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[KBCraig:]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.  When we were season pass holders, we would get there way early (preferred parking), usually park in one of the first spots, get to the entrance and wait for the opening.  Once open, we would sit and eat at Eva & Delilah's (we love the Kolackys and Cinn. Rolls).  We'll plan on doing that again... except no preferred parking.   

I guess we have settled on going that Thursday and Friday.  We're going to avoid Saturday and leave that day for "general Branson stuff" and then travel to OK later that day.  The kids are planning to ride Thunderation about 100 times... they LOVE that coaster (as do Mom and Dad). 

KBCraig: Lots of hype going on with "Steel Vengeance".  We're thinking about going to a Season Pass holder "preview" in late April.  For those of you that haven't seen it, here is a link:  https://www.cedarpoint.com/explore/steel-vengeance (POV video at the bottom)

Thanks again everyone...

Hi Everyone, my family and I have moved from Oklahoma to Ohio and haven't had a chance to get back to "the city" since December of 2016.  We were season pass holders for 15+ years, so we're sad to not see SDC as often, but we do have Cedar Point within 30 miles so that does help.

That being said, with all of this talk about high crowds, the new coaster, and our DEC 2016 experience where the park was crazy busy, we were still thinking about making a trip during the week before Easter.  In all of the years we were season pass holders, we never once did the week before Easter.  We were thinking about that Thursday/Friday (3/29-30)...  we know it is closed Easter Sunday and Saturday we would use to continue on to OK to see friends and family.

So .. any thoughts on how packed the park might be?

Thanks everyone.   It has been a long time since I posted, but I still love reading things on here.  I always found this a great place to read about what is really going on there and read thoughts on the park that myself and the family love so much.

[Friday, August 9th:]

Hello, newbie here.  I actually joined last year some time, but I never seem to get around to writing post trips.  The family and I go to SDC several times a year -- we just love the place.

Friday, August 9th:
We left Tulsa around noon and arrived at SDC around 3:30.  We were concerned about some flooding on the way up, but we checked MODOT and everything was good -- and it was!  So, we made pretty good time. 

When we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed it did not seem that busy for a Friday, so we were excited.  Since we have the season parking pass, we parked in the preferred parking area (in one of the close spots) and started our 5 minute walk to the entrance. 

We brought some friends along with us (they were new to the city), so once we exchanged their vouchers for tickets, we entered the park.  Our first stop was at Eva & Delilah's... we just like to stroll through there and smell the cinnamon rolls.  We didn't buy anything since it was so late in the day, but again, we just like to look and smell everything.  I think I put on 5 lbs just walking in that place!

We then stopped by the cave and of course, they said it was flooded and only offering half-tours.  We FULLY expected this to happen.  We were really hoping the cave would dry out by our last day (Monday), but alas, mother nature had other plans.

Once in the park, we hit Thunderation a few times -- walked on every time.  We then took the kiddos back to the Grand Exposition where they rode "Dumbo", the frogs, tea cups, etc.  We stayed until about 5:45 before heading off to check-in at our hotel/condo located down Indian Point Rd. 

Once checked in at the hotel/condo, we went into Branson and ate at one of our favorite places -- Pizza World.  On the way, we noticed chairs out along  Shepard of the Hills.  We asked our waitress and she said "Oh, that's because of the Cruise.."  She went on to explain how 20,000 people descended on Branson to view the old cars and partake in a parade.  We had no idea.  We knew it was going to be a busy weekend.

Saturday, August 10th:
We know better, we stayed away.  We spent the time on Saturday taking the kiddos to the Butterfly Palace, then to Branson Landing and the Downtown area.  Was it ever busy!  Our waitress was right.  Not to mention that on our way, 76 was backed up for over 1.5 miles.  Looks like everyone was headed to SDC.  We heard someone later in the day say that SDC was expecting 24,000.  We have no idea if that actually happened.  But from the looks of the traffic, it is very possible.

We ate dinner at Joes Crabshack -- just because my dad wanted to eat there.  We have one in Tulsa, so we would have preferred something else, but he's in his 70's and cranky.  Sometimes you just have to suck it up and appease the parents.

After dinner, we walked around Branson Landing a little more then headed off to Ripley's -- battling traffic all of the way.  Then it was back to the hotel/condo where daddy had a beer and watched some NFL preseason football.

