Budget Friendly Silver Dollar City Restaurants

Lucky's Mine Restaurant Buffet

Is currently not open. 

But, when it is open, it's the least expensive buffet on the Park. And children under 4 eat free.  If you have very large eaters it will save money because everyone can get pretty full for the price of one meal. Or if you have a lot of kids under 4 eating free.

Lucky's is my absolute favorite buffet on the Park.  We love the roasted/smoked meat selections and lots of yummy vegetables. The Mac and cheese is great. So are the chicken fingers. And we normally don't even like chicken fingers or Macaroni and Cheese, especially out to eat.

It's also one of our favorite locations for ambiance. We like the low lighting (even though we usually don't care for low lighting at restaurants. The low lighting helps at Silver Dollar City to kind if decompress from the stimulantion all over the park), air conditioning in the summer, and heat in the winter. It's also usually not as packed as other restaurants in the park. And the magic table is super fun.

Molly's Mill - 

Children under 4 eat free. If you have very large eaters it will save money because everyone can get pretty full for the price of one meal. Or if you have a lot of kids under 4 eating free. 

We love the Breakfast Buffet at Molly's Mill. The biscuits and gravy, and Bacon are our absolute favorite. The eggs are also pretty good for a buffet. And we love all the fresh fruit, especially the watermelon. 

Lunch and Dinner are also great. The fried chicken and fried fish are delicious. Love the Broccoli Casserole too.

But, the real gems of Molly's are the waitresses. Some of the sweetest people you will ever meet.

And a nice bonus of the Buffets all three of them, Molly's Mill, Lucky's Mine and the Reunion Hall kids under 4 eat free.

Rivertown Smokehouse 

The Ribs, Brisket and Mac and Cheese are so very good. And I don't usually even like Macaroni and Cheese. Some of the best ribs and Brisket I have ever had in my life. Again brisket is something my husband and I always thought we didn't like, because most places sell extremely burnt, dried up Brisket. Not Silver Dollar City. It's perfectly smoked and tender and delicious. 

Most people can easily split the Meat Platter or 1/2 rack of ribs, or full rack of ribs if you're extra hungry, between 2 adults pretty well. Also comes with free pickles.

Also for myself, and I would gander the majority of women's appetites, the kids meal are plenty of food. The Pulled pork sandwich with Macaroni and Cheese, or I have a few teen girls who like to get the kids meal with the main entre being Mac and Cheese and the side being Macaroni and Cheese both, so they get two servings of Mac and cheese. Both those meals usually come with Apple sauce or fresh fruit. They are usually out of fresh fruit though so it's usually Apple sauce once in a while sliced apples are available. And you can have free sliced in house made Pickles. It's honestly usually plenty of food for us. Again especially if you may want a snack later on...or their delicious desserts. 

And my son with a large appetite, is usually happy with the kids meal Pulled pork sandwich with Tater Tots side. Also to note, the Tots are white potato and sweet potato Tots. He doesn't like the sweet potato Tots. So he asks them to only try to give him the white potato Tots and they try to do that for him. So if you have a child that don't like the sweet potato tots make sure to ask them to try to only give them the white potato ones, otherwise they will get a mix of both when they order the Tater Tots as a side.

Wagon Works Grill -

Turkey Legs 

In my opinion they have the very best Turkey Legs on the park. Much better than Buckshot's. And you can add Fries or baked beans for pretty inexpensive. Which helps stretch the turkey leg making it serve at least 2 people. Or if it's kids or smaller eaters you may be able to serve 3 to 4 small eaters with 1 turkey leg and a side.

We love the ambiance of Wagon Works. It's one of our favorite locations to eat, weather it's their actual food or our packed lunch. The Wagon is extra special to eat inside. But, I love the bottom floor by the fireplace. It's usually pretty empty down there. Cool and quiet in the summer. And love the warmth of the fireplace in the cold months.

Crossroads Pizza 

My kids love the Pizzas at Crossroads. My husband and I do not like pizza period. But for several years thought Crossroads was pretty good for pizza. They changed their crust in 2020. Our kids still love it. My husband and I, not so much. 

And you can buy like 1 large pizza for a small family, 2 large pizzas for a medium family, and the most we have ever had to buy was 3 large pizzas and that fed 14 of us. So it can sometimes save money to have one or a couple of Pizzas for the whole family to share.

Many people also love the skillets. In my opinion they are too large usually for 1 person...but not enough for 2 people. Lol so this is where my next tip begins. 

The Tasting Pass. The Tasting Pass, you pay one fee to get 5 items. It has many sample size options and a few full size portions. Generally the Skillet Meals are about a 2/3 size portion from the normal size. And perfect for 1 person. And that leaves you with 4 other choices to split with 1 other person...or to have later. We usually split 1 Tasting Pass with 2 people.

Keep a watch on my posts for current information on the most current Tasting Passport. I try to post portion sizes for each option on the Tasting Passport. 

Some are only a sample size. Others are full size and large enough to split between 2 people. While others are somewhere in between sample size and full size and just right for one person for a full meal. With more choices for a snack later on. Again when choosing the right options of portion sized choices on the Passport 2 people can be very satisfied for a full day of food at Silver Dollar City. Or one person can choose to use it for 2 days at Silver Dollar City. And end up really saving money and getting to try more things. 

However, beware, some people feel cheated it they only choose the tiny portion options on the Passport. So always check my posts for portion sizes you will get and pick the options you get the most bang for your buck with.

Cozi Family Planning

We love using the free Cozi app for planning our Branson vacations. 

A great bonus with this app is it's a family shared calander/planning app. You can add all the family members you want to be part of it by adding their email address and giving them the password. Then they can download the app and sign in. We find the free version is plenty for us. But, the paid version is not that expensive and you could split the cost if you wanted to.

