Silver Dollar City (SDC) Discussion Thread

[Jcoaster]

A B&M terrain Invert for this park would surely be a winner.

 

I think a highly themed smaller dive machine like Baron would worked well too.

[PhantomPoster32]

A B&M terrain Invert for this park would surely be a winner.

 

I think a highly themed smaller dive machine like Baron would worked well too.

 

If you put merit to rumors that sounds like exactly what the park is doing... yes, both (2017 / 2020)

[DoinItForTheFame]

I'm starting to think a wing-coaster would be a great fit for the park. It's something more unique than anything they already have, it's (for the most part) family friendly, and it could be an awesome terrain hugging wing coaster providing some awesome low to the ground, slow, in line twist.

[Shavethewhales]

Why would SDC add ANOTHER launched coaster when they have Powder keg??

 

Why would they add another chain lift coaster when they already have several? It's 2016, launches aren't a special gimmick anymore.

 

If they build a wing coaster and it isn't launched, I'll actually be a tad disappointed. Thunderbird's launch works beautifully with that ride - just imagine how much duller it would be with a chain lift.

[SixFlagsAstroworld]

^X-Flight (SFGAM) VS Thunderbird (HW)

 

I choose Thunderbird, because who doesn't like launched coasters?

[Vonni]

^ and ^^ you both carry a valid point. I've not been on any of the wing coasters, but from the reviews I've read, Thunderbird is the only one that gets mostly positive feedback and its the only one that's launched. I don't know if that has anything to do with it, but its certainly an interesting coincidence. I still want a B&M Invert, but a wing coaster would be really easy and cool to theme with the traditional fly throughs and near misses.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Today we went to the park, hoping to enjoy light crowds between Easter and World Fest, which opens next week. We arrived just before opening and saw to our dismay the sign that said "Young Christians Weekend." I had forgotten that was going on. Oh well, we're here, let's see what we can ride.

 

First stop was the buffet at the Mill Restaurant. I find everyone has a better time when they have a good breakfast, and this year's buffet shows some remarkable improvement. The sausage is in links rather than patties, and of a higher quality. Also, rather than have two kinds of scrambled eggs, one with dehydrated peppers and onions, they have one scrambled eggs tray, and a separate one with actual real grilled peppers and onions. There was more fresh fruit replacing canned, and the streudel was very good too. Overall, they really stepped up the quality.

 

Then once the park opened, it was off to the rides! As so often occurs at SDC, the crowds were there for the shows rather than the rides. Thunderation was a station wait, Outlaw Run, Wildfire, and Grand Expo were a 20 minute wait, and only Powder Keg had a lengthy line at an hour. We didn't ride Fire in the Hole today, since we went on it several times two weeks ago on a rainy Opening Day, but it would probably have been about half an hour. Not bad at all for the number of people there.

 

The shows today were three gospel music concerts in Echo Hollow, at noon, 3, and 6. A lot of people were here for the concerts, so while they were going on, the park was fairly empty. Consequently, I was able to get a lot more photos this time. Enjoy!

Before the park opens, time to explore the square a bit.

I like the festive look of the square so far this year. The muted primary colours suit the park well.

My son wanted to go on Thunderation first, so our first attraction was the classic Swinging Bridge. It's the most fun way to get there.

I wonder if they'll ever do anything with that spot?

People were already gathering in Echo Hollow for the gospel concert.

First roller coaster of the day!

I love how close this queue is to the ride.

Well, it's a hot tin roof, but no cats.

The corkscrew path through the former Tom Sawyer's landing has some great views of the park.

The line for Fire in the Hole was long. Well, as long as it gets.

The line for Powder Keg was down the hill. We're going to be here a while.

3 train ops made the queue move pretty well, though.

Ooh! We're going to be launched soon!

Outlaw Run, I'll be back for you.

Fireman's Landing really dominates the Riverfront.

No waiting on Lost River, if you want. We didn't.

Wilderness Waterboggan wasn't running today.

This is a new planter in the Grand Expo. The tree isn't new, but the planter is.

I couldn't stay away from you, baby.

The wagon has a new roof now. I like the look.

Then on to an old favourite to finish out the day.

Wildfire was the first looping coaster at SDC, and it's fantastic. I rode in row 7, right side.

