rideguy70
Mega Poster
Hey, everyone! I'm new to these forums, but wanted to introduce myself with a trip report to a newly opened theme park in the US, America's Fun Park in Branson--just a few miles away from Silver Dollar City.
When I visited the park, it had only been open to the public for about two weeks (after being delayed from a planned opening at the end of May). While I'd argue that the actual rides aren't necessarily anything to write home about, what made this park different was it's heart. I encountered some of the most positive, enthusiastic employees I've ever run across. If they can keep this up, it'll be a very enjoyable park to visit. I had a great time!
Park admission is free! Wristbands at the time were $20 for all day, unlimited rides; however, that may have been a special due to the newness of the park, so it's possible prices may have changed since then.
The park has two coasters (three if you count a Wacky Worm, which wasn't yet operational when I visited), but the real crown jewel in the park is the Ghost Train. I spoke to the staff for nearly 20-30 minutes just on it. Introductory history: it was built in Germany as part of the fun faire circuit back in 1972, and is a one of a kind. I'll share more about it in the next post!
First ride, standard Galaxy. That said, it was running in great shape, so it was as good as a Galaxy could ever be. Plus, every time we went do the first drop, the staff member would smile and give our car a big thumbs up! It was so sweet!
Part of a Scrambler that is yet to be assembled. Funny thing, no gates or fences around it at all. Unusual in this day and age. (More on this later)
Mose Speed Flip, not yet ready to go, but looks close!
The incredible (and slightly racist) cars of the amazing Ghost Train! More on this later, but this Ghost Train was remarkable!
Windstorm, relocated from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and running great! While the design is rough, I still like it. And they are very generous about allowing rerides... I stayed on for 7 times in a row without even getting out!
Wave Swinger, but you don't seen them operated from the center much anymore. If you look closely, you can see the ride's main axle inside, and it would rotate when the ride spun. Also, it seemed to be running a bit faster than other Wave Swingers I've seen before.
More from the as-yet unassembled Scrambler.
The incredible facade of the Ghost Train. It's massive in person!
A short exterior portion of the Ghost Train.
Look at the detail on the roof!
Entry Door.
Showing it's German roots.
Exit doors.
Other rides. Again, park employees are so nice. Even though I was the only one that went down the slide, the staff member cheered and clapped for me. It was really sweet.
Kiddy rides and bumper cars/Scooter
Kiddy scrambler. The red building in the back in the main admission building. The park is free to enter!
Amazing dragon above the main entrance of the Ghost Train.
More details.
Quick detail of an interior effect on the Ghost Train.
More to come!
When I visited the park, it had only been open to the public for about two weeks (after being delayed from a planned opening at the end of May). While I'd argue that the actual rides aren't necessarily anything to write home about, what made this park different was it's heart. I encountered some of the most positive, enthusiastic employees I've ever run across. If they can keep this up, it'll be a very enjoyable park to visit. I had a great time!
Park admission is free! Wristbands at the time were $20 for all day, unlimited rides; however, that may have been a special due to the newness of the park, so it's possible prices may have changed since then.
The park has two coasters (three if you count a Wacky Worm, which wasn't yet operational when I visited), but the real crown jewel in the park is the Ghost Train. I spoke to the staff for nearly 20-30 minutes just on it. Introductory history: it was built in Germany as part of the fun faire circuit back in 1972, and is a one of a kind. I'll share more about it in the next post!
First ride, standard Galaxy. That said, it was running in great shape, so it was as good as a Galaxy could ever be. Plus, every time we went do the first drop, the staff member would smile and give our car a big thumbs up! It was so sweet!
Part of a Scrambler that is yet to be assembled. Funny thing, no gates or fences around it at all. Unusual in this day and age. (More on this later)
Mose Speed Flip, not yet ready to go, but looks close!
The incredible (and slightly racist) cars of the amazing Ghost Train! More on this later, but this Ghost Train was remarkable!
Windstorm, relocated from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and running great! While the design is rough, I still like it. And they are very generous about allowing rerides... I stayed on for 7 times in a row without even getting out!
Wave Swinger, but you don't seen them operated from the center much anymore. If you look closely, you can see the ride's main axle inside, and it would rotate when the ride spun. Also, it seemed to be running a bit faster than other Wave Swingers I've seen before.
More from the as-yet unassembled Scrambler.
The incredible facade of the Ghost Train. It's massive in person!
A short exterior portion of the Ghost Train.
Look at the detail on the roof!
Entry Door.
Showing it's German roots.
Exit doors.
Other rides. Again, park employees are so nice. Even though I was the only one that went down the slide, the staff member cheered and clapped for me. It was really sweet.
Kiddy rides and bumper cars/Scooter
Kiddy scrambler. The red building in the back in the main admission building. The park is free to enter!
Amazing dragon above the main entrance of the Ghost Train.
More details.
Quick detail of an interior effect on the Ghost Train.
More to come!