I will warn though that anyone you add has administrative controls to the app. So they can add and delete family members or events. Because of this I would strongly suggest selecting a family leader or two to be in charge of adding events and family members. And being firm with the others to either not add events or family members without running it by the leaders and especially, under no circumstances, to delete events or family members without discussing it with the pre-selected leaders.

Also because of this if you are using this for a large extended family reunion or event, I would make a account for only these kinds of trips and if you want cozi for your normal personal and immediate family needs to make a second separate account. Plus you may not want your extremely extended/distant family seeing a your personal business. 

Thankfully, we haven't had any issues with this. And I only use it for my immediate family and close extended family that I trust explicitly, ie my mother in law, father in law, my own parents, and my siblings. And of course my husband and children. So I use my normal one. At the same time I usually only add my extended family for the duration of the trip, then delete them from the account the rest of the time. Lol

We love using Cozi because, I can plan everything hour by hour. And all members can see the exact itinerary at any moment. 

A tip I will give is more information in the event the better. Give the briefest, but most coherent title to the event. But, put exact location/address in the location. Put phone number, address and operating hours of all destinations in the notes section as well as any confirmation number that may need to be relayed at the event/destination. I find having all that information readily available in the event makes things so much easier and smoother. 

I like having the phone number and operating hours in the notes because sometimes the best laid plans get disturbed and go out the window. So if we start running late, I can quickly see the operating hours to see if we will still make it before closing and the phone number to call and ask if we can reschedule, or at least give them a heads up we are running late, if it was a pre-scheduled event. Extended family members can easily find the address this way and also call the venue and let them know the confirmation number and that while most the party may be there on time, they may be late. All this helps.

Going with the above, I highly suggest looking up each location 1 to 2 weeks before departure to make sure all addresses are current, call the phone numbers to make sure they are current and not defunct and everything is correct before you are actually there and scrambling realizing they moved or changed their number. And since 2020 making sure their operating hours are even correct. And the way things can get all twisted up, that if they have any reservations/confirmation numbers are correct.

Also my family are creatures of habit, and often go to the same places the same time of year every year. So I can have a lot of these events auto repeat every year. I especially likey grocery list for vacation to repeat because it's hard to remember everything we need and I don't want to end up back there 60 times. I always make it a pick up order. But, auto repeat, I have been able to keep track of exactly what we need. Eliminate things we didn't use and add things we forgot we would need. I also like keeping the address of any hotel we stay at. As some towns have several of the same kind of hotel, but different locations then the next year I can't remember which location it exactly was. I just tweak all the repeat events every year a couple of months before to make sure they are still wanted/needed and with current information. 

Bluegrass &BBQ Fest Tasting Pass

So far, what I have found about the Bluegrass and BBQ Fest Tasting Passports from watching TPF, and a few others who have posted, the last couple of days.

TPFs video-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1fYpPsEaKXQ&feature=youtu.be

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 32.50.

With a Silver Season Passport discount and tax added it totals 31.44. 

Making each choice 6.29. - Thank you, Shelly Denton. 

With a Diamond or Gold Season Passport discount and tax added it totals to 27.94.

Making each Tasting option 5.59 each. - Thank you, Michael Gum. 

Tasting Passport with Plastic Refill Mug add on is 45.00 before discounts or tax applied. 

Total price of Tasting Passport with 2022 Plastic Refill Mug is  - 43.50 - with a Silver Season Pass Discount and Tax added. - Thank you, Debbie Register Hamrick.

As I aquire more information on what others paid without a season pass discount or with a Silver Pass discount I will add it.

BTW, if anyone is wondering about the order I am posting the food/restaurants in. I'm keeping it in the same order as the Tasting Pass has them listed.

Wagon Works

Mac and Cheese Cones 

BBQ Chicken and Cheese Cone 

BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Cone 

11.99 regular price. 

Full Size with Tasting Pass 

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Crossroads Pizza 

Smokey BBQ Pork Pizza

7 to 7 1/2 inch Tasting Pass size - Regular size is 8 inch.

I didn't see a price. But, all the other 8 inch Pizzas are between 9.69 and 11.99 depending on toppings. The cheese only is 9.69. So you know it would be at least that. But, most likely closer to the 11.99 price. Without the Tasting Pass. 

Picture in comments. 

Can be seen in the TPF video.

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Traveler's Stop 

BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese 

13.99 Regular Price 

1/2 portion with Tasting Pass 

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Lady Liberty 

BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich

I don't know the Regular Price 

I don't know the Regular portion size.

The Tasting Passport size is a small chicken strip, with BBQ sauce on a small bun.

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Fanny's Funnel Cakes & Farmers Market 

Red, White & Blue Funnel Cake 

Not sure of Regular Price. But, the Peach Cobbler one is 11.69.

2/3 size portion with Tasting Pass. -

Michael's was on a paper plate and not the metal pie tins. From Fannie's Famous Funnel Cakes. 

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Rivertown Smokehouse 

Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich 

Regular Price 14.99.

2/3 size Sandwich only with Tasting Pass, no side included.

Picture in comments. 

Grilled Smoked Brisket Sausage Sandwich 

Regular Price 15.99

2/3 size Sandwich only with Tasting Pass, no side included.

Picture in comments. 

BBQ Pulled Pork Bowl 

BBQ Smoked Brisket Bowl

Regular Price 15.99

1/2 portion on Tasting Passport 

Picture in comments.

Can also be seen in TPFs video. 

Peach Cobbler Bread Pudding

Regular Price 5.99

Full Size with Tasting Pass  

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Smokehouse Shacks

Crazy Corn 

Full size on Tasting Passport 

Regular Price 8.99 - Thanks to Brent.

Picture in comments.

Can also be seen in TPFs video.

