Silver Dollar City (SDC) Discussion Thread

[Jaykethekid]

Yea. When I got to ride it opening year the airtime felt so insanely strong that it almost hurt. I do remember though that the restraint had two spots that awkwardly jammed into my leg. Didn't they kinda adjust the restraint before? I remember hearing something about that.

[Koasterking48]

Um I was there in March when it was barely warm enough for the ride to be open, it was misting, and I was the only one on the train and the airtime was still insane. Didn't ride it in 2013/14 but from a first timers perspective, Outlaw Run was amazing even in terrible weather.

[DoinItForTheFame]

I keep seeing people saying they can't feel Outlaw Run's airtime at all anymore. Has anyone that's visited recently know anything about this. I mean when I went in 2014 compared to my 2013 visit I agree but I was a lot bigger in 2014 so that's what's confusing me.

This seriously just blows my mind. I do not understand how people can not "feel" Outlaw Run's airtime anymore. Seriously???

 

An RMC Coaster losing it's airtime?? Coasters do not simply "lose" their airtime, aside from maybe installing a trim going into an airtime hill, or slowing down a launch on a launched coaster. But there is no way possible Outlaw Run has lost its airtime. I have been on the coaster in all different types of weather from freezing cold, to rain, to 110 degrees, and it always has extreme airtime.

 

The ONLY thing I can think of that would cause someone to think that they can not "feel" the airtime any more is if their seat belt is way to tight, and they are "stapled" by the restraint. That would keep them from getting the feeling of their butt leaving the seat, but they would still get that "being thrown around" feeling.

 

Wow, and to think... I thought I had heard it all.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

I can see people familiar with the ride getting used to the airtime to where it's not as much of a shock and feels more "routine" to their mind.

 

For me, coming from CA where we have no *real* airtime that we're aware of, I don't think that will be a problem.

[Jaykethekid]

I keep seeing people saying they can't feel Outlaw Run's airtime at all anymore. Has anyone that's visited recently know anything about this. I mean when I went in 2014 compared to my 2013 visit I agree but I was a lot bigger in 2014 so that's what's confusing me.

This seriously just blows my mind. I do not understand how people can not "feel" Outlaw Run's airtime anymore. Seriously???

 

An RMC Coaster losing it's airtime?? Coasters do not simply "lose" their airtime, aside from maybe installing a trim going into an airtime hill, or slowing down a launch on a launched coaster. But there is no way possible Outlaw Run has lost its airtime. I have been on the coaster in all different types of weather from freezing cold, to rain, to 110 degrees, and it always has extreme airtime.

 

The ONLY thing I can think of that would cause someone to think that they can not "feel" the airtime any more is if their seat belt is way to tight, and they are "stapled" by the restraint. That would keep them from getting the feeling of their butt leaving the seat, but they would still get that "being thrown around" feeling.

 

Wow, and to think... I thought I had heard it all.

I was lifted out of my seat and I quite noticed it but I didn't feel the same pressure in my legs than I did before. It just felt "different". I got a trip in July here and I guess I will just have to wait to find out.

[miketeavee]

I keep seeing people saying they can't feel Outlaw Run's airtime at all anymore. Has anyone that's visited recently know anything about this. I mean when I went in 2014 compared to my 2013 visit I agree but I was a lot bigger in 2014 so that's what's confusing me.

 

I rode it for the first time a week or so ago - it's got tons of airtime, not sure what those people are talking about...

[ACES]

I'm planning my first visit ever to Silver Dollar City. I'm planning to go July 29 till August 5. I was wondering I'm going on a Thursday how busy is the park? Does Outlaw Run two trains every day and how are the lines average wait we'res the best place to sit? The cave tour has anyone ever done it last about hour and how's the train ride?

 

Also what are the best motels near by I have about a seven hour drive coming from Minnesota I'm planning to leave around one get there at 10:00pm thanks.