American Plunge had a decent line today, despite a high of 71.

Until next time, good friend.

Oh, we will, my good sign.

Edited April 4, 2016 by ytterbiumanalyst

[KBrylczyk]

Alrighty, slight change of plans for my visit later this week. Initially we were going to be staying in Branson Thursday night, SDC on Friday. Now we'll be doing SDC all day Thursday, sleeping in Branson, then heading back up to Kansas City Friday morning to meet up with family. Here's hoping that helps keep the crowds away, too, haha.

 

Anyone have any pointers for a first timer? Aside from the major attractions and cinnamon bread are there any things that we should make a point to check out? Thanks!

[Guy T. Koepp]

^The cave tour is a 1 of a kind attraction. You have to explore the cave.

[KBrylczyk]

^ It definitely looked like a fun thing to do. I'm curious, though, since we'll already have a shortened day in the park (won't be getting there til 11am or so) would that be a smart thing to do or save it for a future visit? Isn't it about an hour long to do the tour? If they have a group at 6pm when the rest of the park closes I'd be all for it.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

^ Yes, it's about an hour in length. You can reserve a spot on the Lantern Tour, which is at 4:30. That's the last tour of the day. Really, a Thursday shouldn't have very long lines on anything. Remember that SDC only has 4 big coasters, 2 dark rides, and 3 water rides, along with 3 thrilling flat rides. You can easily hit all these very quickly if crowds are reasonable. Make the cave a priority; you won't regret it.

Edited April 4, 2016 by ytterbiumanalyst

[KBrylczyk]

^ Sounds like a plan, then. Thanks!

[Shavethewhales]

I mean, the cave is nice if you like caves, but I was actually going to give the opposite advice and say you should savor your time above ground and leave it for later. I assume you'll be wanting to do all the coasters, and since PK and OR are particularly good you'll want to get as many rides as possible. There's a ton to do, so I guess you can't really go wrong in any case.

 

Thanks for the photo update ytterbiumanalyst!

[larrygator]

I saved the cave tour for my second visit to the park. It was fun and I don't this I missed a thing waiting 3 years to see it.

 

Don't skip Grandfather's Mansion. one of those attractions you don't see at major US parks

[Vonni]

I saved the cave tour for my second visit to the park. It was fun and I don't this I missed a thing waiting 3 years to see it.

 

Don't skip Grandfather's Mansion. one of those attractions you don't see at major US parks

 

 

Yes, definitely! Grandfather's Mansion is a must for every one of my visits! Its such cheesy fun!

[KBrylczyk]

Don't skip Grandfather's Mansion. one of those attractions you don't see at major US parks

 

I'm not sure exactly what it is but the description makes it sound like a fun house crossed with Confusion Hill. I'm already a fan.

[Shavethewhales]

^That's actually pretty much a perfect description. I agree that it's a must-see, especially when stuff like this is getting cut out due to ADA issues and the like.

[Vonni]

Has anyone spotted any survey markings, or signs of future construction yet?

[PhantomPoster32]

Final Year of WorldFest going on now. Don't miss it!

Sticks on Steel

[Vonni]

^ I'm still really surprised they are eliminating World Fest

[X2coasterfreak]

Don't skip Grandfather's Mansion. one of those attractions you don't see at major US parks

 

One of my favorite parts of SDC, I feel like I laughed my whole way through!

[PhantomPoster32]

^ I'm still really surprised they are eliminating World Fest

 

Supposedly they are elongating the other festivals next year - but Brad Thomas is being very secretive on what is replacing it. Told the citizens it'll be August before he announces

[ytterbiumanalyst]

My guess is a Festival of Diving. Featuring diving bells, diving ticket prices, and a dive coaster.

[PhantomPoster32]

My guess is a Festival of Diving. Featuring diving bells, diving ticket prices, and a dive coaster.

 

They're holding off on adding that festival until 2020 for obvious reasons

[Shavethewhales]

^ I'm still really surprised they are eliminating World Fest

 

Supposedly they are elongating the other festivals next year - but Brad Thomas is being very secretive on what is replacing it. Told the citizens it'll be August before he announces

 

I'd be very happy if they made BBQ & Bluegrass two months long. Of course they still need to get some more outside BBQ vendors to take part.