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos 

BBQ Smoked Brisket Nachos 

Regular Price 13.99 

2/3s size on Tasting Passport

BBQ Chicken Thighs on a Stick 

Not sure of Regular Price 

You get 1 Skewer, not sure if that is Full Size.

Picture in comments. 

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Eva Delilah's Bakery 

Chocolate Chip Muffin Bread 

Not sure on Regular Price 

Full size Loaf of Bread 

Picture in comments.

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Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor 

Red, White and Blue Artisan Dipped Cone

Regular Price 8.49. 

Full size Cone with Tasting Pass 

Picture in comments.

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Tater Twist 

BBQ Tater Dog

Full size with Tasting Pass.

Regular Price 10.99.

Picture in comments.

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Frisco Kettle Corn

Not sure of Regular Price. 

Full size bag.

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Cakes and Cones

Peach Cobbler Funnel Cake

Regular Price 11.69

Mini portion - 1/4 to 1/3 of the regular size portion.

Picture in comments.

Tasting Passport Value

My family loves the Tasting Passports!

The Passports are subjective to being worth it from person to person, and menu item to menu item.

The last couple of years my family has saved hundreds of dollars using the Tasting Passports. They have also offered us the opportunity to try more options of the Seasonal Foods because of the prices of each choice being about 1/2 the price as the regular price of each item, leaving us more money to spend on food, and the servings being smaller, leaving us more room in our tummies to sample more.

Keep in mind when I am saying that a Tasting Passport choice is approximately 6 dollars. You are not paying 6 dollars at the restaurants or stands. The 6 dollars I am referring to is based on my calculations, based on the price of the Passports, and dividing that price by 5 (you get to choose 5 selections with each Passport). Making each item on the Passport cost you about 6 dollars per a choice.

Some items are full size, some are only 1/3 of the regular size serving, most are 2/3s of regular size.

The Waffle Cones are always full size, of course the ice cream ones are full size. But, so are all the others. Like all the Mac and Cheese Cones. My son loved the Mac and Cheese with Sausage Cone at Harvest Fest 2022. The Cashew Chicken Cones (my husband's absolute favorite), the Bang Bang Shrimp Cone and the Cheesecake Cones. The savory Cones are normally about 13 dollars. So it's a fantastic deal with the Tasting Pass. The dessert cones are usually about 7 or 8 dollars. So still not a bad deal. The Pumpkin Cheesecake Cone was delicious!

Tater Twists are always full size. Regular price is between 9 and 12 dollars depending on the choice. So it is a very good value as well.

The Kettle Corn is usually a full size family bag. And the Bread at Eva and Delilah's Bakery is also usually a whole loaf of Bread. As well as most the Baked Goods and Bread Puddings.

Street Fest 2022, the Grilled Sandwiches were full size. I'm sure the regular price of the Reuben sandwich was probably 12 to 14 dollars. So only 6. And getting the full sandwich you are saving half the price. 2022 Fall Fest also gave full size Pumpkin Butter and Marshmallow Fluff Grilled Sandwich.

In 2021 at the Rivertown Smokehouse, we received 3 ribs and a side. So 6 dollars for that was extremely worth it. For my husband and I, 3 ribs (large and meaty) and a side was a entire meal. We couldn't get a McDonald's meal for 6 dollars, not to mention we were really full with this choice. Often we are still hungry after a McDonald's meal. Note in 2022 it came with a 1/4 a rack of ribs, no side was given. So more ribs and no side. It was still worth it to us. But, I admit that 2021 was a better deal with the side. But, for someone doing low carb this is perfect. And we did still get it more than once in 2022, because the ribs are delicious!

Also at Harvest Fest you got a 7 1/2 inch pizza for one of the choices. Regular size was 8 inches and regular price 12.00. So again 6 dollars half the price of the regular one. And honestly the sizes we're so close I couldn't tell the difference till I seen them side by side. And they were only about 1/2 to 1 inch across at most different.

Now then there is other options that are smaller, so their value will be subjective. 

The Hotdogs. At Fall Fest 2021 you got a corn dog plus French fries for the one punch (6 dollars per a punch if you add tax to the 32.50 and divide by 5). A good deal when regular price was 10.00. But, at Street Fest and Fall Fest 2022, regular menu was 2 hotdogs and Tater Tots for like 12 dollars, Tasting Passport you only got one hot dog and no Tots. So if you didn't want Tots and just wanted to try one hot dog then it may be a good value for you. But, for someone who wants more than 1 hotdog and wants Tots that wouldn't be a good deal. My kids only eat the corn dog and won't eat the Tots, so it still ended up being worth it for them. They got the Corndogs a few times. 

Most the Skillets, Soups (sometimes the soup is pretty close to full size though), Mac and Cheese (in a bowl not in a cone), Loaded Fries & Kettle Chip type selections, you get about 2/3s of the size of a full size regular portion of most these. A full size portion of most of these are about 14 dollars. By my calculations you save about 3 dollars for the serving size you get.  (2/3s of 14.00 would be 9.00 and you are paying approximately 6 dollars per a choice on the Passport).

However, here is where subjection to the individual comes in. I personally like having a smaller portion of the Skillets. Their full size is too large for me. The Skillet meal full size makes me feel guilty and no room left to try anything else. The Tasting Pass size, I feel fine with and I have room left to try something else, a little bit later. I usually am still full enough after the Tasting Passport size to have to wait a bit before eating something else. But, not so stuffed I can't eat anything else the rest of the day like I am from the full size portion. 

The Potato Tumblers, I think they are like 10 or 12 dollars for 3. The Tasting Pass you get 2. I think that's a good deal. (2/3s again) Plus, again subjective. I wouldn't want 3 because that's a lot of potatoes and I think of them more as a side then a main course. 2 is great. Can try them with out having to finish so many. And we can afford both price wise and tummy room wise to have them as a side and not a meal. Price matches up great.