[DoinItForTheFame]

I'm planning my first visit ever to Silver Dollar City. I'm planning to go July 29 till August 5. I was wondering I'm going on a Thursday how busy is the park? Does Outlaw Run two trains every day and how are the lines average wait we'res the best place to sit? The cave tour has anyone ever done it last about hour and how's the train ride?

 

Also what are the best motels near by I have about a seven hour drive coming from Minnesota I'm planning to leave around one get there at 10:00pm thanks.

 

A Thursday should not be to busy at the park. Just make sure there is no "Kids Fest" or any festival going on that week. Outlaw Run always runs 2 trains. I think the best place to sit on Outlaw Run is the front row, but 90% of people on here will say the best place is the back row. It's just a matter of personal opinion. Any seat on the ride is amazing. Nothing in the park should be over a 30 minute wait including Outlaw Run unless you just go on a super busy day. Outlaw Run is usually about 15 minutes as is everything else. The cave tour is fun, but be prepared for tight spaces, lots stairs, and a lot of almost crawling. It's neat to do once. But that's about it. The train ride is a nice train ride. Gives some unique views of Outlaw Run.

 

As for hotels? We always stay at the Holiday Inn Express on Green Mountain drive. It's a nice hotel, and we have never been dissapointed.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Nothing in the park should be over a 30 minute wait including Outlaw Run unless you just go on a super busy day.

 

Well a Saturday in August is a super busy day in most parks. How bad is *bad* at SDC?

[Fidelity]

I went on Monday, June 15th, and the park was packed. We arrived five minutes before opening and we had to wait several trams. The waits for Fireman's Landing were manageable and, after an intense thunderstorm, Wildfire was deserted.

 

Outlaw Run was approximately twenty minutes and it was amazing. You have no time to even process every amazing second from the epic drop to the finish of the second barrel roll. If it weren't for my meddling kids, I would have been content to stay on it all day, but the family and an intense thunderstorm conspired against me, as I was only able to ride twice.

 

The real bummer, aside from missing out on a few more turns on Outlaw Run, was the persistent mechanical issues plaguing Powderkeg throughout the day. Good luck.

[DoinItForTheFame]

Nothing in the park should be over a 30 minute wait including Outlaw Run unless you just go on a super busy day.

 

Well a Saturday in August is a super busy day in most parks. How bad is *bad* at SDC?

Super busy at SDC = 45-60 minutes for the main coasters. But that is a very rare event. The only time I have seen it that way was during Christmas in the park.

[Shavethewhales]

^It happens in the summer fairly often. Moonlight madness and the holiday weekends especially, but any weekend could end up suddenly crowded for whatever reason.

 

That said, SDC's operations are decent, and they work to keep lines moving. Even a crowded day at SDC is a pretty awesome experience. If you get tired of waiting in line, there's lots of craftsmen to watch, shopping to do, the cave tour, and other less crowded rides and areas. I find that the crowds really die down very quickly during the last hour, so if it's really bad for some reason you could just plan to hit up Outlaw Run then. Wildfire will keep a fairly short line all day simply due to capacity and the height restriction, so there's always that.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Nothing in the park should be over a 30 minute wait including Outlaw Run unless you just go on a super busy day.

 

Well a Saturday in August is a super busy day in most parks. How bad is *bad* at SDC?

Weekends in July and the first part of August with good weather will get about 20,000-25,000 in the park. Unlike all other times of the year, the focus in the summer really is on the rides. Longest line in the park is always the Lost River, and it's frequently over an hour in the summer. Longest coaster line will be Powder Keg, as it's the most thrilling ride for the 42"-48" kids. The entrance (where the test seat is) is right at an hour, and in the summer I've often seen the line go all the way down to Fire in the Hole.

 

Local schools go back in session about mid-August, and that's when SDC ceases daily operation. From that point on, lines are far more manageable. As a season pass holder, I tend to get my coaster rides in spring and fall, and during the summer, I pick just one coaster to ride on each visit. If you're going to go on a Saturday in August, and this will be your only visit to the park for a while, I'd invest in a Trailblazer Pass. Lower level will get you eight rides total; higher level is unlimited rides. The pass includes all coasters except Grand Expo Coaster, plus Lost River, American Plunge, Giant Barn Swing, and Firefall (you are limited to one ride on Firefall).