Sunday, August 11th:
We arrived at the park at 8:40 and again, exchanged our friend's vouchers for tickets.  We were pleasantly surprised to find the gates open already so we went in to the park and immediately to E&D where we ate Kalackis, cinnamon rolls, and turnovers.  Needless to say, everyone was happy.

Once we stopped by the cave (again to find it flooded), we went to "main square" where we took in the Pledge of Allegiance and flag ceremony.  We then decided to check what time the train was going to run.  At first it said "10:30", then was moved to "10:45", then to "11:00."  We decided we had time so we took a few trips on the flooded mine (just stayed on for two more rides).  Everyone loves that ride because of its simplicity and the fact that the animatronics are really cool to look at.  The last two times, I just sat and watched everything.  It never ceases to amaze me, as much as I have been on that ride, I always find something new -- some detail -- that I have never seen before.

We then took the kiddos over to Half Dollar Holler where they had fun on the carousel.  The net/bounce area was closed.  I suspect because it was wet from the previous night's rain.  We then jumped on the first train and took the kiddos for their "required" train ride. 

After the train, we made a stop by the Christmas shop and bought some ornaments, a cross, and a few other items.  Our 2 y/o is definitely a liability in that store.  She HAS to touch everything.

After that, we went over and road the Lost River of the Ozarks two times, took the kiddos over to Geyser Gulch where they had a great time in the "ball room".  I must admit, dad finds it fun to shoot those air cannons too!  After that, we went back over to the hamburger and hot dog places outside of LRotO and grabbed a burger and a couple of hot dogs.  Wife and I had the Super Nachos -- they are big.  Neither of us could finish them.

The kiddos then went over to the Grand Exposition where they rode the roller coaster, butterflies, tea cups, "Dumbo", and swings.  Dad and mom like to go there too because while we do like the big rides, some of those are fun for us!

We left the park around 4:00.  We finished our night with some swimming at at the hotel/condo and dinner at Outback Steak and Oyster.

To sum up the day, the park was "busy", but really not bad.  It was sort of odd because while there were a lot of people in the park, the ride waits really weren't too bad.

Monday, August 12th:
After checking out of our hotel/condo @ 8:30, we went over to the park.  And again, after exchanging our vouchers, we went to E&D's for breakfast.  Again, we had the assorted items: turnovers, kolackis, ham and cheese rolls, chocolate covered cinnamon rolls, etc.  We just love eating there. 

As usual, we checked the cave and still flooded -- we knew it would be since it rained every day were there there, at least some point in the day.

After the flag ceremony, we went to Fire in the Hole.  My daughter's friend that came along with us found it quite scary and huddled with her grandmother afterwards.  My daughter and I went on it another time -- we noticed that there was a LOT of water.  People were walking out soaked -- as did I.  I never really had that before.  I asked one of the guys running the ride and he said "We can turn the water on or off.  Today we have it on."  Not really sure what that meant, maybe someone can explain that.  Sure they've always had water, but the amount was surprising.

After FitH, we headed over to the American Plunge.  Kids loved it, and of course, we bought a photo.  We purchased it on the USB drive, so while it costs a little more now, it saves about $8 for every subsequent photo.  I don't honestly know if it was a good deal or not considering we don't buy the photos too often, but it is nice to know what it will be greatly discounted in the future should we decide.

After American Plunge, we went and did some more shopping.  We stopped into Hillcreek Pottery.  We like the place.  Some of the stuff is quite expensive, but really nice.  After that, we headed to the kiddo area (Grand Expo).  While waiting in line for the frogs, a strong wind came through, temperatures dropped about 10 degrees, the clouds darkened and thunder started rumbling.  I checked my phone and found it was about to POUR, so we picked up the kiddos and tried to find a place that we could take cover.  The rain/deluge started about 5 minutes later, around 11:00 or so.  We were lucky and were able to huddle under the awning of Heritage Hall.  Once the rain stopped, we decided to call it a day and head back to Tulsa as the radar showed more rain coming within the hour or so. 

On the way out, we stopped by the blacksmith and Hazel's.  At Hazel's, the kids got to watch them craft a pitcher.  It just amazes me every time I watch them work with glass.  Really cool stuff.  Stopped by E&D on the way out.  Unfortunately, they didn't have any chocolate chip cookies for some reason (it was around noon!), so the kiddos settled for the white chocolate/macadamia nut ones. 