The Funnel Cakes are one of the smallest portions on the Tasting Passport. You usually get about 1/3 size of what the full regular size usually is.

Here again is where subjection to personal preference comes to play. The Funnel Cake, I often am left finishing by myself because my family doesn't like them much and will only eat a bite or two. Then I feel extremely guilty eating the majority of a huge Funnel Cake or having to throw it away. The smaller Funnel Cake is perfect. My family can have a few bites I can finish it without guilt or throwing it away. If your family likes Funnel Cakes and you have more than one person to help you eat it. Than a full size one without the Tasting Passport may be a better option for your family. 

Street Fest 2022, had Kabobs, regular was 3 for like 10 dollars. Tasting Pass was 1 for like 6 dollars. So in my opinion probably not worth it, to me. As I could easily eat three Kabobs. And I think for the price you should get at least 2. However, for someone alone and just wanting to try one. It might be worth it. 

I personally do not feel most the Bakery items like a Cinnamon Roll or Danish are a good value on the Passport, as my Season Pass Discount makes it less expensive than a choice on the Passport. However, someone who only has one day to use a Tasting Pass all by themselves and didn't want some of the other options listed and loves Silver Dollar City's Danishes/Cinnamon Rolls etc and wants to use up their last punch, it may be the perfect choice for.

We have inexpensive refill mugs, so I would not use a punch on the drinks.

I have the popcorn bucket, making it 2 dollars for me to get the full size bag of Kettle corn so I don't use a punch for that. Without a refill bucket though, worth a punch. It's a great snack for several people to share all day. 

It's value will depend on choices you make, to use it for and your individual likes and portion wants and needs.

I will say, my family shared the Passes. And 5 punches for sure can feed at least two people all day. Unless you are extremely large eaters or only choose the extremely small portioned selections. 

Do your research on what the portion size is vs the prices that they are regularly. And they can be a amazing value monetarily to you for many items. And some selections may still be a good value for you personally if you are really wanting a smaller sample of something before purchasing full size or just because your appetite isn't large enough for the full size portion.

Street Fest

B - A Adventures

Tasting Passport options, the 5 they personally had and a few shows they seen.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tPuRJIDBTVw&noapp=1

A really good video of this family's 2 days during street fest. Several foods they had and shows  they seen.

https://youtu.be/EWyNGLI8_xM

TPF 

A little bit of everything 

https://youtu.be/J4RaY9N3qM4

TPF short. 

With this one, I will add. This is one particular item. Some Tasting Passport items are more than 1/3 of the full size. Most the things I have gotten is 2/3s of full size and a few items have even been full size.

I seen several people get full size Grilled Nutella sandwich. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GiSQ9_tYd1k

Rainy Silver Dollar City

It rains a lot in the Ozarks. It has rained every time I have went. Usually it's just scattered sprinkles. But, sometimes it's a downpour!

My family still enjoys Silver Dollar City in the rain. The upside is very few other guests are there. So the lines are not bad at all, and most rides, unless there is lightening keep operating. With exception of Powder Keg, the mechanisms of its startup won't work in the rain, Outlaw Run and Thunderation.

We invested in good quality rain ponchos. In a pinch you can buy ponchos at Silver Dollar City. But, the last 10 years they have been terrible quality and shredded in a hour or two. We bought really good ones from Alliexpress and Frog Toggs from Walmart. They have lasted several years. We store them in a Summit compression bag for backpackers. I have the Large size and we can fit 2 adult Frog Toggs, 4 Teen size Alliexpress ponchos and 3 child size Alliexpress ponchos in the large Summit Compression bag. The bag is also water resistant. We clip it to our stroller wagon on rainy/predicted rainy days.

The ponchos work great for light/medium sprinkles. Light enough where rides are still going and it's still enjoyable to walk around, going in and out of shops or craft demonstrations or stand in lines for indoor shows like The Saloon, Red Gold Heritage Hall, Riverfront Playhouse, or the Opera House. 

However, sometimes there is a complete Gulley Washer Downpour! Then it's not as enjoyable to walk around or to even stand in lines to go to indoor shows. 

We rarely leave the Park though because we still can have fun doing indoor activities. 

If you are in Fireman's Landing most people head straight to Firehouse Play Place. While it is completely dry and temperature controlled, so it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I really don't recommend it, unless it's your absolute only option. If you do choose to use it for shelter, I would try to escape and choose a different location as soon as the rain allows. As it is the absolute most popular during the rain, and unless the park is completely empty it's insanely crowded during rain. 

The same rule applies for the Culinary School. That porch is just ridiculously crowded, unless the park is utterly and completely empty.

I suggest the outdoor theaters that have roofs. The shows will keep you entertained and they generally have plenty of seats, and unlike the indoor theaters you can come and go and don't have to wait in a line in the rain to go in. Boatworks and Dockside Theater are the two that offer this.

We generally pack our Lunch. But, eat Dinner at a Silver Dollar City restaurant. 

For picnic lunch inside, we really love Wagon Works. We have a lot of different refill mugs and the drink machines are extremely accessible out of the rain there. Along with having a lot of seating under a roof. At least 3 floor levels of seating with a roof. When it's really empty the wagon is fun to sit in. Otherwise we love sitting in the lowest level by the fireplace, especially if they have a fire going.

Also the Rivertown Smokehouse has lots of seating underneath a roof. And the drinks are accessible from the roofed area, not ss easily as Wagon Works, if they have q lot of people because you need to go through the exit to get to the drink machines and not have to go in the rain. So, if real busy not as easy, if not busy, very easy to get refills without getting in the rain.

