Ozark Mountain Summer Celebration

What I have found about the Ozark Mountain Summer Celebration Fest Tasting Passports so far.

Please add your own photos, and reviews, the portion size you received, and pictures of prices will help this thread tremendously. 

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 35.00, you can add a discount refill mug for 13.50.

Making each choice equal 7.00, when you divide 35.00 that you paid for the Passport, by 5 choices.

If you have a Season Pass you will receive a Season Pass Discount on the Tasting Passports as well, making them less than the price I quoted.

So if you are looking for the best values on the Tasting Passport, you can follow my post for items that have at least a 7 dollar or more Regular Price cost without the Tasting Passport, and only use your Passport for those items. Anything below 7 dollars it may be a better value for you to buy outright and not use a punch on your Passport for. 

Look in the comments for what I think the best values are in the park, for this Season's Tasting Passport, and how to get the most bang for your buck on the Seasonal Food choices.

WAGON WORKS GRILL 

Southwest Burger 

Probably Full size Sandwich, but without fries.

Full size Sandwich with fries without a Tasting Passport- 12.99

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit Dessert 

Full size

Without a Tasting Passport - Probably 6.99 - 8.99

Will update when I know positively.

JIM OWEN'S DOCKSIDE GRILL 

Pulled Pork Skillet 

1/2 size portion

Full size portion,  without a Tasting Passport - 12.49

CROSSROADS PIZZA 

Meatball Sandwich 

Probably 1/2 Sandwich 

Full Sandwich, without a Tasting Passport - 11.99

Mac and Cheese Pizza

Probably close to full size - 7"

Full size pizza, without a Tasting Passport - 12.99?

TRAVELER'S STOP 

Classic Chicken Sandwich 

Probably Full size Sandwich

Full size Sandwich, without a Tasting Passport - 8.49

Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich 

Probably Full size Sandwich. 

Full size Sandwich, without a Tasting Passport - 8.69

Lady Liberty Dining Pavillion 

Classic Chicken Sandwich 

Probably Full Size Sandwich without fries.

Full size Sandwich including fries, without a Tasting Passport - 11.29

BBQ Bacon Ranch Fries 

1/2 size portion. 

Full serving, without a Tasting Passport - 8.99

Lumbercamp Falls Skillets

Family Fued Skillet

1/2 portion 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 12.49???

Jambalaya Skillet 

1/2 portion 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 14.49????

CHESTER'S KETTLE CHIPS 

1/2 size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport -

TATER TWIST 

Classic Tater Twist 

Full size Tater Twist!

Without a Tasting Passport - 8.99

HANNAH'S ICE CREAM PARLOR 

Blackberry Shake

Full size Shake!

Without a  Tasting Passport - 7.99 ???? Probably. 

TASTE OF THE CITY 

Bourbon Smoked Pork Skewer 

Probably 1 or 2

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport -

Roasted Corn On The Cob

Full size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 8.99

Fresh Traditional Lemonade 

Full size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 6.29? Or the price a a refill in a refill mug.

Fresh Blackberry Basil Lemonade 

Full size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 6.29?

Berries & Cream 

Full size portion.

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 8.99??

RIVERTOWN SMOKEHOUSE 

Smoked Brisket

Pulled Pork 

Smoked Turkey 

Smoked Sausage 

These are each a separate order/choice on the Tasting Passport, but most likely will be served the exact same way. I am guessing you will receive a good size portion of meat, but without sides.

Full size portions of all the above with sides, without a Tasting Passport - 16.29

BBQ Ribs -

In the fall they gave 1/4 rack no sides. I'm guessing the same for this Summer.

1/2 rack, with 2 sides, without a Tasting Passport - 17.49

Blackberry Gooey Butter Cake 

Full size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 6.29

FRISCO KETTLE CORN 

Original Kettle Corn 

Full size large bag. 

Without a Tasting Passport- I believe 8.99???

HUGO'S CHEESESTEAKS

Tangerine & Passion Fruit Lemonade with Strawberry Bursting Boba 

Full size drink.

Without a Tasting Passport - 6.29???? Or the price of a refill in your refill mug.

Chicken Cheesesteak Fries

1/2 size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 13.99

Beef Cheesesteak Fries 

1/2 size portion. 

Full size portion, without a Tasting Passport - 13.99

CAKES & CONES 

Blackberry Funnel Cake 

1/3 size portion 

Full size Funnel Cake, without a Tasting Passport - 12.99???

Fanny's Famous Funnel Cakes 

Blackberry Funnel Cake 

1/3 size portion. 

