This post is sponsored by Silver Dollar City. All opinions are my own.
Remember when I told you about that 9 day vacation we were going on? Remember when I said that Branson was our favorite vacation spot? Remember when I said we were going to Silver Dollar City? Well, I think we've broken the record when it comes to how fun a vacation can be.
Even after 7 full days of fun, none of us were ready to come home. Johannah actually declared home as "broken" so we couldn't return. She also thinks that we live in Branson. She told a lady at Chick-fil-a today, "Hi! My name is Johannah and I live in Branson." Yeah. Uh. No. You live in the South, kid.
Even though I visited Branson as a kid, it is crazy different being there as an adult. This year, we went about a month later than the last and it was the perfect time. The only thing I can complain about is the weather, I do wish it was a tad bit cooler.
15 Silver Dollar City Tips, Tricks and Hacks
1. Visit during the week.
There's nothing more terrible that visiting an amusement park or attraction and it being packed out. Even on the "off-season", you'll still find that Silver Dollar City is heavily visited during weekend hours. If at all possible, visit SDC during the week. Not only will you not be jetting through the crowds, but you'll be able to see and do more.
2. After 3, next day free.
One Silver Dollar City day is not enough, point blank. There's no way you could see and do it all in just a few hours. If you're only planning for one day because of funds, definitely take advantage of the after 3, next day free deal that SDC offers. Be at the gate for 3PM to purchase your tickets. This gives you an extra 3 hours of park time at no additional costs to you!
3. Refillable Mug
If you're bringing along kiddos, and if you're planning on more than one full day, Silver Dollar City's refillable mug is a GREAT deal. You purchase the first mug for $13.99, then additional mugs for $7.99. Each plain (soda, tea, lemonade) refill is $1.33, each specialty (floats, icee, slush) is $2.66. Single drinks at SDC can be up to $4-$5. We visited on hot days and shared a mug, so we took advantage of the discount!
4. FREE Ice Water
If you don't mind drinking water the whole time you're at Silver Dollar City, that's definitely the way to go! At any food counter, you can ask for a cup of ice water that is totally free of charge. Size of the cup depends on the stand that you visit, but you can always ask for another or even a refill!
5. More than one day? Get a Season Pass.
Adult general admission is $62, children are $51. If you purchase tickets for two days, you are at $124 for each adult and $102 for each child. Season passes for one park are $102 per adult and $92 per child. If you're planning to visit more than one day, this gives you are $22 savings for each adult and a $10 savings per child. Even for a two park pass, you're not spending much more. A Silver Dollar City Season pass is definitely the way to go!
6. Order for Pick Up
If you're a shopper at those amazing Silver Dollar City shops, then you should know about ordering for pick up. If not, this one is for you! At any shop you visit, you can arrange for your items to be sent to the front of the park for pick up on you're way out. No more carrying around merchandise! Just let a shopkeeper know that you're doing Package Pickup and they'll arrange for it to be sent to the Ozark Marketplace at the exit.
7. Arrive at open.
This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure that you show up at the park before it opens and then make it to the gate at opening. A few years ago, we waited a little too long and got caught in a couple miles of traffic trying to enter into parking. The waiting wasn't fun and we lost some valuable park time. The park doesn't open until 10AM, so that give you plenty of time to get up and ready to make it there!
8. Check for deals.
There's always a revolving door of offers on Silver Dollar City's website. Besides after 3, next day free, there's also military and senior discounts, Price Cutter Thursday's (discount to $35), Sunday Family Four Pack. If you know someone with a Season Pass, ask about they're free days. Season Pass holders get guest vouchers that can be used to get visitors in for free on specific days.
Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
Sea-band Adult Wristband Set of 2Rain Poncho: Disposable Emergency Rain PonchosQuease Ease - Motion Sickness Instant Relief
10 . Silver Dollar City App
Did you know that Silver Dollar City has an app equipped with an interactive park map and information about everything around you!? This is literally invaluable. No more lugging around that crazy map that just confuses you. Instead, just pull up your phone to check the time and location of the next show. You can even check the waiting time for the rides and get directions too!
11. Season Pass Perks
Getting a Season Pass is more than just an initial savings deal, it's a savings that last throughout the season. Silver Dollar City Season Pass Holders get $5 off full price one day tickets for up to 6 guests, 10% off meals over $5 for up to 6 guests, breakfast at Molly's Mill discounts, craft school class discounts, and even Branson Belle discounts!
12. Pack something for motion sickness
Even if you don't usually get sick from riding rides, you'll want to be sure to pack something for motion sickness, just in case. Silver Dollar City has 40 rides and attractions, you'll want to be prepared! Between their new record breaking roller coaster, and those rides that spin uncontrollably, the mountains aren't the only motion you'll face!
13. Don't pay to park
If you take my advice and make it to the gate at open, then you should be parking around 9:45 or so. By showing up to park early, you ensure that you'll get the closest free spots. While, the free spots are still a good trek from the entrance, Silver Dollar City provides free transportation from the parking area to the entrance and back, all day. Just be sure to remember what area you've parked in!
14. Trailblazer pass
This is a pass that allows you to skip the line for some attractions. The trailblazer pass is available in basic, and season options. I can imagine that this pass is a good fit for some people, but honestly I just don't think it worth it. But, this may also depend on when you visit Silver Dollar City. Even in the busier times that we've visited, I don't see the pass being worth the money.
15. Bring a stroller
There is a ton of walking you'll be doing in Silver Dollar City. If you've got a whiner, a toddler, a runner, or any kid under 4, do yourself a favor and bring a stroller. You won't want to be carrying a toddler uphill and through crowds of people while it's hot and humid. SDC has the option of renting out strollers, but you won't want to pay the hefty price!
We visited Silver Dollar City during the National Cowboy and Crafts Festival this year. I was pretty skeptical as to how fun it would be when I found out the number of people that visited during this time, but it was perfect! Christopher and the kids were able to ride the rides multiple times without getting off (no lines!), we saw Andrew Zimmern, and the shows were fun too!
What Silver Dollar City tips and tricks does your family use? Do you have any SDC hacks?
Don't forget to check out our Top NINE Family-Friendly things to do in Branson!
