Dollywood Discussion Thread

[MattMattMattShe turned me into a donkey! I got better...]

In fact I'm sure plenty of dollywood visitors will be quite happy about increased focus on shows.

One thing I love about Dollywood is the way the appeal to kids, thrill seekers, families, older folks, just about everyone kinda like Disney strives to do. It seemed to me like tons of folks were there pretty much just for the shows and food and atmosphere so I'm sure you're right, Dollywood will bring them in with some work on their show roster just the same.

A disclaimer has appeared on the website of Adventure Mountain, Dollywood's supposed new attraction for 2009:

...

In other words, Dollywood is getting uneasy in this economy and is taking the low road out. If nearly bankrupt Six Flags can afford to add several new rides/attractions at most of its parks next year, there is no reason why Dollywood cannot... they are bluntly stopping the momentum that began in 2004 with Thunderhead.

Now I have an idea why Dolly Parton is upset with the way her park is being ran...

The low road out? Excuse me?

Do you expect them to spend millions just to appease you? If they go ahead with this project, it will be a massive waste. The 'momentum that began in 2004' is gone for now because people are losing their homes and their jobs, not because the Herschends are being fiscally wise.

I am VERY pleased that both DW and SDC are doing this. I would much rather them wait and keep their wonderful staff (many who have been with the parks for 20+ years) than try to blow through this unconsciously like certain other, deeply in-debt chains.

[coasterdude5Randomness]

I see it as a smart move and I look forward to hopefully getting to check it out in 2010.

[ECZenithGood to the last drop]

I think Dollywood has added more than enough new attractions in the last few years to keep everyone satisfied. I'd rather see this project get built properly in 2 years rather than get a "diet" version next year.

[TheRapidsNerdMullets never go out of style!]

These are hard times, so it's better to wait on this one.

Just please don't let them cut back on the great food and Vault Icee. I'm going over Thanksgiving and don't want to miss out.

Heh, show's you where my priorities are.

[tntornadox“Fear can make a donkey attack a lion”]

Are you working there again next year?

Most likely not, I have gotten a great new potential career opportunity within the past month, so far so good. Working at a park is a great experience though, I would reccomend it to anyone.

And to anyone else who thinks HFEC is the salt of the Earth and would fight you over your opinion, let us agree to disagree... any good fanboy can be critical of the company as well.

[EvoLeeI know quite a lot about Donkeys!]

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[Thom25Don't let this donkey melt you with its laser eyes!]

^ As I said in my earlier post, the delay may not be Dollywood fault or doing, but their banks. And that does NOT mean or reflect Dollywood isn't credit worthy. Banks are not lending to themselves, so this delay may be part of the bigger economic problem. On many levels, their statement is perfect, because if they are having funding problems, that certainly would mean they are having trouble securing the supplies.

[tntornadox“Fear can make a donkey attack a lion”]

I don't know the specifics, and noone really does since HFEC is a private company, but I believe their expansions come out of the capital expenditure expansion fund, that isn't to say they don't borrow, but I haven't heard of it in the past.

[Thom25Don't let this donkey melt you with its laser eyes!]

^ Couldn't agree more. None of us will ever know with certainty. What we do know is most companies borrow at some level, and the current economic conditions can severely impact any company that relys on season business, and the general publics disposable income.