I had the most amazing lunch with a man that works here at the YMCA. I found out that he used to do shows at Opryland. He also confirmed that the park was indeed as fantastic as I remember it, that it wasn't getting run down, and that it wasn't losing money.
From his first hand accounts and other sources that I have pulled together I have learned:
1. Some management was handed down through the family to a man who wasnt interested in running a carnival so he made plans to bulldoze the park in favor of a business venture that would become known as Opry Mills.
The public believed they were getting a Mall Of America type attraction, an indoor Opryland USA. We ended up getting a mega retail outlet that didnt live up to the hype. It isnt the money maker that it was expected to be and the owner cut out after a year and a half. The Opry name is only licensed to the mall.
2. Many of the rides were sold to Premier Parks, a buyout happened through Six Flags, and the Opryland attractions ended up rusting in a field in Indiana. A few rides resurfaced in other parks, some trains were auctioned off, and the rest was sold for scrap metal. Yes, that is right, some of my fondest childhood memories were sold for scrap metal after wasting away in an Indiana field.
3. A few years ago, there was interest in building a new park, more land was needed, Two Rivers Baptist Church refused to sell the land that was needed.
4. The track from the Grizzly River Rampage can still be seen and is the only visible remnant left from the park, however, there are plans to expand the hotel and it too will be demolished.
We sat at lunch the other day and talked about the rides, the shows, the good times. I'll admit that I am a man who has spent a good deal of time running from his past and specifically his childhood, but I was ready to go back in time, jump into the green station wagon with my family, and head to Opryland. I have such fond memories that I literally feel like crying when I think about it long enough. I can vividly see each member of my family's face on those rides and in that atmosphere. What a great time that was.
And now it is...a mall.....a land of dreams dozed for a dollar...
Ive been thinking about this nonstopfor a few days now. Im still researching and fact checking. If you have any corrections, news, or stories to share please contact me.
I suggest that everyone go to Youtube and search for Opryland rides.
Also check out the Opryland Wikipedia Page and Thrillhunter.com for a nostalgic trip to the park and "where are they now" ride info.
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