2011 Trip Reviews

sanddunerider · September 12, 2011, 03:58:53 PM

Sounds like a great visit parson.

I do like the GAC also.. planning on seeing it when we go in october..

we will be there next week to see ALL the booths, well anyway look at them.

The booths do "busy" up the park.. makes it a truly 3 or 4 day event..

probbaly will pass on headin west this year, saw it twice last year.

TINKER??!! YEA!!!

LOL, thanks parson

Baldknobber · September 12, 2011, 05:15:58 PM

Hey Parson,

Were you the one with the camcorder filming as they were making the taffy? If so, I was standing next to you. I remember someone wanting 3 pounds of taffy and they ran upstairs with a full bucket (for what, I don't know as I thought the person said they didn't need it in 1lb. bags). I only needed a pound of the stuff though.

Parson B Ready · September 12, 2011, 07:17:31 PM

Quote from: Baldknobber on September 12, 2011, 05:15:58 PM
Hey Parson,

Were you the one with the camcorder filming as they were making the taffy? If so, I was standing next to you. I remember someone wanting 3 pounds of taffy and they ran upstairs with a full bucket (for what, I don't know as I thought the person said they didn't need it in 1lb. bags). I only needed a pound of the stuff though.

Yep, that was me. We bought three pounds--one for my son, one for a friend of ours, and one for.....let's just say surprises!!!

Ozark Outlaw · September 13, 2011, 12:47:14 PM

Wonderful trip review Parson!

It sounds like you had an awesome weekend at the city. I thought it was funny when you mentioned that there was practically no wait for Thunderation, Wildfire, PowderKeg, and the Giant Swing, and yet the lines at the "older" Fire in the Hole, and the Flooded Mine were backed up. Perhaps it was simply a time difference between when you arrived at the park, and when you finished 'Headin' West.'

I saw a picture of the two fire engines holding the American Flag on Silver Dollar City's Facebook page. It was definitely an unexpected sight to see at the entrance to Silver Dollar City, but it was certainly appropriate for the occasion. It must be something to stand in the middle of the park during a moment of silence. With nothing more than the sound of rustling tree leaves to perk the ears.

I am really excited to hear about the many different mini shows, and demonstrations that Silver Dollar City has to offer this Fall. You could just about turn each corner, and come across a new one. I am really anxious to see the Lumberjack Show, and Pole Climbing, among others.

Trying the Wildfire taffy is definitely on my to do list! It's sort of the taffy right of passage. I know for practically purposes, Silver Dollar City must ship in lots of candy. However, nothing beats the homemade style candy made right there in the shop.

It's good to know that the kids had such a great time with the Sheriff. Although a Silver Dollar City without Terry Sanders is just not a true Silver Dollar City experience. He works harder than most people in Branson, so you're right, I suppose we can't hold it against him for enjoying a week off.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

DollarCityBoy · September 13, 2011, 02:05:11 PM

My Wife & I were in Branson Sat/Sun 10-11. We stayed at Homestay Inn (the review for the hotel is under that thread). We went to SDC on Sunday Sept. 11th.
Like Parson said, the 2 fire trucks with their latters fully extended into the air with the American Flag in-between was an amazing sight to see; gave me a big lump in my throat. The 9/11 tribute on the square was absolutely amazing. There were several Branson Artist that sang songs regarding the spirit of America, such as, Battle Hymn of the Republic, I'm proud to be an American, The National Anthem & an original song called Under God. The moment of silence began with the Church bells ringing, and let me say...it.....was......silent. Huge, massive crowd around the square, absolutely silent. They opened up the Bible and read scripture, and then a gentleman led everyone in prayer. How many places can you go, especially public ones, where they will open up the Bible, read from it, then lead a prayer? It was very moving and powerful. The Herschends were behind us on the balcony of the Ice Cream Parlor, It made the moment even more special, knowing they were watching the ceremony.
My wife & I rode Lost River, then American Plunge. We ate at Molly's Mill for Lunch, and actually got to eat in the upstairs balcony, very cool! There seemed to be a lot more crafts than normal this year, which was a nice surprise, many talented Artist's. We toured Grandfathers Mansion, the rocking room was not rocking, but everything else seemed to be in working order. We then had a small wait for Flooded Mine, then made a purchase at the Blown Glass Factory, before boarding the train.
We had a wonderful, memorable day in the City, with extra special significance, because of the Herchends being on park and the 9/11 tribute.
Note: I also made comments about this trip on the Homestay Inn thread, Lumberjack 2011 thread & Water Erupting from Lake Silver thread.

