Messages

16

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2022 Crowds / Trip Reports

« on: August 01, 2022, 10:51:23 AM »

Anyone know why PK is closed? I’ve noticed on the app it’s been down and am at the park today and the sign by the ticket booths say it’s not operating today…

17

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Citizen injured

« on: July 22, 2022, 10:38:20 AM »

This is heartbreaking. Prayers for the family and friends along with the citizens of SDC. I don't nor have ever worked at the park, but from an outsiders perspective, the citizens seem like family to one another. I have no doubt the park will properly investigate the situation.

I am not trying to speculate and want to be respectful of the situation. I thought I read somewhere it happened at a ride and have noticed on the SDC App that TNT was "temp closed" yesterday and it shows "temp closed" this morning, so was curious if that's where it happened. Not asking anyone to answer, it was just merely an observation and I could be way off base.

Regardless, my heart hurts for the family and those who worked with the citizen as well as Silver Dollar City as a whole.

18

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: October 07, 2021, 10:05:56 AM »

I dread the day, but it looms closer every year as they update and homogenize and sensitize and modernize.  They creep ever closer to becoming Six Flags over Branson.  When that transformation is complete, I will not return.

While you're certainly entitled to your opinion, the thought that the park is creeping closer to "Six Flags over Branson" is quite absurd. The park is changing, but it's not losing anything in its attempt to make things bright, shiny and new. For me personally, I can still do exactly what I did 25 years ago, actually more. No, I haven't been going to the park for 50 years (I'm 28), but 25-plus is a solid number. Yeah, I can't ride some of the old rides, and there's no Geyser Gulch, but there are newer and better attractions now. The park still clearly has the 1880s theme, the craftsmen are there, the food is the same, you can see the shows and the festivals are solid. I really enjoyed Street Fest back in the spring.

It's all what you make of it. If you don't like it, fine, that's your right, but let's not compare apples and oranges when it comes to SDC, or even Dollywood, to Six Flags. In Missouri, Six Flags St. Louis and Worlds of Fun don't even come close to Silver Dollar City and what it has to offer.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments

« on: October 01, 2021, 11:02:14 AM »

As a 28 year old who has been going to SDC since I was born, I like the changes. Now with that, I have many fond memories of the "old SDC" with LR, FITH and FM. I remember being terrified of LR and FM because the queue lines were super dark and enclosed, but in my opinion, every change that has been made has been for the better. I was mortified when Buzz Saw Falls was removed, but it made room for my favorite ride on park. Now, I understand it was removed for reasons not related to age and being "old". Or when the park got rid of the old green trams and trolleys, heartbreaking.

I think MRF is way better than LR, even though I miss the classic LR, especially the cave. If SDC continues this, and I think it will, the new FITH will be just as good or even better than the old FITH.

I love the idea of a newer, larger train station. Even though I have many memories of the old one, it has run its course. IMO. Having to wait sometimes all the way to corkscrew pass is crazy and if you're just walking through the area, it can be extremely congested.

I personally think an area that needs an overhaul is the entrance. When it's a busy day, the ticket booth line is insane and just trying to get in through security and turnstiles can be tight.

One thing to keep in mind is if the turnstiles don't move, there is no SDC. We all know that. With costs going up it creates the need for them to turn even more. If this is a way to do that and get a nod to the old SDC, then it's what the park has to do. You have to adapt and create new things or you become old, stagnant and the same ol' SDC. Regardless of how much we all love the old SDC, the newer generation, might now and that's the future.

20

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2021 Crowds/Trip Reports

« on: July 13, 2021, 10:17:10 AM »

You're right about that. I've had several ask me how my trips to the Ozarks has been because of Delta variant.

I've noticed the hose since the start. Two weeks ago the water was spraying on the platform, but noticed Saturday it was not. And it makes sense that rain messes with the sensors.

As for PK, what's the reason? It's a lengthy ride between the transfer, launch, lift and brake run along with a low rider capacity to be running one train. Just my opinion. I did notice the train operating had the number three on the front left side of the first car. It's my favorite ride on park, so for it to be down to two trains now and only running one at a time is a little concerning.

21

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: 2021 Crowds/Trip Reports

« on: July 12, 2021, 02:23:07 PM »

I went to the park on Saturday (July 10) and was extremely surprised at the lack of crowd. There was a chance of rain all day with more severe weather after park closing, so maybe that kept people away. It rained for maybe 30 minutes total during the day. I arrived when the park opened at 9:30 and was able to ride the big 6 (WF, PK, TNT, FITH, OR and TT) along with The Giant Swing multiple times each before noon. All rides had two-train operations except Powder Keg (one train). I'll never understand why that ride only runs one train when it has the capability to have three.