Other good places is upstairs at Lumbercamp, amazing views of the waterfall is a huge bonus and generally also pretty empty, however you have to leave the sheltered area to get drinks. 

Beside the Lumbercamp is brabd new seating with roofs for Fried Fancie's that's also dry, however also will have to leave the shelter for drinks.

You can also eat on the porch of the Culinary School if it's not packed with other people. 

For meals we buy from restaurants - our favorite in the rain because of the temperature controls of cool in the Summer, warm in the Winter. Is any of the Buffets. Molly's Mill, and the Reunion Hall. 

Of course you can also do Wagon Works.

Crossroads Pizza is also indoors, but like Firehouse Play Place and The Culinary School back porch it gets ridonkulously busy and crowded so not our first choice in the rain, unless the rain has absolutely drove out all the other guests.

You could also do anything around Lumbercamp and take it under the roofs to eat. But, I would only do that if it's lightly sprinkling. If it's a downpour you will be out in the rain in a line and waiting for the food. And again same applies for Rivertown Smokehouse, mainly of there is a line you may be waiting outside in the rain before ordering. If not many people in the park, then you have a good chance at being able to go inside Rivertown without a line outside.

Clara Belle's Cinnamon Bread and Starbucks Coffee, and Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor are also good dry places to have a snack and wait out rain. But, only if the park is extremely empty. Otherwise, rain or shine those places stay hopping and crowded. But, when not very many people are on the park, they are my favorite indoor snack places. 

We also have the Keenz Stroller Wagon with the All Weather Rain Guard. It keeps everything 100 percent dry.

This is a great Video by John and Amy and how they like visiting Silver Dollar City in the rain.

https://youtu.be/Q4dA6dD60tw

Family Favorite Silver Dollar City Restaurants

Lucky's Mine Restaurant Buffet

My absolute favorite buffet on the Park.  We love the roasted/smoked meat selections and lots of yummy vegetables. The Mac and cheese is great. So are the chicken fingers. And we normally don't even like chicken fingers or Macaroni and Cheese, especially out to eat.

It's also one of our favorite locations for ambiance. We like the low lighting (even though we usually don't care for low lighting at restaurants. The low lighting helps at Silver Dollar City to kind if decompress from the stimulantion all over the park), air conditioning in the summer, and heat in the winter. It's also usually not as packed as other restaurants in the park. And the magic table is super fun.

Molly's Mill - 

We love the Breakfast buffet at Molly's Mill. The biscuits and gravy, and Bacon are our absolute favorite. The eggs are also pretty good for a buffet. And we love all the fresh fruit, especially the watermelon. 

Lunch and Dinner are also great. The fried chicken and fried fish are delicious. Love the Broccoli Casserole too.

But, the real gems of Molly's are the waitresses. Some of the sweetest people you will ever meet.

And a nice bonus of the Buffets all three of them, Molly's Mill, Lucky's Mine and the Reunion Hall kids under 4 eat free.

Rivertown Smokehouse 

The Ribs, Brisket and Mac and Cheese are so very good. And I don't usually even like Macaroni and Cheese. Some of the best ribs and Brisket I have ever had in my life. Again brisket is something my husband and I always thought we didn't like, because most places sell extremely burnt, dried up Brisket. Not Silver Dollar City. It's perfectly smoked and tender and delicious. Also most people can easily split the pick 2 meat or 1/2 rack of ribs, or full rack of ribs if you're extra hungry, between 2 adults pretty well.

Also for myself, and I would gander the majority of women's appetites, the kids meal are plenty of food. The Pulled pork sandwich with Macaroni and Cheese, or I have a few teen girls who like to get the kids meal with the main entre being Mac and Cheese and the side being Macaroni and Cheese both, so they get two servings of Mac and cheese. Both those meals usually come with Apple sauce or fresh fruit. They are usually out of fresh fruit though so it's usually Apple sauce once in a while sliced apples are available. And you can have free sliced in house made Pickles. It's honestly usually plenty of food for us. Again especially if you may want a snack later on...or their delicious desserts. 

And my son with a large appetite, is usually happy with the kids meal Pulled pork sandwich with Tater Tots side. Also to note, the Tots are white potato and sweet potato Tots. He doesn't like the sweet potato Tots. So he asks them to only try to give him the white potato Tots and they try to do that for him. So if you have a child that don't like the sweet potato tots make sure to ask them to try to only give them the white potato ones, otherwise they will get a mix of both when they order the Tater Tots as a side.

The bread pudding is delicious and pretty amazing. I'm extremely picky on bread pudding. Usually only like really good bread pudding served hot with ice cream. Silver Dollar City's is usually served luke warm without ice cream. So I didn't think I would enjoy it. But, boy was I wrong. It's delicious. 

Wagon Works Grill -

Turkey Legs 

In my opinion they have the very best Turkey Legs on the park. Much better than Buckshot's. And you can add Fries or baked beans for pretty inexpensive. Which helps stretch the turkey leg making it serve at least 2 people. Or if it's kids or smaller eaters you may be able to serve 3 to 4 small eaters with 1 turkey leg and a side.

We wish they would bring back Steak on a axel and the Burger Dog though.

We love the ambiance of Wagon Works. It's one of our favorite locations to eat, weather it's their actual food or our packed lunch. The Wagon is extra special to eat inside. But, I love the bottom floor by the fireplace. It's usually pretty empty down there. Cool and quiet in the summer. And love the warmth of the fireplace in the cold months.

Honorable Mention

Buckshot's Skillet Cookery 

Family Fued

I love fried okra, so the Family Fued Skillet has been a classic Silver Dollar City I have loved for decades. 

Dockside Grill 

Pulled Pork Skillet

This one has only been around for the last decade. Maybe a little less. But, when the potatoes are cooked just right. I love this one too. I wish it was sold as a side in Rivertown Smokehouse. Because a small amount goes a long ways.

