There’s no getting away from the fact that a family trip to a theme park can be expensive. If you add the Disney name tag onto that, you could be forking out thousands for a full family trip – and that’s even if you go to the cheapest Disney Park in the world. However, Disney Parks aren’t the only world-class theme parks in the US, despite being some of the most expensive family outings around.
One of the best theme parks in the US is actually located in the unassuming city of Branson, Missouri. Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts are located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, giving you beautiful natural surroundings as well as the thrills and spills you’d expect from an incredible American theme park.
With adrenaline-spiking rollercoasters, a giant water park, a huge campground, log cabins, and picturesque dinner cruises, this place seriously has it all. All this, and it’s a fraction of what it would cost to visit a Disney Park in either Florida or California. So, what rides and experiences can you find at Silver Dollar City, and how do the prices line up? Let’s dive in and find out more about this family-friendly spot in Missouri.
Missouri’s Cost-Effective Alternative To Disney
Spanning a huge 61 acres of land near Branson, Missouri, the fun-filled park of Silver Dollar City has been welcoming guests since 1960. This popular theme park is surrounded by stunning mountains and lakes, leaning into the 1880s theme that the entire place has. This historic vibe adds another level to the experience and means there’s a little something for everyone.
One of the best things is that, despite the incredible rides and experiences on offer, it’s still much cheaper than going to Disney. An adult one-day ticket costs $92, and a children’s ticket or a 65+ ticket costs $82. By comparison, the cost of a day ticket for Orlando Disney fluctuates but can run anywhere between $109 and $189, with the average price per adult being $160. You can also buy Trailblazer passes for $57, which is the Silver Dollar City equivalent of a fast pass. Another benefit here is the cost of parking. While Disney charges $30 for parking, Silver Dollar City has free parking and a free shuttle to the park gates. Since you’re already paying for entry, there’s no need to pay for parking, too, right?
The food is also cheaper at Silver Dollar City compared to Disney’s extortionate prices, and with cinnamon bread that has its own fans, it’s easy to see why people come back time and time again. You can bring your own food and even buy a tasting passport during the park’s Harvest Festival, for $37, which allows you to try five festival foods around the various parks.
Thrills To Experience At Silver Dollar City
If you only have 24 hours to spend in Silver Dollar City, there are some things that you have to prioritize. For high-octane roller coaster junkies, the Powder Keg Run, with its 110-foot drop, and Outlaw Run, with its extreme thrill ratings, top speeds of 68mph, steep vertical drops, and G-force pressures, need to be at the top of your list. Although it’s worth bearing in mind, they are definitely not one for the faint of heart.
While you’re recovering from the roller coasters, check out the over 100 artisans giving live demonstrations around the park. From glassblowers to blacksmiths and pottery makers, there are plenty of craftspeople to check out around the site. Of course, these demonstrations are best enjoyed with some of the delicious festival-style food available from the various stalls. That includes cinnamon bread, Coke floats, peanut brittle, and, of course, funnel cakes!
If water parks are more your thing, check out Silver Dollar City’s White Water Park next door. It’s been voted among the top 5 water parks in the country. From the giant wave pool to 13 acres of slides to the relaxing cabanas, there’s a section for every member of the family. Entry to White Water costs an extra $29 per person. However, if you’re staying at Silver Dollar City’s campground, it might be worth spending a full day at each Silver Dollar City and White Water.
For a more relaxing vibe, board the Showboat Branson Belle. This boat sails around the lake with live performances from 1800s-style musicians and dancers, and you’ll be treated to a three-course dinner. It’s a perfect way to cap off a day at Silver Dollar City.
How To Get To Silver Dollar City
To get to Silver Dollar City, the closest airport is the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), which is around a 30 to 40-minute drive away from the park. This airport offers a reasonable number of flight routes into the Ozarks from around the US; however, there doesn’t seem to be any routes from the Northwest section of the country. So, if you’re coming from this area, you’ll likely need to change flights.
As parking at Silver Dollar City is free, you can road trip here. The park is located off Missouri Route 76, so if you’re driving up from Little Rock, Arkansas, it takes just 3 and a half hours, and down from Kansas City, Missouri, it takes three hours and 25 minutes. These good highway connections mean that it’s easily reachable if you’re enjoying a Midwest road adventure.
From Branson, it’s just an 18-minute drive to the park, which makes it the best place to stay if you’re not planning on staying at the Silver Dollar City Resort or the accompanying onsite campsite. Similarly, if you’re staying in Springfield, the next largest city, it’s just under an hour’s drive. There’s no public transport to the park itself, which is largely why the parking is free.
The Best Time To Visit Silver Dollar City
As with all theme parks, the busiest time to visit is during the summer vacation season. When the kids are out of school and families are on vacation, Silver Dollar City gets a lot of visitors. This means that you’ll likely be faced with the longest queues for rides, and accommodation costs will be more expensive.
Another popular time is during the festive period. The “An Old Time Christmas” festival is popular and sees parades and shows throughout the festive season. There are even 6.5 million lights during this time of year. This, alongside the October Harvest Festival, when the cinnamon flavors are at their most iconic, and the pumpkin patches are flowing, are among the most popular times to visit.
If you’re not bothered about specific festivals, opt for the spring months, or in January and February. The crowds are quieter, which means you can experience more of the park. It’s also a good idea to visit during the week if you can, as weekends are inherently busier.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to Disney, check out Silver Dollar City in Missouri. This 1880s-themed park is full of amazing rides, artisans, food stalls, and interactive experiences, so it’s well worth booking a ticket.
