Search

[shavethewhales]

It was definitely a lot more crowded today. This was one of my first experiences dealing with the new(ish) parking system after opening. Even though we got to the park soon after opening, we ended up being forced to park miles from the park in JD. Having to follow a massive line of cars all the out there while passing several other perfectly good parking lots was not a great way to start the day.

I waited about half an hour for PK, which opened back up today, only to have it close down when I was three cars away from riding. They made everyone leave the station so they could evacuate people off the final break section. 

Other than those two issues though, the day was great. The apple dumplings with ice cream are fantastic, I don't know how I haven't found those before. I mostly just walked around today since so many of the lines were so long. Luckily both Wildfire and TNT had great operations with quick moving lines so I got on both of those a couple of times. The line for the train stretched up the hill almost back to grandfather's mansion at one point.

[joshblakebran]

Hm, that seems so bizarre! With the Season Pass, I would assume that I could leave, and return as often in one day as I wanted so long as I use my pass.

Perhaps, returning more than once in a day confuses their computer counting system? Still seems odd though.

Just returned from SDC...We are season pass holders and left for a couple of hours yesterday...The lady did not stamp our hands and said with season passes there was no need...we just showed our passes again to regain entry...

[joshblakebran]

Just returned to Colorado from Branson. We got to Branson on Tuesday so we could enjoy Wednesday-Saturday at SDC. This was the first time we've been to OTC. We absolutely loved it. We were able to see all the shows twice, ride the rides, what a difference riding Wildfire and Powerkeg at night, and enjoyed the Hot Chocolate with the Works and Wassail. Wednesday and Thursday were not too busy. It was cold on Thanksgiving, sorta even snowed that day, and may have been the reason the crowds were small. The most traffic we saw was in the Mollie Mill Restaurant which served an extremely delicious meal. It had stormed Wednesday evening/early Thursday morning and the American Plunge was hit by lightening. The guard shack/house whatever you call the little building at the top of the slide was hit and burnt up. Sounds like a motor or two will have to be replaced and the building rebuilt but other than that, no major damage. The Dicken's Christmas Carol was awesome, but my family also enjoyed Pure Heart and Tracy Heaston. We always enjoy the Saloon Show and the Homestead Pickers were awesome as usual. I saw the markers for what must be the Half Dollar Hollar and carousel. Looks like the carousel will be very close to the swinging bridge. The train ride was awesome as was Grandpa's story. I could not believe how busy the park was on Saturday. We went an hour before park opening and were amazed at the number of people already there. We left around 3:00ish, amazed at the line of people still trying to get in the park and returned at 6:30ish. We stayed at the Wilderness and the lady at the desk called some number and discovered that there were 16,704 people at the park already. There were many more entering the park when we reentered at 6:30ish. All the parking lots were full and people were being parked at the Notches which is on the way to Branson West. Amazing!!! They were running two trains and still the line to ride was backed up to the corkscrew. It was packed. Anyway, we truly enjoyed the trip and loved OTC.

[rubedugans]

I am under the understanding that Season Pass=unlimited entries both in the season, AND in a single day. No stamps needed

HOWEVER...it would allow for a much quicker re-entry, and a more swiflty moving line during ther rush/ crowd of entries for the evening lights, Maybe they are simply trying to not spend as much time scanning passes, instead looking at a hand and moving them along is quicker.

[sanddunerider]

just got in, quick recap:
over 9,000 people there today (sunday)..
Never got on train . no problem will be back next month
watched the tree and parade, love those displays as always
did RB..... nothing impressive, as we already know.
lines were a little busy at PK and WF.
AP doesnt look too bad..will be up and running next year, no problem
HDH- did not see any changes there, although the new "rides" appear to come in
     behind Beccas House
Checked WB area close. nothing new there.
Flooded Mine.. all they did was put hats on the inmates..
Lights all looked good,
Got out of there about 8 and went and hit SoTH, 10 bucks per head, little steep i thought,
      but it included the tower.. But that does not impress me any...oh yea free chocolate
Thats it for now, going to drive over by CC tomorrow.

[PastorDon]

Just returned from a great day at the City!  Really enjoyed the Live Nativity and the Saloon Show was great, with a lot of the great old gags I remember from Christmas several years ago.  The weather was perfect and the crowds, for the most part, weren't too heavy.  Lines were mostly short for WF, PK and GS, and I got to ride Wildfire at night which was awesome! 
But then comes the bad news.  On my second go around on Wildfire I decided to leave my camera in the cubby and go around to ride again.  There were maybe less than 15 people in the whole place.  When I got off the second round my camera was gone.  Fortunately I had downloaded most of my pics to my laptop from the last several days but all the pics I took today are gone.    Filed a report with security, but doubt I'll see it, or those pics, again.  Guess I'm just too trusting! 