The longest line of the day was MRF. We got in line around 2:30 and after 90 minutes or so was able to ride. They were only loading a max of six people per boat, but there were at least 10 boats operating. The ride itself was great, except for the large amount spin we experienced coming off the elevator before plunging down the slide, the spin was super intense.

I've ridden Mystic River Falls three times now and have noticed a couple of issues with the operations of the ride... the load process is extremely slow. When there's a long Trailblazer pass line, like Saturday, it slows the general queue line significantly. I understand people pay for the pass to skip the line, but it really slowed the main line. Also, the boats often get stuck trying to re-enter the station and riders have to bounce and shake the boat to get it to move...there needs to be a solution for this. One last thing, the water cannons at the end of the ride that people can put quarters in to get riders extra wet are great and remind me of LR, but there's one that shot me right in the face when I didn't expect it and it didn't feel great. SO be on the lookout!
Overall, the only time the ride was closed was when it rained or lightning in the area. It doesn't quite make since why the ride closes when it rains with no lightning since it's a water ride, but was happy to not have any maintenance closures. 

It was a great day at the park, especially for a Saturday in July. You can tell the park is hurting for workers, especially in food and beverage area. I was shocked that Buckshot's Skillet was closed all day. But, due to lower crowds, the lines for food were not bad. I highly recommend the Tasting Passport! Well worth it!

22

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Fall numbers

« on: October 16, 2020, 10:28:37 AM »

I went to the park last Saturday (Oct. 10) around 5 p.m. and they were letting people in and to my knowledge they did not turn anyone away nor halt park entry during the afternoon. We had to buy a single day ticket for a friend and they were still selling them at the park, but not online. The crowd inside the park did not seem too large. The longest line we waited in was the train. Powder Keg was about 20 minutes with two trains. MRF seemed to have a long line, but it was inconsistently open and closed all evening.

I am from Oklahoma as well and am planning to go to the park again this coming Saturday (Oct. 17). The weather in Branson is supposed to be a little cooler than last week. As a season pass holder, I still have make reservations. I know they're not needed, but figured it couldn't hurt. I'd encourage anyone to not let the park capacity discourage you from going. Pumpkin nights is really a sight to see and well worth the visit.

23

Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project (Thread #2)

« on: July 12, 2020, 12:03:57 AM »

^ I never heard them make the announcement that MRF was open.  My advice is to walk by the ride every once in a while to see if a line has formed and they are taking riders.  Thursday had on and off lightning in the area so MRF didn't open until later that afternoon-about 3pm I think.  I did hear they are doing final testing so it should be open all day soon.

On Friday, testing began around 11-11:30 and boats were going nonstop with no issues. A small line began to form, but the first group wasn’t able to go in until approx. 12:30 and then the group I was in went in around 1. The subtle hint when we knew they were going to let people on was when we heard the music begin to play and two street crew characters began working the line and sending people in. I know that doesn’t provide a lot of detail, but hope it helps.

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Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project (Thread #2)

« on: July 10, 2020, 10:51:23 PM »

Was able to ride MRF today. I was in the second group of 50 as part of the soft opening. Overall, the ride is great! The Jazz music in the queue was very clever. The ride itself is more intense than Lost River, however, I didn’t feel as I got as wet. I got more wet on AP afterwards. The speed of the boats in the channel is pretty fast which causes rather hard collisions with the walls on turns, this is where I feel the ride is more intense than Lost River. The boats do spin quite a bit too. The elevator lift was neat and you can see quite a ways.
It is definitely taller than you think. The drop was a lot of fun! Not as intense as it looks, which I think is great for families! The load/unload process is smooth and the continuous motion is really nice for capacity sake.
As I was about to board, one boat did get stuck coming in to the station. It was slipping on the lift conveyor and couldn’t reach the station conveyor. Was becoming disappointed that they would close the ride, but maintenance came quickly and simply and literally jumped on the rubber raft part of the boat to advance it forward. They did not shut down.
Overall, I highly recommend it. I feel it’ll be a fun ride for families. And for those who don’t want to ride, I recommend getting some BBQ and sit overlooking the ride. It’s a great view!

