Theme Park Insider

Silver Dollar City reviews

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Posted: January 23, 2012

Silver Dollar City is located outside Branson, Missouri and is operated by Herschend Family Entertainment, which also operates Dollywood in Tennessee (in fact, Dollywood used to be branded a "Silver Dollar City" park) and Wild Adventures in Georgia. The park is meticulously maintained, well-themed, and filled to the brim with "cast members" playing their part in an attempt to provide as immersive of a theme park experience as you can get west of Florida, or east of California.

Directions: Check the park's website for maps and directions.

History: SDC's history can be traced all the way back to the 1500s, when Native Americans discovered (what eventually became) the Marvel Cave directly beneath where the park now resides. By the late 1940s, Marvel Cave was drawing over 5,000 visitors a year. In the late 40s, the Herschends bought Marvel Cave and added a custom-designed train to carry folks back to the surface and were further inspired to create an authentic replica of an old time Ozark Mountain community. By the end of 1960, Silver Dollar City was born.

Hours: Silver Dollar City opens for the season in mid-March, operating through Dec. 30. It is also closed many Mondays and Tuesdays during the school year. Check the park's website for specific operating hours.

Reservations: In addition to single day passes and annual passes, Silver Dollar City offers express passes for both shows and rides. The Show Lover's Pass provides priority front row seating to participating shows, and the Trailblazer Pass provides front of line access for up to six rides. Check the links included for details and pricing.

Tickets: Buy in advance online at the Silver Dollar City website.

Touring Strategy: The best bet is to plan a two day trip and use one day for rides, and one day for shows, demonstrations, shopping, and the Marvel Cave tour. However, for single day excursions, check out this touring plan discussion thread.

News: While the additions to SDC in 2012 are limited to enhanced festivals and some new shows (including a brand new Christmas show based on the classic film, "Its A Wonderful Life"), the most exciting announcement comes from the Rocky Mountain Construction Group (the folks responsible for the rebirth of The Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas in 2011). According to a recent article in the Spokane Journal of Business on 1/19/2012, RMCG has expanded to new facilities to handle all the work they are receiving. Among that work is a 2013 coaster project at SDC. This news coincides with all the ground clearing that has been occurring behind the Wilson's Farm area at the park. More info when we have it....

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Readers' Tips for Visiting Silver Dollar City

Readers' reviews:

Attractions
Homestead Ridge(Rating)(Height)
McHaffie's Homestead8
Hugo's Hill Street(Rating)(Height)
Opera House Theater10
Wildfire952
Powderkeg942
Silver Dollar Saloon8
American Plunge834
Fire-In-The-Hole836
Main Street(Rating)(Height)
Marvel Cave10
Gazebo Stage8
Midtown(Rating)(Height)
Grandfather's Mansion8
Swinging Bridge6
Riverfront(Rating)(Height)
Geyser Gulch8
Tom & Huck's River Blast8
Lost River of the Ozarks836
Boatworks Theater7
Dockside Theater7
Riverfront Playhouse7
The Grand Exposition(Rating)(Height)
Red Gold Heritage Hall8
Magnificent Wave Carousel848
Mighty Galleon836
Electro Spin748
Racing Regatta636
Royal Tea Party536
Wings of Wonder3
Elephant March336
The Grand Exposition Coaster336
Happy Frogs3
The Ladybugs336
Culinary & Craft School
The Great Barn At Wilson's Farm(Rating)(Height)
The GIANT Swing848
High-Low Silos540
Valley Road(Rating)(Height)
Echo Hollow Amphitheatre9
Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train8
Flooded Mine8
Frisco Barn8
Thunderation842
Half Dollar Holler2

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining
Hugo's Hill Street(Rating)
Wagon Works Grill8
Frank's Hot Dogs and Brats7
Lumbercamp Falls Skillet7
Lumbercamp Restaurant7
Main Street(Rating)
Hannah's Ice Cream Factory10
Eva & Delilah's Bakery9
Molly's Mill Restaurant9
Reunion Hall8
Lucky Silver Mine Restaurant8
Midtown(Rating)
Big Jack's Sandwich Shop9
Mary's Springhouse8
Riverfront(Rating)
Aunt Polly's Fried Chicken9
Dockside Grill8
Riverside Rib House8
The Grand Exposition(Rating)
Lady Liberty Dining Pavilion7
Valley Road(Rating)
Buckshot Annie's Skillet Cookery9
Hatfield's Tater Patch8
Poke Salad Mary's8
Annie's Shack8

[Add a missing restaurant]

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