brenthodge

Be at HAUNT - fountain at 9 (7,8,10 11 and 12) and you’ll see.

9pm. Annie Lennox. Wow. It only took how many years to figure out how to program a fountain??

That. Yet people keep posting pics from 6:30 of a dead park predicting the downfall of KI as we know it. Keep the whiney “I’ll never be back because they promised me haunt” crowd at home. They are doing fine folks!

If you are hungry, hit up Coney BBQ tonight. They are doling out heaps of chicken strips and the roast chicken is huge. Like the good old days!

There is so much myth and lore in the mountains though, that I feel like they could add 1-2 experiences that push into the “spooky and supernatural” realm a bit more without compromising their values and getting into satanic/gore/violence topics. Not sure where exactly to keep them separated from the family friendly aspects, but the area around Mystery mine, possibly the old queue path for Slidewinder, the place where Rudolph used to be… there are places it could definitely work.

There is so much myth and lore in the mountains though, that I feel like they could add 1-2 experiences that push into the “spooky and supernatural” real a bit more. Not sure where exactly to keep them separated from the family friendly aspects, but the area around Mystery mine, possibly the old queue path for Slidewinder, the place where Rudolph used to be… there are places it could definitely work.

I think the "flying" part will be screen based. I could even see it being a "turntable" type thing where cars can be cycled through then "rejoin" the track for the coaster part. I wonder if the "story" will have you raft, climb to the top of the mountain, soar, then "discover the hidden lake" then "dive down" - splash down, then calmly float through the secret lake to the unload.

LOL you mean TEAR IT DOWN and build it new - have you SEEN how much larger the building is?

Also very interesting. With the 26 season pass presale, they are cutting way back on the free admission incentives. Last year my son’s child silver got 2 free tickets- next year none and my Diamond got 4, now 2. Guess they don’t need to give away the gate like certain other parks. And passes sure aren’t 99.00. They know they have a quality product and aren’t afraid to price it that way.

Mike drop Dollywood.

Just a bit longer….

nope - check out the teasers and all the discussion from the past few months.

Why shocked? I can’t see the cost to re-theme every peanuts attraction, fb, and retail location being any less than the renewal cost. Like someone else pointed out, the fact that they have other theming options and don’t really “need” them might’ve factored into a renegotiated price.

The fact that we are recognizing Teachers as "first responders" and veterans of war is great since they are both of those - just in a different battle. That and the fact that those people often have an entire summer off and now you are making it less expensive to spend the summers with you... good call!

I thinkn Colgrazier could be an improvement and might be able to see the way to save this is through redefining the brand and getting back to a solid guest experince. Chapek would be more of the Zimmerman same in that he was basically running that game at Disney. He only saw cost synergies as a way to a heathy bottom line.

the story is one of desperation, defeat, bankruptcy and disappointment. Sadly no "Boo replacement" can put a positive spin on how bad this is starting to look for them.

Generally things like this aren’t thrown together in a year. I have a feeling early plans were being formed even then. I seem to remember Koontz saying something new in that building and TRTR were 2 of his goals “before he retired” since his retirement was forced a bit early, I think we can have him to thank a bit for keeping this idea alive these past few years. For the quick turn on this (less than 8 months) a lot of development has already happened and probably some set pieces will be ready to go in as soon as the space is cleared. Pivot can be changed with these ride vehicles (it was for Scooby) so I think it can still feel different.

Agree to aLL of this and to say the 50th got no major investment - thats not true TONS of money was invested into historical decor, 4 original shows, a daily "mini parade" and closing show infrastructure thats in use nightly though the summer. In additiona to ride and facilities refreshes. I'd say it was a lot of invesment and more than most got for their 50ths.

good one!

There was a "horde" that I seemed to be just in front of all night. Same expereice - I'd ride with little wait, get off and see double the line. Help in my favor till I somehow got out of order and they got in front of me and the short line for ORION shot up to 40 min.

Interesting Carrowinds is still holding at 69. I haven’t checked to see if other parks are playing price roulette.

I’m getting closer to not renewing. I’m glad I didn’t join the sheep in the line to the slaughter a few weeks ago when it all went live. 12 days to make my final decision and get my dumpster fire sale pass at SixOverGA.

GRAVITY.

This also shows their strategy. Limit the “all season limited access” to push more traffic to the pr visit product, thereby potentially getting more yield through quantity sales when people have to buy it multiple times. It’s similar to the pushback Dollywood got a few years ago during Covid reservations when they limited passholder slots, yet had lots of “daily ticket purchase” availability. Unlimited access passholders don’t make you as much money.

Yes to both. I admit I take advantage of both of those, but would willingly give them up if it meant keeping a quality event.