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Construction/Rumors / Re: SDC's 2020 Project (Thread #2)

« on: July 01, 2020, 06:16:37 PM »

SDC has been running commercials on TV here in the Tulsa area, saw 2 of them just this afternoon.  First I have seen this year.  They had clips on MRF with people riding it.  I assume they must be employees dressed as tourists.

The riders on MRF were employees. I have a friend who works at the park and some were asked if they’d like to ride and check it out. Also for social media and commercial content.

26

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Going back to SDC

« on: June 29, 2020, 02:46:20 PM »

I made my second trip of the season to the City on Saturday (June 27), was recently there on June 20. The park seemed to have more people in it, but not sure if that's accurate or if it just felt that way. Not sure if they up'd capacity or if more people just chose to go that day.

Regardless, I still had a great time. I rode everything, except TNT. The one train ops and long line deterred me from riding. The shorter, much faster line at TT, was more enticing! Powder Keg had one train again, which is just terrible! The Barn Swing had both arms going, but only loaded one side of each. You could get a decent view of MRF if you looked just right. I really think MRF is going to exceed a lot of people's expectations. My biggest takeaway was the poor ops on WF. There was zero organization getting people into each "car" line and everyone just crowded at the entry point to go to a row. One train doesn't help with speed, but they really needing an extra person to help with line organization.

Brad Thomas was hanging out by the Dockside Theatre and the new Riverside Smokehouse. I think it's great to see someone like him hanging out in the park on a Saturday, when I'm sure he doesn't have to. He was asking guests how they liked the new BBQ. (It's pretty good and you get a lot).

All that being said, if anyone reading these is hesitant to go to the park, I'd recommend giving it a try. Getting in to the park is really efficient and easy, IMO. Wearing the mask isn't that bad. No, I'd rather not wear it, but like I said last time, if it means I have to wear a mask to visit and ride, then I'm wearing a mask. It's better than being at home!

27

General Silver Dollar City Talk / Re: Going back to SDC

« on: June 21, 2020, 12:52:04 AM »

I’m new to the forum. I am 27 years old from Oklahoma and have been a SP holder for approx. 15 years. I travel to SDC quite often, but Saturday (June 20) I was at the park. Here’s my experience:

I really felt “things” overall were very efficient. The health screening and security check-in was easy and quick and the ticket takers knew what they needed to see, (reservation and ticket). That was the part that had me worried beforehand, thinking it would take a long time.

I come for the rides so that’s what I did. I rode Time Traveler 5 times throughout the day, maybe waited 20 minutes max the first 3 rides and later in the day I walked on. Outlaw run, even though ran one train ops, was fast as usual. NO, ride ops were not spraying to clean the trains after every cycle on any ride, except for FSDL. I was happy to see that for speed reasons only. All rides did give hand sanitizer to every rider before they went through the station gates. That was great!

I ate at the new Riverside Ribhouse and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and quantity. Mystic River Falls looks wicked cool and can’t wait for it to open.

Now here for the slightly less than great reviews. Let’s start with FITH. The queue line was dumb. Even though the dots are on the ground, it’s still quite a tight space. They need to rework that. (Side note, i know it was changed last year, but the new “FIRE IN THE HOLE” voice at the end, has GOT TO GO! It’s horrible!)

The Barn Swing, even though it’s a balance and personnel reason, needs both swings going. Waited 15 minutes in one spot and didn’t move while 2 cycles went through. Ended up not riding today.

BUT, the biggest disappointment was PK! PK is my favorite ride on park and the best IMO! PK should NEVER run one train ops. Regardless of attendance, due to the the length of one ride cycle, (transfer, launch, lift and brake run), the ride time is long, then add switching riders and cleaning, it took a solid hour until I was able to ride. The queue line was no problem, but get people moving through there. For a ride that can run 3 trains, one train is just slow! Only rode once, WOMP!!! The ride ops did spray sanitize the train every once in a while (I’d say 30 mins or so) and send the empty train around, (I guess to dry it, not sure). Another reason to not have one train ops!

Back to the positives. I really felt the park staff all did their best. The ride ops, especially, having to deal with people directly handled the whole situation well. They get an A in my book for today! Overall, my experience was enjoyable and I did like the reduced capacity, even with a mask. If it means wearing a mask and getting to ride my favorite rides and go to my favorite place, I’m all for it! (No, I don’t like wearing it at all, but SDC > Mask, so I wear it). The park gets a B+ from me today.