DBru Posted September 23, 2008 Posted September 23, 2008 In your opinion, which is better, Dollywood or Silver Dollar City? I ask this because our Fall Break is coming up, and my family is thinking of heading to Branson, MO for a few days. We are debating on this location, Chicago (SFGAm), or St. Louis (SFStL). There is more for the entire family to enjoy in Branson though, so that is what we are leaning towards. Now, we have been to Dollywood many times, and (most of us) love it! Though I am basically a rides enthusiast, the calm, beautiful surroundings of Dollywood just make it great! So... if we like DW, how should SDC compare? (Ride wise, atmosphere, ect.) ---------------- I also have some questions concerning SDC and the Branson area. We are leaving on Saturday, October 4th, and probably returning sometime on Thursday. It is an 8 hour drive from here to our destination. -I am anxious to get to the park, but what day should be least crowded? (I want to get lots of rides in on PK...) -Any ride/food/show recommendations? -What other attractions do you suggest doing while we are in the area? -Any good discount tickets for the park? -Is there any sort of combo ticket for SDC/CC? -Will the water rides still be open during my visit? (The park website isn't very user-friendly...) Thanks for the help!
MisterP Posted September 23, 2008 Posted September 23, 2008 I think, ride-wise, they are about even, maybe a slight nod to DW. If I had to do a ride matchup, here would be my take: Top coaster: Thundrhead > Powder Keg (but I love PK) 2nd best: Myst. Mine = Wildfire (im guessing...never been on MM) 3rd TennTor = Thunderration (both are top-notch for their respective types) indoor dark coaster hybrids are almost the same (I actually thought BF's effects were a little better) flume - DW rapids - SDC flats - even train ride - DW (although both are outstanding) toboggan rides = even other than that, DW has River Battle and a 3D theater, whereas SDC has a cool old-school dark shooting ride, a crooked house, and a free cave tour with tram I would give the nod overall to SDC. Its simply that, for me, I feel like I'm really in a hidden-away place with lots of little dead-ends and hidden gems....DW seems more of a midway-type place with straight paths and fewer places to get "lost"... But I absolutely love both parks
Holtskee Posted September 23, 2008 Posted September 23, 2008 I think Silver Dollar City has the better theming/overall experience...they still have a lot of the little atmospheric things that Dollywood has lost over the years, plus put simply the overall presentation of the park is just better. SDC still does the whole 1800s-town setup with street characters and the park's "citizens" (employees), whereas Dollywood has went the route of a more typical theme park.
Shavethewhales Posted September 24, 2008 Posted September 24, 2008 I'm obviously quite biased, but I think that if you like DW for it's good theming, atmosphere, and somewhat unexplainable awesomeness, SDC will blow you away. Like has been said many times, while DW has excelled with their new rides, they've started leaving behind a lot of the simple goodness that has made both parks so special. SDC, on the other hand, is a bit slower in heading that way. Additionally, SDC just has a lot more shops, craftsmen, and history behind it. It doesn't have as many spectacular rides as DW, but what's there is pretty amazing. It's really hard to say what day will be the best, you simply just have to use your intuition and hope for the best - SDC, like DW, is the type of park that can be crowded on any particular day, but weekdays are better, and sundays are somewhat better than saturdays. As far as food goes, both of the major bakeries (the one next to the entrance and the one in mid-town) are pretty amazing. Also, the Riverside Rib House is one of my favorite places to eat. Branson Landing is a good place to stop by for additional shopping in Branson. I was pretty impressed with it. Not a whole lot of really big name stores, but there's lots to check out. If you're going to be there for several days, and are going to all 3 of the major Herschend properties, consider either the 3 park pass or a Season pass for SDC which offers discounts on CC and WW tickets. I actually don't know when the water rides shut off, but there's a good chance they'll be down by October. It kind of depends on the weather. There's a possibility that the American Plunge (log flume) and the rapids will be open, but the water boggin and Geyser Gulch will be already down for the season. Hope you have fun!
Cameron Posted September 24, 2008 Posted September 24, 2008 I have been to Dollywood twice (2008 and 2004) and Branson once (2007), and easily give the nod to the Branson parks (Silver Dollar City and Celebration City). I just found a whole lot more to do at those parks, and felt that SDC was a more complete experience. Dollywood still seems very much "in progress", and it's obvious which are the "new areas" and "old areas", and it's this contrast that I find annoying. I mean I adore Dollywood, but just adore SDC/CC more! One thing you must not, under any circumstances miss, is the cave at Silver Dollar City. It's free (included with park admission), and is really something awesome. Also make sure you have some time to park yourself on Ozark Wildcat (at Celebration City) - which is totally kick-your-bottom awesome. Unfortunately I can't offer any advice as to crowds and such. I do recall that when I was there (June) Celebration City opened in the mid-afternoon and was basically a ghost-town until after SDC closed in the evening. I will also say that I'd easily pick the Branson area over SFGAm (unless you want to devote some time for seeing Chicago and maybe going to Indiana Beach too). Heck, I'd actually pick Branson over Ohio. I'm quite envious of your trip, as I really hoped to make it back down there again this year. Oh well, on to 2009! Cameron.
JFrombaugh Posted September 24, 2008 Posted September 24, 2008 I haven't been to either park, but if you want my opinion, out of the coasters each one has, only one of the ones at SDC would I consider to be one of my sought after coasters to get to (Powder Keg) where as Dollywood has two coasters that are currently on my "must ride" list (Mystery Mine and Thunderhead). The others all look kind of "interesting" but nothing I would make the long drive for. Although SDC is only a few hours away from my Uncle Frank's house, and a couple of my family friends have been there, and next year's CoasterCon is being held there...the powers that be clearly want me to go to SDC, although like I said, Dollywood looks to have the better ride lineup. Both parks look like somewhat of a western themed counterpart to SeaWorld...and country music is not exactly my favorite either!
tntornadox Posted September 25, 2008 Posted September 25, 2008 As has been previously mentioned, Dollywood is the more 'mainstream' theme park experience of the two. Of course, the HFEC product is nowhere near 'traditional theme park' in any form of the word, but Dollywood is moving away from its roots somewhat- expanding in rides, namely. Which is a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. I miss the hokey old rides like Flooded Mine, but I'd take the new rides over it anyday... IMO, Dollywood is the more progressive of the two, what works is replicated at SDC (Splash Battle) and what dosen't isn't (Timber Tower). Bear in mind as well, Dollywood does have an obligation to be a great RIDE park as well, I mean, it is Tennessee's only theme park...
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