Visited the City over the weekend. Attended ACE’s Coaster Christmas presentations. Gleaned the following information—the new ride is scheduled to debut in 2024. Brad Thomas showed a picture of the new building and said (with tongue firmly planted in cheek) that they are building the world’s largest Dollar General, and that more information would be announced next year. So, it looks like we still have another full year to ride FITH 1.0. Brad also mentioned the new property acquisitions. He said they have “exciting plans” for the property but didn’t elaborate. He did mention that by the time all is said and done that SDC’s real estate holdings will extend all the way to Branson West.
As I mentioned in another thread, other sources indicated that the investigation into the train accident has been completed, but the results have not yet been made public. Hopefully, we will hear something soon. And you don’t have to worry about missing Grandpa’s story. He was sitting on a bench in front of the depot when I walked by on Sunday and he happily told the story to me and my family. It was really neat, even without the lights and music.
On a random note, the apple dumplings are only about a third of the size of what they used to be. They are basically just a ring of apple wrapped in pastry. I asked the worker at the stand if they changed the size due to the tasting passport. He said, “no”. They had to find a new supplier. On the bright side, they tasted really good, just very small.
All in all it was a good visit, my only real complaint is the lack of bluegrass. It used to be that they played Christmas music in a bluegrass style throughout the park during Old Time Christmas. Now about the only place you hear bluegrass at SDC is if you go watch the Homestead Pickers (which I recommend). Please note: I’m not a huge bluegrass music fan. But I’ve come to associate that style of music with SDC, and I miss it when its not there.