[shavethewhales]

^Wow, that's actually the first time I've heard of something being stolen at the park. I'm sorry that happened to you.


I can't believe how many of us were at the park this week - we probably all passed by each other at some point and didn't know it.

[sanddunerider]

pastor, sorry to hear about camera.

Steve your right, seemed to be several of us there.

Steve, "we" should have a clubhouse there.!    LOL
   You know private entrance,private parking, discounts all year around.  LOL   
   You should make that a winter project, I am sure you can do that!!

Nest time it sounds like a few of us might show up, lets set up meeting place, maybe set a couple of "meet" times.  I would love to shake hands and meet you people face to face!.

Dan

[oldsdcer]

Went to my sister in laws for thankgiving in Marshfield noth of Springfield. Rained all the way until we got  there the turned to sleet and snow. To the NOtch Condos that night.  Friday was shoping at Branson and the Landing with  the Branson and SoTH light drive thurs that night.

Was there on Saturday, heard there were 15,300 people in the park at 5:00. Ladies bathroom down at the Hospitality House, made every one go to bathroom a TNT. Grand son an inch too short for TNT, maybe nest year. Wore my Fansite shirt and attracted the attention of U Smell Smoke, great to meet you. Love riding TGS and WF at night, wish I had gotten back on TNT then. The Lights were great. Found the secret to beating the crowds for the train which was great as usual and my Grandson's favorite thing. Didn't get the Wassil this time , darn. Other than family issues it was  a great time.

To Springfield to shop on Sunday  and the home. Hope everyone had a good holiday.

[Junior]

Have enjoyed all the trip reports in the last week or so...sounds like alot of SDC Fans. com visited! Wish I could have been there, but felt like I was anyway from all the play by play reports! Thanks!

[QueenMum]

Went over the weekend... here's my hubby's blog post about it: http://bransoninfo.org/silver-dollar-city-at-christmas/

[sanddunerider]

glad you were able to go! read your blog,,,,, yes it is quite a sight!!

[Andymeets1880s]

Read the blog, QueenMum. A good description and read!

A big thanks to everyone giving their OTC reviews!

[Junior]

We were able to make a short daytrip to Branson today! Traffic was heavy all over. When passing Indian Point Road turnoff to SDC, traffic was backed up all the way to the Hwy. 265 intersection. Went to Branson Landing and both parking lots were full to capacity. Had to stop at Bass Pro Shop, and it was very crowded. Got to see a local family group performing in the landing...playing traditional music. Very nice. Red Roof Mall not too busy, easy to get in and out. Ate the seafood buffet at Starvin' Marvin's Restaurant, as always, well worth the stop, although pricy. Enjoyed seeing Christmas lights around town. Walked through the Apple Tree Mall, something we always enjoy. Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights was absolutely packed! A long line waiting to go in. Kimberling City had no lights worth talking about on the main drag. That was a drag! Got to Branson about 1pm, and left Branson about 9:30pm. A nice short daytrip. I'm just sorry I could not convence the family members with me to stop at SDC! It was a bit breezy, and after dark, very cold! So maybe it was better we didn't walk the streets at SDC this trip. Enjoyed the day. I posted a few photos at the Flickr site:

                                 http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan

[Parson B Ready]

Itttt wwassss vvvvveerrrrryyyyy ccccccoooolllllddddd llllaaaassssttt nnnnigggght!!!!! 
And it was very busy.  I talked to Mr. HeHa, he said that they were expecting 11,000 and had (as of 7:00pm) 17,500. We were able to get on a few rides, but lines were fairly long,  the flooded mine line was backed out the entrance. We stuck it out to the bitter end and the kids were rewarded with 2 walk-on rides to FITH. After the first parade the park really thins out.  Got to meet the Herschends at the book signing.  They were very gracious, asked everyone where they were from and how many years they'd been coming to SDC then thanked each one for coming.  I asked Jack to please don't ever let them take Jesus out of the park.  He looked me in the eye and said "We won't."  He went on to ask me if I had seen "undercover boss".  I told him I had.  He said that Joel was a very committed Christian and he would never let that happen.  Yesterday was my daughter's eleventh birthday. She chose going to SDC over having a slumber party with her friends.  The ladies in Pure Heart sang "Happy Birthday" to her as did Clarence Peabody, Santa's executive assistant.