Full size Funnel Cake, without a Tasting Passport - 12.99??

Kid Friendly Food in Silver Dollar City

Our Favorite Branson Restaurants

1. Billy Gail's

2. Smithcreek 

3. Shogun's 

4. Steamy Joe's 

5. Sugar Leaf

6. Lambert's 

7. Flatcreek 

Honorable Mention 

1. Grand Country

2. Mellow Mushroom 

3. Pizza Ranch 

1. Billy Gail's is a don't miss for at least 1 breakfast every visit to Branson. Our children love it. And since the meals are gigantic, they can easily be split. 

All my children love the pancakes. I love the fried fish, my husband's favorite is the chicken Fried Steak but also the Fish. My son really likes the burgers and fried okra! 

Trust me, 2 kids can usually split a kids meal, and 2 adults can usually split a adult meal. A kids meal is plenty for most adults!

2. Smithcreek at the Landing - free samples of Moonshine!!! Lol plus they really do have fantastic Hamburgers. I don't normally like Hamburgers, but I love Smithcreeks. They are extremely friendly. And my entire family, including our children all love the atmosphere and the food!

3. Shogun's - 

4. Sugar Leaf - I have been going here for decades. Very nice lunch cafe. Coffee, sandwiches, Soups and baked goods. Very nice atmosphere at Grand Village.

5. Steamy Joe's - yummy, almost the sane options as Sugar Leaf, cappuccinos, sandwiches, Soups, pastries, and absolutely beautiful views of the lake a Ozarks. 

6. Lambert's - we love them. I only put them in 5th place because they are not directly in Branson. My husband and kids like their steak best. I like the grilled salmon best. We are not fans of their corn, or green beans, but the candied yams, and beans are delicious. They have all you can eat pass arounds - fried okra (my kids love it!!!), black eyed peas, fried potatoes and onions, Macaroni and tomatoes  and amazing hot rolls, better than Texas Roadhouse!!

Keep in mind even though the servings are huge, you also get unlimited second helpings of whatever main course you order as well!

7. Flatcreek, in Cape Fair, do NOT mistake for Fallcreek! We love this restaurant. Huge, delicious portions. Fantastic seafood, very good prices! They also currently own Billy Gail's! So if you like Billy Gail's, you will most likely love Flatcreek. 

It's only number 6 on my list, because it's not technically in Branson. But, it's worth the 20 minute drive!

Honorable Mention 

1. Grand Country Buffet - the main reason this is on Honorable Mention, is I don't really care for Buffets. But, this is one I can tolerate! It's one of the better ones I have been to. Most people love it. Most my family really does enjoy it as well.

2. Mellow Mushroom - the main reason this is a Honorable Mention, is because it is a chain. However, it's only 1 of 4 chains in the USA that offers dairy free pizza. And we personally do not have a local one to us. This is the best dairy free pizza we have ever had. And they have really yummy, unique pizza toppings and flavors to mix and match. Best Hawaiian pizza I have ever had. The Holy Shirtaki is also delicious! We have tried several others too, and loved all of them.

3. Pizza Ranch - also on the Honorable Mention because of being a chain. It's better than Cicis for the pizza itself, but not my favorite pizza. However  my kids love it. And my husband and I like the fried chicken and soup. As well as kids eat free on Tuesdays. So makes it extremely affordable. They also have soft serve ice cream and Rootbeer, and my kids love making Rootbeer Floats for dessert. The hot chocolate chip cookie pie is also delicious!

Our Favorite Silver Dollar City Restaurants

My family's favorite Silver Dollar City Restaurants. 

1. Rivertown Smokehouse 

2. Molly's Mill 

3. Wagon Works 

4. Tater Twist 

5. Taste of the City 

Honorable Mentions

1. Crossroads Pizza 

2. Lumbercamp Hamburgers

3. Sulivan's Mill & Apple Butter Shop 

4. Traveler's Stop 

Favorite Restaurants - 

1. My favorite has always been Rivertown Smokehouse (was the Ribhouse). In my opinion the prices of the Sandwiches are a bit much. But, the prices for the platters and ribs are fantastic! We love the brisket and the ribs. The Macaroni and Cheese is also amazingly delicious! One of my entire family's favorite restaurants period. But, for sure at Silver Dollar City. 

2. Molly's Mill is for sure a favorite for my husband, and children, and I really like it too. It's extremely affordable for us. Has fantastic Bacon, and biscuits and gravy, and fresh fruit for breakfast, plus much more. Lunch and Dinner has great fried chicken, Mac and Cheese and I personally love the Broccoli Casserole!

