Dollywood Discussion Thread

[EvoLeeI know quite a lot about Donkeys!]

removed

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

Not to mention, neither project at DW or SDC was costing them an arm nor a leg, I would have continued with the projects simply because if the economy improves before next season, you could have marketed a new attraction, now you cannot. They are banking on the economy being in the toilet for the next good while- will it? We shall see, but if it improves, they will regret the decision.

Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't Dollywood's shows a HUGE draw for the park? Obviously they aren't as big a draw for us, but I do recall a conversation with a park employee where he mentioned how Q-bot was brought because the SHOWS were so popular. So I fail to see how postponing the new attraction a year in favor of shows is going to be a big blow....

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

Don't get me wrong, their fall and winter audience wouldn't mind a bit if not another attraction was ever built, but the bulk of the guests visit in the Summer season, this is where it will hurt.

Most of them come for the rides, sure, they may watch a show, but aren't gonna decide to visit based off of it.

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

^So you're saying that they would base their visit on a nice kids play area instead?!!?

You work at the park, I wouldn't keep trashing it!

It's one of the nicest parks in the country, they're allowed to take a year off!

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

I'm guessing the bulk of the guests planning to visit this summer are not aware of the new attraction, nor it's postponement. There's lots of other big, relatively new attractions in the park and this one sounded relatively minor in scope anyway. It's not like they just canceled a new coaster or anything.

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

Ah, see, this is the problem I keep running into- being a 'fanboy' of a park dosen't mean I have to agree with them 100% of the time. I see it as slight criticism of a decision they have made, what's wrong with that?

I have been one of Dollywood's biggest fans since I was very little, back when the park's biggest ride was the Thunder Express and Flooded Mine, and feel I am entitled to my opinion just as much as everyone else.

[robbalveySite Admin]

Ah, see, this is the problem I keep running into-

No, the problem you're running into is that you're a 19 year old kid who seems to think you know everything about theme park operations, the economy and well, just about everything.

And most people who have been responding to you in this thread have been working in the theme park or entertainment industry for YEARS (I've got more years of park and entertainment experience under my belt than you've been ALIVE), some of us working in management or senior executive levels and have been involved in making decisions such as this one.

Yet you seem to respond with the attitude of "you don't know what you're talking about but *I* do" which is basically giving you ZERO respect within this group.

*THAT* my friend is the "problem" you're running into....

--Robb "You need to be able to listen as much as you speak." Alvey

[ParkTripsBubbles!]

This was found in a study held not too long ago...

Don't attack the messenger.

Not attacking but I just don't see travel as being a necessity - its not just theme parks, places like Las Vegas are struggling too

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

Robb, what you are getting from my posts is not my intention at all, I first posted MY opinion and it has since blossomed into me having to defend myself and my position.

I may be only 19, but I was a passholder at Dollywood for 16 of those years- I grew up with this park and was a fanboy long before anyone else knew where the park was- back when the largest ride was the 'Thunder Express', so please, don't discount me or my opinions due to my age.

This will be my last post on this subject, the herding effect to deter opposite opinion reminds me why my interest in parks slowed down several years ago- 'go with the crowd or you will regret it'.

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

^It has nothing to do with "go with the crowd...". Your point just doesn't make any sense. If they were canceling a MAJOR project like a coaster, then you could argue that attendance would not be as strong. But a kids play area? In favor of shows in a market that clearly loves shows and random tourist crap? That doesn't seem like anything that is going to have a damaging affect on DW's attendance...