Pork Belly Autumn Skillet 

This was new last fall, 2021. It was amazing. I was very happy with the smaller, Tasting Pass serving. It was perfection.

Hatfield's Tater Patch 

Giant Pork Tenderloin Sandwich 

Love this Sandwich. The sides here are not my favorite. I feel the potatoes get too mushy. If I wasn't worried about carbs and calories, I would probably eat them any way. But, since I try not to gain too much weight, or at least if I do indulge i want to really really love the higher calorie foods I eat. So I usually skip their sides.

Lumbercamp 

Potato Sausage Soup

The very best soup on the park. 

I also love sitting by the Waterfall to eat. I miss being able to walk behind the waterfall. 

Crossroads Pizza 

My kids love the Pizzas at Crossroads. My husband and I do not like pizza period. But for several years thought Crossroads was pretty good for pizza. They changed their crust in 2020. Our kids still love it. My husband and I, not so much. 

And you can buy like 1 large pizza for a small family, 2 large pizzas for a medium family, and the most we have ever had to buy was 3 large pizzas and that fed 14 of us. So it can sometimes save money to have one or a couple of Pizzas for the whole family to share.

However I will say the Fall pumpkin and sausage pizza I thought was fantastic. My husband and kids didn't like it though. Didn't taste like pumpkin at all. They didn't like the pumpkin seeds on it though which I thought was fantastic. And I prefer the creamy sauce they used vs regular marinara pizza sauce. 

Tater Twist 

My husband and kids love them. Especially just the Tater Twist. They don't care for the one with the hot dog as much. I personally prefer it with a hot dog. I do think it is really good. But, it's not very filling to me. And I'm sure it is high in calories. So I don't indulge in it very often.

Price Cutter

For those that can go to Silver Dollar City on a Thursday the price for one day passes at Country Mart or Price Cutter is $53.74, tax included . They are 85.92 tax included at the gate. Ages 3 and under are free. The price through these 2 stores are even lower than the regular child and senior prices so get all your tickets . Buy them any day but only good on Thursday’s

Rides for Larger Guests

There are weight and size restrictions for some rides. According to Silver Dollar City's website - Some guests who weigh more than 200 lbs and have a chest size of more than 52 inches, or waist size larger than 40 inches, might not fit on these rides -

Outlaw Run 

Electro Spin

Elephant March 

The Giant Barn Swing 

The Grand Exposition Coaster

High-Low Silos

Firefall

Up the Ladder

Magnificent Wave Carousel (swings)

Racing Regatta

Powder Keg 

Thunderation 

Time Traveler 

Wildfire

Guest over 77 inches tall can not ride High-Low Silos or Mystic River Falls.

I personally am 4' 8. And have ranged from 150 lbs to 250 lbs and never had issues riding most the above and none of the below. I will preface that with I have never rode - Outlaw Run, Electro Spin, The Giant Barn Swing or High Low Silos.

My sister in law nor one of my friends fit in Time Traveler. And The Grand Expo Coaster is extremely small, most adults, no matter how small probably won't fit very well, if at all on it.

Firefall, Wildfire, Powder Keg, Thunderation, Time Traveler all have bars in one form or another, that have to lock in place. Even though I have been able to ride them ok. I can see why some people would not fit.

But, honestly I fit in all the others without any problems at all. Plenty of room. Especially Elephant March, Magnificent Wave Carousel (swings) and The Racing Regattas. My friend who is in the 400lb range, 6' 4" also rode The Magnificent Wave Carousel without issues. She even rode the double swing with one of my children next to her.

I believe the most weight friendly rides, that I have rode with family and friends up to 600 lbs are -

American Plunge -

No bars, seat belts or restraints on this ride at all. It is a log though, so as narrow as a log. A extremely large guest with all their weight in stomach and chest should have no problems. However at a certain point guests with extremely wide hips might. But, it would have to be pretty extremely wide. I have rode it with people up to 600 lbs without problems. Although I will say the drop seems steeper now, than as a kid. I would put the largest person at the back.

Frisco Silver Dollar Steam Train - 

Every size including a wheel chair can ride this. Large bench seats, no seatbelts, bars or restraints in any way. However the isles can be rather narrow, extremely tall and large guest may want to choose one of the handicap rows with more depth/leg space between isles.

Hugo & Mary's Carousel -

Should have zero issues at any size. Has chairs/benches as well as animals to ride. No seatbelts, bars or restraints of any kind.

Mighty Galleon -

I can't remember if there was a bar on this. If you have wide hips this ride has a bench seat so should be fine. I know my friend who is 400 lbs and carries all her weight in her hips, had no issues riding it. But, not sure if there is a bar. I only rode it one time, I have inner ear issues and it made me too dizzy to ride again. I fit just fine though. But, can not remember if it had a bar or not. A bar may restrict some guests from fitting if they have a large stomach or chest. 

Mystic River Falls -

Does not have a weight restriction. Does have a height restriction. When it was Lost River I would go with people up to 600 lbs and not worry. There is seat belts though. They are quite adjustable, but may take time and effort to adjust to extremely large guests. I am not sure what point a guest may not be able to get the seatbelt to adjust to their size. I'm also not sure after the accident in Iowa how much I would trust this with the slide now with a extremely large guest. If I did, I would make sure everyone had their seatbelts on correctly. I would suggest running to this ride first thing in the morning. Before the large crowd gets there. Do a test run on it, adjusting the seatbelts with out a ton of people watching. If all goes well with the test run, then of course go as often as you want. Again I know when it was Lost River we never had issues with any of my friends or family fitting. The current seatbelts are a lot more difficult, than the old ones though. The old ones were velcro that basically slapped across you, no adjusting needed. The new ones latch in to a compartment and you have to adjust the length, sliding a buckle to make more slack.