3. Wagon Works, has the best Smoked Turkey Legs and Grilled Burgers in all of Silver Dollar City. In my family's opinion better than the other locations that sell them. My best friends daughter always gets the All American Meal, so she can get the Apple Pie too. Not to mention it's just a fun setting to eat in. In the winter it has a very cozy fireplace too.

4. Tater Twist - my husband and children's absolute favorite snack at Silver Dollar City. My kids love the ones with a Hot Dog in the middle. They are fun. But, I wouldn't say my favorite. But, I do understand why my husband and kids love it. And most people do! So it sometimes has a huge line too. I will say they have a instant Cappuccino machine, like you usually see at Kwik Shop or QT, and they do give you refill price for them. And have about 4 flavors. They taste like really good Hot Cocoa. 

5. Taste of the City, this a rather new eating area. But, it is so much fun!!!! They change the menu completely for each festival. They have some of the very best Tasting Passport choices. We have liked almost everything we have gotten at Taste of the City, and the Mac and Cheese is always amazing! Highly recommend always stopping by and seeing the Seasonal selections they are offering. 

Honorable Mention 

1. Crossroads Pizza, I'm adding this as a top Honorable Mention because my kids absolutely love it, and must have it at least once every visit. But, my husband and I just aren't Pizza lovers. I admit though even I like the seasonal pizzas, especially the Fall Harvest Fest Pumpkin Pizza, but only my son and I like it. It's the best one they have in my opinion though! Also quite honestly, I realize my husband and I are in the minority of disliking pizza, cause everyone else we know, including our parents *especially our parents! All 6 of them! His mom and dad, both my parents and both my step parents! My husband's parents are still married, mine were divorced and remarried*, our own kids, friends, everyone we know who goes to Silver Dollar City absolutely loves Crossroads!

2. Lumbercamp Hamburgers - My son does like Wagon Works burgers better, but he also loves Lumbercamp Burgers, and I know many many people love Lumbercamp Burgers. Add to that they hands down have the absolute best Fried Pickles I have ever had anywhere!!!! Get the Fried Pickles!

3. Sulivan's Mill and Apple Butter Shop - I'm putting them together because, my kids and I love both equally for sweet breakfast pastries! Sooo yummy! Apple Cinnamon Biscuits and the smaller cookies, and macrons at Sullivan's Mill. It's also my favorite location for Starbucks. Apple Turnovers are delicious at the Apple Butter Shop. My kids also like the chip and Salsa samples! Lol

4. Traveler's Stop - honestly this is a sleeper great restaurant at Silver Dollar City. I personally would of never paid these prices for a grilled cheese sandwich, as I personally make great grilled cheese sandwiches at home and think of them as a cheap and easy food. Equivalent to a peanut butter sandwich. But, one year my daughter wanted one, and she is our picky child, plus we allow at least 1 meal a trip where each child gets to choose exactly what they want (lunch and breakfast they usually have to eat what we provide or oh well..wait). And she chose it, as much as it pained me to buy a grilled cheese sandwich, she got the one with bacon, and could only finish half and begged me, and begged me to help her finish the other half. So I finally did, and it was delicious. Bonus is the Tasting Passport has some amazing seasonal options of Grilled cheese sandwiches offered there, and often full size with the Tasting Passport. 

We also like Time Traveler's fries! They are the processed kind, but they are still yummy! 

And if you have or are a super picky eater and enjoy Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwiches, theirs are extremely comparable. 

Pregnant at Silver Dollar City

Pregnant at Silver Dollar City

They allow you to bring food & beverages inside. You can bring plenty of snacks that you can tolerate or need, without spending a fortune. And even your entire lunch if needed or wanted.

The Tasting Passports they sell at the Festivals are really fun to do as well. New foods, and kind of fun to go around and find them-something to do and keep busy that is fun. Molly's Mill is also a good option for meals because it's a buffet, so if certain foods make you queasy and you are unsure day to day/meal to meal which foods may cause that, you can change what you are eating right then and try something else that might be easier on the tummy.

I highly suggest getting a photo pass and getting all the photos ops. The photographers will take your pictures any where you ask them to in Silver Dollar City and as many as you want! So great way to get lots of pregnancy pictures with your husband and/or family included.

I would strongly suggest, getting extremely familiar with the map and where all the bathrooms are before going as well. Make sure you know what things are by each bathroom. So you can hurry to them, if needed.

