From what I can tell all of this was put up over a night or two. That's one of the biggest issues for me. That's not an overlay that's some tinsel and a few barstools.
The other thing is, I honestly can see their being some backlash from the GP over this. Victory Canteen just doesn't sit well with me, (especially with my love for all things US History and Government). The Presidential Seal on a bar? Really? I've never judged something before seeing it as so many do on this site, however, this... it just seems cheap and simplistic.
What makes me frustrated is the fact that none of this is needed (like not even in the slightest). This will not bring in any added numbers other than minimal alcohol sales. Not to mention the fact that they are still having a full month of nightly fireworks which, fun fact, are extremely expensive. If they were doing it for say, two weeks, I'd be all for it, but they're not.¬ There is no addition to the park, whatsoever. I was going to write up a lengthy trip report/opinion piece on the park but the “discussion” in the bomb threat thread pretty much killed my passion at the time so that’s on the backburner for now. However one of the main points I was going to make was that F&W, aside from adding new attractions all over the park, also added something that we haven’t seen in a very long time: density. Not individual, but spatial density. People were stopping to relax, and clustering in spaces that were normally thoroughfares. People were using these spaces as if they were in a PARK.
SSN adds no draws other than a bar. (And maybe Lady Liberty if there is actual fire in her torch).
Nicole said it best. This really isn’t a festival or an event. It’s filler, and until now, I don’t think the park has ever relied on filler.
Finally, let me make one last (possibly hot button) statement. I personally believe that the only reason we are having nightly fireworks (excluding the four days surrounding the fourth) is because Kings Dominion is having them. I think SSN is Busch’s answer to their 40th Celebration. I don’t think the park knows how to cope with the fact that someone just down the road is having a bigger party. I think SSN is their answer, instead of just allowing the park to pull through on its own.
Sky
