SDC Crowds - worse at Spring Break or over summer?

Kat7597 · January 20, 2014, 06:32:49 AM

Hello! We took our kids to SDC for the first (and only) time several years ago. We went during non-peak time (the week before memorial day) and quite enjoyed the lack of crowds and had a wonderful time.

We live on the east coast and are contemplating a trip back to MO for either spring break or summer vacation. We'd like to add SDC to the plans and are wondering about the crowds during those times. Our 12 yo son has some "crowd anxiety" difficulties and really doesn't like to be in very crowded places.

Any tips anyone could offer would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Kimberly

Swoosh · January 20, 2014, 06:38:20 AM

The Spring Break crowds, while busy, are not nearly as rude as the summer crowds. You get a lot of people during the summer who think they are "owed" everything and do not care who they effect. The best time to go is during World Fest and/or Harvest Fest because this is mainly your AP holders and/or the locals who know how good of a park this is and they treat people a lot nicer than your usual "out of towners/tourists"

ithai · January 20, 2014, 10:45:49 AM

Spring break seems a bit more crowded to me due to the shops being closed and people wanting to get their first trip in. I would recommend world fest as well. There is a nice feel to the park with things to see you really don't experience at many other theme parks. The other strike against spring break is that there is no shade. Sometimes in Missouri it can get hot early in spring and without the leaves there is only limited relief from the temps. Sounds weird but its happened more than once in recent memory.

sanddunerider · January 20, 2014, 11:15:43 AM

rivinghat far i would not plan a spring break trip..u might get here and it is 30 degrees, snoing and the ind bloing.. NO rides,shopsclosed,not much to do.. for sure plan a trip later in year.... an if you can plan on weekdays, instead of weekends.... HAVE FUN!!!

misskim · January 20, 2014, 11:54:27 AM

First, I'd say it depends on when you Spring Break is. In Mo, it's usually mid-March. I know some East Coast schools don't have Spring Break until the week of Easter, which is in mid-April this year. If you're asking about mid-April, that would probably be OK. Schools in TX/OK/KS/MO will be back in session and you'd have mostly season pass holders in the park, shows would be running, you'd probably have one of the festivals going. It might be a very enjoyable trip.

If you're talking about taking a trip from the East Coast to Branson in March... not sure I'd do it. We do it every year but we stay at a resort and know that SDC could be hit or miss. Last year it snowed a couple of days during our trip and the other days were very cold. If you're thinking March, I'd wait and go as early as possible after school gets out. We were there the week of Memorial Day last year and it was very enjoyable. No big lines, temps were great, and we enjoyed it.

okiebluegrass · January 20, 2014, 04:38:22 PM

Unfortunately the weather is pretty unpredictable in the Spring. I enjoy going during the week (Thursdays are good) when I can. Harvest festival is my absolute favorite time to go. It's not too hot and yet still warm enough to ride the water rides.

Avoid the Saturday crowds, they are not pleasant.

KBCraig · January 20, 2014, 06:00:20 PM

"East Coast", as in Maine to Maryland? Or Virginia to Florida?

In the Northeast, school starts later and ends earlier. My local high school (I live in New Hampshire) has Spring Break from April 21-25, and the scheduled end of regular classes isn't until June 18 (a full month after many Southern schools).

Having lived most of my life in Arkansas and Texas before moving, I agree with waiting until your first week of summer vacation. "Spring" is just too unpredictable in the Branson region.

Kat7597 · January 21, 2014, 02:04:53 PM

Thank you, everyone.

We'd be there the week before Easter so mid-April.

The only other option is mid to late June just after our summer break starts.

We're thinking of staying in a cabin at the campground. Any input there would also be appreciated.

ithai · January 21, 2014, 03:30:02 PM

The april time you mentioned should be quite enjoyable. Could be a bit chilly you never know but you will enjoy world-fest. I'm looking forward to going to world fest this year with all the new acts that will be there. Or at least new to me since I haven't been in two years.

misskim · January 21, 2014, 06:11:27 PM

We loved the cabins at The Wilderness. In fact, we'd stay there every time we go but we've discovered it's much less expensive to rent timeshares from people who aren't using them. The cabins are very rustic in decor, but have a mini kitchen (dorm fridge, microwave, sink) and a bathroom. There are always plenty of beds for our family of 5 between the downstairs and the loft. When we stay there, we feel we're really away from town and we're outside a lot and therefore sleep really well. Our downsides: The entire cabin (minus the bathroom) is open. So the kids in the loft can hear the people downstairs (so no watching TV while they're sleeping). Only one bathroom. With 3 teens, one bathroom is a struggle. Finally, the cost. They are expensive for our budget.

In April, it might be a bit cheaper... and you might even get to use the fireplace.

sanddunerider · January 22, 2014, 05:29:01 PM

for price options you might check with Bavarian Village, they have cabins and rooms with kitchenette... theyare located about 1/2 mile south of SDC on Indian point///

qwed94 · January 23, 2014, 12:10:18 AM

Well I guess I will take over for Sanddune here.
I didnt go back and "re-read" all the posts here, so please let me ask.
How many Kids? Do you mind a nice clean Motel?Hotel/Inn with the friendliest staff on the planet?
--If an Inn will work. I suggest the HOMESTAY INN. In Branson. Very nice clean rooms. TV/Mini fridge/Microwave/Hairdryer/Clothes iron in every room.
Since you are a member of this forum. There should be a discount. (At least in 13, SDC fans could get a room for $40 a night). Homestay usually has a flurry of deals to take advantage of in Branson too. Like go-carts, restaurants, even 2 days for price of 1 at SDC. Real nice place. But if a cabin is more what you want. I certainly get it. And there are several in the Branson area.

Gilligan · January 23, 2014, 02:34:13 PM

Quote from: qwed94 on January 23, 2014, 12:10:18 AM
Well I guess I will take over for Sanddune here.
I didnt go back and "re-read" all the posts here, so please let me ask.
How many Kids? Do you mind a nice clean Motel?Hotel/Inn with the friendliest staff on the planet?
--If an Inn will work. I suggest the HOMESTAY INN. In Branson. Very nice clean rooms. TV/Mini fridge/Microwave/Hairdryer/Clothes iron in every room.
Since you are a member of this forum. There should be a discount. (At least in 13, SDC fans could get a room for $40 a night). Homestay usually has a flurry of deals to take advantage of in Branson too. Like go-carts, restaurants, even 2 days for price of 1 at SDC. Real nice place. But if a cabin is more what you want. I certainly get it. And there are several in the Branson area.

We used to stay at the Tribesman on Indian Point Rd. It's the best of both worlds - down the road from SDC and on the water. It's not fancy, but it's clean and reasonable. They offer everything from 1 bdrm condos to much larger units.

Kat7597 · January 23, 2014, 03:36:51 PM

Thank you!!

Last time we were there we rented a timeshare condo at Villages at Indian Point. It was nice and we thought we might go back but we enjoy nature, camping, etc... so thought about giving the cabins a shot.

Our kids are 23, 12, and 8. Most likely the 23 yo will not be able to take time off of work to go with us. That's what happens with the kids become adults!

I am tempted to take the kids out of school for a week in May to go when it is warm but not yet hot & humid and not crowded!

World Fest does look great so hopefully we'll be able to swing it for spring break.

qwed94 · January 26, 2014, 12:11:32 AM

I certainly understand the camping thing. We stay at the Homestay quite often, however we do take our camper and camp as often as possible. Understand we are only 3 hours away though, and we own a camper. Taking a camper somewhere is not always the cheapest route. It is most definitely ALWAYS the funnest way though.

Sure hope you have a blast when you get to go.