And of course, the final stop was the Ozark Marketplace where I picked up some Hot Dill pickles, and the kiddos and wife picked up a couple of shirts.

All in all, a really good trip.  Our friends had a really good time.  As usual, it was not long enough.  It was a little busier than we expected on Monday, but still not bad.  We were at Disneyland earlier this year, and I must say, while you can't compare the two parks because they are so different, our level of excitement and the memories we have with SDC are actually higher/better. ... 

We will be back in the fall and around Christmas -- our favorite time.  In our third trip this year, we still have yet to try the new pizza place, and a coke float.  We have those slated for Fall and/or Christmas.

Maybe next time we are there, we will meet up with some of you. 

Lurker here... Haven't posted much since 2012. 

I was out on SDC's FB page and I was amazed at how many people were very, very unhappy with the park.  Complaints ranged from "Outlaw Not Run" to waiting in line and rude customer service, to waiting in line for 2 hours just to exchange guest passes. 

I've been going to SDC since the early 80's .. go about 5-6 times a year (for 3-4 days at a time) and we've never had experiences like that... 

Can we just chalk this up to people who are not happy about long lines (and sometimes problems) for a new ride?

Oh, just realized I never really answered your questions...  Arrive at the park AT LEAST 1/2 hour before park opening.  By the time you get to the entrance (from the Tram) and get through the gates, it will be closer to 9:15 or so ....

As for touring the park, look at the map here:  http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/SDC%20Park%20Map.pdf  just remember, the map is NOT to scale.  Check out the areas and rides you think you want to do, then make a plan ... but again, I don't think it's going to be THAT busy that you wouldn't be able to most of the things you want to do...   

MHGUY77 is correct ... being there when it opens does make a difference.  It will allow you to get a few of the more popular rides out of the way (if that is what you're there for).  If you're not doing the really popular rides, wait times shouldn't be that bad for the other "less popular" even through-out the day...  that's been our experience in April...

Don't stress about crowds.  Get there early, and enjoy the time... 

We will be at the "City" the afternoon of Thursday, May 3rd, Friday May 4th, and Saturday May 5th...   Typically, we do other things around Branson, but this time, we're planning to make it a "Silver Dollar City" trip only ...  Family is very excited.

We arrived in Branson on 3/22.  We actually ended up going to Branson Landing the first day since there wasn't much time left and had a great time.  We first went to SDC on Friday, 3/23.  We arrived around 8:30 and had a great day.  The park was slightly busy, but the cool temps and intermittent rain showers kept most people away.  Rides and food lines were all manageable.  Then came Saturday ...

It was CRAZY!!!  I have NEVER seen SDC as busy as it was on Saturday.  Every parking lot was full (even the one 1/4 mile down on west side of Indian Point Road).  We arrived around 8:40 and knew it was going to be  a busy day because we waited in line about 10-15 just to park.  Once inside, it didn't seem to bad because we were ducking in and out of the shops.  Finally made it down to the Grand Exposition and I think we waited pretty much 30-40 minutes for almost every "kiddie" ride...  When we finally tried to eat lunch, I waited 35 minutes for hot dogs.  The lines were incredible.  I will be posting some pics of the crowds...  I think the staff was quite overwhelmed.  Outside of the long lines and waits, we still had a great time.  Any day at SDC is fun...

Nice reviews.  We're headed down (or is it up?) from Tulsa this week.  Will be there Thursday - Sunday. 

Just curious, we have never been during the Spring Break weeks...  is it busy?  (Not that it really matters)

The family gets really excited when we load up the car... Can't wait for tomorrow night.  That's when the "buzz" really sets in.

Lots of rain going on right now in OK.  We've already received several inches and the moisture trail leads all the way back into SW Texas...  Good for them though, they need it really badly.

Thanks guys .. by the way .. thanks for moving to this thread.  I wasn't aware there was this thread for newbies such as myself...   

Thanks Junior (and others)!  We are from the Tulsa area.  Coweta more specifically.

I am really glad to have found this place.  Finally, a place where people who love SDC as much as we do can talk...

I have been on the Disney Boards for a long time, but considering we go there once over the course of a few years, I thought it was better to spend some time at a place where we go 5-6 times every year.  How I didn't know this place existed, is beyond me.

Anyway... I've been reading some posts this morning.  Seems like a great place...