These are rides, that even babies are allowed to ride. It's up to your discretion, tolerance, and doctors advice if they would be a good idea for yourself. 

Hugo & Mary's Carousel 

The Train - 20 minute ride, there is a Train Robbery Show half way through that last 10 minutes.

Flooded Mine - A flat boat ride. It's lazer gun shooting in a mine. You stay completely dry.

Tom and Huck's River Blast - Flat boat ride with interactive water guns. Extremely mild, except for getting shot with water. We bring rain ponchos.

Attractions/Interactive Activities -

Two Splash pads - 

1 FireHouse Splash Yard - Fireman's Landing. 

1 in front of Mystic River Falls. 

Grandfather's Mansion -

A "fun" house. Not scary or haunted. However, I will warn, do not go by yourself. I would have my husband or someone equally strong, like my dad, with me to make sure I didn't lose my balance. If you are in the queasy part of pregnancy, this could make you nauseated too. It puts off your center of balance. So while I don't think it would directly affect a pregnancy. This one I would be a bit more careful with.

Swinging Bridge 

Homestead Animal Barnyard -

Petting Zoo - I would just make sure to wash hands well after.

Firefighter's Fire Drill -

Two-story interactive course, filled with foam balls, hoses & cannons for mock firefighting practice. A bonus to this while pregnant is it's temperature controlled. 

Oaktrail School and the entire Homestead. 

Fun shows. Our favorite is the Saloon Show. But, also love the circuses, acrobats, island dancers, especially Fire dancers, & animal shows. The Street Troupe is always hilarious too. And the hymn singing at church is extremely nice. In the fall they even have a cowboy cooking competition, and you get to try 2 dishes and vote on which one you like best.

There are lots of crafters to watch. My favorites are the glassblowing and candy making. They have many others too, everything from blacksmithing, to leather crafting, knife making, soap making, candle making (you can also dip candles yourself), wood Carving, furniture making, jewelry making - I always get something made at the Gillwire Jewelry store! And just so much more!

You can truly have a fantastic time at Silver Dollar City, even while pregnant. 

Best Values Eating at Silver Dollar City

The number 1 biggest value hands down, is the grandfathered glass mugs. The glass mugs are lifetime .75 cent refills, for everything except Starbucks. But, you can get ice cream Floats, frozen drinks, icees, Frozen lemonade, Boba etc all .75 for life.

The next best one is the pop in lid plastic pre2012 mugs, they are locked in at 1.00 refills for everything except Starbucks. 

When it comes to food, everyone has different taste preferences, and appetite sizes. So my list, is suggestions that have worked for my family. I hope they can help you too, but you might find other options work better for your family. These are just what works for us.

1. Rivertown Smokehouse 

2. Wagon Works 

3. Molly's Mill

4. Tasting Passport 

Honorable Mention 

Crossroads Pizza 

1. Rivertown Smokehouse - 

Our very favorite, every day, no matter the season. 

1 Platter, or the 1/2 rack of ribs can easily feed 2 adults for my husband and I, or even our older teens. The brisket is my husband's favorite, the ribs are me and my kids favorite!

We find the Mac and Cheese is absolutely delicious and the most filling side to get. So we usually get Mac and Cheeses for both the sides. And all of us like it the very best.

We also usually get a few extra homemade Pickles as they are delicious! This really is enough for us. 

But, if we were still a little hungry we could add on a dessert to split and be stuffed. We don't like being that stuffed, so we usually wait awhile and go back for some bread pudding later, it is soooo good!

If you have picky eaters or 2 really young kids or even a smaller appetite adult, a great option at Rivertown Smokehouse is the Mac and Cheese kids meal. It's the good Mac and cheese, not kraft boxed. It comes with Mac and cheese, a side, apple sauce, and a juice. You can get a second Mac and Cheese as a side. Which is a great option if you want to split the kids meal between 2 small kids. Or you can get Tater Tots as a side. Which Mac and Cheese and Tater Tots is also a pretty picky eater friendly meal.  

2. Wagon Works - 

The Smoked turkey leg is gigantic. In our opinion we like the Turkey leg better from Wagon Works, than from Buckshot's. It's large enough to usually split between 2 people especially with a side.

Another good extremely filling option that they have had at Wagon Works the last few years is the All American Meal. Comes with cheeseburger, lots of toppings, fries and apple pie! It's a go to for when I take a teen with a bigger appetite!

My daughter's also really love the Wrap Combo, it's pretty inexpensive, and giant. Easy for 2 kids to split. Or 1 large appetite adult to get plenty of food.

