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So, my SFEC Gold Pass+App was renewed through KD, and was the year before too. I just got an e-mail containing a survey that was all about a "winter event" at Kings Dominion. Here are what the questions were: 1.  Have you ever attended WinterFest at Kings Dominion? 2.  In what years did you attend (options of "2024," "2023 or earlier," or "never have") 3.  Free-Text fields asking what you did and did not like about the previous WinterFest events. 4.  An "A-or-B" choice between "Immersive holiday-themed event with limited ride operation" or "Closer to normal park operations with limited shows/decorations" 5.  1-to-5 scale questions for "How Likely are you to visit a winter event at Kings Dominion" and "How likely are you to buy a season pass to visit a winter event at Kings Dominion." 6.  A free-text field asking what you think the "must haves" are for a winter event at Kings Dominion. It would seem that they're actually listening to all of the push-back they got for cancelling last year's event and are considering reinstating it.

Agreed 100%.  Between making Gold Passes into Regional Passes and this, they seriously cannot figure out what they want to do with their season passes.  Definitely a more Legacy-Six than Legacy-Cedar type of move. Like....make all the changes you want, but announce it for the following year before passes went on sale.

If you haven't noticed, all season fast lane was changed last week.    Addons now work everywhere your pass works.  Fast Lane was updated last week. Dining plans seem to update (and get cheaper) when the spring sale goes live (only west and Texas so far). Addons must be purchased from home park.  Season Fast Lane Prices: West - $625 Texas - $449 Midwest - $999 East - $499 Crazy to do this months after passes are on sale. Also seems crazy your only season fast lane option at smaller parks is now way more expensive.    

damn, this sucks, such a fun mine train ride!

Silver Dollar City has announced that Thunderation will retire at the end of the 2026 season, after operating for 33 years. After 33 years of runaway thrills through the Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City’s Thunderation will be retired at the end of the 2026 season, marking the end-of-an-era for one of the longest-running and most celebrated mine train roller coasters in the United States. The final day of operation is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2027. Opened in 1993, the runaway mine train-style coaster has entertained generations of families, becoming a rite of passage for thrill-seekers visiting the 1880s theme park. Among roller coaster enthusiasts, Thunderation is widely regarded as one of the best mine train coasters in the world. Since its debut, the Arrow Dynamics coaster has carried more than 27 million riders across more than 3,000 feet of track carved into the Ozarks terrain. While park officials maintain the coaster has become a City treasure, the Marvel Cave Mining Company has declared it is time for “real” work back beneath the mountain. Officials hint that its return to activity signals significant developments ahead. The Marvel Cave Mining Company is taking back this section of the park for geological surveys, ordering Thunderation to vacate the tracks to make way for resumed mining operations inside Silver Dollar City. The mining company, which initially ceased operations in 1889, insists it is time to return to “good, honest work underground” deep within Marvel Cave and that the rails currently occupied by the coaster must be cleared. “Thunderation has had its run,” said Foreman Jedidiah Campbell. “But this mountain was never meant to be borrowed forever. There are still undiscovered sections of that mine, and I intend to see what it holds. The work underground matters more than any cheer from above.” Rather than protest the decision, Silver Dollar City has declared the 2026 season a yearlong celebration of Thunderation, beginning with an opening-day ceremony on March 13 and culminating in a final sendoff on Jan. 2, 2027. Special ride moments, promotional offers, commemorative merchandise and limited-time offerings will be unveiled throughout the season. "Thunderation's opening kickstarted exciting additions to Silver Dollar City,” says Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “Likewise, Thunderation's retirement at the end of 2026 will launch new and exciting chapters in Silver Dollar City's future. In this case, the end is really an exciting beginning. Please stay tuned!" Guests can plan their final ride at silverdollarcity.com.