[coaster-mm]

Hi guys,

 

Me and my wife are gonna visit SDC for the first time ever this next September (very excited!).

 

I was planning to buy the admissiontickets online on silverdollarcity.com, but I found on branson.com that we can buy a '2 day pass' for just 5 dollars more compared to the 1 day admission.

 

Can't find that deal anywhere on the official site.

 

Book on branson.com??

 

Thanks!

 

Paul

[Shavethewhales]

^Go for it. There are several other sites with the same deal I believe. Hotels and ticket places in Branson also sell similar deals.

[coaster-mm]

^Go for it. There are several other sites with the same deal I believe. Hotels and ticket places in Branson also sell similar deals.

Thanks! Really excited already.........finally a RMC adding to the list.

[Guy T. Koepp]

^You will have an awesome time! I love this park. So much to do and see.

[coaster-mm]

^You will have an awesome time! I love this park. So much to do and see.

We will have an awesome time there, I'm sure!

SDC first and the following weekend Dollywood including 2 days staying at the Dreammore resort........isn't it September already?!?!

 

Paul

[ACES]

I'm planning to visit last Thursday in July coming from Minnesota since I don't know the area real well what is the best route leaving Silver Dollar City to Six Flags St Louis and how are the ozark mountains at night for driving?

[GCI Wooden]

I'm planning to visit last Thursday in July coming from Minnesota since I don't know the area real well what is the best route leaving Silver Dollar City to Six Flags St Louis and how are the ozark mountains at night for driving?

It looks like the shortest way is to take MO-465 N to US-65 N to I-44 E

 

I feel like I say this a lot, but Google Maps is very useful when planning trip routes.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

I'm planning to visit last Thursday in July coming from Minnesota since I don't know the area real well what is the best route leaving Silver Dollar City to Six Flags St Louis and how are the ozark mountains at night for driving?

65 is pretty dark. You'll be there for the night rides, and SDC usually stays open until 10 at that time. They only have night rides for two weeks in the summer, and during Christmas if it's warm, so a lot of people stay until closing. You'll likely be leaving in a fair bit of traffic. I'd suggest a hotel along 65 in Springfield. You can get up early, drive 3 hours, and be at Six Flags by opening next morning.

[Vonni]

I asked this a few pages back but I think it got lost in the mix. Has anyone heard any potential rumors for SDC for 2016?

[Shavethewhales]

^There are "rumors" floating around, but nothing I would consider substantial. Some are thinking that an addition to or rework of Grand Expo might be in the cards soon, but that's probably just enthusiast speculation based on how much better Fireman's Landing turned out and the effect that has. I know they considered adding a larger flat onto the backside of GE at one point... I think at this point though I'm expecting a quiet year for 2016, then possibly a thrill ride addition in 2017.

 

Fireman's Landing is truly an excellent addition to this park. I spent last Sunday there with a lot of family including a three year old nephew and got to experience it with him and he had an absolute blast there. The ride selection, theming, and story telling is about as perfect as you could reasonably expect from them. It needs to win some awards this year. I want them to keep going with additions in the same spirit as this one (not always aimed at younger kids, of course).

 

Unfortunately for the park, it seems like the entire weekend of the 4th crowds were lighter than expected. It's been up and down this year with the weather, but even a hint of rain drives everyone away from the park. That's really unfortunate because I know their development timeline is probably heavily influenced by how well they do in the summer, and this volatility probably means the pattern of having "off years" between larger additions like FL will continue while they focus on building up DW.

[PhantomPoster32]

I asked this a few pages back but I think it got lost in the mix. Has anyone heard any potential rumors for SDC for 2016?

 

Nothing ride related for 2016. Look for some major changes in 2017.

Edited July 8, 2015 by PhantomPoster32

[OneQuarterAlex]

^Any source for this? 'Cause these sound like rumors .