed in high spirits, so I went and had breakfast at the Mill. They dropped the ropes a half hour early at 9am because of the crowds. I made my way directly to Outlaw Run after I saw the flag raising and National Anthem on Main Street at 9:30am.
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At the bottom of the corkscrew overpass where the haystack dryer used to be is the new Wax Hand area. Done nicely. The old Wax Hand Station is part of the outdoor seating area for Crossroads Pizza. This restaurant is HUGE! Indoor dining area very nice, too, as was the service area.
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I noticed as I passed the folks standing in line for Outlaw Run that the little Wilson's Farm race game has been rethemed "Old West." But when they opened it, it was still the same, and they were giving stuffed farm animals away as prizes like last year. Outlaw Run plaza is big, and was filled to capacity when I got there. Nice locker area, good merchandise shop. Again, many "citizens" working crowd control. I saw and spoke with Terry Sanders, he was dressed as the Warden, and was helping get people with Trailblazer Passes to the right area. The Park CEO, Brad Thomas, was also in the area, and it appeared as if he was very busy making sure things went smoothly. The loading area was packed, as was the observation area. Several TV and Radio station crews on site to promote opening day. There were giveaways for those riding Outlaw Run, including T-Shirts and special certificates given to early riders. Most park personnel wore Outlaw Run buttons.
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Noticed Facebook logos on signage in the Ozark Marketplace area and in the Pathfinder. Did not see any in the 1880s area of the park.
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A few side notes: Jack's Sandwich shop apparently has some new signage, the beloved Treehouse still in place, but, of course, still closed. Noticed the train had two of the newer coaches on it today. The area where you line up to get into the Saloon was refurbished, Overall, the park looked great. I did have a chance to visit with a few old pals from my days on park, but everyone was super busy running here and there on opening day. I did see and speak with Terry Sanders, Randy Stowe, Kerry Chester...all old diving bell people, and a fellow named Terry who is a supervisor in food service that I worked with. Also saw Rex Burdette, who is an entertainment director now, saw D.A. Calloway, but did not have chance to speak with him. It was nice to see all these old, familiar faces, and Kerry Chester, celebrating his 38th year on park, is getting ready to retire. God bless them, all!
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I concentrated on Outlaw Run on this visit, as I knew everyone was excited about it. You will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED FOLKS! SDC looks great for the 2013 season, hope you can make it out to the park soon!
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