A lot of the restaurants have went to using lunchables for the children's menu, but Wagon Works still has other options on their children's menu. 

The children's cheeseburger meal is plenty for most children. And it's even the choice I make for myself, when I want a Cheeseburger! I don't usually like burgers, but these taste like homemade, seasoned and grilled perfectly! I will admit I'm not stuffed from this children's size meal, but satisfied and leaves me room in my tummy and wallet for a delicious Silver Dollar City snack or dessert later.

3. Molly's Mill -

Is one of my husband and children's very favorite. 

Breakfast, is great. Biscuits and gravy, eggs, home fries, fresh fruit, amazing bacon, sausage, and more, everything you could want in a Ozark Breakfast. 

Lunch and Dinner offers excellent Fried Chicken, and Macaroni and Cheese. And much much more. So perfect for picky eaters. I don't normally like buffets, but Molly's is very good! It's not the least expensive adult meal on the park, but if you mainly have children under 12, that are either picky or have large appetites, this has the largest selection for them at the lowest price for kids. Kids are only about 7 dollars each, and 3 and under eat free. So it comes out to be a very affordable option for our family, and less expensive than most Buffets outside Silver Dollar City. 

4. Tasting Passports. 

A new option since 2021.

My family has found that while some choices on the Passport are smaller portions, others are full size portions. So you must do your homework ahead of time before just randomly picking items from the Passport. My family, saves close to 50 percent or more when we use the Tasting Passports. 

For more specific savings follow my most current Tasting Passport post.

A few general tips that basically apply to all Tasting Passports -

We have found 1 Tasting Passport can easily feed 2 people all day and keep you very full.

And if on a extreme budget, 1 could be split by 4 people. Each person could get one full size choice for a meal, and then as the fifth choice one of the largest snacks always on the Passport is the Kettle Corn, so get 1 large bag of Kettle Corn to split between the family of 4. It's seriously enough for family of 4 as a snack, it's huge!

Keep in mind, you are getting 5 choices per a Tasting Passport. Currently a Tasting Passport cost 35.00 before any Season pass discount. You can get a Season Pass Discount on them too. But, focus on 5 choices for 35 dollars. 35 divided 5 is 7. So each of your choices should cost at least 7 dollars regular price, less than that you are losing money by using the Passport. If you use it on items that are normally more than 7 AND full size, is when you are actually saving money! So for the best value money wise with your Tasting Passport, make sure you are using it for full size items that are normally 7 dollars or more.

Almost all desserts are full size, except Funnel cakes. But, most desserts are less than 7 dollars so usually not your best value on the Tasting Passport. 

ALL cones are always full size, not just ice cream, but savory ones like Fajita Cones, Mac and Cheese Cones, Cashew Chicken Cones, Bang Bang Shrimp Cones, etc. Regular Price of most the savory Cones are 12 to 14 dollars. Almost half price to completely half price by using a choice on your Tasting Passport. 

All Tater Twist are always full size, and always over 7 dollars without a Tasting Passport. You will always save money with this choice. 

Kettle Corn is also always full size. 

Most Sandwiches have become full size, but usually no side with them. Still the grilled cheese ones are 14 to 15 dollars without a Passport, and with a Passport you are only using 1 of your 5 choices, so only paying 7 dollars.

The Pizzas have started being full size. They are regularly 12.99 and as 1 choice on your Passport you are only using 7 dollars worth of your choices. 

The Skillets, Tots, Nachos, Fries, Soup etc are generally 1/2 the size, so don't always match up to the amount you are paying on the Passport. However, sometimes it may still save some people money, if their child really wants the real food selection at the places that only have lunchables as a kids meal. These can easily become a 7 dollar children's or seniors or small appetite person meal, without paying full price and having to throw the other half away.

Never use a Tasting Passport for a drink. None of the drinks are ever 7 dollars or more. And any refill mug will make any drink less than 3 dollars. 

Honorable Mention 

Crossroads Pizza 

I put this as a Honorable Mention, because Pizza is not my husband and I's favorite food. However, our children do love it.

You can get a large pizza for around 20 dollars, depending on the ttoppings. It can usually feed at least a family of 4. Many families absolutely love it.

The only downside to Crossroads, is it is the absolute most popular restaurant inside Silver Dollar City, so inside can be incredibly packed. 

The biggest bonus to Crossroads, is they have the digital Coke machines with hundreds of drinks to choose from, including tons of sugar free, zero calorie options!