Parson B Ready · September 13, 2011, 08:37:42 PM

Quote from: Ozark BBQ on September 13, 2011, 12:47:14 PM

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Quote from: sanddunerider on September 12, 2011, 03:58:53 PM

LOL, thanks parson

Y'all are quite welcome!

Ozark Outlaw · September 14, 2011, 12:19:50 AM

Good trip review DollarCityBoy!

It's interesting to hear about how much patriotism, and American pride Silver Dollar City demonstrated on September 11th. Silver Dollar City, and Branson truly is the heart of America!

Getting to catch the Herschends must have been pretty neat! It's funny, because you never know when one will pop up. The fact that they were present for the occasion is definitely honorable.

Silver Dollar City is pushing the arts, and crafts this year, and I love it! The arts, and crafts are the bread, and butter of Silver Dollar City.

It's a shame to hear that the rocking room in Grandfather's Mansion is still out of service. However, having lunch on the upstairs balcony at Molly's Mill was pretty cool!

Sounds like you had a great trip, thanks for sharing!

sanddunerider · September 14, 2011, 07:11:08 AM

MAN!!! I'm getting all tingly inside,,

This time of year I always wonder why they are closed on mon tues

, would prefer them open on monday, closed tues wed. seems like t-w is the middle of the week. oh well!!!

sure am ready for the fall festival 5 more days, should be a great sunday!!!!

rubedugans · September 14, 2011, 11:59:45 AM

I guess thats just what they picked! At least they give the workers a "weekend" even if it is in the beginning of the traditional week for most of us.

Ozark Outlaw · September 14, 2011, 12:35:24 PM

My guess is that it is based on attendance statistics. Over the years, they have determined that the park attendance is lower on Monday, and Tuesday versus any other day of the week.

Plus, for those regular citizens, I am sure they would prefer off days as close to a normal weekend as possible. For example, I am off on Sunday, and Monday. Interestingly, several holidays fall onto a Monday so I get to spend those days with my family.

Junior · September 14, 2011, 04:27:06 PM

The days they are closed have EVERYTHING to do with attendance. The closed Mon-Tues thing was standard in the fall when I worked there. I have looked at how they now do things by viewing their schedule over the last few years. I personally am blown away by the fact that they are closed most of the third week in August! That was still summertime when I worked there. However, I know that they close that week because that is back to school time, and hardly anyone would be visiting park. If you will notice, many other businesses in Branson...Shepherd of the Hills, and the theaters follow a similar schedule nowadays. I remember long ago working on some fall days during the craft show when there were not but about 2000 people on park. That's nothing! We would sit around all day and get into pranks and mischief with each other at the diving bell. In the summer at the diving bell we would have eight to twelve Juniors working. In the fall, about four on a weekday. Even back then, the park staffed according to projected attendance figures. The park keeps a detailed calender showing how many people were on park each day in the previous year. They would schedule staff according to that. From a guests point of view, coming to park on a slow day means no lines for any rides or shows, and that is always pretty nice.

sanddunerider · September 14, 2011, 06:11:14 PM

WOW!! 2000, that doesnt like very many now. Sometime i wish there were only 10,000 there, cand imagine if there were only say 5,000.... mmmm? something to day dream about.

rubedugans · September 14, 2011, 06:37:42 PM

Nothing better than my day with the wife when we were 2 of the 47 people that entered the park...and many did not stay!

sanddunerider · September 14, 2011, 06:42:44 PM

2 of 47? when was that rube?

rubedugans · September 14, 2011, 07:08:35 PM

Spring 2010, it went from 70*-30* overnight, some areas had up to 16" of snow, SDC only had sleet and wintery mix. It was raining, and cold, but one of the best trips we have had. Several loads of people went to get candy and taffy and left again. We went everywhere, and every worker was so nice. We even had workers meeting us in doorways while walking by greeting us! We left the park and there were only 5 other cars in the place total (this was not at close either, it was around 3-4pm!!!) As you can see, it was wet, but no ice and snow was accumulating. Great day, even greater story!