Flooded Mine -

Absolutely every one should be able to fit on this ride. There are no seat belts, bars, or restraints at all. The ride has large bench seats, and absolutely nothing to restrict the size of the guest from fitting. I have rode it with people up to 600 lbs without issues. I will warn, if only one person in the group is large, have them sit in the middle to keep the boat from tipping. It will tip and get water on you. Otherwise if 2 people are larger riding together sit diagonal from each other. And so on...3 large people sit in one diagonal line. 4 large people, 1 person on each corner. Etc. I will say that you do have to go down pretty far to sit. As the seats are extremely close to the bottom of the boat/short.

Tom and Huck's River Blast -

Another Ride every single person should be able to fit. Has large bench designed for 3 to 4 people to sit next to each other. Does not have seat belts, bars, or restraints. Large space both width and depth. It is also larger, more modern and more buoyant boats/rafts than Flooded Mine so weight distribution, of seat choices shouldn't really be a issue on this ride. But if you are extremely worried put the largest person in the middle. But honestly, I don't believe there would be a issue with that on this particular ride. Also this ride you are not having to step down into. Just walk on and sit like on any other bench.

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These rides might be ok for some and might not be ok for others -

Fire Spotter -

I have rode this at my highest weight without problems. But, I do think there is adjustable seat belts on this. Not sure if the belts would fit every size. But, I do believe they will accommodate most sizes.

Happy Frogs -

May have issue with leg space but shouldn't have issues otherwise with size.

Royal Tea Party (Teacups) -

It has a bench, designed for 3 to 4 people to sit next to each other in a circle. People with large hips should fit fine. My friend, who is in the 400lb range with large hips, rides it fine. However, there is a plate in the middle to help you spin the ride, that may restrict some guests with extremely large stomachs or chests from fitting comfortably.

Fire in the Hole -

I have never had a problem fitting on this ride, same for most my friends and family. However, it also has a bar that has to come across the stomach. While it doesn't say it has any restrictions. It is a bench for two riders. So if all your weight is in your hips, you should fit without issues. Someone with large stomachs or chest might not fit comfortably. 

Fire Wagon Frenzy -

Does not have weight restrictions, but there is a lap bar. The seat is a long bench, designed for 3 to 5 people to sit next to each other. So if most your weight is in your hips or width, you should be ok. But, with the bar if you have a larger stomach or chest it may not be comfortable and you might not fit.

Lucky's Dizzy Dogs -

Basically same as the Happy Frogs. May have issue with leg space, but should not have issue with body size fitting.

Wings of Wonder -

Does not list a weight restriction. I personally can ride it. But, most my extremely small family members can not fit in it. My husband is extremely uncomfortable riding it, and he is only 5' and 140 lbs.

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Child only rides, no adults. 

Lady Bugs and Fireman's Flyers are child only rides, no adults, no matter weight can ride them.

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I will also add if weight restrcts your walking, climbing or mobility. Go to guest relations and get a disability pamphlet. You can go to the handicap entrances on most rides, and exit that way as well. Not having to walk as far or do stairs, etc. You do not skip the line with the pamphlet, but do get to schedule a ride time, so you don't have to stand in a line. You can sit and rest elsewhere, till your scheduled ride time.

Eating at Silver Dollar City

One thing that makes Silver Dollar City unique to most other Amusement/Theme Parks, is they allow you to bring in your own food and beverages, with exception of alcoholic beverages. 

Start by knowing your budget and appetite size.

You can easily eat all three meals on the park if your budget allows. As there are many options for each meal and snack. If you are only going for one day or have a large vacation budget this may be something you choose to do.

Otherwise decide which meals you would like to eat at the park or not, and which meals you would like to purchase at the park or if you would rather bring in your own food. 

Keep in mind Silver Season Pass Holders and up to 6 guests receive a 10 percent discount at Restaurants and Gold and Diamond Season Pass Holders and up to 6 guests receive a 20 percent on all food.

For my family we generally eat breakfast before heading to Silver Dollar City, but once in awhile we do choose to buy breakfast at Silver Dollar City. We rarely if ever bring our breakfast to the park. 

Breakfast choices at Gate Opening include Molly's Mill Buffet Restaurant, includes everything you could want in a down home country breakfast. Another bonus to Molly's Mill for people who have children under 4, children under 4 eat free. And children 4 - 11 eat at a pretty inexpensive price. So for large families with young children this can be a pretty affordable choice.

Or a smaller fast meal of pastries and coffee from three different locations at Gate Opening. After Park Opening there are more restaurants and more bakeries open. 

The three Bakery choices during the hour between gate opening and park opening are -

Eva and Delilah's - has the largest assortment of pastries, including Sausage Kolackys (a favorite of my children's) entire loaves of fresh baked breads. And a assortment of Silver Dollar City's coffee selections, hot cocoa etc.

The Apple Butter Shop - has Apple Turnovers, Apple Cider and Hot Coffee.

Sulivan's Mill - has a few pastries as well as cookies and a limited Starbucks Coffee selection of coffees. They sometimes also have fresh baked loaves of sourdough bread.

And for those extremely hot days, yes, Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor is also open at Gate Opening, 1 hour before Park Opening/Rope Drop. 

About 1 hour after Park Opening almost all snack stands and restaurants will be open.

We usually pack a lunch consisting of sandwiches, pickled salad and chips. We enjoy eating it upstairs at the Lumbercamp, or downstairs at Wagon Works or wherever is most convenient that day. 

Then we usually purchase snacks and dinner at the park as long as the park is open late while we are there. 

If we go during early closing season we choose usually to purchase lunch inside Silver Dollar City and eat dinner at our Condo or purchase it outside of Silver Dollar City. 