BBQ Fest Best Deals

Follow my thread on here, I also list all the full size prices, and what's full size and what's smaller.

Here's my opinions so far. 

You get 5 items for 35 dollars. That makes each choice cost you 7 dollars. Not a additional 7 dollars, but 35 divided by 5 equals 7.

Now not everything is full size serving on the Tasting Passport. But, many are.

For Blue Grass and BBQ Fest right now the best deals are.

1. Traveler's Stop - Brisket Grilled Cheese - Full size - The price you would pay without a Passport 15.99 l!!! Paying even less than 1/2 price when you use your Passport. And yes you are getting a full size Sandwich!

2. Crossroads Pizza 

BBQ Chicken Pizza. It's been close to full size. Regular Price is 12.99. It's been getting amazing reviews for Taste. A excellent deal for your money on the Passport and for your tastebuds!

3. Lumbercamp Falls Skillet -

BBQ Chicken Baked Potato 

Full size! Regular Price is 12.99

So almost 1/2 Price using your Passport. And it is full size.

4. Tater Twist 

BBQ Tater Dog 

Full size

Regular Price 11.99 

Almost half price with your Passport. And this baby is huge!

5. Wagon Works 

Mac and cheese Cones. I still am not 100 percent sure of the prices, but I do know they are absolutely full size, and a bargain on the Tasting Passport.

Honorable Mentions are

1. Smokehouse Shack

Crazy Corn 

Full size, regular Price is 8.99.

It's not the largest savings but it still is a savings, you save 2 dollars getting it with the Tasting Pass. And it's full size, and comes in several flavor choices. And absolutely every single person has said they are delicious. 

2. Kettle Corn 

Regularly 9.99, so like the corn not a huge discount, you are saving 3 dollars. If you pay regular price. However, if you have a refill bucket with lifetime 2 dollar refills. Then not a good deal. But, I'm still putting this towards the top of my honorable mentions, because 1. Not many people have the refill bucket. 2. If you don't have the refill bucket you are for sure saving 3 dollars. 3. It's huge, so if you are there trying to split a Tasting Passport with more than one person, this is for sure a snack that can be shared by a large family and everyone have plenty. 4. If you are there alone trying to use a entire Tasting Passport in one day, this is a good take home item. You don't have to eat it at the park. It stays fresh for at least a week without getting stale if you store it nicely. 

3. Taste of the City

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese 

You only get 1/2 a serving, and full serving price is 9.99. So while not the best deal money wise on the Tasting Passport. It has been getting excellent reviews for Taste.

4. Rivertown Smokehouse

While you only get the Sandwiches and not the 2 sides that regular price ones come with. The regular prices of the Sandwiches are 15.99 and 16.29. It's a really good deal on the Passport if you do not want sides. But, if you do want sides, sides are pretty expensive to buy al a cart, so better to buy without using the Passport, if sides are important to you.

5. Either of the Funnel Cakes. The full size ones have went up to 12.99 full price. With a Tasting Passport you really only get 1/3 of a regular size one, so you do lose a little money getting it with a Tasting Passport. But, it may be worth it if you really don't want a huge one, or you just want to try it because you aren't sure you would like it. 7 dollars vs 13 dollars is a significant difference if you aren't sure you would like it.

The absolute worst deal for your money is Eva and Delilah's Bakery the Lemon Blueberry Cookies. While you do get 3 whole cookies, and they are getting excellent reviews for taste. Regular full price without using a Tasting Passport is 2.99. So you will be paying more than double by using a choice on your Tasting Passport for them. While I don't think you should completely skip them, I wouldn't use your Passport for them. Just buy them for 2.99 without using the Passport.

Bluegrass and BBQ Fest

What I have found about the Bluegrass and BBQ Fest Tasting Passports so far.

Please add your own photos, and reviews, the portion size you received, and pictures of prices will help this thread tremendously. 

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 35.00

Making each choice equal 7.00, when you divide 35.00 that you paid for the Passport, by 5 choices.

If you have a Season Pass you will receive a Season Pass Discount on the Tasting Passports as well, making them less than the price I quoted.

So if you are looking for the best values on the Tasting Passport, you can follow my post for items that have at least a 7 dollar or more Regular Price cost without the Tasting Passport, and only use your Passport for those items. Anything below 7 dollars it may be a better value for you to buy outright and not use a punch on your Passport for. 

Look in the comments for what I think the best values are in the park, for this Season's Tasting Passport, and how to get the most bang for your buck on the Seasonal Food choices.

WAGON WORKS GRILL

BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Waffle Cone

Full size portion. 

Regular Price -

BBQ Chicken & Cheese Waffle Cone

Full size portion. 

Regular Price -

CROSSROADS PIZZA

Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza 

7 inch personal pizza

Regular Price -

DOCKSIDE GRILL

BBQ Boneless Chicken Wings

Regular Price -

Smoked Pulled Pork Skillet 

2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price for full size portion -

Ancho Chili Smoked Pork Belly Skillet

2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price for Full size portion-

TRAVELER'S STOP

 

BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese

Regular Price -

LADY LIBERTY DINING PAVILLION

BBQ Bacon Ranch Cheese Fries

2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price for full size portion -

RIVERTOWN SMOKEHOUSE

Smoked BBQ Pork, Slaw & Fried Onion Sandwich

Regular Price -

Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich with Green Apple Slaw and Pickled Red Onions

Regular Price -

Peach Cobbler Bread Pudding

Full size portion. 

Regular Price - 6.29

SMOKEHOUSE SHACK 

Crazy Corn

Full size portion.

Regular Price -

Pulled Pork Nachos

1/3 to 2/3 size portion

Regular Price -

Smoked Brisket Nachos

1/3 to 2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price -

LUMBERCAMP

BBQ Pulled Pork Burger Sandwich

Slightly smaller than full size.

Regular Price -

LUMBERCAMP FALLS SKILLET

BBQ Chicken Baked Potato

Full size serving, most likely. 

Regular Price -

CAKES & CONES 

Caramel Apple Funnel Cake

1/3 size portion.

Regular Price - 11.99

TASTE OF THE CITY 

Street Corn Shaker Salad

Not sure of serving size.

Regular Price - 

Bourbon BBQ Pulled Chicken & Green Apple Slaw Sandwich 

Probably Slider size, but don't know. 

Regular Price -

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese 

Pretty close to full size, at least 2/3 size.

Regular Price - 9.99?

Boba Blueberry Lemonade -

Full size portion. 

Regular Price - 6.29

BUCKSHOT'S SKILLET 

Pineapple and Pepper Pulled Pork - Sandwich 

Probably Slider size.

Regular Price - 12.99?

Homemade Banana Pudding Trifle  -

Full size portion 

Regular Price - 6.29?

TATER PATCH 

Smoked Brisket Sausage Sandwich 

Slightly smaller than full size Probably. 

Regular Price - 12.99?

CHESTER'S KETTLE CHIPS

BBQ Brisket Kettle Chips 

1/2 to 2/3s size portion

Regular Price -

FRISCO POPCORN COMPANY 

Apple Pie Kettle Corn 

Full size large bag.

Regular Price - 8.99?

TATER TWIST 

BBQ Tater Dog

Full size

Regular Price - 10.99??

EVA AND DELILAH'S BAKERY

Lemon Blueberry Cookie

Full size

Regular Price - 

HANNAH'S ICE CREAM PARLOR 

Red, White, and Blue Artisan Cone

Full size 

Regular Price - 8.99??

COKES & FLOATS 

Watermelon Whip Cone

Full size

Regular Price - 4.49

DIPPIN DOTS CONCESSIONS 

Freedom Pop Sundae 

Most likely size small.

Regular Price -

MINUTE MAID CONCESSIONS 

Red, White & Blue Cream Whip

Full size

Regular Price - 5.99???

FANNY'S FAMOUS FUNNEL CAKES 

Banana Pudding Funnel Cake 

1/3 size portion 

Regular Price - 11.99???

Street Fest 2023

What I have found about the Street Fest Tasting Passports so far.

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 35.00

Making each choice 7.00.

If you have a SeasonPass you will receive a Season Pass Discount on the Tasting Passports as well, making them less than the price I quoted.

Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor 

Strawberry Shortcake Artisan Dipped Cone

Full size serving. 

Chocolate Thrill Ride Artisan Dipped Cone 

Full size serving. 

Fanta Floats

Full size serving.

Buckshot's Skillet 

Grilled Turkey Drumette

Hatfield's Tater Patch 

Smoked Brisket Totchos

2/3's of regular portion size.

Chicken Al Pastor Totchos

2/3 's of regular portion size. 

Crossroads Pizza 

Peach and Arugula Pizza

7 inch

Full size regular portion is 8 inch.

Antipasto Shaker Salad

Not sure.

Hugo's 

Fish and Chips 

Not sure.