However, usually early closing times, has a Echo Holler show that starts at Park Closing. Only the things in the Echo Holler show are open at that time. 

So we usually do buy a snack in Echo Holler to tide us over till we leave the Park. There are 2 snack stands inside the Echo Holler amphitheater. They generally have hot dogs, hamburgers, Pretzels, popcorn and Funnel Cakes. Hot cocoa, coffee and soft drinks too.

We really enjoyed the Tasting Passes last year as well. They were a great deal with our season pass discount. With the Gold Season Pass discount, they were 25.79 after tax. The size of each item was the perfect amount of food for us. And really helped save money. Most meals on the Park are gigantic. And either have to be split or we end up throwing half of it away. The Tasting Pass servings were about 1/2 to 2/3s the size of the full price regular servings of the same items. So the Tasting Passes really helped with that because most were the perfect size for a meal for us and left enough room in our stomachs and budget to get snacks too.

One thing to keep in mind if you decide to purchase Dinner at Silver Dollar City, many of the restaurants close or run out of food about 2 hours before park closing (with exception of Echo Holler), 1 hour before park closing hardly any food choices will be open or have food left. So try to plan to eat at least 1 1/2 to two hours before park closing, the later it gets the less choices you will have available. This is the reason we do not eat dinner at Silver Dollar City during early closing days. We generally like to eat Dinner later than 5 pm, so by waiting till after 5pm there generally is almost nothing left to buy for dinner on the park, besides what's served in the Echo Holler snack stands. 

We like to go during times when Silver Dollar City stays open later. At least 9 or 10 pm. Again many restaurants either close up completely at 7 pm or start running out of popular items like Turkey Legs. So we try to buy Dinner around 6:30 and no later than 6:45 to avoid missing favorite foods, and even then it's sometimes too late and we have to settle for something else. We have Found Hatfield's generally closes earlier than every thing else.

To avoid long lines and crowds. Choose to either bring your own food, or eat at the restaurants at off peak times. I would not choose to eat at the restaurants between 11:30am and 1:00pm. Eat at the lunch style restaurants (meaning not breakfast), before 11:30am or after 2:00pm. We usually choose around 2:00pm, on those rare occasions we purchase lunch at Silver Dollar. The food is still fresh from the crazy lunch crowd, but avoiding the actual lunch crowd.

Because we have several kids, we also usually set all the kids at a table first and know exactly what they want, and only have my husband and I go through the line to order the food. Helps reduce the look of the line and keeps things running smoother for us.

Silver Dollar City non Riders

So my plan would be, look at the show schedule for your day before you go.

Make a list of the shows and craftsman you want to see most. I highly suggest the saloon show, and glass blowing demonstrations. Also look at all the food options. If there is a particular restaurant you really want to try. Try to make the show you are seeing around your lunch time in the area of the restaurant you want to try.

There is also a real Cave Tour. It's about 1 hour long. With dozens of flights of stairs up and down. Has a small train ride at the end to help get you about half way out of the cave. You have to walk most the way out. This is only during the day. So must be scheduled during the day.

Get there before gate opening, gate opening is at 8:30am every day, no matter when opening is scheduled. 

Go inside get a pastry & coffee at one of the Bakeries - Eva and Delilah's, Sulivan's Mill, the Apple Butter Shop or a complete breakfast buffet at Molly's Mill. Shop around and/or go to the petting zoo.

See the show on the square at the Gazebo, then the opening ceremony. 

Then start your day with craftsman demonstrations shedule. And Cave Tour if you plan on taking it.

After the shows are over for the day, remember most restaurants close about 2 hours before park closing. So after the last show you see, may be a good time to eat again. The petting zoo closes early, sometimes the Swinging Bridge and Grandfathers Mansion close early too, so see them if you want to at this time too. If you haven't been to them in between your show and craftsman demonstrations. I suggest squeezing them in between your show and craftsman.

Then check out Flooded Mine and the Train. The last Train ride is about 1 hour before park closing generally and Flooded Mine goes till closing generally, so plan accordingly.  You may even consider Fire in the Hole.

Silver Dollar City can take two days to just do shows and see all the crafters.

Even though you aren't there for rides, remember that most shows won't go into the evening. So see all the Silver Dollar City shows during the day time. Get there at gate opening one hour before park opening. To make the most of your money.

Go on rides after your last show - Train and Flooded Mine, same for attractions like the swinging bridge, or grandfather's mansion. That way you can see the most shows, same for crafts see them during the day, they rarely have craftsman into the evening. However the petting zoo also closes in the evening so see it that one hour between gate opening and park opening if you can. Otherwise squeeze it in between shows and craftsman demonstrations too.

Rides for non riders at night would be -

Flooded Mine (it's equivalent to it's a small world but with target shooting with Lazer guns. So extremely mild, but also extremely unique. I have never seen another ride like it and it's my favorite ride for 50 years now.) 

The Train (has a small Robbery Show in the middle). Again this is good, mild, clean fun for everyone. I haven't met anyone who didn't like the train ride. Although again, Flooded Mine remains my very favorite.

Fire in the Hole. While it is technically a roller coaster it's extremely mild, all my kids and friends, including myself who don't enjoy roller coasters, love it. However it's been extremely long lines. Wait to ride it in the evening, usually the lines go down extremely after 4pm. Unless there is a medical condition, I believe this ride is a must at least once. It tells a history of the actual area. So is completely unique to Silver Dollar City. This is a ride you will never experience any where else. But, if you are from California and used to Disney it is similar to the Snow White type ride, but of course this one is completely unique. It is extremely smooth, no jerking, no wild dips. I have severe back and inner ear issues and this ride has been perfect for me. SDC specifically designed it to be good for little kids and grandparents to ride together.