Lady Liberty Dining Pavillion 

Loaded Steak Fajita Hot Dog

Loaded Greek Chicken Hot Dog

Steak Fajita Ravioli Nachos

Greek Chicken Ravioli Nachos

Chester's Kettle Chips 

Pouting Chips

Fanny's Funnel Cakes & Wilson's Farmers Market 

Pineapple Upside Down Funnel Cake 

Frisco Popcorn Company 

Cinnamon Roll Kettle Corn

Wagon Works Grill 

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Pineapple Mango Chicken Skewers

Cobb Shaker Salad

Rivertown Smokehouse 

Sticky Chicken 

Pork Belly Skewers

Twice - Baked Bread Pudding 

Taste of the City

Garlic Shrimp Mac & Cheese 

Fresh Fruit Liege Waffle 

Chicken Fajita Bread Cone

Strawberry Guava Lemonade with Strawberry Bursting Boba

Full size.

Regular Price 

Minute Maid 

Lemonade Cream Whip

Full size. 

Regular Price 

Cakes & Cones 

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

1/3 size of regular portion size. 

Regular Price 

Fanta Floats 

Full size portion. 

Regular Price 

Traveler's Stop 

Mochas and Meows

A little gem we like is, Mochas and Meows.

It was clean, and in my opinion not over crowded. The cats seemed, happy, comfortable, and well cared for.

They give a group discount to larger families for petting cats. They charge by the 15 minute mark. 15 minutes is a set price, 30 minutes is a set price (slightly discounted it's not double the price of 15 minutes), 45 minutes is a set price (slightly less per a 15 minutes than the 15 and 30 minute prices, so NOT triple the price of the set 15 rate.) etc. 

The total price was - 33.70 - for 30 minutes of being with the cats, for 5 children, 1 adult, in the Autumn of 2022.

You can also just visit the Coffee Shop/Gift Shop for free.

The drinks cost about 5 to 7 dollars on average and what I tasted, was really yummy. My teens also really liked the small gift shop and chose a few things to buy to support the mission.

The host gives a brief introduction to all of the cats and the rules before your petting adventure begins. They have reasonable rules you should be able to easily follow. Some cats are kittens, some are adults, some are elderly, and some are special needs. The introduction gives you a idea of each cat's personality and age, so you know if it has a nature that likes petted or one that would rather you just look and not touch. 

The introduction eats up quite a bit of the first 15 minutes, so 15 minutes would of probably had some of my kids crying, had I forced them to leave after only 15 minutes. While some of my kids were still enjoying themselves at the 30 minute mark. Everyone, I think, had had enough time with the cats and were ok with moving on though at the 30 minute mark in my family.

We really enjoyed our time there. Some families may be good with 15 minutes and some may love 45 minutes to a hour. But, the 30 minutes was purrfect for us. 

My children have all asked me numerous times, have I made sure to budget in going again during our next trip. And yes, we will be going back.

Spring School Groups

April and May is usually ok crowdwise at Silver Dollar City.

But, fair warning, April and May, is when a lot of schools in the area take Class Trips to Silver Dollar City (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas- all schools with in a few hours of Silver Dollar City).

They are generally oblivious around the gate and stand in places blocking everyone else, while waiting for their groups leader. So you may have to ask them to please move to one side so you can get to the gate. Mostly they don't go inside Silver Dollar City until opening (1 hour after the gates/turnstiles open). 

Normally they leave around 2pm. (Meet their group leaders to get back on their bus)

They typically mainly only go on the thrill rides and like to eat at Crossroads Pizza best.

It's usually not too bad. But, thrill rides can have really bad long lines during that time (between opening and 2 pmish). My husband and daughter waited 3 hours for Time Traveler one year because of this.

However, the non thrill rides (family and kid rides) are normally wide open. The shows are also almost no lines! And besides Crossroads, the BBQ, and Tater Twist (and depending on the classes/schools preferences sometimes Lumbercamp) the other restaurants don't generally have bad lines, especially the ones at the top. Wagon Works (which is a favorite of ours any how) and the Buffets barely will have lines at all, ordinarily. 

If you find the thrill rides have too long of a line, just go do family rides and shows and wait till around 2 pm. Lol They will all leave, and the thrill ride lines will go to a nice short line again.

Sundays because of this are most commonly best. Saturdays are also not horrible in April and May because of this (the schools go during the week). 

But, again the weekdays aren't terrible for most things, just teen food and teen rides. Just wait it out and do everything else that won't have lines, and know at 2pm the park will be yours again! Lol